Dale's Place

I am now reading The Forgotten Spurgeon by Iain Murray. so far i love it .
also i have on the go an article The call of Christ by Pink I printed off from http://www.monergism.com/

“Christless Christianity” free video and audio

2010-06-12T22:51:00.001-03:00

Here is a link to this conference
http://www.ligonier.org/blog/free-audio-and-video-2010-west-coast-conference-now-available

Thanks to the person who posted this link , it's great!!

Later

a link to

2010-05-21T10:55:00.001-03:00

Here is a link to where i got my copy of the Sincere Convert.
http://thomasshepard.org/writings.shtml
You might ask why am I reading this ?
At the monthly fraternal meeting I attended He was quoted from this book on Repentence which sounded good.

Later

its friday

2010-05-21T10:50:00.001-03:00

I just finished reading a book on prayer by Michael Catt titled The Power of Persistence.
This is the best books I have read on prayer, by an Author still living.
It is a must re-read.

And since it is the Long weekend my next book to read is the sincere convert by Thomas Shephard.

Later

Thursady

2010-04-15T20:41:00.001-03:00

Started reading today THE BRUISED REED because I'm taking part in Challies.com Reading the Classics Together.

now reading

2010-04-13T14:03:00.002-03:00

I have on the go The Atonement by Loraine Boettner
and yesterday I picked up a book I had though of buying more than once and with it in the half price box it came home with me...and so far I like it its called The Obedience of a Christian Man : William Tyndale
And I also Picked up from the half price box Jamieson,
Fausset, and Brown's Commentary On the Whole Bible

Later

march 31

2010-03-31T07:39:00.001-03:00

From J. C. Philpot's Daily Portions ...... March 31

"For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."-–2
Corinthians
5:21

Our blessed Lord offered himself for sin; that is, that
he might put away sin by the sacrifice of himself--"Who his own self
bore
our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24). It was
absolutely
necessary either that the sinner should suffer in his own person, or
in that
of a substitute. Jesus became this substitute; he stood virtually in
the
sinner's place, and endured in his holy body and soul the punishment
due to
him; for he "was numbered with the transgressors." He thus, by the
shedding
of his most precious blood, opened in his sacred body a fountain for
all sin
and all uncleanness (Zech. 13:1).

The cross was the place on which this sacrifice was
offered; for as the blood of the slain lamb was poured out at the
foot of
the altar, sprinkled upon its horns, and burned in its ever-enduring
fire,
so our blessed Lord shed his blood upon the cross. He there endured
the
wrath of God to the uttermost; he there put away sin by the
sacrifice of
himself; he there offered his holy soul and body, the whole of his
pure and
sacred humanity, in union with his eternal Deity, as an expiation
for the
sins of his people.

Thus all their sin was atoned for, expiated, put away,
blotted out, and will never more be imputed to them. This is the
grand
mystery of redeeming love and atoning blood. Here the cross shines
forth in
all its splendor; here God and man meet at the sacrifice of the
God-man; and
here, amid the sufferings and sorrows, the groans and tears, the
blood and
obedience of God's dear Son in our nature, grace reigns through
righteousness unto eternal life.

march 23

2010-03-23T07:28:00.002-03:00

The Believer's Daily Remembrance-
Pastor James Smith (1802-1862): “Where is your faith?” - Luke 8:25
(March 23: MORNING)

The disciples were in a storm, surrounded by danger, and filled with
fear; they apply to Jesus. This was right. They doubt His care, question
His love, and cry, “We perish.” This was wrong. Jesus demands, “Where
is your faith?” May He not put the same question to us? We have His
Word, but do we heartily believe it? We speak of His love, but do we
confidently trust it? We read of His care, but do we see our safety in
it? We often seem to believe anyone sooner than Jesus; to trust any word
more than His Word; and therefore we are cast down, fearful and
distressed. Let us this day endeavour to fix our faith steadily upon His
precious Word. Let us believe in His particular providence. Let us
commune with Him as our firm and faithful Friend. He says, “Let not your
heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” He is worthy
of credit. He cannot deceive. He deserves our confidence. He will not
neglect. He encourages our hope, and promises, “If ye shall ask any
thing in My Name, I will do it.” Do you believe this? Do you believe it
when you pray? If not, “Where is your faith?”

O, how wavering is my mind,
Tossed about with every wind;
O, how quickly doth my heart
From the living God depart;
O my God, Thy grace impart,
To fix and bind my wandering heart.

March 21

2010-03-21T16:23:00.001-03:00

It has been an interesting sunday for me! I was supposed to be away but do to complications in travel plans we stayed here for Spring Break with the kids instead of going to their grandparents which would of given me Sunday off , which I kept so not being one to stay in bed I went for breakfast at McDonald's.
Its good as a pastor to see what people are up to on Sunday mornings and count the cars in other church parking lots.
The people from early mass were gathering at McDonald's it was interesting to over hear their conversations on church.

Any ways I have a couple of books on the go.
First... The Reason for God by T.Keller
Secondly... The China Study.

Later

March 19

2010-03-19T09:18:00.001-03:00

I have not posted in a while - we've been wrapped up in our sons life dealing with his three concussions .

Later

Article | Media | Department of Communications | The Wesleyan Church

2010-01-13T13:56:00.001-04:00

Article | Media | Department of Communications | The Wesleyan Church

Posted using ShareThis

Playing the Pharisee Card

2010-01-12T19:25:00.001-04:00

Playing the Pharisee Card

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This Week In pictures

2009-12-12T14:07:00.004-04:00

DEC. 8

2009-12-08T18:44:00.000-04:00

I am now reading Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray,
last week I picked up his one volume of 12 books for the new year, can't wait.
What a week New winter tires today, yesterday i picked up my cat from the vet ,he had surgery, and now my wife is taking off to northern N.B. for a funeral, as I stay behind to look after the farm as they say.
I am ever so excited as I am preaching towards Christmas from the old testament using Lectonary passages to show Christ Beyond the Manger, but I think a week ago the Topic of Christ our righteousness seemed more interesting to me than the people, but that happens.

Sunday night past we had our annual community Christmas carol sing, which being neutral ground I have invited the two baptist church's were between, which split several years ago , so Today if I were to leave I can say I helped to bring reconciliation which never would of happened.

Later

Friday the 27 of Nov.

