The Shepherd's Staff

24/7 Prayer

2010-06-25T09:22:00.006-05:00

About a year and a half ago, we targeted several available phone numbers which we believed would work for a prayer line. Our goal is twofold: To intercede for Homestead in prayer and to build bridges to the lost by praying for them. For a year and a half, we diligently worked and prayed that we would successfully obtain one and for a year and a half we were told that it is simply not possible.

Are You Contemporvant?

2010-06-02T13:53:00.013-05:00

We often hear many churches criticizing the traditional, established "legacy" church. A chief criticism is that traditional churches are in a rut. Worship is painstakingly predictable and its order never changes. All too often, this is true. On the other hand, newer and "edgier" are a fresh response, full of spontanaeity and life.The following video demonstrates that those who cast the first

Impact1 Men's Conference

2010-04-23T14:18:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite preachers, James Merritt, will be up the road at Wayside Baptist Church next Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. The registration fee is a ridiculously low $30, which includes dinner Friday, breakfast and lunch Saturday and conference materials. Check it out. If you want to go with FBCH, just send me an email.

The Fight We Mustn't Stop Waging

2010-04-08T09:45:00.006-05:00

The Florida legislature is examining a compact between Governor Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe that would vastly expand predatory gambling in the state of Florida. I wrote Governor Crist as well as Senator Bullard and Representative Saunders urging them to oppose this expansion.There are numerous reasons for opposing gambling in all of its forms. Gambling exploits the poor. It takes a

The Bible and Bribery

2010-03-30T11:30:00.003-05:00

In light of my previous comments on the eleven congressmen who switched their votes on the health care reform bill a day prior to being approved for $3.5 billion in earmarks, I thought it might be good to follow up with a few words from Scripture on the topic of bribery. Some will claim that a pastor should not name names in the political arena or address issues like earmarks. Look at the

Now It All Makes Sense

2010-03-30T11:11:00.003-05:00

Turns out that the eleven "pro-life" democrats who switched their health care vote hours before it was passed received $3.5 billion dollars in earmarks. They claimed that they were voting for health care because of Obama's promised executive order banning federal funds from paying for abortions. (This, of course, was a ruse...see article below.) These earmarks were approved on Monday, March 22,

Disappointment

2010-03-23T08:55:00.004-05:00

I'll admit, I'm disappointed. The passage of the landmark health care bill by the House of Representatives is a setback for the sanctity of life in this country. I haven't spoken much about the issue of health care itself because I believe that much of the issue is political rather than biblical. As for whether or not the founding fathers would have wanted the federal government to have such

Pray for the Brethren in India

2010-03-23T08:53:00.001-05:00

It is reported that there have been 1,000 attacks on Christians or churches in the last 500 days in India. We need to keep our brothers and sisters over there bathed in prayer.

Already Taken

2010-03-18T17:02:00.003-05:00

Imagine that I invented a new sport. This sport involves throwing darts at balloons. I'm very excited about this sport. I want to market it and make it a mainstream hobby in America. I hope that one day it will even become an Olympic sport. But first, I need to give my dart-throwing sport a name. Would I call it "Bowling?" Of course not. Why not? There is already a sport called bowling and it is

Here's Proof

2010-03-03T02:33:00.003-05:00

My favorite movie is Casablanca. In it, there is a scene where Captain Renault says he is "shocked" to discover that there is gambling in Rick's saloon...just as someone hands him his winnings. Likewise, I am "shocked" by a quote today from a member of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg argued that the second amendment's right to bear arms is really not a fundamental right that

My Two Cents

2010-02-05T16:16:00.003-05:00

The arrest and detainment of ten Baptist missionaries in Haiti for attempting to transport thirty-three Haitian children to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic is generating a lot of waves in the media this week. I want to make a few observations... * Their actions were rash and somewhat careless. There are disputing reports regarding whether or not they had paperwork which authorized, at

I Couldn't Have Said It Better

2010-01-28T14:29:00.005-05:00

A report has been in the news this week indicating an increase in teen pregnancies for the first time in a decade. This, of course, is being used by many in the media to discredit the use of abstinence education programs funded previously under the Bush administration. Once again, the source of this research is the Guttmacher Institution, which was founded by a former president of Planned

$20

2010-01-19T21:24:00.002-05:00

John Sullivan has been negotiating a deal to ship rice to Haiti in the wake of the recent earthquake. So here's the result: $20 will purchase a 100 pound bag. That will feed a family of four for a good while. So now the question becomes: How many bags will we send? I can't wait to see how many pounds our church can send. Let's do this!

