http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067 What Josh is thinking about right now. AdvancedMinistry One of the newest and coolest movies in the theaters right now is "The Avengers".  I took a group of 52 people to see it on opening night and I must say, it's the best superhero type movie to date.I mean, you just can't beat having Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow together on the big screen with the big name actors and actresses playing the characters.This got me thinking, though...could there be a team of Biblical Heroes...a group of "Bible Avengers", on a mission from God to destroy the enemy of Satan?Here are some possible candidates for this team (other than the obvious...Jesus): Joseph (Old Testament)- Supernatural Psychic Abilities Moses - "Super Staff" that can transform into a snake, part major water-ways, and bring forth water from a rock Joshua - Born leader with ability to take down entire fortified walls with music Rahab - Excellent at Concealment Samson - Incredible Lion-Ripping Strength Gideon - Ultimate Underdog who wins despite the odds David - Master sling-shooter with no fear Elijah - Flying ability through Chariot of Fire Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Completely Fireproof Peter - Walks on water Paul - Can come back to life after being killed Let me know if you have any more ideas for other possible "Bible Avengers" from Scripture, and what you think of the candidates listed.   http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=34376 34376 Wed, 16 May 2012 12:49:00 +0000 In 1 Peter chapter 2, the author describes us as aliens and strangers in this world.  As Christians, this is exactly what we are.Think about it...our concept of "aliens" are those who don't belong here, seem like they're from another planet because they are so vastly different from us (our customs, appearance, language, etc.).So many movies depict hostility toward aliens, even those who mean no harm because they are different (now, there are plenty of movies that do show aliens coming in to take over), but I think of movies like E.T. the "Extra Terrestrial" where people were afraid of that harmless little guy because of his differences.For those of us who call ourselves "True Christians", we are in essence calling ourselves aliens...set apart...different...As Christians, we should act different than others.  Our language should be different, the way we showcase our bodies should be different, the way we conduct ourselves in public should be different....Basically, non-Christians should look at us and KNOW there is something odd or strange about us...AND THAT IT'S A GOOD THING!!!So, be an alien and reach out and touch someone with your life! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=34042 34042 Fri, 4 May 2012 09:45:00 +0000 When I walk on by, people be thinking "Man, who's that guy?"I don't like to preach, but everywhere I go you see a change in me, yeah!This is how I roll, with Christ in my life He's in controlHe's real cool, tells me where to go, and I just follow Him no matter what, Yeah!If we are the bodyIf we are the bodyIf we are the bodyThen Reach Out!When I walk into church, yeah, this is what He sees...A sinful, broken man who needs to be set free.Now I have Jesus in my heart and I'm not ashamed to show it, show it, SHOW IT!!I'm Christian and you know it!When I'm in the pew, readin' in my Bible tryin' to get some truthWhen I'm in the school, not worried 'bout appearance or if I look cool, what?This is how I roll, come on believers it's time to goWe're headin' on a mission, don't be nervous, we've read God's Word so we know the verses...WATCH!If we are the bodyIf we are the bodyIf we are the bodyThen Reach Out!When I walk into church, yeah, this is what He sees...A sinful, broken man who needs to be set free.Now I have Jesus in my heart and I'm not ashamed to show it, show it, SHOW IT!!I'm Christian and you know it!Check it outCheck it outC H R I S T I A N, yeah!C H R I S T I A N, yeah!C H R I S T I A N, yeah!I'm a Christian manI'm a Christian man, yeah!I'M CHRISTIAN AND YOU KNOW IT!!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=33835 33835 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:41:00 +0000 There are a lot of things in life that I question.  Why is it that despite posted speed limits, people still drive faster whether it's 35 or 80mph?  How does an airplane seat serve as a floatation device?  Why in the world are there sporks? and, Why did those who put chapters and verses to the books of the Bible decide to start new verses in the middle of sentences?Despite all these questions, I have no doubt that people know the speed limits, my seat would float in the event of a plane water landing, a spork could come in handy...maybe, and that there was a specific reasoning behind the Biblical compilation the way it is.There are times, though that I do have doubts.  Doubt by definition is a status between belief and disbelief, involves uncertainty or distrust or lack of sureness of an alleged fact, an action, a motive, or a decision.I've had my doubts in someone's decision to move forward in plans I felt would fail.  I've doubted my own safety before when placed in an uncertain position.  I've even doubted my assurance of Heaven at times.The point is, doubt is not a sin.  Without doubt, we wouldn't question, without question, we wouldn't research, without research, we wouldn't have answers and self-discovery, which tend to solidify our beliefs.However, we must also have faith to counteract doubt in our Spiritual lives.  Faith (according to the author of Hebrews) is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead until he could see and feel the physical proof.  Jesus told him, you believe because you have seen, but blessed are those who believe and have not seen.So, what doubts in your life cloud your faith?  What doubts do you have that you can question and come to a stronger faith because of?  How can you separate the doubts? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=33568 33568 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:43:00 +0000 This evening in youth groups, I'm going to be doing a foot washing lesson that continues what we've been studying since January on being servants as well as leads perfectly in to Good Friday and Easter.One thing that really stands out to me about the story John tells in the 13th chapter of his gospel is who all was in attendance when Jesus humbled Himself completely showing the disciples the full extent of His love for them through the washing of their feet.We know that Peter was there because he is the only one who actually speaks up when Jesus is trying to wash his feet...typical Peter, right?But, we also know that Judas was there because Jesus refers to him when he says "not all of you are clean".Do you grasp the magnitude of the fact that Judas was there as well as the other 11 disciples???Jesus knew he would betray Him, but Judas also knew because the plan had already been laid out by this time to arrest Jesus in the Garden.Can you just imagine how it would have been on both sides of this when Jesus came to Judas's feet?  What were they both thinking at this time?  Surely, Judas would have had a HUGE amount of guilt weighing on himself for what he was about to do.  