2009-11-27T09:14:00.000-04:00

I am now reading the Prayer Life by Andrew Murray - I read it back in 1994, then in 2004 and now again.
This week , I attended another funeral of a family friend in Ingomire N.S. I have not been in that church in perhaps 26 years what a flood of memories, seeing friends from long ago, I traveled there along with a gentleman from our church, which was great!
This funeral lasted an hour and ten minutes ! Wow !! have funerals changed in my ministry, I believe 30 min. is enough , but now people wanna get up and speak , who can't speak publicly, and now funerals include a power point presentation movie .And readings that are suppose to sound spiritual and comforting yet have no scriptural presadent in what is said to comfort ( in my opinion far to wordy ) Which I'm not sure they do.
This week our county has had a prayer encounter conference which sadly I only attended one seminar - hence my reading a Murray Book, This will I hope lead to great changes in our county as people pray more.
And finally this week along with another church person went and served communion to our shut-inns. What a joy this was !
So now its off to advent and preaching from Jer. 33:14-16 which has been so far a challenge to work through in a sermon. But its coming a verse a ta time .

Later

now reading

2009-11-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

the Gospel according to Jesus by John MacArthur.
So Far it's very impressive. I wonder if Jesus as He portrays is one that the church wants, I say this only again to learn by accident a couple have left our church three weeks after the fact - (HOW) it was Friday night I saw them at a restaurant and after saying we missed I herd the words we are going church in town.
There went my appetite so the next day I followed through on the why and learned In my sermon on the bible doctrine of the Holy Spirit when comparing this Doctrine to the J.W's and others by this I judged other religions and so they left. I did apologize in that it was not meant to offend but not for the truth, so they are gone for now.
Apparently now this is the 3rd time in 10 years I have said something of or Judged other religions interesting I can't remember what I preached last year ...
Its no wonder people are leaving the ministry with this kind off stuff happening.

And the bottom line I come back to again and again with now at last count 8 people leaving the church in about a year and a half , is it my turn to go ? Before there are none left ?

Later

Nov 11

2009-11-11T09:15:00.000-04:00

One day last week I picked up the 1961 used copy of Martin Luther by John Dillenberger for under a Tonnie and thus my new read, but what I noticed is for a pocket book of 526 pages the price on the cover is $1.95 ! Oh to have those prices again!

Church life these days is taking us down the carpentry trail as we are installing 7 New Windows in our church thanks to a gift . The lead Carpenter is 86 and our helper is 70ish and me 40 something. What a learning experience, these Men are using tools their fathers and grandfathers had, hope my Canadian tire stuff last that long.

Personally I am trying to get back on the healthy food track - for myself and family, I'm down to only my breakfast coffee and then green tea the rest of the day plus a green and orange vegetable for supper and healthy eating in between, plus exercising !
I've never been a athletic person so then here is a big challenge but I have a goal to be in some shape so I can join my wife who works out daily at the gym, and not be winded at the 5lb weights lol.

So its November 11 and Remembrance Day , or the day after my brothers 50 birthday.
its off to the remembrance gathering lay a wreath and home. for more painting and sermon prep.

Later

Words from Spurgeon

2009-11-04T08:07:00.000-04:00

A primary qualification for serving God with any amount of success, and for doing God's work well and triumphantly, is a sense of our own weakness. When God's warrior marches forth to battle, strong in his own might, when he boasts, "I know that I shall conquer, my own right arm and my conquering sword shall get unto me the victory," defeat is not far distant. God will not go forth with that man who marches in his own strength. He who reckoneth on victory thus has reckoned wrongly, for "it is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." They who go forth to fight, boasting of their prowess, shall return with their gay banners trailed in the dust, and their armour stained with disgrace. Those who serve God must serve him in his own way, and in his strength, or he will never accept their service. That which man doth, unaided by divine strength, God can never own. The mere fruits of the earth he casteth away; he will only reap that corn, the seed of which was sown from heaven, watered by grace, and ripened by the sun of divine love. God will empty out all that thou hast before he will put his own into thee; he will first clean out thy granaries before he will fill them with the finest of the wheat. The river of God is full of water; but not one drop of it flows from earthly springs. God will have no strength used in his battles but the strength which he himself imparts. Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give thee victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up.

"When I am weak then am I strong,
Grace is my shield and Christ my song."

2009-11-03T13:13:00.000-04:00

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."

- Frank A. Clark

Now Reading

2009-10-23T16:44:00.000-03:00

The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter

todays quote..

2009-10-02T20:58:00.000-03:00

In my ongoing preparation for Sunday's sermon I read chapter 2 of Knowing God by J.I. Packer and read these wise words....
"..when a man knows God, losses and 'crosses' cease to matter to him; what he has gained ( knowledge of God) banishes these things from his mind."p.23
This is one of those quotes that makes me think hard.
Today I was at our local christian bookstore and asked him if my mystery men had been in to which he said no, oh well , while there I picked up the Life Application N.T. Commentary hoping it was money well spent :)
Later

update on visitors

2009-10-01T20:38:00.002-03:00

Wednesday came and again our two men were with us.
But this time I asked them were they Mormon or JW to which they said no,
but to get info from them wasn't easy so I asked about their home meetings, their structure, to which they repied they have a hymn, share and pray under the leadership of a elder. So for Sundays they do the same as a house bible study, their answers made me more curious , especially since they made eye contact with each other before the younger of the two talked. Their motto is out by two' as in acts, and they grow by gospel meetings, Yet they told me that they only follow the bible, no particular doctrine or creed just the bible.
Their simple poster says Come learn the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in a home bible study.
They told me they had no literature to give me, so I could read about them, and checking their poster it gives no web address a phone number but so secretive.
And they may come back again one said.
Their presence made many uncomfortable, why they have picked us I don't know, but they have come.
Another chapter to the story of my life perhaps.
they kinda of remind of that movie Men in Black ....

Later

Church Killings - washingtonpost.com

2009-10-01T09:02:00.001-03:00

Church Killings - washingtonpost.com

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The Gospel Coalition - Preaching Through Bible Books

2009-09-30T09:46:00.001-03:00

The Gospel Coalition - Preaching Through Bible Books

Shared via AddThis

I couldn't believe my ears...

2009-09-24T19:52:00.002-03:00

I attended a meeting Today of ministers with their wives and there was a discussion on negative expectations by church people , what a opening topic .
Some one complained that they always have to say grace - which others added their complaints of having to pray publicly...
O.K. enough is enough !!
So I blurted out " aren't we a room full of ministers and your complaing of praying " It got quite quick !
Give me a break , they also fussed over having to turn on lights, turn up a furnace, shovel snow.
Because it interfered with their time. boohoo and humbug to them.
Its a part of the JOB !
Serve the Lord with Gladness and p.s guys its a sin to complain!