Not Good Enough

2009-12-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

Today, pro-life democrats in the US Senate agreed to a health care bill that will allow federal dollars to subsidize abortion. I had hoped in particular that Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., would have the intestinal fortitude in the senate that Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., had in the house. Stupak's amendment to the house version does not allow any federal funds to pay for elective abortions...period. The

Take the Survey

2009-12-19T14:06:00.004-05:00

The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission has a poll on their site in which you can help compile the list of the year’s "top 10 most egregious acts of anti-Christian defamation, discrimination and persecution in America." You'll be surprised when you see just how long and how legitimate the list is...all in 2009.The link is HERE.

I Couldn't Help But Notice

2009-11-24T12:24:00.004-05:00

I bought a new prayer journal this past January. It's my "black book." This past year, I have written down my petitions and checked off the evident answers to prayer. I noticed this morning that I have five adults whose names were entered with the petition "salvation" who have accepted Christ this year. I have baptized four of them and will soon baptize the fifth. Sometimes, we fail to see God's

Senators, It's Your Turn

2009-11-24T12:12:00.003-05:00

Pro-life democratic members of the House of Representatives made sure that the health care bill they sent to the senate eliminates federal funding of abortions. Now it's time for the pro-life democratic senators to follow suit. A senator like Casey from Pennsylvania or Nelson from Nebraska...one is all it would take to ensure that federal funding be removed prior to acceptance. Even Harry Reid

Thank You Pro-Life Democrats

2009-11-10T12:03:00.003-05:00

While we do not know what the Senate will do to the health care bill passed by the House this past weekend, we do know that it appears that any bill coming out of Congress will, in fact, be abortion neutral. This is so, thanks to sixty-four pro-life democrats who stood up to the extreme left wing of their own party and to Speaker Pelosi and said, "John Q. Taxpayer will not be forced to pay for

The Power of a Picture

2009-11-03T14:45:00.003-05:00

The direcor of a Planned Parenthood facility resigned after actually watching an abrtion for the first time. She even joined a pro-life group in praying for the facility. Abby Johnson said that she first became disillusioned with the process when she received pressure from the organization to increase profits by performing more abortions. "Every meeting that we had was, 'We don't have enough

Where Does It End?

2009-10-29T12:22:00.005-05:00

A report out today states that in the UK, a premature baby was left to die after doctors refused to resuscitate a child born at 21 weeks. UK guidelines state that only after 22 weeks does a child's life warrant the expensive measures required to save him/her. I have said for some time that if life is not sacred from beginning to end, then the question must then follow, "When does a human life

What Do We Do?

2009-10-28T16:01:00.004-05:00

Comedian Larry David is getting heat for a recent episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm in which he urinated on a picture of Jesus. What do we do when the Savior we love is maligned in such a way? 1) Pray for Larry David and remember that we are commanded to love our enemies. 2) Communicate clearly that such behavior legitimizes harassment, prejudice and persecution against Christians. 3) Rethink your

Not All of Us

2009-10-20T08:40:00.005-05:00

Benny Hinn was recently interviewed by ABC's Nightline. During the interview, it was acknowledged that his ministry receives over $100 million per year in gifts. He has a mansion on the Pacific Ocean and he admitted to a salary of over a half million per year. Oh yeah, and he has a private plane. When asked to defend his lifestyle, here is what he said: "I mean look, every man of God that I know

Here We Go Again

2009-10-14T12:06:00.004-05:00

Another health care reform bill has passed the Senate Finance Committee. Once again, it includes taxpayer funds for abortions, contrary to Obama's promise to the nation in September. According to Baptist Press, the bill... -- allows tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies for lower-income people to be used to purchase private insurance plans that cover elective abortions. The bill requires the

Needed: A Revival of Stewardship

2009-10-12T13:40:00.003-05:00

Southern Baptists recently reduced the size of their international missionary workforce, falling from 5,400 to roughly 5,000 missionaries. There has been much discussion about the cause of this decline and what we must do to fix it. Currently, a task force is working to answer these questions with a focus on how our conventions can be more efficient. However, I think I've got this problem figured

Isn't It Amazng?

2009-10-07T09:15:00.008-05:00

The supreme court will hear arguments today regarding the long standing cross upon the Mojave Desert National Preserve. The ACLU claims that it represents an endorsement of religion to the exclusion of others. Of particular importance is the fact that a Buddhist monument was denied on the same property. This cross has been covered, as this picture demonstrates, for the past few years of

What Is Your Integrity Worth?