He probably would have gone white as a ghost just thinking about the shame of betraying his master...a guy he had traveled and done ministry with for over 3 years, who he had "shared life" with.And Jesus, even though he was fully God and knew what was going to happen and even that it needed to happen for righteousness to be fulfilled...His human side would surely have felt some sort of sadness, disappointment, etc. at the fact that this man, whom He trusted, walked with, ministered with, prayed with had betrayed Him ultimately to the point of His own human death on the cross.And yet...Jesus still humbly served Judas in this capacity...and still loved him unconditionally...God loves you...regardless of what you've done, where your life has led you, the things you've said and thought...GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU FOR HIS OWN!!!Will you come to God through His Son, Jesus?  If you haven't, I hope you will. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=33249 33249 Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:29:00 +0000 I walk in darkness I feel alone No shelter, dwelling, Can't find my home How did I get here, This path I take? Am I just dreaming, When will I wake? I'm at the end My death has come I owe a debt For what I've done But wait, there's something My eyes can see Is that a light? What can it be? I run toward it, My heart it leads As if this thing Is what it needs And just when hope and faith seem lost I fall before My Savior's cross. He is not there His death was true He was nailed and beaten For me and you So, if you walk as I did then with scars and wounds from all your sin Know that Christ in the end will win Give Him your life And never be lonely again! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=32962 32962 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:07:00 +0000 I've been thinking a lot lately about family and how they play the second most important role in our lives to Jesus Christ. So, with family being so important, and therefore should be such a high priority, what do you enjoy spending time with them doing? I know our family absolutely loves movies...going to the theater together, picking up a redbox, or ordering one up on our ROKU at home.  We get the chance to sit together, enjoy each others' company, and Trista and I love to see the reaction on Gabe's face to different things happening in the movie and hearing him laugh out loud when he finds something hillarious. We also love taking him to places and events he's never experienced or very rarely experiences such as Professional, College, or High School sporting events, live action theater like "Sesame Street Live" or "Veggietales Live", and even just a jaunt down to Amish Country.  We are really looking forward to taking him to Disney World soon... I absolutely LOVE spending time with my family and cherish every opportunity I get to be with them, so we try to make the most of those times together with as busy as life gets. So, WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ENJOY DOING TOGETHER?  I look forward to your comments. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=32782 32782 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:11:00 +0000 My wife and I just got back from the Simply Youth Ministry Conference earlier this week.  The theme for the event was "Breathe", and the focus was on taking time to re-recognize who we are and were called to be for God. So, I've really been thinking a lot about the act of breathing...something most of us just take for granted until something restricts it. Breathing instructions are pretty simple: Inhale Exhale Repeat steps 1 and 2 It's one of the earliest things as human beings we learn to do...right out of the womb, we breathe. Breathing is a life or death situation...we breathe, we live....we stop breathing, well something else happens entirely Jesus Christ is often referred to as the "Breath of Life".  It's almost as if, when we receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior, every breath we take from then on should be through Him and for Him. We could stop breathing at any moment, so what will you do with the breaths that He allows you to take from this moment forward? Take some time and BREATHE... Inhale Jesus Exhale Jesus Repeat steps 1 and 2 http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=32439 32439 Thu, 8 Mar 2012 14:13:00 +0000 On Monday this week, a student opened fire in Chardon High School with a gun...the end result that three of his fellow classmates' lives were cut short.  I have been extremely saddened by this act.  I don't understand what goes through a person's mind when they make the choice to take a weapon to school with intent to harm. The thing that happens when tragedy like this strikes, though, is that we look for someone or something to blame for this happening. We blame the parents for being absent or abusive We blame the violent video games or movies the student was into We blame the other students at school who gave him a hard time We blame the teachers for not doing a better job of protecting the students We blame the administration for not having better safety policies and procedures in place We blame the church for not reaching this kid in time We blame, blame, blame, blame anyone and everything except where the ultimate responsibility should fall... ...the shooter is reponsible for his actions.  We all wake up every morning and make decisions that affect our days.  When we make poor decisions, we suffer the consequences for the actions, but we have no one to blame for our choices but ourselves. This mentality is not new.  Look at the beginning of creation with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  After they ate the fruit God told them not to eat, God confronted them.  First God asked Adam, and his response was..."It was the woman you gave me...she did it."  Then, Eve, feeling defensive at this said..."No, it was the snake...he deceived me." So, as you can see, "passing the blame" onto others is something that has been around from the start. Time to break the trend.  Will you be someone who is responsible for you and everything you say and do? Time to take personal responsibility!  http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=32183 32183 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:19:00 +0000 Today marks the beginning of a yearly period we call Lent.  A lot of people celebrate it...some more than others depending on your religious affiliation.  The thing a lot of us do during this time, though, is give something up for 40 days.  Basically, we choose something in our own life that if we were to stop doing that one thing for nearly 6 weeks, it would be a challenge...and ultimately a sacrifice on our part.  Sacrificing to self is the least of which we can do in response to Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross which we remember on Easter Weekend. I was thinking today on my drive into the church what I could give up for these 40 days.  I thought about pop, but I already had one half gone in my car this morning.  Then, I thought about other things that I really enjoy....sweets, television, video games, facebook...but in the end I made a decision that will not only be a sacrifice, but will also lead to a healthier lifestyle in the long run...I AM GIVING UP RED MEAT FOR LENT! I know what you're thinking..."Is that really a sacrifice?"  For a guy who loves steak, pork, and the like...yes it is...and it's something I've been wanting to do and putting off as it is anyway. So, the question now for you is..."WHAT WILL YOU GIVE UP?" http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=31925 31925 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:25:00 +0000 Wikipedia defines courage like this: Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Courage is acting in spite of fear. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.   Fear is such a powerful thing...and ultimately Courage is overcoming a fear of some kind. I've always had a serious fear of heights (you wouldn't think that since I'm 6'5").  