Later

what a week

2009-09-23T20:42:00.002-03:00

What a week -- starting Sunday by doing a nursing home service I forgot about.
Then Sunday night taking my son to pick up hockey - where he got a puck to the throat while on the bench so off to the hospital and off to the iwk he went via a helicopter - with his mother of course to watch him and his throat after he had a breathing tube inserted and all kinds of pins and needles to him and in him.
And waiting for phone calls on his recovery and getting folks to pray and off Monday to the iwk in Halifax to be with him and his mother and thank the Lord he was released Monday and what had happened he fractured the bone that holds the muscle to the voice box.Serious yes but could of been a lot more. the doctors advice " wear all your equipment"
So now its wed. night our mid week night and in walk two men with identical coats shirts ,pants and bible cases to our bible study they said nothing, took lots of notes and i asked one what church he went to and he said home bible studies where they go around teaching people the bible - but they couldn't find Malachi .
So who were they ????
Will they return ????
What was their purpose ?
They said they'll be in the area for 8 weeks ??
Should I be concerned ???
so many should s ....

Well I see while I'm trying to figure things out here I see on twitter my kids are at MacDoanlds... the joy of twittering
my final thoughts for to night - I finish James this week having preached trough it for September and its been great I love preaching expository though the Lectionary passages.
so off to new episodes of favorite shows I Hope....
Later

Currently Reading

2009-09-19T10:40:00.000-03:00

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.

wed. Night

2009-09-09T20:23:00.000-03:00

I can't believe a week ago that my 2 teens were getting ready for their first day of school.
Since that day my family and I spent the weekend tenting by a lake and it was fabulous !
watching the moon rise over the lake and its reflection on the water can not be described well enough - But I know who gets the glory and it is God for such beauty.

Our mid week group has been going through the bible and tonight we did the book of Haggai and what a challenge Haggai gives us for priority setting, in our lives So I tried to help them see that Sunday morning is not the only priority in life and that we have daily ones to attend, and most of all we can't judge others by our own priorities.
It was interesting to me when I asked them what they had for their life priority's that the seniors went silent, could it be that by having no defined ones in their lives they are open to worry and faithlessness and ,and.....this needs more thinking time.

This week my sermon is coming from James 3:1-12
Hope to put an outline up when finished.
Later

Sept.3

2009-09-03T09:28:00.000-03:00

The first day of school !
I realized yesterday that my kids are really teenagers when I offered them a afternoon of fishing and they opted for a trip to town even the mall.
So They start off a new year and new adventures.
And its in God's hands I must trust them into daily that He will care and protect them.

This week I am reading " so you don't want to go to church anymore "
I am not a fan of fiction but this is one of those occasions that I do read one but to keep in the balance I also have on the Go this book ON KEEPING THE HEART by John Flavel

Later

Just finished reading...

2009-08-26T21:05:00.000-03:00

The book I just finished is by Erwin W. Lutzer
Oprah Miracles and the New Earth.

Great book - well researched !

later

Now Reading

2009-08-11T15:44:00.000-03:00

I am now reading : The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit by James Buchanan.

These next two Sundays I have a retired pastor booked to speak in our church as I am supposed to be on vacation but I had booked a wedding a year ago and so here I sit while my family is in Hamilton, but while I'm home we have a carpenter that might show up any day to finish his work so I need to be ready - and today I made some calls on seniors so am i really on vacation ????
Being attached to the church here in the parsonage I'm still thinking church.
which is no vacation in my mind.

So if the weather man could give us sun I hope to take the dog and go fishing even tent over night with him.

later

Sundays Outline

2009-08-08T18:37:00.002-03:00

Text: Eph. 4:25- 5:2
Title: the old and new
Introduction....
Looking at V's 17 -20 which sets up the text.

1. v 25 The old man was a liar the new man speaks truth.
2. v.26 The old man was use to anger the new man knows this offends God.
3. v.27 The old man was driven by the devil the new man gives him no opportunity.
4. v.29 The old man was foul mouthed the new man is grace spoken.
5. v.30 The old man isn't sealed while the new man is sealed by the spirit.
6. v.31,32 The old man isn't forgiven the new man forgives as he is forgiven
7. 5:1 the old man goes his own way the new man follows God.
8. 5:2 the place to examine ourselves.

Sunday Sermon outline.

2009-08-01T20:08:00.002-03:00

text: 2 Sam 11:26-12:14

Introduction...

point one : David shows us we should never think we can't sin v.7-8

point two : we live in God's sight v.9

point three: God disciplines His own v.1-12

point four: The secrets out v.12

point five : God forgives. v.13

Whats new

2009-07-29T09:55:00.000-03:00

Its July 29 and soon July will be history so this month I have gone fishing 2 times and have watched the fog a lot . July means Beulah Camp! Which is now over, and thinking about being there seems like a blimp on the calendar, and as I think on it Beulah was good, yet not life changing.

Returning home meant starting to tear out the parsonage bathroom and re-build it with a carpenter. So it's interesting but when the toilet is in all will be much more happier.

Now I am reading " countdown to Sunday by Chris Erdman " which is really good as he writes on preaching through the Lectionary weekly as now I use the Lectionary scriptures to choose a text from and preach on.

Off to help in the Bathroom....

Later

Now Reading

2009-06-29T20:19:00.000-03:00

the All-Sufficient God
by
D.MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

My first John Wesley Sunday is now Over

2009-06-29T20:14:00.001-03:00

June 28 we had for the first time a John Wesley Sunday marking his birthday !
My pianist was willing,so we sang all Wesley ( his brother Charles) hymns, the bulletin was dedicated to him and I preached on Psalm 130 which greatly effected His life along with a introduction to his life.
And I think the people enjoyed the service. So here is looking to next year and reminding the church of our roots.

Later

june 18 quote

2009-06-18T07:24:00.001-03:00

How careful should we be to keep clean the house that is the dwelling of the King of Glory.

R. C. Chapman

june 15 Quote

2009-06-15T07:27:00.000-03:00

If men are prepared to die they are ready for anything.

J. A. Alexander

From Spurgeons morning devotion today

2009-06-09T07:31:00.000-03:00

une 9

"The Lord hath done
great things for us, whereof we are glad." – Psalm 126:3

Some Christians are
sadly prone to look on the dark side of everything, and to dwell more
upon what they have gone through than upon what God has done for them.
Ask for their impression of the Christian life, and they will describe
their continual conflicts, their deep afflictions, their sad
adversities, and the sinfulness of their hearts, yet with scarcely any
allusion to the mercy and help which God has vouchsafed them. But a
Christian whose soul is in a healthy state, will come forward joyously,
and say, "I will speak, not about myself, but to the honour of my God.
He hath brought me up out of an horrible pit, and out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings: and he hath put
a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. The Lord hath done
great things for me, whereof I am glad." Such an abstract of experience
as this is the very best that any child of God can present. It is true
that we endure trials, but it is just as true that we are delivered out
of them. It is true that we have our corruptions, and mournfully do we
know this, but it is quite as true that we have an all-sufficient
Saviour, who overcomes these corruptions, and delivers us from their
dominion. In looking back, it would be wrong to deny that we have been
in the Slough of Despond, and have crept along the Valley of
Humiliation, but it would be equally wicked to forget that we have been
through them safely and profitably; we have not remained in them, thanks
to our Almighty Helper and Leader, who has brought us "out into a
wealthy place." The deeper our troubles, the louder our thanks to God,
who has led us through all, and preserved us until now. Our griefs
cannot mar the melody of our praise, we reckon them to be the bass part
of our life’s song, "He hath done great things for us, whereof we are
glad."