2009-10-02T14:28:00.007-05:00

Something pretty big happened yesterday in the news, but I think it was lost behind the president's pitch to the International Olympic Committee and talks with Iran over its new nuclear facility. A key senate committee voted 13-10 to advance a health reform bill that would provide government funding for abortions. Keep in mind that president Obama promised that health reform would be abortion

Ring of Desperation

2009-10-01T12:07:00.005-05:00

I was having lunch at an area grill yesterday and could not help but notice the beautiful engagement ring the waitress wore as she served our table. So I asked her, "When is the big day?""What day?" she asked."Your wedding day," I replied. "That is an engagement ring, right?""Uh...yes, actually it is. But there's no date. I bought it because it makes me feel good."I thought to myself, how

Where's the Civility?

2009-09-16T10:06:00.005-05:00

After Joe Wilson's recent outburst of "You lie" during Obama's health care address, I'm starting to get very concerned about the growing lack of civility in American politics. This is the fourth such incident that greatly disturbs me.* During Clinton's presidency, Republicans hissed on several occasions and twenty of them even left early during a State of the Union address.* In 2005, Democrats

Gender Confusion in TNIV

2009-09-10T11:24:00.014-05:00

I was asked this past Sunday about the new translation of the NIV, known as the TNIV or "Today's New International Version." The upcoming publication of this translation is problematic because it attempts to alter gender designations in the original text by replacing them with gender neutral translations. At the heart of the issue is whether or not certain Greek words, which were written as

Pray for Rifqa Bary

2009-08-21T13:20:00.003-05:00

Rifqa Bary is a seventeen year old Sri Lankan girl raised in Ohio. She is also a runaway currently hiding from her parents here in Florida. While many children and teenagers run away from home, Rifqa's story is unique because she claims that she fled because her Muslim father threatened to kill her for converting to Christianity. The father claims that no such threat was made, but I don't think

His Name Is Not An Expletive

2009-08-19T10:14:00.004-05:00

I pray for my President and Vice President regularly. However, when the Vice President of the United States uses the name "Jesus Christ" as an expletive in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, we should communicate our disapproval. Why? Because we expect lost people to revere the name of Jesus? No. Because we expect those who 1) profess to be believers and 2) represent our nation by

God's Sense of Humor

2009-08-17T11:43:00.002-05:00

As I was leaving church yesterday morning, I couldn't help but think about the fact that numerous men and women who do not know Christ were in our services that morning...and none of them, to my knowledge, received Christ. A little discouraging. However, as I was about to drive off, I saw a man who'd pulled up on a motorcycle pointing at me, so I drove over to say hello. "I need to talk to you,"

She May Have Been a Kennedy...

2009-08-13T02:34:00.007-05:00

Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away this week. She is known as the sister of former president John F. Kennedy and more importantly, the founder of Special Olympics. She was inspired by her intellectually disabled sister and that inspiration led her to create an Olympic event catering to such persons.What you may not know is that Kennedy was pro-life. This may surprise us considering the political

Sotomayor's Christian Oath

2009-08-08T22:19:00.005-05:00

Sonia Sotomayor took the oath to become our newest member of the Supreme Court. I couldn't help but notice that she made this vow with her hand upon...the Bible. She ended her oath with the words..."So help me God." Let us pray that she will remember both when she is asked to rule on the First Amendment.

Ignorance in Pennsylvania

2009-07-24T16:15:00.004-05:00

The Pennsylvania legislature rescinded its invitation to a Gettysburg pastor to open a session in prayer because the pastor included the name of Jesus in that prayer. (Advanced written copies of all prayers must first be supplied before the visiting minister is allowed to pray.)The folks of Pennsylvania must not know much about our nation's history; how, for example, just days after Thomas

Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters in North Korea

2009-07-24T16:06:00.003-05:00

A North Korean woman has been publicly executed for distributing Bibles in that nation. We should remember this entire family in prayer.Members of our church recently had Bibles confiscated by the Cuban government during a trip to the Island nation to our south. In both cases we see how frightened these communist governments are of the Word of God. Even nonbelievers recognize the power of this

Gee, Ya Think?

2009-07-09T15:29:00.002-05:00

A new study finds that sexual activity among teens is correlated to tv viewing. Gee, ya think? The sooner children view adult content, the sooner they are sexually active, the study claims. What's really fascinating is that for every hour that children ages 6-8 watched adult content, their chances of having sex during early adolescence rose 33 percent.