Two years ago at my High School week of church camp at Elkhorn Valley, I wouldn't even climb up on the brand new, state of the art High Ropes course...all I did was hold the ladder for others and help belay people to swing down.  This past summer, I was determined to be courageous, facing my fear of heights, and be the first one up on the 25 ft platform that branches out to the different elements....I MADE IT!!!  I even did one of the elements up there, which totally petrified me.  This summer, I plan on doing at least a couple more elements on this level as well as making my way up to the 40 ft top level to do the Zip Line.  I don't know what will happen, but I pray that Courage will win out again. What are you afraid of?  What in your life do you need to take a stand and be courageous about? I was thinking about the movie Courageous, and how 4 police officers have to work together, in the face of tragedy, to be courageous and make a decision that will change all of their families' lives. As a husband, father, minister, mentor, and leader I want to be the kind of man who is courageous despite all my fears and insecurities. LORD, GIVE ME COURAGE!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=31492 31492 Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:56:00 +0000 Have you every wondered what goes on inside the mind of a teenager?  What makes them say the things they say...do the things they do...act the way they act....??? Now, mind you...a lot of it is good...GREAT EVEN!!  I mean, there are teenagers out there who have hearts full of compassion that as adults we could only dream of having.  There are those who show the boldness and courage...that "NO FEAR" attitude that I have never had toward certain things in life.  There are even those who model the example of Jesus Christ better than I've seen people who've been Christians their entire lives...I have seen and gotten to work with many students who have shown me these God-given gifts and more. However, with the good is also the bad...teenagers who are disrespectful constantly to anyone in authority.  Students who show a blatant disregard for anyone but themself.  So many teens don't care what happens to them, or how the consequences of their poor choices and actions affect the people that love and care about them...yeah I've seen and gotten to work with these as well...and sometimes they can be found in the same person. So, I still wonder...what is running through these student's brains that can make them go from Jekyl to Hyde without any warning?  What makes teens tick? I see the facebook posts; I hear the rumors, gossip, and chatter at different times each week; I talk to parents who don't know how to deal with things their child is doing/saying But, despite any negativity that people might associate with today's Teenagers, the reason I love doing the work God has called me to do is that the POTENTIAL FOR GREATNESS IS ALWAYS THERE!! THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH OF TODAY...NOT JUST TOMORROW!!! Give them (and their odd minds) a chance and I guarantee THEY WILL SURPRISE YOU!!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=31155 31155 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000 Is there someone in your life you look up to?  Someone who you seek the counsel of when you need advise, to talk to about anything, or just to listen? What about someone who will tell you point-blank when you've totally screwed up?  That will only ever criticize you in private, praising you and building you up to others in public?  Who is very invested in your success as a person through your personal, family, and job life?  Who if they knew you're in a situation over your head would step in without hesitation to come to your aid? For me, that person just happens to be our Minister of Worship and Evangelism here at MCC, Ed Carter. Since Ed and I met in the summer of 2002, he has been a constant, consistent person in my life. When I was oblivious to a situation that could have been ill-perceived by others, he taught me about being "Above Reproach". Whenever I come up with an idea I am excited about, he is the one who makes sure I have thought through all the worst-case-scenarios, every minute detail covered...and most of the time I have not considered them. When I've had issues in my personal or family life that have stretched my emotions and stress level to the extreme, he has been there as a guide, rescuer, and friend. I have learned so much from his experience, wisdom, and critique...and most importantly the example he sets as a Leader and man of God. So, WHO IS THE MENTOR IN YOUR LIFE? ...Or do you even have one? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=30963 30963 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000 I'm half way through the book "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo, and I can't help but wonder at it. I was very cynical going into this reading because I could not believe that they were making so much money off this book that the basis of which was a nearly 4-year-old's revelation he had during surgery...I just didn't get it. Then, one of the students in my youth group told me I needed to read it.  I have a policy that if a student recommends something seriously for me to check out, I will usually at least give it a shot.  I also opened my Bible to Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them.  And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Well, this did it for me so I picked it up and started reading...and once I started I couldn't stop. This book has spawned all sorts of thoughts for me about Heaven, the Bible, Jesus, etc... Needless to say, I am no longer the cynic I was about this book. And, regardless of how much you believe about it, the one thing you can take away from this book if nothing else is... HEAVEN IS FOR REAL!!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=30691 30691 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:23:00 +0000 We are nearly four full days into 2012, with everyone talking about resolutions, starting fresh, getting something "new"... I feel like it's the same thing every year...Resolutions become a "To Do List" for the first week of the year, and then the list doesn't get made for the next week, or it get's made and certain things don't get done, goals not achieved, etc....eventually making it an "I Didn't Do It List". We make goals to eat better, lose weight, exercise more (even purchasing a gym membership), get more sleep, spend more time with our families, etc. These are all good goals to have, and I pray that people can stick to them because having healthier lifestyles and family relationships will definitely cut down on the stress day-to-day life can bring. However, the one resolution, goal, fresh start, "NEW", thing I would encourage everyone to put at the top of their list this year is to work on your relationship with Jesus. Don't have a relationship with your Lord and Savior?... GET ON IT! Feel like your relationship with Christ is lacking?...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! You're as close as you can possibly be with the Son of God?...MOVE CLOSER!!! You want everything in your life to move in the right direction in the New Year...and for YEARS TO COME?... MAKE "JESUS AND YOU" A PRIORITY!!!  (He Makes Everything NEW) http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=30508 30508 Wed, 4 Jan 2012 09:26:00 +0000 Imagine a farmer feeling compassion for the ant colony facing destruction from his tractor's plow.  Wanting to finish plowing before the approaching storm comes, the farmer goes over to the ant hill.  "Ants, if you just move over here into the woods, you will be safe from the plow."  No response.  He writes a little note saying the same thing.  