Spurgeon Quote

2009-05-29T07:31:00.000-03:00

Backsliders begin with dusty Bibles and end with filthy garments.

C. H. Spurgeon

Now Redaing

2009-05-11T07:47:00.001-03:00

I am now reading Jerry Bridges book....
the Gospel for real life.

Today's Eagle's Wings: Friday, May 08, 200

2009-05-08T07:27:00.001-03:00

A Light for Dark Days

Who is among you that feareth the Lord, . . . that walketh in darkness? . . . Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
ISAIAH 50:10

Somehow the notion has spread abroad that true Christians should never endure periods of darkness, trial, or trouble. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trials will come to every Christian. Satan will attack every Christian. When these things occur, we can become very confused and distressed. It appears that the Lord has forsaken us. Is that your experience today? Are you an heir of heaven walking in darkness? Todays text has a word for you.

Dark days are not necessarily a judgment on sin. Isaiah addresses those who fear the Lord. They obey the voice of His servant. This is a description of a believer walking according to the Word of God. Yet he walks in darkness. He is fighting a spiritual battle that depresses his soul. He reads his Bible but receives no light. He prays but obtains no relief. The devil tells him that all this is Gods judgment on him and that He has forsaken him. Our text brands that as a lie.

Faithful Christians face dark days. So what is the answer? Will the Lord leave a believer in such a condition indefinitely? No, but He may allow the darkness to continue until the necessary lesson of faith has been learned. What is that lesson? It is that we are not to base our assurance on good feelings or prosperous circumstances, but on the character and Word of our God. If you are compassed about by doubt or darkness, stay, or lean, upon the Lord. Trust Him. He will not fail you or forsake you. Stand upon His promises, and light will arise in the darkness.

Today's Eagle's Wings: Wednesday, May 06, 2009

2009-05-06T07:25:00.001-03:00

The Reign of Grace
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
ROMANS 6:6
The Church of Rome has always hated the doctrine of justification by grace alone. Since the days of the Reformation, she has asserted that such preaching will lead to licentious living. Of course, this is not a new charge against the gospel, for Paul had to face the same accusations in his day. Now it seems that todays popular carnal Christian theory is giving credence to Romes allegation. In our day a person can make a decision for Christ without being made a disciple of Christ. He can be saved from his present troubles (or so he hopes!) or saved from hell, but never need to be saved from his sinful vices. Paul addresses both of these fallacies in the sixth chapter of Romans by proving that justifying grace will reign in the life of the true child of God.
By our union with Christ in His death, our old man is crucified with him (v. 6). As Christ died to sins guilt, sins condemnation, and sins reign, so did we! That is, by bearing our sin on the cross, He destroyed all that sin could do to us. Not that our sinful nature was eradicated, but it lost its power to dominate us, for he that is dead is freed from sin (v. 7). Can it be any plainer than Pauls declaration in verse 14, For sin shall not have dominion over you?
What does this say to those who claim that this doctrine of free justification leads to immorality? And what does it do to the theory of the carnal Christian, which says a man can be saved and never leave his sinful habits and wicked living? Most certainly, these notions are left high and dry. Thank God for the sanctifying power of the truth of justification! For how shall we who have been freed from the horrors of sin by the awful death of our Redeemer live any longer in sin? Let us therefore yield ourselves as servants of God unto holy living.

April 30

2009-04-30T07:35:00.000-03:00

Hold Your Tongue!
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
PROVERBS 21:23
There are many interesting entries in John Wesleys journal. On June 9th, 1742, he writes of attending an unusual court case. The magistrate was a man of candour and understanding. He was to hear the complaints of some angry citizens who had brought to him a whole wagon load of these new heretics. The magistrate enquired what they had done. One of the accusers answered, Why, they pretended to be better than other people; and besides, they prayed from morning to night. But have they done nothing else? Yes, sir, replied an old man. They have converted my wife. Till she went among them, she had such a tongue! And now she is as quiet as a lamb. Carry them back, carry them back, cried the justice, and let them convert all the scolds in the town.
We may well smile at this story; yet the Word of God declares, If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain (James 1:26). How deadly is the power of that little member! As the Puritan Thomas Watson put it, The sword doth not make so deep a wound as the tongue. The hasty, hurtful word we immediately regret, but cannot recall. It is well said that a word spoken is physically transient, but morally permanent. Christian, there is a time to be silent. Learn to hold thy tongue. Five words cost Zacharias forty weeks silence (Thomas Fuller). Be slow to speak. He that refraineth his lips is wiseÊ(Prov. 10:19). It has been well said, If you think twice before you speak once, you will speak twice the better for it. Pray the psalmists prayer today: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips (Psa. 141:3).

Read this today

2009-04-28T07:20:00.000-03:00

This Morning's Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

"Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope."—Psalm 119:49.
HATEVER your especial need may be, you may readily find some promise in the Bible suited to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise—"He giveth power to the faint." When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser, and ask Him to fulfil His own word. Are you seeking after Christ, and thirsting for closer communion with Him? This promise shines like a star upon you—"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this—"Lord, Thou hast said it, do as Thou hast said." Are you distressed because of sin, and burdened with the heavy load of your iniquities? Listen to these words—"I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions, and will no more remember thy sins." You have no merit of your own to plead why He should pardon you, but plead His written engagements and He will perform them. Are you afraid lest you should not be able to hold on to the end, lest, after having thought yourself a child of God, you should prove a castaway? If that is your state, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: "The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but the covenant of My love shall not depart from thee." If you have lost the sweet sense of the Saviour's presence, and are seeking Him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: "Return unto Me, and I will return unto you;" "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee." Banquet your faith upon God's own word, and whatever your fears or wants, repair to the Bank of Faith with your Father's note of hand, saying, "Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope."