A Worthy Promotion

2009-07-07T14:17:00.002-05:00

While I was as surprised as anyone to hear about Sarah Palin's resignation as Governor of Alaska, I have been sickened to hear and read the political commentary surrounding it. Everyone is debating whether or not this is a good political move or whether it helps or hurts her chances to become president. Let me tell you what I have yet to hear: I haven't heard anyone asking whether this is a good

A Funny Surprise

2009-07-07T14:14:00.003-05:00

I looked inside the cover of a book I have to read for my next Doctor of Ministry class and I was surprised to see that I had an autographed copy. (I'm not going to publish the author's name online.) The author had written a personal note to a "Jim and Nancy" in which he said "Thank you for putting up with my son." It turns out, "Jim and Nancy" sold me their copy of this book on Ebay. So the

Only One King in Heaven

2009-06-26T17:07:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Michael Jackson died. His real name, of course, is Mikaeel, having been changed upon his conversion to Islam last November. If you've watched any of the coverage, you know that there is an overwhelming assumption that Mikaeel is in heaven based upon the millions of adoring fans whose lives were touched by his music. Besides, he's the "King of Pop." Certainly God is impressed, right?

Rankin Hit a Home Run

2009-06-24T17:06:00.002-05:00

I listened to Jerry Rankin's address to the Southern Baptist Convention last night. He knocked it out of the park. Due to financial constraints, the IMB has had to reduce the number of missionaries that it will support, lowering the number by 400 missionaries in the next year. Rankin asked Southern Baptists whether or not they believe that 5,000 missionaries (what we will have after the cuts) are

We Knew It Was Offensive

2009-06-24T12:43:00.003-05:00

I hate urban legends. I rarely go a day without getting one in my email. Someone received an email about some company or some politician attacking Christians when such attack never took place. Some evidence supporting our cause comes out when such evidence never existed. Snopes is my constant friend and I'm amazed that people don't evaluate slander before they send it...especially Christians who

If the Daughter's Name Had Not Been Palin?

2009-06-12T08:54:00.003-05:00

Michelle Malkin hit the nail on the head with her response to David Letterman's attacks on Sarah Palin and her 14 year old daughter. Letterman, of course, recently created a stir by joking that Alex Rodriguez "knocked up" the underage girl during her visit to a Yankee's game.This follows a recent incident in which Playboy magazine (which I don't read, by the way) ran a story by Guy Cimbalo in

I Signed

2009-06-10T14:48:00.002-05:00

After a couple weeks considering it, I have joined 3,409 others in signing the "Great Commission Resurgence Declaration."You can read the document HERE and add your signature if you feel led.

Back in the Saddle

2009-06-06T08:20:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, I was at a Doctor of Ministry seminar at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary last week. The month prior was spent preparing for the seminar, so I had to take a hiatus from blogging.Anyway, I was very impressed by the plans of a church in California. Cornerstone Church in Semi Valley has decided that for their new sanctuary, they are going to save money by building an

Our Response to So-called "Art"

2009-04-29T10:45:00.003-05:00

I've been getting emails lately about the "art" being displayed in New York City's Union Square by Michael D'Antuono. In it, our president is depicted as a Christ-figure. This work comes complete with a crown of thorns on his head, the ripping of veiled curtains in the background and arms uplifted, almost as if nailed to a cross. Obviously, this is offensive to any sincere believer. At least, I

If "the Name" Offends You...

2009-04-17T13:07:00.006-05:00

It has been reported that Georgetown University covered up an inscription representing the name "Jesus" during the president's recent speech in one of their halls. Georgetown Univeristy, a private Catholic institution, should have nothing to hide. When a president visits a religious institution, that institution does not have to temporarily abandon its faith or the expression thereof in order to

Four's a Crowd!

2009-04-07T12:55:00.002-05:00

Levi McCall Harden

2009-04-07T12:52:00.004-05:00

Born: April 3, 12:19 PM7 lbs. 10 oz.Mommy and baby are home and doing great. And Levi only got up once his first night at home. (We'll see if that continues!)