No response.  Finally, he realizes he can only communicate by becoming an ant! (Illustration taken from Dennis Stokes, Central Baptist Church - Johnson City, TN) God in Jesus Christ made a transformational leap that was even greater than this farmer.  He left the splendor and safety of heaven to live as a human being within His creation for 33 years.  Just think, as a man, Jesus revealed truth, justice, wisdom, holiness, and love like no one had ever done before.  He touched, healed, walked, and talked with people to communicate what real life and the kingdom of God were all about!  He was Immanuel, "God with us"! However, the miracle of Jesus Christ's birth met with seeming tragedy.  The very people He came to redeem rejected and killed Him.  However, before His death, Jesus had trained disciples and given them His Word and a task.  The Father's plan was that after He rose from the dead, Jesus would send His Spirit to empower and guide these men to go out bearing His name and modeling His love. God was with us in Jesus Christ; He is now with us in His body, the Church.  We are God's ambassadors to the world.  God was with us so that He can work through us! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=30275 30275 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:06:00 +0000 In our church's production of "A Christmas Carol" this year, I play the role of Bob Cratchit. One of the things that can be said about the Cratchit family is that they are appreciative of what they have, which is not much materially, but they have a big, loving family. Part of my role occurs during the Ghost of Christmas Future when Scrooge is shown a future Christmas at the Cratchit household, where the youngest child "Tiny Tim" is no longer at his seat at the dinner table, due to his untimely passing.  I have to portray the part of a seriously grieving father during this scene over the fact that his son is dead.  I have literally brought myself to tears for this role to make it as believable as possible for those in the audience. What this gets me thinking about is losses that so many families have experienced over the past year.  Think about it, if you celebrated Christmas with a family member last year...and maybe for many many years...and they are not celebrating with you this year for the first time because of them not being present on this earth anymore, you can really endure some grieving moments. It's still hard for me thinking about our last Christmas in 2003 with everyone in my wife's family together under one roof for our yearly Christmas Eve gathering, and how that was the LAST one with 3 of those family members. Christmas is never the same after the loss of a loved one, but it's how you choose to honor those individual's memories that can help to define how your Christmas will be celebrated this year. Can you move on and forge new Christmas traditions with the loved ones you still have here in a physical sense?  Or, will you allow yourself to be consumed with grief and despair?  The choice is yours...and if you're in Christ, the choice is clear! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=30038 30038 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:40:00 +0000 Christmas is one of my favorite times of year, but it can have a tendency to bring about many different emotions and moods. Lots of busy-ness buying and wrapping just the right presents, making sure you have your Christmas cards all mailed out in time and make absolutely sure YOU DON'T FORGET ANYONE, lots of baking, and other such things that this season brings can cause a great deal of stress.  That stress can cause worry, anger, depression, etc....which in turn can cause you to cry, lash out at others at the smallest thing, or completely close yourself off to anything and everyone. Man, what a time of year!!! But, wait a minute....over 2,000 years ago, a baby boy was born to a young Jewish couple in a feeding trough, amongst the filth and stink that accompany tight animal quarters.  That baby boy's destiny was to live 33 years and die on a cross for ALL of our sins regardless of how we feel or felt about His true Father, providing us the opportunity for complete and total salvation through this boy, this eventual SAVIOR FOR ALL MANKIND.... So, are you stressed....worried, angry, depressed...moody?  Let me ask you a different question, "DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST?" If you answered, "YES" to the second question...WHAT REALLY IS YOUR MOOD? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=29933 29933 Fri, 9 Dec 2011 10:43:00 +0000 I was just thinking about Christmas traditions and what we did in my family growing up to what I have become accustomed to now. I remember when my sister, Leah and I were kids on Christmas morning.  Leah was always the first one up and at 'em.  She would generally sit in the living room looking at all the presents...probably shaking several...then after she felt like it was a long enough time, she would come into my room and wake me up.  Then, very sneakily, we would open my parent's bedroom door.  However, we didn't want to be responsible for waking them up, so we would send our 2 massive dogs in there to do the job.  Once everyone was awake, we would all gather in the living room, dad would set up his camera on the tripod, and then we would all get our stockings first and empty the contents.  Next, we would go one-by-one, taking turns each opening one present at a time...Leah would usually be the one to pull the presents out from under the tree and pass them around, "Playing Santa". Once, I started spending Christmas with Trista's family, I adapted to some new traditions.  On Christmas Eve, her entire family would gather in the basement of her Aunt Cheryle's house where the cousins would all exchange gifts, and we would all have a buffet of edible delights while we enjoyed the company of those in the room.  We would stay over night at Trista's parent's house that night (which we still do with Gabe), and wake up Christmas morning there, sit at the top of the stairs until we were told to come down (mind you, we were all adults).  We would also take turns going around opening one present at a time, then chow down on some delicious left over Christmas Cookies...YUMMM! Christmas 2003 was the last year for the traditional Christmas eve gathering as Trista's Uncle, Grandma, and Grandpa all passed away the next year.  Things have certainly changed since then, but we've kept many traditions alive, and have been making new ones with Gabriel who will be celebrating his 5th Christmas this year...and I would say is more excited than ever! So, what are your Christmas Traditions?  Please Comment below. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=29741 29741 Fri, 2 Dec 2011 12:57:00 +0000 How much does media influence our youth today?  I guess you can answer that question with several questions: How many of our youth today have cell phones?  At what age did they get one?  At what age is it really appropriate for that child to have one? How many of our youth today have facebook and/or twitter accounts? How many of our youth today have televisions in their own bedrooms?  What about video game systems?  DVD/Blueray Players? How many of our youth today have either an iPod, mp3 player, iPad, or another device of similar nature? How many of our youth today text at least once a day? 10 times a day?  50 times a day?  More than 100 times a day??? Being in Youth Ministry today, a lot of my communication with our young people is media-driven based upon the way their lives revolve around it.  I would say (ballpark figure) that 90% of our Middle School and High School students have a cell phone with texting. 