Now Reading

2009-04-24T14:45:00.000-03:00

Here I Stand
A life of Martin Luther
by Roland h Bainton

Quote

2009-04-24T07:41:00.000-03:00

Some people are critical of everything; some embrace anything.
The wise weigh all things by the word.
H. T. Mahan

Quote

2009-04-21T07:24:00.000-03:00

God assures us of a future that is better than all our past.
J. C. Stern

My paly off prediction

2009-04-18T16:42:00.000-03:00

NY Rangers at Vancouver

Sermon out line for April 19

2009-04-16T19:47:00.002-03:00
text: Acts 4: 32-37 Key verses 32,33

taking a lesson from the early church.

Point oNe: They had unity - resulting from the inner working of the Holy Spirit.

Point tWo: They - were convicted that God was more important that their belongings.

Point tHree: They spoke of the resurrection because they knew the Gospel.

Point fOur: They had God's grace upon them

Go Rangers !

2009-04-16T07:32:00.000-03:00

Go Rangers

now reading

2009-04-07T07:43:00.000-03:00

THE CROSS OF CHRIST
BY JOHN R.W. STOTT

Todays quote

2009-02-12T06:52:00.000-04:00

It is and should be the care of a Christian not to suffer for sin, nor sin in suffering.
Vavasor Powell

This weeks sermon outline...

2009-02-06T14:40:00.002-04:00
title: The Language that says we love God.
text: Psalm 147:1

Point One: Praise Him in our words
Point Two: Praise can be more than a song
Point Three: Praise can be our life.

The theme for the month is Love , where it is February !

Later

todays quote

2009-01-28T07:43:00.000-04:00

He that demands mercy, and shows none, ruins the bridge over which he himself is to pass.

Thomas Adams

no outline this week

2009-01-22T09:45:00.001-04:00
This week Rev. D. Leroy is speaking in our church so it's like a Sunday off :)

Later

Sermon outline for Jan 18

2009-01-15T14:59:00.000-04:00
Title: How do you Believe ?
text: John 1:43-51

Introduction....
Philip Follows
Philip Finds Nathanael
Nathanael works through his unbelief

Point One: We must know that God sees what we believe
Psalm 139:1

Point two: God sees if we believe what we see
1 sam 3: 1-20

Point three: God's purpose in what we believe
1 Cor 6:20

Conclusion..................

quote

2009-01-15T07:27:00.000-04:00

No man can be a Christian who is unconcerned for the salvation of others.

Richard Haldane

what do you think ?

2009-01-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

The Pastors Who Will Do Anything

sermon out line for jan 11

2009-01-09T10:46:00.003-04:00
Thought I would start posting an outline of my sermons for the week -

So here it is for this Sunday

Jesus Baptism
Text: Mark 1:1-11

introduction....
Point one : The Big Deal
its in the bible
doctrinal
Point two: The Big decoration
- the divine
- the existence
- the plan
Point three: the big dissemination v.1
the gospel - God's word
- Good word
- is of Jesus
Point 4: the big dip v.4-5
- the place
- the significance
- the outcome

Conclusion

Now Reading

2009-01-07T16:43:00.003-04:00
Its the new Year - and already we are stormed in enough to cancel not only our church new years party, but now the first mid week/ bible study / prayer meeting canceled due yet another storm
So its winter !!

So tonight I'm reading a book I picked up this week at Frenchy's titled:
A Gospel for the World by David Blast.

Later

Happy New Years !!

2008-12-30T17:09:00.001-04:00

May all have a great year in 2009 !

another quote

2008-12-15T12:53:00.001-04:00

There is no hope for true prayer and intercession for revival unless we realise that there is a need.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

todays quote

2008-12-15T12:48:00.000-04:00

"Think enthusiastically about everything; but especially about your
job. If you do so, you’ll put a touch of glory in your life. If you
love your job with enthusiasm, you’ll shake it to pieces."

- Norman Vincent Peale

todays quote

2008-12-12T07:23:00.001-04:00

God wants us to be victors, not victims; to grow, not grovel; to soar, not sink; to overcome, not to be overwhelmed.

W. A. Ward

2008-12-08T10:56:00.000-04:00

Discernment
is not a matter of simply telling the difference between what is
right and wrong; rather, it is the difference between right and
almost right.

Charles Spurgeon

Now Reading

2008-11-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

I am now reading ....
The Apocalypse of Ahmadinejad by Mark Hitchock
So far I like how he uses other sources and and notes them as he writes.
Also I find him very clear in the message he is sending in his book the end times are near.

Today my son told me of a kid in his school whose mom was hit and killed the night before. Sad in deed but its his story ( or his version) that gets my attention as he told me he only liked his Mon, and i asked about the dad oh he didn't like him he said.
Where does that leave a kid with a mother gone and father ' he doesn't like' now I didn't turn this into a sermon on loving and obeying your parents, because as quickly as he told me he moved on to something else the new hockey cards he got.
But this reminds me all the more how christian kids need prayer in public school , for they are completely surrounded by kids with unchristian world views.

This is NAAW - National Addiction Awareness Week.
I asked my bible study group if addictions were health problems or spiritual. It lead into a interesting discussion and look to the bible.
I tried to make the point that because of addictions in our neighborhood we need all the more to pray that these are broken by God's power and people come to faith in God.

I think next year if I remember this week what a great sermon it would make for . What are you addicted to?

Later

Back

2008-11-19T14:27:00.003-04:00
Today I have been playing around with my blog after a long absence,
and was I ever glad I could add my favorite game !!

Here are some of the books I have read of late...
Strong Faith By Spurgeon
Wordliness by C.J.Mahaney
Preaching the Cross
The doctrine of predestination
Backsliding ( Disease or Cure)
True Repentance
Whats so great about the doctrine of Grace
The invisible war
The Five dilemmas of Calvinism

Besides Reading I have picked up the new ESV Study Bible and I love it !

Today the wind is out of the north making it cold here with snow flurries in my part of n.s. Besides the wind blowing things around I have been throwing some thoughts around , wondering if and when the church I am Pastoring will see a move of God in our midst, Sunday I preached on 2 chronicles If my people ...humble...pray ....seek....forsake ....Then.
As it now seems like a month since Sunday I've had a burden to restore what was once some fellowship between our church - and the then two charge baptist church that split apart.
Which we are smooched between !
When we first came all three of us had combined services at least twice a year , but not since the split, but now with a new pastor and fellow Bethany Bible College pal , Perhaps its time to humble our selves and extend an invitation to them * which I have * as Long as functions are in our church they are invited.

But can God move when people can find any reason for leaving church ? I hope to Find out!

Later

2008-09-19T07:15:00.001-03:00

Carelessness about the friendship of Christ is the crying sin of the church.