Mistakes Parents Make, Part 4

2009-03-26T13:22:00.004-05:00

Our first response from an FBCH mom...The first thing for me has to be the internet. The internet is the most wonderful yet the most harmful thing that has been introduced in our society. If it does not have NUMEROUS filters they are handing their child right over to Satan and his lies. My space is one of the most harmful and damaging items as you cannot see what is posted (said by or to your

Mistakes Parents Make, Part 3

2009-03-24T09:11:00.003-05:00

From an FBCH Dad...1) Allow them to choose not to go to church or youth, not an option, period! As long as they are under your roof or even supported by you during college they will attend church on Sundays. I believe that this will allow them to mature more, so they can make a decision to continue on their own, we hope.2) Do not do family devotions or even pray together, God will always bless

We Knew This Was Coming

2009-03-23T16:23:00.003-05:00

A British scientist from Oxford University is recommending that the organs of aborted babies be donated to those in need of transplants."I am sure very few of those on the transplant list would rather die than accept an organ from an aborted fetus," Richard Gardner said.If it's okay to destroy a human life to harvest stem cells, why is it not okay to destroy a human life farther along in

Mistakes Parents Make, Part 2

2009-03-23T12:54:00.006-05:00

I recently began posting some of the responses I received from FBCH members about the biggest mistakes parents make. Here's another...Allowing your kids to stay overnight at a friends house when you don't know the family well enough.Leaving your teenager home alone on a night when there is a science experiment due the next day! You might return to find the house has burned down to the ground (

The Bulls Eye on Homeschooling

2009-03-20T15:27:00.006-05:00

Millions of children are homeschooled in America. The reason why most of these are not in pubic school is because they have Christian parents who are concerned about the worldview their children would be taught. Others are simply concerned for their children's safety and cannot afford private school. Regardless of the reason, there is and has been a bulls eye upon homeschooling in America. A

Straight Talk About Cloning

2009-03-19T15:58:00.002-05:00

In yesterday's Baptist Press, assistant editor Michael Foust wrote what I believe to be the best article on stem cell research and cloning that I have ever read. It is straight forward, simple, well argued and dead-on accurate. I don't say this often, but this article is almost a must read.In this article, Foust says...If America is going to have a debate about cloning -- as it appears we're on

Mistakes Parents Make, Part 1

2009-03-19T14:44:00.003-05:00

I recently asked the parents of my church to tell me the most common mistakes they see parents make. In other words, how do parents hinder themselves from reaching the goal of raising children who will fear and love the Lord? I'll be posting some of the responses I got, without names, of course. There will be some overlap, but that's okay. Repetition is good!Here's one parent's answers...Failing

The Joshua Challege

2009-03-18T08:41:00.003-05:00

I recently preached a three week series on parenting, wrapping it up this past Sunday with Joshua's challenge from Joshua 24:14-15. ("As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.") I kept asking myself, "What would this challenge look like in the 21st century?" Obviously, the basic principle would not change, but how would such a challenge apply to the challenges today's parents face? I wrote

Living Hope

2009-03-18T08:32:00.003-05:00

Peter said that we have a "living hope" through Christ's resurrection from the dead. Perhaps you'll find no greater example of how that hope expresses itself than the testimony of Cindy Winters, wife os slain SBC pastor Fred Winters from First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois. Fred was shot while preaching in the early service at his church on March 8.CLICK HERE to see Cindy's interview on

Who Would You Play?

2009-03-09T13:23:00.008-05:00

Imagine that you're the manager of a baseball team. You're down by a run and the bases are loaded in the bottom half of the last inning with two outs. You have to make a choice. You have two potential pinch hitters available.One is an all-star with a batting average over .300. The other player has struck out every time. To be honest, it's time he's sent back to the minors because he has yet to

"In the Garden"

2009-02-28T21:03:00.001-05:00

"In the Garden" is the first of three messages I recently preached on the topic of failure. We can not only learn from our own failures in life, but also from the failures of others. John 18 gives us the opportunities to do just that. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus confronted by Failure #1...Judas Iscariot.

God is Awesome

2009-02-28T20:35:00.003-05:00

We had an awesome time washing cars today. We definitely got to share the gospel with more people and on a deeper level than we would on an average day doing traditional visitation. A few signs of God at work:* The first vehicle that pulled up had a mother and a daughter from Fort Lauderdale on their way to the Keys for a day of fun. The mother was TOTALLY new age. The daughter, however, has

Who's Who?

2009-02-26T14:13:00.004-05:00

Check out the two pictures below. Can you tell which one is Brenda and which one is Rachel?

