Three Different Sounding Preachers

WHEN THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF MORE THAN ONE ELDERS

I was been considered to be the assoc. pastor of a church here in Portsmouth.  Well at least by some. But as it turned out, an elder said to me, "Charles we all like you, but we think we need someone who sounds like the pastor does.  I believe he meant my voice.  That was the worst reasoning I had very heard.  Of course there was more to it than just that.

But my point here is to say at Rivers of Joy we have three elders / pastors.  And we all preach the Word from the Bible.  But we are all three different in our approach to preach and we all three sound different.

To say the people like one over another is not the issue here.   We all have our likes and dislikes for use.  But we have come very good people and they will even listen to me preach and teach.

 Bill Bower love to preach, and he usually preaches a section of verses for a chapter in the Bible, he does not use a lot of notes, usually a sheet of verses. And he can finish in one sermon.

 Charles Whisnant, well, you know him.  He as been in Romans now for 63 sermons, and he is in chapter five and verse 2. I would say more of a bible teacher.

Johnny Edwards is foremost a singer and piano player. But is a pastor / preacher.  He "preaches" as they say.  He will get you fired up and stir you up as the say.  He is blind so he doesn't use notes. But he loves the Lord and loves people and he is straight to the point in his preaching.

So what I am saying here,  while I am the lead preacher and teacher at the church, the other pastors preach and they are a blessing to all of us.  Different voices and different approach, but from the same word of God.  We are all on the same wave link in our love for the Word.  

So far, we all get along very well together.   Its been 2 years plus and we all still enjoy each other's fellowhship.

What Nice Granddaughtesr and Son and Daughter-in-law

Teaching the Gospel

Eric and Leslie Whisnant, daughter, our granddaughter

Am I A Christian?

Teaching at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church

Charles e. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher

Teaching the Gospel
click on title

Paul spend three chapters explaining to the Jews that there is a need to know why you need to be saved. Its not by your works. Its not my how well you live your life? He was carefully to explain why there was a need to be saved?

Then Paul in chapter 3 and 4 gives how God is going to save the sinner.

We as preachers of the Word, need to be clear in presenting the Gospel. Clearly explain what God requires of salvation.

Too many preachers have slimmed down the gospel, and are asking people to make a "decision" that will not lead to their salvation.

HOW WE PREACH OR TEACH THE GOSPEL AND LAW

It is the Word implanted (James) that creates faith and nurtures the Fruit of the Spirit.

·       So it is all so simple. We do not preach as the apostles did, commanding all men to repent and believe and knowing that only by the ministry of the Spirit will they do so, because (unlike Peter and Paul) we are afraid of creating a false impression that human effort saves.

"The theology of homiletics is far less simplistic and requires a genuine comprehension of biblical soteriology.". But then, it’s easier to paint a straw-man of applicatory preaching:

• A good preacher will reference the Word as to soteriolgy, as what true faith looks like and does, but 10 steps to this or that, or barn burning harangues (address somebody loudly and forcefully) about Christian morality won't change anything.

Because, you know, the whole history of applicatory (suitable for applying) preaching may be summed up with reference to a few miserable trends in the last few decades: application can only take the form of raving : i.e.

 

• (Irrational, used to emphasize the sense of admiration and excitement felt for something, or wildly irrational speech, anger, or insulting utterances))  fundamentalistic diatribes (a bitter verbal or written attack on somebody or something) or silly self-help seminars. No one has ever done it any other way.

Passion for the Glory of God

God has been very good to us in the NT by giving us many different ways of seeing the greatness of his glory. I am going to mention eleven of these in the hope that one or several will sink into your heart and give you a longing for for God's glory. I am not going to define it first, but just let the texts point you to the reality.

1. God shows that his glory is very great by saying that it is eternal. Romans 11:36, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen." The greatness of God's glory is seen in the fact that it will never end. It is great in durability and permanence.

2. God shows the greatness of his glory by contrasting it with the frail and temporary glory of the world. 1 Peter 1:24, "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides for ever."

"Flesh" in that verse simply refers to all that is not spiritual. All the accomplishments of natural man are like grass and all their glory -- engineering glory, architectural glory, artistic glory, electrical glory, atomic glory, computerized glory -- all our greatest human glory is like a dandelion ball compared to God's permanent glory.

C.S. Lewis preached a great sermon on June 8, 1941 called "The Weight of Glory". He said, "Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat." And if the greatest glories of the world are to us as the life of a gnat, how much greater must be the God of glory in whom we live and move and have our being.

3. God shows the greatness of his glory by speaking of its might and power. Colossians 1:11, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory." And 2 Thessalonians 1:9 turns it around and speaks of "the glory of his might." The point is not very different: the glory of God shines forth in great power, and the power of God exhibits itself in great glory.