75% to 80% of this same age group are on an online Social Network of some kind. Probably 85 to 95% of their households have at least 2 televisions, at least 1 computer, and at least 1 video game system. So, now back to the original question, "HOW MUCH DOES MEDIA INFLUENCE OUR YOUTH TODAY?" Is this good or bad or BOTH?  What are your thoughts??? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=28241 28241 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:15:00 +0000 Well, on Monday of this week I officially turned 30.  It got me thinking back to High School my senior year when we were challenged in English Class to come up with a list of things we wanted to accomplish by the time we turned 30. I remember a couple of mine were to be a Published Author and to have earned my Doctorate.  Well, I'm 0 for 2 on those goals.  Those were really the most prominent and I'm not sure what any of the others were, but I know I did not accomplish either of these goals I set out to achieve 13 years ago. So what have I really done since High School?  What can I say about myself? Well, it makes me think about what accomplishments I have done in the past decade plus... I went to Kentucky Christian College I was a part of an auditioned outreach singing team for 2 years while in college where I met my future wife I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Youth & Family Ministries I married the most beautiful woman in the world, my wife Trista! I worked as a Youth Minister for 18 months at a church where God used me to baptize 26 young people during my time there I bought a house I served 3 years as a successful District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America My wife and I had a son, Gabriel, who God has blessed us as being the joy of our lives every day! I became the Minister of Education & Youth at Marlboro Christian Church where I have been for 2 1/2 years now, and God continues to bless my ministry and the church immensely! ....So, "What have I done in the past 13 years?"....No, "What has God used me to do and done through me?" would be the better question....and the answer is...MORE THAN I COULD EVER HAVE IMAGINED! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=28046 28046 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:55:00 +0000 Success in ministry (and many other professions) could not be achieved without the hard work, tireless efforts, time and money sacrificed, and shear numbers of volunteers. I know that I am truly blessed to have nearly 100 different people within this church who have volunteered and/or currently volunteer in some area of our Education & Youth ministries whether it be teaching a class, driving a vehicle full or young people, or changing a diaper.  They could be a weekly volunteer, monthly, specifically for special events, or that person who I could call anytime for just about anything I needed them for. So, I know many of you out there volunteer, and not just in churches...my question to you is, "WHY?" Why do you make the sacrifice it takes to be a volunteer?  (Please Comment) http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=27629 27629 Mon, 3 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +0000 This morning, I had the unique opportunity to have breakfast at 6am at Bob Evans with a group of students from Marlington High School and Waterloo as well as a couple fellow ministers.  I know you might be asking yourself a few things like, "Is there a 6am on the alarm clock?", "Do High School students even exist before 11am?", or even "Don't you get enough of them at church?" To answer these questions, 6:00am is on the Alarm Clock...it's the 4:30 wake-up I did that's not; this particular group of High School students was (for the most part) very eager and energetic at this time of the morning; and I CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH TIME WITH STUDENTS!!! This particular group just happened to be a group from the Youth for Christ programs at both of these respective schools...and this was no ordinary morning as it was National "See You At The Pole" day at High Schools and Middle Schools across the country.  For those of you who don't know what this is, a group of students gather around their school's flag pole before their school day officially begins and have prayer together, sometimes sing, and fellowship with their fellow classmates both Christian and non-Christian who show up for this. I have been involved in the Youth for Christ program as an adult sponsor for more than a year now at MHS, and I have to say that Jesus truly is getting in our schools.  The student leaders in this program have transformed Youth for Christ from merely a small social club to a growing entity within the student body in just the time I've been actively there. I am very proud of our schools that allow and encourage these types of Christian-based programs within their walls, and pray for the school districts that encounter opposition to these activities. I thank God every day that my Middle School and High School growing up allowed programs like this to flourish! I want to continually encourage all students, parents, teachers, and school administration who are "Taking Jesus to School". http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=27415 27415 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:17:00 +0000 Who would have thought that I would be the father of a Pre-Schooler?  Yesterday, I took my son Gabriel to his first official day of Pre-School.  It's hard to believe he's old enough to do this... He also played his first official game of Soccer on his team this past Sunday afternoon.  He started at Center, but at 4 years old, it doesn't really seem to matter where the coach puts the players on the field because they just end up pretty much doing their own thing within the first couple minutes. It's amazing having watched him grow into the independent, conversational, emotional child he has become.  He only seems to need his momma and dadda half the time anymore as he has been using the potty all by himself (for sometime now), goes to the refridgerator to get what he wants to eat, picks out his own clothes and dresses himself, and so much more. Sometimes it gets really hard to realize that he's almost 5 and I think often..."Am I doing enough as a father for him?", "Am I setting a good example for him to follow?" God, make me the best parent I can be for this blessing you have given me for as long as you allow me to be his dad.  Help me lead him in Your ways.  Protect him when I can't.  Help him to grow into the man You want him to be.  Give me patience and wisdom as a father to be understanding, loving, encouraging toward my son.  Make me more like You, so he will be in turn.  ~Amen http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=26340 26340 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:23:00 +0000 Have you ever thought about this question.  Take a moment if you will to think about or list everyone that you have a relationship with in your life. Now, out of all of those people (not including family), WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK? Who is/are the person/people who will defend you, your vision, your goals, etc. to any and everyone that tries to cut you down or is negative toward you? Who will drop what they're doing and go to where you're at to support you in a time of conflict? Who believes in you so much and is so loyal to you that they would never talk about you behind your back, but is quick to stop anyone who does? Do you have that type of person in your life?  If you do, and you're truly honest with yourself, that list is probably pretty small, and that's just the world we live in hard as it may be to believe.  