Washing Cars for Jesus

2009-02-25T21:34:00.003-05:00

Pray for us on Saturday. We'll be washing cars for FREE at Rex Tire on US 1 starting at 10:00 am. Why? To communicate the love of Christ in a visible way, to meet new people with the goal of establishing relationships with the unchurched in our community and, if God gives us divine appointments, to share the reason for the hope that is within us. Pray that all of the above will take place!

Stem Cell Research Lecture by David Prentice

2009-02-25T14:44:00.003-05:00

Dr. David Prentice is the Senior Fellow for Life Sciences, Center for Human Life and Bioethics at the Family Research Council. He gave a speech on embryonic stem cell research that is worthwhile. You can watch it HERE. Of course, embryonic stem cell research sounds like Christian compassion because it offers to alleviate the suffering of those with various diseases who hope this research will

It's Gonna Take a Team Effort

2009-02-14T22:52:00.006-05:00

The president is set to sign the $787 billion dollar stimulus bill that the house and senate just approved. This debt, of course, will have to be repaid, so I've been thinking about some ways we can do it. Today being Valentine's Day, it hit me. Americans are spending about $14 billion per year on Valentine's day, including cards, candy, dinner and flowers. What if we all agree to forgo

Lessons From the Lord's Prayer

2009-02-12T12:39:00.002-05:00

Many people confuse the "Lord's Prayer" with a model prayer that Jesus used in Matthew Six as a means of teaching the disciples how to pray. However, the real Lord's Prayer - in which we get a glimpse of Jesus himself praying to the Father - is found in John 17. The following is a four part series I recently preached on this prayer."Lessons From the Lord's Prayer"Part 1John 17:1-5January 4, 2009"

How Ironic

2009-02-09T13:14:00.003-05:00

A local woman is suing a Miami abortion clinic after the abortionist failed to show up on time and an actual birth took place. The baby, at 23 weeks, was then placed into a garbage bag, hidden in a closet and left to die. A tip to the police enabled them to discover the body.The ironic thing is that this mother went to the abortion clinic for the purpose of terminating the life of her child. The

A Good Arrangement

2009-02-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

I have had several friends who started churches renting public school facilities that went unused on the weekends. The church benefits because it provides them a place to meet for worship without having to build a facility they cannot yet afford. The schools benefit because they increase their revenue without having to make any changes to their weekly operation. And there is no blurring of the

Where Am I?

2009-01-29T15:27:00.004-05:00

There's only one place on this map that is over 70 today, much less over 80...and I live there. This map says it all. Not gloating, just speaking the truth in love. God bless South Florida in January!

Let All God's People Say "Amen!"

2009-01-21T16:21:00.003-05:00

Since I'm on the theme of prayer for the new president, here is one by Dr. Al Mohler that is the cream of the crop. I was both inspired and encouraged by it, and I pray that we will all endeavor to do our part to make it a reality in the years ahead.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Our Father, Lord of all creation, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: We pray today with a sense of special urgency

Inaugural Prayer

2009-01-21T09:31:00.003-05:00

I didn't watch the inauguration, but I did go back and watch the video of Rick Warren's prayer. Definitely better than Robinson's, but I just have to say, if Martin Luther King Jr. is shouting in heaven, it's because of the glory of Jesus, not the inauguration of Barack Obama.That being said, kudos to Warren for praying in the NAME.A video of Warren's prayer is HERE.

"god of our many understandings?"

2009-01-20T10:05:00.004-05:00

Here is the prayer that Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson prayed at an inaugural event on Sunday. This prayer is a perfect example of just how confused is the state of mainstream denominationalism in America. My comments follow...“O god of our many understandings, we pray that you will bless us with tears – tears for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where

Name That Quote

2009-01-14T09:45:00.003-05:00

Let's play a game. I'll post a quote and the first person to guess who said it gets a free ice cream cone. Ready...set...go..."When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family, and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of

Bravo Bott

2009-01-06T22:55:00.002-05:00

BP ran a story about a Christian radio network that was required under FCC regulations to air Obama commercials during the recent presidential campaign. However, there is no law that says that Bott Radio Network must actually keep the money. So what did this Christian network do with Obama's money? They gave it to pro-life causes!"We spread his wealth around," Rich Bott said.Way to go.