If you want to conceive of the glory of God in its proper proportions, dwell on the scope of God's power. How great is the power of God when Isaiah 40 says "He measured the seas in the hollow of his hands... and weighed the mountains in scales"; and when Daniel 4 says, "He does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What doest Thou?" and when Hebrews 1:3 says "He upholds the universe by his word of power." God is exceedingly powerful beyond all imagination, and his power is only one expression of his glory. Therefore his glory is very great.

How Would You Take To a person who is a Homo.

Pier Moran Tonight on CNN (who took over for Larry King) interview Joel Oseen. Not also Peir's remarks.




Reading MMI Weblog today and found these videos.

Passion for the Glory of God

Have you notice there is a lot of passion in the world today. Most of the passion seems to be evil passion, like lust, anger, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, divisions, envy, self love, and we could go on.

Sports, entertainment, recreation and the pursuit of personal happiness. And we really are expected to be deiriously excitedabout things like that. You don't go to a Dallas Cowboy's football game and just set there.

But we are not expected to be so excited about the glory of the Lord. We are seen as seriously imbalance if we express our love for the glory of the Lord.

Culturally Contextualized or Historically Connected?

Culturally Contextualized or Historically Connected? (click on title)

And here’s the extended section from Darrin Patrick’s book:

One of the common errors of young men who surrender to ministry is to simply adopt the model of a church that they have experienced or idolized. A similar mistake is to blindly adopt the ministry philosophy and practice of a ministry hero. The man who is experiencing head confirmation is thoughtful about hisownphilosophy of ministry, his own ministry style, his own theological beliefs, his own unique gifts, abilities, and desires. In short, there is uniqueness to the way he wants to do ministry. (Church Planter, 37)

Well, let’s start with what John MacArthur said said in last Sunday’s interview with Phil Johnson:

My theology was framed up as not my own. You know there’s a new book on church planting, written by a guy named Darrin Patrick, and he says if you want to be an effective church planter, develop your own theology. You know, when I read that, I almost fell off the chair. What? I mean, can you think of anything worse than to have some guy develop his own theology? This is ultimate niche marketing, you know, develop your own style, your own wardrobe, and then your own theology.

The issue is: Should young pastors develop their own theolgical beliefs, and do their own kind of ministry without in put from their heroes of ministry?

I have for one I have copied about every preacher I have liked. Charity would say "Who are you going to be like this year." Smarty.

Well, I look to the established preachers? Paul said to Timothy, be like me and as you were taught.

I am waiting for the transcripts from these interviews.

You can read the book review here.

• There are a few things I disagree with along the way. Patrick is one of those self-described Acts29 “Charismatics with a seatbelt” and that measured-but-still-obvious Charismatic bent is visible quite often throughout the book.

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

HOW DO YOU JUDGE A PREACHER?

HOW DO YOU JUDGE A PREACHER? (click on title)

So many people have their own idea as to what is a good pastor? What is a great preacher? Why should I want to listen to him?

What does a preacher need to say that will make a difference in me going to the church he is preacher? Of course having been in ministry for so long, I usually ask that question when I go to a church.

People in that church need to know enough about the Word of God that they have a good understanding about the purpose of the preaching of the Word of God.


I have listen to preaching all (literally) all of by life. My Dad was a pastor/teacher from the time I was born. I would like to be able to preach with the ability that people would listen. I would like to have a great sermon each week. I am still working on this project.

But most of all, I have a desire to preach the Word of God in truth. That is a challenge for sure. I want to know what I am teaching is truth.

I want to teach the truth that God is going to bless. I want to present a gospel that is really going to see God save human souls.

I really have not had the ability to build big church buildings, have a wonderful mission program, I have not had the ability I guess of helping the poor, and all the side things that I am glad come do.

But the one thing I desire above all else is the assurance that I preach and teach the gospel that will bring people to a real true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

SO YOU MIGHT BE A CALVINIST IF?

SO YOU MIGHT BE A CALVINIST IF?

OR IT MIGHT BE JUST THAT YOU BELIEVE

THE WORD OF GOD POSITION ON SALVATION AND GRACE

If they say, “Are you a Calvinist?” say, “You decide. Here is what I believe ..”

And of course most of my fundamentalist friends would not say they are Calvinist?

But on the other hand I would say most would agree with the following verses and statement about our salvation.