R. C. Chapman

Todays quote

2008-09-09T07:16:00.000-03:00

We cannot rely on God's promises without obeying His commandments.

John Calvin

Just Read

2008-08-29T10:04:00.002-03:00
I have just finished reading the book titled
What's so Great about the doctrines of Grace? by Richard d Phillips.
This was a great read...
Why would I read a book like this as a Wesleyan pastor, from my view there is a lot of predigest
so I am trying to understand , somethings so that I can make accurate conclusions instead of making uninformed statements that show a lack of knowledge.

Later

now reading

2008-08-18T08:21:00.001-03:00

True Repentance by John Colquhoun

Just finished this book

2008-08-16T18:54:00.002-03:00
I have just finished reading and really enjoyed the book titled
Because we Love Him by Clyde Cranford.

I've gotta get some of this....

2008-08-15T08:51:00.001-03:00

Prophetic Awareness Soap

This
is a great way to start your day and bring you the confidence you need
to stand before those whom you need to face. Walk in the confidence
that has been given to you by God Almighty as you bathe with this soap,
know that you are becoming more aware and spiritually guarded, so that
you can meet life's challenges. This is a soap that helps bring
protection and give you a greater ability to function with greater
intuition and insight. Remember, according to your faith, so be it done
unto you.

Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive, Lemongrass Essential Oil and Rosemary Extract.
check it out at http://zoeministries.com/public/products/?productid=24
Maybe I should be handing this kinda stuff out instead of God's word.
( Still preaching through the sermon on the mount)
Maybe we should fill up little baskets and give out new people and those that leave, and put one beside each Hymn book.
The ways to minister with this soap are almost endless.
But back to the real world - or my world , today I am going to buy a second vehicle for our family (or me) its a truck, its not that we want a second vehicle its as need , in our home these days it seems we are all heading in different directions...
Yesterday I visited with a group of ministers that meet monthly to discuss the word, through devotional and book snip its. It was really enjoyable, and personally needed, its great to fellowship with like minded people.As pastors, once the Sunday service is over and we lock the doors it can be lonely by times,and that was followed by a coffee with another great pastor friend.
well its off for todays adventures...
Later

2008-08-11T07:31:00.001-03:00

Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness.

A. W. Pink

Here's a thought!

2008-08-07T07:54:00.001-03:00

Make sure the thing you are living for is worth dying for.

C. Mayes

Aug 4 wow !

2008-08-04T09:19:00.001-03:00

It's a Foggy Monday, and we are waiting to see when we can return to our campsite since we were rained out over night.
It was to be a cool evening and day as our son invited his friend to join us (since his sister is at camp for the week) over night. So he picked his friend from Egypt, whom has never camped out in his life, he tells me theres no where to camp in Egypt ??
So now in the quiet of this morning were waiting to head out again and have a fun day.
So how does a kid from Egypt end up in Yarmouth his Dad's a Doctor.
I like this kid he refers to me as Mr. Robertson and is complete with manners, compared to my boy who looks like that Bart kid ( well not that bad) but you get the idea.

I had my daughter with me shopping to go camping which seems endless, and tried to get her excited about the back to school stuff out now, to which she though was weird on my part and stupid on the stores part. But its a sign life goes on and school is on the horizon.

Having maybe too much time to think , I look at my kids, church and life and wonder what's on my horizon as well, I'm glad that the bible displays for me to see That God is in control , I Just need to trust Him, more and more...

Later

Reading at the Beach

2008-07-26T13:54:00.001-03:00

Back from Beulah

2008-07-24T20:43:00.002-03:00
I am now back home with Beulah Family Camp Over, and looking at the next big event 'Christmas'
and stuff in between now and then.
If your reading this wondering what is Beulah Camp ??
Its our denominational camp that includes people that attend Wesleyan Church's in Maine,
N.B. , N.F.L.D, N.S. P.E.I. or Atlantic Canada plus one state.
The camp runs from Friday till the following Sunday.
Every day has two services and stuff planned besides .
Every Pastor on our District is assigned a job for this week of camp (it's no vacation)
Mine is in the kitchen .
So between working two meals a day and a cottage full of people, I made the time to read two books....
The divine Defense by Robert Jeffress (I was very impressed with his book)
Watch Your walk by Richard Baxter ( He is always good)
My reflection on camp is - I'm glad I had my books.
The preaching was Good - but as a preacher it's hard to hear another,
I can't comment on the music because I skipped that part of the service understand the music is current and rocking there, but personally for what they sing I can hear on christian radio and done by its composer, I'm not against it , now I am realizing more and more Hymns are still Good and for the age dynamics of the camp probably more appreciated.

This Sunday marks the beginning of 10 years of ministry Here !
I am not sure how I am swallowing This, I left for camp, on an exit from church by a fishing buddy ( treasurer, soundboard etc, etc)
People have come and gone but this one hurts, But as my wife says " do I believe what I preach" than I must leave this with God and run the race.
[ Her mini sermons hurt more than a month of mine lol ]

So moving on we hope to have our own church camp in August, for a weekend on a camping lot by a lake.
And I have also challenged people to read Unlimiting God by R. Blacaby then we'll meet over coffee and discuss the book- I think it's going to be called Pastor Dale's book club !!!
If you have read it leave a comment !

Later

welcome from Beulah

2008-07-12T21:57:00.002-03:00
Here I am on the final Saturday of Beulah Camp.
This has got to be one of the fastest week of the year !
Looking back on the week it's been good.
Later

Happy Canada Day

2008-07-01T07:34:00.001-03:00

"In everyone?s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then
burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should
all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."

- Albert Schweitzer

Here is a sobering article

2008-06-26T07:13:00.001-03:00

Suspicious Behavior Could Indicate Terror Plotting

by Anthony L. Kimery

Monday, 23 June 2008

' ... being able to distinguish the ordinary from the extraordinary'

Coinciding with concerns among some intelligence services that
suspected Hezbollah "sleeper cells" in Canada have been activated,
Canadian law enforcement authorities increasingly are training for
spotting potentially suspicious activity and behavior that may indicate
terrorists are conducting surveillance or other goings-on in
preparation for targeting a specific structure or location for attack.

Several years ago, Robert David Steele, an outspoken veteran
intelligence officer, told HSToday.us that “50 percent of the ‘dots’
that prevent the next 9/11 will come from bottom-up [local] level
observation” and unconventional intelligence from “private sector
parties.”

Since 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and law
enforcement in the Washington, DC capital region have actively urged
citizens to report “suspicious activity.” Mobile electronic signs
urging people to report suspicious activity are routinely placed at
strategic locations throughout the metro area for periods of time. The
last one of these portable warnings I saw was at the convergence of Key
Bridge and George Washington Memorial Parkway on the Virginia-side of
the Potomac River just across from Georgetown.