There are probably a lot of people who you think would have your back, but would "switch sides" the moment things get rough or conflict arises. Do you have MY back?  If you feel like you are someone who has my back in the way I described above, I thank God for you.  We need these kind of people in our lives. So, the question I want to hear from you on is "WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK???" http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=25481 25481 Mon, 1 Aug 2011 16:27:00 +0000 When you see that eight-letter word in the subject of this BLOG, what goes through your mind?...War, Fear, Avoidance, Opposition, etc. When conflict comes your way, what do you do? Do you try to avoid it at all costs? (Example: There is someone who has done something that has extremely offended you, so you do everything in your power so that you don't run into that person, don't answer their emails, phone calls, texts, or facebook messages, etc.) Do you confront it head-on immediately without thinking? (Someone has extremely offended you, so you get in your car, find them wherever they're at and tell them off) Do you pray about it before acting? There are other variations to the above, but the bottom line is that WE WILL ALL FACE CONFLICT IN OUR LIVES!! You can't avoid it regardless what you do, and the more you try, the worse it can become...if you don't think or pray about it and tackle the conflict head-on, you could end up with some serious problems and no one wants to be around you any more. God has the answer for conflict...we just have to be willing to seek His guidance. What do you do when conflict comes your way?  Any stories you can share of "Conflict Experience"? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=24964 24964 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:08:00 +0000 I've been thinking a lot about leadership lately...namely "Do I demonstrate it?" I don't know how to answer that question.  What exactly is Leadership? I have a tendency to try to be a leader by being a "One Man Show" a lot of the time...not relying on others who are there for me.  That's not Leadership...that's the quick way to Burnt Out! I want to be a strong leader...but I know I need to get past this mentality of "DO EVERYTHING, TRUST NO ONE"...well maybe not that extreme but you get the idea...lol From an outsider looking in, would I say that I am.... a Leader in my home? a Leader in my family? a Leader with my friends? a Leader in the church? I don't know if I can confidently answer "YES" to these questions.  I pray God will continue to mold me and shape me into the Man...THE LEADER...He wants and has called me to be...for my household, for my family, for my friends, and for His church! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=24645 24645 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:33:00 +0000 In the world we live in today, how many of us can honestly say the phrase, "I Am Second"? How often every day do you put others ahead of yourself?... When you're on your way to work or school or wherever, do you wave a driver out ahead of you or do you make sure you get moving fast enough to beat anyone else from taking your spot....yeah, like you're going to get where your going any quicker... When you're at a restaurant eating, and you finish up, do you think..."food wasn't great", or "the service was too slow", or something else like that and don't leave a tip or leave less than 10%.  You don't know what the situation was or anything...only concerned with your "dining experience". Do you often unload your problems and issues on someone else, expecting them to listen with rapt attention and be a shoulder to cry on and complain to, and yet whenever they need you to do likewise, you're unavailable... How selfish are you? How often every day do you put other things and stuff ahead of Jesus Christ? Do you think about His sacrifice for you regularly? Do you talk to God on a consistent basis? Do you read His word "love letter" to you often? Does His message echo from your lips and permeate through your pores as you walk through life?  (I know...sounds kind of gross, but I'm making a point) So, can any of us (myself included) really say, "I Am Second"...or are we always "Looking out for #1"??? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=23921 23921 Tue, 7 Jun 2011 15:57:00 +0000 I'm 29 years old (will be 30 in October), and I've never felt more that I'm NOT a teenager anymore than I did this past Wednesday. I had been dealing with this dull chest discomfort for about a week...tried Tums & Prilocek OTC thinking it was just frequent heartburn, but nothing helped.  So, on Wednesday morning I called our family doctor who immediately told me to go to the ER and have them run tests.  Needless to say, a wave of emotion ran over me bringing me to tears at thinking the worst...that I would leave behind my beautiful wife and son at such a young age. Anyways, I sucked it up and drove to the ER where for 4 hours I endured constant Blood Pressure checks, blood tests, an EKG, and 3 chest X-Rays only to find out that I have a perfectly healthy heart (PRAISE GOD!!!). What this whole experience put into perspective for me is that I need to take better care of myself...I am getting older....just because I hang out with teens doesn't mean I can still behave/eat like one....fast food & energy drinks are NOT food groups....exercise is my friend.... I believe I learned a very valuable lesson this week that will hopefully change the rest of my health-life. Feel free to comment with your life-changing experiences. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=23807 23807 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 09:34:00 +0000 As part of church leadership moving forward, there is an example that needs to be set for others. Over the past month we have started to ask ourselves 2 very important questions with regard to the future of Marlboro Christian Church and with regard to our own personal lives: What is God telling you? What are you going to do about it? We believe that if we lead by the example that comes from answering these questions and following through on the second, how much could really be accomplished for Jesus Christ??? (Hard to even imagine, huh?) I believe that God is telling me to get more involved with the faculty and administration of the school systems within our community...not just hangin out with the students, but investing in the lives of teachers, secretaries, superintendents, etc...developing an ongoing partnership/collaboration with them. I am currently praying as to what I am going to do with this knowledge to answer the 2nd question. So, I ask you those same 2 questions above.  Pray about it.  Just think if we all lived our lives according to these questions....WOW!!!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=23552 23552 Wed, 25 May 2011 13:50:00 +0000 This Blog is going to be rather short. I simply want to ask the question... "If you could do anything differently in your life, what would it be and why?" For me, I think I would have taken a few more risks growing up.  Always tended to play it safe. What about you? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=23315 23315 Wed, 18 May 2011 14:41:00 +0000 No, this BLOG is not about drugs, alcohol, sex, or anything like that where you would have some celebrity come out and tell you to "Just Say No". This BLOG is about another problem that many people in the world have, including myself; I can't tell people that little two-letter word... I am what you might call a "people-pleaser".  