Uncommon Wisdom

2009-01-06T22:38:00.002-05:00

Wachovia bank had a slogan a few years back called "Uncommon Wisdom." They argued that when it came to handling your money, they possessed uncommon wisdom. That can be argued, but here is something that cannot from the book of Deuteronomy."For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." Deuteronomy 15:6What was good wisdom in

When Statistics are Manipulated

2008-12-31T09:35:00.003-05:00

Perhaps you've seen the latest report debunking the effectiveness of teen virginity pledges. In the late 80's and early 90's, many churches began promoting the idea of asking teenagers to take a pledge to remain virgins until their wedding day. This often involves signing a card and perhaps wearing a chastity ring. (I took one, albeit not the formal "True Love Waits" version most churches used.)

"Miracle in a Manger"

2008-12-31T09:20:00.002-05:00

Before we move past the official holiday season, I wanted to post my message reflecting on Christ's birth from Luke 1:26-38. It will be available online for about one month.

Where God Has Put Me

2008-12-23T17:21:00.004-05:00

I was in my office this afternoon preparing my message for next Sunday when I got an interesting visit. A complete stranger walked in and asked if we had any holy water we could give her. She said she wasn't religious but her mom just moved into a new home and needed some holy water to dedicate it. (She was just the one running the errand.) I didn't get to visit with her for long because she was

A Christmas Gift

2008-12-22T18:34:00.002-05:00

Here's a fantastic Christmas video that touched my heart. In it, Stuart Shepard shares the true story of a Christmas gift that could not be delivered – and asks for your help. Watch it and it will be among the best two and a half minutes of your day.

The Helper of Our Faith

2008-12-22T14:09:00.002-05:00

"Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month." Luke 1:36As I was driving to church early yesterday morning, I was thinking about my message from Luke 1:26-38 and something occurred to me. God gave Mary the most incredible news that any person could receive and Mary believed it. But God also gave Mary a means to

Abortion Bailout

2008-12-17T14:17:00.003-05:00

You knew it was coming. Now EVERYONE wants their bailout. Looks like the abortion industry isn't waiting until Obama is sworn in to ask for theirs. Numerous abortion providers have come together to request that the president-elect make the following package a reality in his first 100 days:* $1 BILLION dollars in taxpayer funding for International Abortion Groups* $700 million in taxpayer funding

When Suicide Becomes a Peep Show

2008-12-10T16:06:00.003-05:00

Craig Ewert's suicide will be televised on British television tonight, setting off a debate in that country regarding euthanasia. Personally, I think it's an attempt to desensitize us to a practice that should, in fact, concern us. What's next? If life is not sacred in the womb, eventually it will not be sacred at any point. The moment we retreat from complete respect for the sanctity of life, we

Unfit to Serve

2008-12-09T10:40:00.004-05:00

Most of you probably know that a state judge, Cindy Lederman, recently single-handedly overturned a 31 year old Florida law barring homosexual adoption. Forgetting that the constitution says "We, the people" and not "I, the judge", Lederman reminded us why the recent Amendment 2 drive was so necessary and why another one addressing adoption will now be needed as well.In this specific case, judge

Careful What You Pray For

2008-12-08T14:09:00.010-05:00

Looks like a Detroit mega-church spent significant time praying Sunday for congress to bail out the Big Three. They even brought in a Ford Escape, Chevy Tahoe and a Chrysler Aspen and placed them behind the pulpit. (How's that for sermon props?) Detroit pastors have vowed to fast and pray until the bailout comes through.Hmmmm. I can't help but wonder...Are they also praying that the Big Three

What We Have To Do

2008-12-05T17:03:00.002-05:00

I have been so inspired this week by a quote that I received from a friend in North Carolina regarding Tertullian...Tertullian of Carthage, an early Christian theologian and moralist, was also the pastor of a church in North Africa about 200 years after Jesus Christ was born. Many historians recount the story where some of Tertullian’s church members tried to justify their burning incense to

THIS HOPE

2008-12-01T14:31:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow night, we are blessed to be hosting This Hope, a men's quintet out of Woodstock, Georgia. These guys are a blend between Acapella and 4-Him. They'll be bringing their Christmas concert to First Baptist Church of Homestead Dec. 2, at 7:00 pm. This concert is free. A love offering will be taken. If you're reading this and you're in the area, make plans now to attend. To watch a

Dr. Warren Caves In

2008-12-01T14:28:00.003-05:00

Neil Clark Warren is a Christian psychologist who has appeared in the past on James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. You probably know him from the commercials in which he promotes the company he founded, e-harmony.com. Dr. Warren has opposed homosexuality in the past and his company, which facilitates internet match making, has catered only to heterosexual inquirers. So perhaps you were surprised

Catching Up

2008-11-25T14:08:00.003-05:00

Wow. I didn't realize that I'd allowed so much time to go by since updating the sermons on this blog. For those of you who have trouble sleeping..."The Goodness Trap"November 23, 2008 - AMMatthew 19:16-26Howard Harden"Triumphant Joy"Part 2November 16, 2008 - AMJohn 16:25-33Howard Harden"Triumphant Joy"Part 1November 9, 2008 - AMJohn 16:17-24Howard Harden"If the World Hates You"November 2, 2008 -

Help! I've Been Mugged!