Lynda Howes, a civilian member of the emergency event and management
unit of the Calgary (Canada) Police Service, told attendees of the “Tri-lateral Security Conference”
in Calgary last week that law enforcement must learn how terrorists
operating in order to prevent attacks. She said counterterrorism is
only manageable if it is tackled at the grass roots level. She
explained that it’s vital that everyone - including the public, the
police, government and private industry – recognizes the potential
indicators of terrorism and what actions to take if, and when, they are
encountered.

Howes said terrorists must recruit members, research their targets,
procure resources, receive, transfer and conceal money, and provide
transportation and communication.

And "each one of those phases represents an activity” that can be
identified if a person is trained to know what to be on the look-out
for. “Those activities are associated with a behavior. Once we have
that behavior, those are things you and I will be witnessing every
single day and are things we can pick up on as potential indicators.”

In late 2002, The Air Force's Office of Special Investigations
launched “Eagle Eyes,” a program to "deter terrorism by recognizing and
reporting pre-attack activities," according an OSI memo.

"Every terrorist act is preceded by observable planning activities,"
according to the OSI memo. "When troops and citizens know what to look
for and how to report suspicious activity, terrorist acts can be
prevented."

Department of Defense personnel have routinely been advised to
report suspicious reconnoitering of military facilities, people asking
detailed information about specific sites, and any other activity which
could indicate a "dry run” attack.

DHS says “knowing what to look for and being able to distinguish the
ordinary from the extraordinary are the key elements to successful
surveillance detection.”

“A persistent stream of reported suspicious incidents requires an
understanding of the purpose of terrorist surveillance, to know what
terrorists look for, and how they conduct surveillance operations,”
DHS’s advice states.

DHS states “terrorists conduct surveillance to determine a target's
suitability for attack by assessing the capabilities of existing
security and discerning weaknesses in the facility. After identifying
weaknesses, they plan their attack at the point of greatest
vulnerability.”

“Because terrorists must conduct surveillance-often over a period of
weeks, months, or years-detection of their activities is possible,” DHS
continued, noting, “regardless of their level of expertise, terrorists
invariably make mistakes. The emphasis of surveillance detection is to
key in on indicators of terrorist surveillance activities."

DHS states “successful surveillance detection efforts require immediate reporting of incidents similar to the following:

Multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, separated by time, distance, or direction;
Individuals who stay at bus or train stops for extended periods while buses and trains come and go;
Individuals who carry on long conversations on pay or cellular telephones;
Individuals who order food at a restaurant and leave before the food arrives or who order without eating;
Joggers who stand and stretch for an inordinate amount of time;
Individuals sitting in a parked car for an extended period of time;
Individuals who don't fit into the surrounding environment because they are wearing improper attire for the location or season;
Individuals
drawing pictures or taking notes in an area not normally of interest to
a tourist or showing unusual interest in or photographing security
cameras, guard locations, or watching security reaction drills and
procedures; and
Individuals who exhibit suspicious behavior,
such as staring or quickly looking away from individuals or vehicles as
they enter or leave facilities or parking areas

Other activity which should cause a heightened sense of suspicion include:

Suspicious or unusual interest;
Surveillance (suspicious in nature);
Inappropriate photographs or videos;
Note-taking;
Drawing of diagrams;
Annotating maps; and
Using binoculars or night vision devices

“Terrorists may also employ aggressive surveillance techniques, such as
making false phone threats, approaching security checkpoints to ask for
directions, or ‘innocently’ attempting to smuggle nonlethal contraband
through checkpoints,” DHS’s advice states. “The terrorists intend to
determine firsthand the effectiveness of search procedures and to gauge
the alertness and reaction of security personnel.”

Karen Morley, senior director of TerraGo Technologies, Atlanta, Ga.,
who began her career in the geospatial industry in the US Air Force as
a target intelligence specialist, told HSToday.us that terrorists need
to conduct careful surveillance of a potential target in order to be
confident that they can pull off a successful attack.

In 2004, RAND developed the book, “Mapping the Risks: Assessing Homeland Security Implications of Publicly Available Geospatial Information,”
for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, determined that
“potential attackers, such as terrorist groups or hostile governments,
are more likely to [utilize] reliable and timely information … such as
through direct access or observation. In addition, many types of
attacks, such as those by ground parties, are likely to require
detailed information for attack planning purposes (depending on the
target type and mode of attack). This type of information, which mostly
comes from such nongeospatial sources as engineering textbooks or human
expertise on the operations of a particular type of industrial complex,
is essential for attackers to have a high confidence in their plan.”

But according to John Bumgarner, an 18-year veteran of special
operations who has worked with most of the three-letter intelligence
agencies at one time or another and is now research director for
security technology at the US Cyber Consequences Unit, a non-profit
research institute, because of training like that promoted by Howes it
has become more and more difficult for terrorists to physically recon
targets, especially in the US.

“To actually start planning very detailed reconnaissance of a
building, and all the streets that go into it, and all the alleyways
and everything else, that could require a lot of physical
reconnaissance on the ground - it’s not something that you can actually
just easily do anymore,” Bumgarner stressed, especially in the
post-9/11 environment where conspicuous photographing, videoing and
other apparent physical surveillance can, and has - repeatedly across
the nation - caused people to be detained and questioned about their
activities.

“In other words,” said Bumgarner, “it’s gotten a whole lot harder
for a terrorist to conduct the kind of conspicuous physical
surveillance of a target that’s necessary for conducting a large-scale
or mass casualty attack.”

Consequently, more sophisticated terrorists are utilizing easily
accessible geospatial information, which was examined in the April HSToday cover report, “Every Eye a Spy.”

a great thought

2008-06-20T07:04:00.001-03:00

"God is not running an antique shop! He is making all things new!"

-Vance Havner

Life Update

2008-06-16T20:55:00.001-03:00

It seems no matter how I really want to keep my blog updated, it never gets done.
But here is what I have been doing in the last few days.
I have been busy attending the Greater Yarmouth Prayer Encounter
with Rev. Gerhard duToit.
It's been great to listening to a man whom truly walks with God so Humbly and as He talks to us about prayer and the bible he radiates the presence of God.
It's truly a blessing when I think we can meet such a person this side of heaven.

But this is not my only blessing, this past Sunday morning (Fathers Day) I had the morning off as my vice chairwoman and my Wife took the service.
And they did a great Job ! To which I am very grateful for them doing it.

Then we went out for a seafood plater for lunch, was it Good.

Another blessing this week occurred when a Retired Minister I greatly respect lent me a book on the life of a Baptist Preacher named Harry Hutchinson born back in 1890 the book is called One Moore Mile that's done by a local author, It is worth getting .