I believe I am so spiritually corrupt and prideful and rebellious that I would never have come to faith in Jesus without God’s merciful, sovereign victory over the last vestiges of my rebellion. (1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 3:1:1-4; Romans 8:7). (click on verse)

I believe that God chose me t be his child before the foution of the world, on the basis of nothing in me, foreknown or otherwise. Ephesians1:4-6; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:29-30; 11:5-7

I believe Christ died as a substitute for sinners to provide a bona fide offer of salvation to all people, and that he had an invincible design in his death to obtain his chosen bride, namely, the assembly of all believers, whose names were eternally written in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain. (John 3:16John 10:15; Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 13:8)

When I was dead in my trespasses, and blind to the beauty of Christ, God made me alive, opened the eyes of my heart, granted me to believe, and united me to Jesus, with all the benefits of forgiveness and justification and eternal life. (Ephesians 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:29; Ephesians; Acts 16:14; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 3:9)

I am eternally secure not mainly because of anything I did in the past, but decisively because God is faithful to complete the work he began—to sustain my faith, and to keep me from apostasy, and to hold me back from sin that leads to death. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9; 1Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 1:6 I Peter 1:5; Jude 1:25; John10:28-29; I John 5:16)

Call it what you will, this is my life. I believe it because I see it in the Bible. And because I have experienced it. Everlasting praise to the greatness of the glory of the grace of God!

What is going on today

The Assurance of Our Eternal Life is our Glorification Videos

CLICK ON TITLE

Last night we were able to Skype Bob and Saundra Temple in Arlington Texas and then Charity talked to Ill in Costa Rica Central America. That was great.

Today I hope to post a few more articles on by other websites and up load a Sunday;s Bible Study.

So come back to this site later today.

The Believer is Headed for Glorification

A new convert might be tempted to say, “How long will this born again salvation last?” And they might say, “Is there anything I can do to lose it?”

Paul would answer in Ephesians 1:13-18. Paul was not only wanting to see the salvation of the human soul but he wanted them to understand what kind of salvation it was. He wanted them to understand this salvation.

FOOTNOTE (click on the verse to see the reading of the verses)

SIX STRANDS IN THE ROPE THAT PROVIDES ETERNAL LIFE

Romans 5:1-2. Charles e. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher, January 23, 2011 45.61

REVIEW:

1A PEACE WITH GOD

Write down this list: Peace of _______________ rather than worry.

(You will learn more if you write rather than type. Your brain has time to think if you write out what you want to say.)

2A ACCESS ⁴³¹⁸ (right of entry) BY FAITH INTO THIS

GRACE ⁵⁴⁸⁴⁾(GOD)

1. We open the door and step into the kingdom; we see our self standing in grace. Grace is the place where all sin is forgiven and forgotten.

2. Literally means a bringing near, a leading, or bringing into the presence of.

3. The believer’s access to God through Jesus Christ.

1. 4. Access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)

1. 5. Access through Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:5) The blood gives you boldness (Hebrews 10:19)

1. 6. Access by our faith (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12)

1. 7. The essential ingredient is prayer. (Hebrews 10:22)

NO LONGER.

WHEREIN WE STAND²⁴⁷⁶, (IN WHICH WE STAND)

1 In the perfect tense indicating a past completed action with present and continuing results.

3A HOPE IN GLORY:

REJOICE²⁷⁴⁴

• to boast over a privilege. Joyful confidence. An unusually high degree of confidence in God

• Really to rejoice in the real security of the future. 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1;18-21; 17:22

IN HOPE¹⁶⁸⁰

• This is not the “hope so” kind.

• Defined as a desire for some future good with the expectation of obtaining it. Confident expectancy, anticipation of that which we do not yet see.

• Romans 8:28-30 Our Security Is Secure.

• We are going to lose our humanism. Lose the inability of the flesh. Lose the body’s earthiness.

OF THE GLORY¹³⁹¹ OF GOD:

• An expression of God’s persons. God has revealed His glory. What’s this?

o Someday God in the fullest, truest, purest, is going to reflect His eternal character through us. Romans 8:18-23

o The final completion of us, our redemption. The glorification of God in us.

o The ultimate fulfillment of our salvation! Heaven.

§ HEAVEN: (I would like to take a detour and talk about Heaven.)

• An expression of Christ’s person. Romans 8:29

• II Corinthians 3:18, Exodus 33 (Moses) Philippians 3:20-21, Colossians 3:4, Hebrews 2:10 Romans 9:23

• The reason I am secure in the hope that is built into my salvation that I was saved unto glory.

• Romans 9:23 We are prepared unto glory, and we are awaiting to get there.

• We are just waiting to get rid of this body so we can get there and enter into the glory.

· This Glory of God, Christ revealed.

o Colossians 1:27; I Thess. 2:12, 1 Peter 5:1;

o

Radiate Sending out from us the energy