2008-11-25T13:15:00.005-05:00

Seriously, I have...along with every member of First Baptist Church of Homestead. As some of you know, we are setting aside a prayer room in our church. So this room will be accessible 24/7, we are adding a special door whereby members can enter without needing a key to the church or the security code. Are you ready for this...Price of the door: $1,400.Miami Dade County "Impact" Fee: $668.68.

The Need for Speed

2008-11-19T11:26:00.004-05:00

I took the family to the 38th annual South Florida Auto Show last week. Can you believe they actually let a two year old sit behiond the wheel of this Lotus? Jesse wants one for Christmas.

Name That Car!

2008-11-19T11:20:00.003-05:00

It's never too soon to teach the kids what cars looked like in the good old days. Can you guess what that is behind us? And do you like Rachel's outfit? Check out the message. (Click pic for larger view.)

Our Response to Those Who Govern Us

2008-11-06T14:15:00.004-05:00

The following is an article I wrote for our November FBCH newsletter, "The Way." I wrote this before Tuesday's voting took place...* * * * * * * * * * * * * *Although I am writing prior to the election, most of you will probably read these words after the final ballots have been cast and the final results reported. No doubt, regardless of who wins, some will be pleased and others…ummm…not so

They Just Don't Get It

2008-11-06T13:59:00.005-05:00

California adopted Prop 8 on Tuesday, banning same sex marriage in the state constitution. It took less than 24 hours for the American Civil Liberties Union to file a request for the state supreme court to overturn the gay marriage ban.Um...excuse me...but they want the supreme court to overturn what is now a part of the constitution of the state of California? It was a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT,

It's a SWEEP!

2008-11-05T09:20:00.004-05:00

Pro-marriage constitutional amendments passed in all three states! Florida's Amendment 2, which required the highest threshold, passed with 62.1%. Arizona, which defeated a pro-marriage amendment in 2004, passed it this time with 56%. (At least one state has gotten more conservative in the past four years, right?) And EVEN CALIFORNIA passed Prop 8, in spite of the fact that gay marriages have

Heroes

2008-11-04T14:23:00.007-05:00

My wife loves to watch the show "Heroes." Neither of us watch a whole lot of tv, but I think she's hooked on this one. Here are my heroes. These house church planters work as hard as anyone you'll ever meet to introduce people to Jesus Christ. They accept risks we don't face. They receive pay we wouldn't consider. They are heroes in the truest sense of the word.

A Picture of What God is Doing

2008-11-04T14:15:00.002-05:00

One of our new house church missionaries in Cuba recently led a young couple to the Lord. They had been cohabitating for some time and had not given thought to marriage. However, after accepting Christ, they realized that their living arrangements were out of God's will. Believing that it was God's will for them to be united as husband and wife, they were married at Iglesia Bautista Imanuel, our

Election Day Thoughts

2008-11-04T13:42:00.002-05:00

I did my part on Amendment 2. I convinced the person both in front and behind me to vote for it. Neither seemed to know much about it. The lady in front actually walked up to me and asked me where Amendment 2 was on her ballot and I watched her vote. It was pretty cool.My congressman, Mario Diaz-Balart, was in line so I got to grill him with some questions. I asked him how in the world he could

Great Series on Gay Marriage

2008-10-30T07:49:00.002-05:00

Albert Mohler has done a great series on the issue of Gay Marriage called "What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate?" There are four parts and they can be accessed HERE.

No News on Pastor Tec

2008-10-30T07:41:00.003-05:00

The family of kidnapped pastor Manuel Jesus Tec have not heard from Tec's captors since Monday. Ransom demands were dropped from $1 million to $200,000, however this is also outside of the pastor's family's means.You can send an email supporting the family to Pastor Tec's son, Johnny, at jtec@sandiegozoo.org.

Values Based Change

2008-10-28T11:08:00.004-05:00

Here's an inspiring video to remind us all to vote based on our values, not on our wallet.