Romans 8:1
Later

2008-06-11T21:07:00.001-03:00

Couple Discovered Having Sex In Confessional While Church Service Going On

Wednesday June 11, 2008

CityNews.ca Staff

It's church doctrine to forgive and forget.

It's very likely the local bishop of a cathedral in Cesena, Italy will do the former but never quite be able to achieve the latter after he discovered what has to be one of the ultimate no-no's - a couple having an untamed romp in the hay in his church.

In a confessional.

During a morning mass.

The amorous duo, in their early 30s, admitted they'd had a bit too much to drink the night before and in their alcohol-induced fog decided the cramped chamber would make a perfect spot for something sinful.

Police were called and the duo was cautioned for obscene acts in public and a charge you may have never heard of - disturbing a religious function.

The contrite and now sober pair have since repented for their outrageous act of desecration and received forgiveness from the local bishop. He celebrated a "Mass of reparation" inside the tiny area to make up for the sacrilege.

It's not clear if the man and woman involved in this escapade actually attend that church, but if they do, you can be sure their next appearance inside that confessional will leave them with a long list of sins to admit to.

Reading this week (or month)

2008-06-03T20:10:00.001-03:00

Future Grace
by John Piper

Now Reading

2008-05-26T20:06:00.001-03:00

He'll forgive me anyway
'the devastating life of marshmallow grace
by
Steve HalliDay

This past week

2008-05-24T08:28:00.001-03:00

This past week I read two things a book and article that I thought were very encouraging , the first was a book titled: Experiencing Prayer with Jesus by
henry & Norman Blackaby.
this was a quick read book, and very insightful on prayer, especially as I am getting to Chapter of 6 of Matthew in my ongoing sermon serious from the sermon on the mount.
The second thing I read this week that gave me hope as a rural pastor was an article I herd mentioned on the way of the master radio station- from USA Today

Dissatisfaction, yearning make churchgoers switch

By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
The faithful are restless, a new study of Protestant churchgoers suggests.
They're
switching from church to church, powered by a mix of dissatisfaction
and yearning, according to the study by LifeWay Research. The
organization is part of the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist
Convention, the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
Most
of the switchers who changed their house of worship without making a
residential move (58%) say their old church failed to engage their
faith, or put their talents to work, or it seemed hypocritical or
judgmental.
But 42% of the people say they
switched because another church offered more appealing doctrines and
preaching or the preacher and church members' faith seemed more
"authentic."
"We
may believe in the same doctrine, the same God and study the same
Bible, but we are also imperfect human beings who mess up, who are not
always living out those beliefs," says Scott McConnell, associate
director of LifeWay Research. He adds in the rise of "consumerism and
narcissism" — when people expect to customize every experience to
personal taste.
More than half (54%) of
switchers changed denominations as well. Fewer than half (44%) said
denomination was an important factor in choosing a new church.
The
study, conducted in December, surveyed 632 Protestant adults who said
they switched churches. For findings on the 415 people who had not made
a residential move, the margin of error is plus or minus 3.9 percentage
points.
The study follows LifeWay's 2006 research on 469 "formerly churched" Protestants who quit church altogether.
Of the switchers, 76% call themselves "devout Christians." Only 19% of the quitters said the same.
The nation's largest denomination, the Roman Catholic Church, sees similar trends.
"The
boundaries that once kept people in one faith, one church, have become
more permeable," says Mary Gautier of the Center for Applied Research
in the Apostolate at Georgetown University.
The
number of new converts to Catholicism leveled off at about 150,000 a
year for the past decade, while immigration from Catholic countries in
Latin America, Asia and Africa has pushed the tally of U.S. Roman
Catholics to 64 million. But the church has no mechanism for tracking
who washes out of the pews unless they've died, been excommunicated or
publicly renounced their faith.
"Catholics are very sticky. They may not go to church but they still stick to that identification," Gautier says.
Although
the LifeWay research finds most switchers move to larger churches,
don't blame megachurches for poaching the sheep, says Scott Thumma of
Hartford Theological Seminary, author of an upcoming book, Beyond Megachurch Myths, based on several studies of churches.
"The
1,200 or so megachurches (defined as churches where 2,000 or more
people attend weekend worship) are only one-half of 1% of all U.S.
churches and account for only 5% of all weekend worship attenders,"
Thumma says.
"And my sense, after years of
examining megachurches, is that 80% of the people who join, including
those who go through new member classes, are gone within the first two
years."
Says Brad Waggoner, LifeWay's vice
president of research and ministry development: "There's no simple
answer why people are so restless."
Decades
ago, American culture supported church loyalty out of respect for the
church, obligation to family, or social expectations. Now, he says,
that culture has shifted.
Waggoner also sees
other factors at work, such as increased skepticism or cynicism in the
wake of clergy sexual abuse or financial scandals. And some are turned
off by divisiveness in denominations over doctrine and practice, he
says.
The Southern Baptist Convention, he
says, still feels the effect of a revolution in leadership in the 1980s
that restored theological conservatives to power. The Episcopal Church
is struggling now with dissention over views of the Bible and the role
of gay clergy.
Though individual churches and
pastors can't erase those overarching concerns, the survey suggests
there is a great deal they can change or do to stem the restless tide
of switchers and dropouts, Waggoner says.
"We have a biblical responsibility to care for every person in our flock."
Another Pastor and discussed this article with great hope in that - perhaps if USA Today is right then our better days are around the corner !

********
Not only Have I read this week, but it started off to a great week on the past Sunday night when with two other church's we shared a combined service , where us Three pastors spoke for 10 min. on the Trinity, being Trinity sunday
Bill who retires in less than a month Spoke on the Father, I had the Son and Reg took the Holy Spirit.
It was a great time that was served up by really good food!
But what amazed me was the Aged saint who said she never herd of the Trinity preached on Before. Assumed but never Preached on, how can we leave out such important Doctrinal Truths especially as it makes number one as what we believe in the discipline.
What have we preached - if not doctrines such as the Trinity?
I have a sneaky idea that over time we have only concentrated on specific Wesleyan doctrines to sadly leave our people mel-nourished as to the Whole Counsel of God. Yes ! and even in my church, if I mention one specific word - there are alarming sounds of Amen, but to every thing else ( as we preach through the sermon on the mount covering so many issues of godly living) there is silence.
What's wrong with this ?

Later

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This is what we call in Yarmouth a Lobster Poutine. And it's My new favorite !

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The Believer's Daily Remembrance-
Pastor James Smith (1802-1862): “Where is your faith?” - Luke 8:25
(March 23: MORNING)