I want to make EVERYONE happy ALL the time! (Which we all know is IMPOSSIBLE) Therefore, I tend to take on too much, get myself in tight spots, and allow things to happen and take place that probably shouldn't when looking back on it. I find it extremely hard to turn someone down with a request, not allow a kid to do something that asks, or not go somewhere or do something I don't want to do, or don't have time to do when that person wants me to do it. I know this is a pretty big Flaw of mine that I need to work on, but I wanted to ask... DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH THIS?  And if so, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT? HOW CAN I BEGIN TO BREAK THIS PATTERN OF NEVER SAYING "NO"??? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=22961 22961 Fri, 6 May 2011 11:17:00 +0000 Yesterday morning, a 15-year-old girl from one of the local High Schools committed suicide. I know if you are reading this BLOG today, you might be thinking..."WOW, what a depressing way to start this..." Well, my heart hurts for this girl...and for all the young people out there.  I guess I must have had things pretty good growing up because I can't think of one moment in my entire life when the thought of taking my own life has entered my mind. I don't know what it takes...or what goes through a person's mind before they commit this act....and maybe I don't want to know. However, I feel like I need to know these things so I can work to try and prevent things like this from happening within our own youth here at the church...within our local schools...to the friends & family of our youth.... I know I can't control anyone's actions but my own, but I pray that God will give me the wisdom to see the symptoms to the kind of issues that youth struggle with today, so I can hopefully do something...say something...tell someone before things get to the point of no return. When I first started on staff here, another teen committed suicide in the area...and now again.  If you have ever dealt with this kind of issue personally (whether you've attempted yourself or known someone who has), please comment to this BLOG and share your thoughts/testimony/feelings/advice on this subject. I don't ever want it to get to the point where it's "TOO LATE" for someone I know, love, and care about. Please keep this girl's family, friends, and community in your prayers! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=22690 22690 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:53:00 +0000 One of the things we place a great deal of emphasis on within our churches is the idea of "membership", which can mean things to different people and even different churches. I want to explore the idea of "membership" within the local church and talk about pros and cons that can come from placing emphasis on this. First off, what are some of the benefits to placing your "membership" with the local church? Become a part of that particular "church family" You are showing loyalty to a particular body/group of people Your tithes go specifically to that church body and you feel like you are investing in the future of that particular church and its ministry. In some congregations, if you're not a member you can't volunteer in certain areas (teaching the Bible being one). I'm sure there are more "pros" to pacing "membership", and feel free to leave pros and cons in the comments section of this BLOG, but now I want to share a wonderful illustration: In the church we are called the "Bride of Christ".  Therefore, by not placing membership/refusing to place membership with a church and call that particular church "home" even though you attend regularly is like living with someone without being married to them, and having no desire to get married to them anytime soon.  As Christians, we would (for the most part) not do this, so why are we so afraid to make a commitment to serve God within the ministry of a particular church through becoming a "member" of that church?  That is basically saying you don't trust the leadership (Elders) God has put in place to oversee the direction of that church, and if you don't trust the direction that church is going, why are you there in the first place? Sorry if any of this comes across as harsh or blunt, and I do believe that as Christians, we are all share membership within the overall Body of Christ, but I still believe that "Church Membership" is important and shows faith in the church to say, "I want to be a part of what God is doing and is going to do HERE!" PLEASE COMMENT YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=22447 22447 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:21:00 +0000 In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes that everyone who has the Holy Spirit in them has a Spiritual Gift or some Spiritual Gifts.  Christians often wonder, "Well, what's my Spiritual Gift?" "What has God gifted me with in regard to serving His Kingdom?" Here is a list of 10 different Spiritual Gifts coming from Scripture: Administration - 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:2-4; Exodus 18:13-27 The gift to clearly understand the present and future goals of the Church and to plan workable and manageable ways to reach these goals. Craftsmanship - Exodus 28:3-4; 31:1-5; Acts 18:3; 2 Kings 12:12 The gift to use hands, minds and skill to build up the Kingdom through artistic and creative means for the glory and honor of God. Encouragement - Romans 12:8; Acts 4:36; 11:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:18 The gift to offer words and actions of encouragement to others in need of comfort, counsel and care. Evangelism - Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:5; Acts 21:8 The gift to share the Gospel with unbelievers with the hope that the unbeliever will become a disciple of Jesus Christ.  To bring good tidings of salvation. Helping - 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:2-4; Psalms 40:17; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Timothy 5:10 The gift to willingly assist others by enabling them to do their Kingdom tasks more effectively and to help bear the burdens of others. Hospitality - 1 Peter 4:9-10; 1 Timothy 3:2, 5:10; Romans 12:13; Titus 1:8 The gift to offer food, lodging or fellowship to people in a cheerful manner either in their homes, work, school, or church. Leadership - Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 13:7 The gift to set goals from God and then lead others to work together to carry out these goals for the glory of God. Music - 1 Corinthians 14:15,26; Mark 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Chronicles 9:33; James 5:13 The gift of bringing praise to God and leading the body of Christ in worship through various forms of music, singing, instruments and choirs. Serving - Romans 12:7; Ephesians 3:7, 4:12, 6:7; Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:7; Deuteronomy 10:12 The gift to serve God and the Church with great joy, blessing, and selflessness.  One who desires to meet physical, spiritual & emotional needs of others. Teaching - Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:29; Romans 12:7; Acts 11:25-26, 13:1, 15:35; John 7:16 The gift to communicate God's word to God's people in order that they might understand spiritual truths and insights and thus lear, grow and mature in Jesus Christ.   There are many more Spiritual Gifts, but see if you don't fall into one of the categories above. GOD CAN USE ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=22405 22405 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:41:00 +0000 In Wednesday night Youth Groups this week, we talked about a topic that as people (not just Christians) we probably wonder about almost more than anything else...that is the TOPIC OF HEAVEN. Below is one particular question that gets overall the most debate and discussion: "WHAT DOES HEAVEN LOOK LIKE?"  or better yet, "WHAT DO YOU THINK HEAVEN LOOKS LIKE?" In the comments to this week's BLOG, please respond with your answers/thoughts to the question(s) above. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=22098 22098 Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:32:00 +0000 Just about everyone has someone that they would call their "Best Friend", and beyond that several others they might call, "Good Friends", and then many more they consider "Friends", and even beyond that the term "Acquaintences" is used. It's interesting the qualifications people give for someone to fit into one or more of these categories. Some might say a "Best Friend" is a person they've know their whole life, grown up with, they understand one another, they've been through the same things together, and they still communicate & have a relationship with this person on a regular basis. Others might say a "Best Friend" is that person who you can always call on whenever you're in trouble, and they've got your back.  They would be at your doorstep in the drop of a hat should you ever be in need of their encouragement, comfort, or support. For me, my "Best Friend" is a lady who I haven't known my entire life, not even most of it.  However, it is someone that I share life with.  That I have had my most major successes and heartbreaks in life with.  She has been my constant support and companion for more than 10 years now; My "Best Friend" is my wife. The term friend gets thrown around a lot these days, especially with Facebook.  People always try to "Friend" you and build up their multitude of people they give this term to.  I'm no exception to this in that I have more than 1,500 "Facebook Friends", probably only about 100 to 200 of which I could actually call more than just an "Acquaintence"....people that are either friends based upon other friends or just people who know me or I know them. Jesus called us His friends if we do what He has commanded us...He said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends!" So, I have to wonder, how many of the people we call "Friends" would we actually lay down our lives for?  If one of our hundreds of facebook "pals" needed a kidney transplant to live, would we even get tested if they weren't actually a part of our life...think about this... Jesus had what we could consider to be a "Best Friend" - His Disciple, John.  He had a couple other "really close friends", Peter and James.  Then, He had at least 9 other "really good friends" in the other Disciples and even some who traveled regularly with Him and those He came in contact with pretty regularly in the gospels, Mary Magdalene, Mary & Martha, Lazarus, etc. However, Jesus did not just die on the cross for these handfuls of individuals who we would term to be His "earthly friends".  Jesus died for the sins of EVERYONE!  He showed the true nature of friendship. How can we be a FRIEND to others as Jesus was a FRIEND to us??? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=21872 21872 Fri, 1 Apr 2011 15:10:00 +0000 Something that churches have argued about since the beginning of the denominational splits (Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Church or Christ, Friends, Christian, Non-Denominational, and on and on) is the topic of BAPTISM. First of all, the question is, "Is Baptism Essential To Salvation?" and going with that, "Do I Need To Be Baptized?" While ultimately God is the final judge and we can't say someone is going to Heaven or Hell based on whether or not they have been baptized, we can look at what Scripture says: First off, ALL 4 Gospels tell us that Jesus was baptized before He began His earthly ministry.  To call ourselves Christians means that we are to live like Christ, striving to follow His example.  Therefore, very simply, if Jesus Christ was baptized and I want to call myself His follower "A Christian", then I too should be baptized.  We are all called to be ministers of the Gospel after we have made Jesus Lord of our lives.  Before Jesus ministered, He was baptized. Another important verse is comes from the Great Commission, spoken BY JESUS: Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Another thing Jesus says to us in Mark 16:16 - Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. One final verse on this, although I could put many more, is Acts 2:38 where Peter is addressing the congregation at the first Pentecost (1st Church Service preaching Jesus Christ after His death, burial, resurrection, and ascention) - Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The next question then is, "When does someone get baptized?" This is a more difficult question to answer because every person is different.  However, one thing I can say is that BAPTISM SHOULD BE A CHOICE that someone makes, not something that is decided upon by someone's parents, going along with the crowd ("All my friends are doing it"), or something you feel forced into doing.  God gave us Free Will for a reason.  He wants us to choose to follow His Son.  He wants us to choose baptism because we want to give our lives wholly and freely to Him to serve Him until we die and are united with Him in eternal Glory. A final question I want to address is, "What method should be used to baptize?" (There are plently of others, but I feel these are the 3 big ones with regard to this issue.) This is probably the one that gets the most debate.  What I have to say on the subject is: The greek word used for baptism in scripture means, "to dip; immerse" Baptism is symbolic of "Dying to our old lives, and rising to start a new life, living for Christ".  When someone or something dies, you don't just lay it on the grown and sprinkle dirt over them.  No, you dig a hole, put them in, and cover them completely - burying them.  We are buried in the water (covered completely). In each case where baptism is mentioned as to someone getting baptized in the Bible, they always walk down into a body of water (river, lake, pond, etc.). I know this is a very contoversial subject among churches, but I just wanted to lay out what I believe and understand from Scriptures. I WANT ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS TO PLEASE COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS.  It's okay to disagree with me, and if I have said anything you view  is incorrect, please point it out.  Again, God is the one and only Judge and so NO ONE SHOULD CONDEMN ANYONE ELSE BASED UPON THEIR VIEWS ON BAPTISM! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=21518 21518 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:22:00 +0000 One of my biggest struggles in my personal life and ministry is communication...or lack thereof. I find that I am constantly doing any one of the following (often more than one): Listening to what someone is saying, but not really "HEARING" them. Listening to what someone is saying, but not understanding what they really mean. Just completely NOT listening. Not informing the appropriate people when something is going on that they should know about. Informing the appropriate people, but not getting them the correct information. Not staying informed of things that I should know about. Keeping my family and ministry calendars in sync. Putting things on my family and ministry calendar...not just jumbled dates and times in my head, which sometimes you would think I have enough space up there to store it just floating around. JUST OVERALL KEEPING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION CONSTANTLY OPEN IN EVERYTHING. If this is something you struggle with, please comment with your own "Communication Battles". If this is something you used to struggle with or don't really at all, please comment with your tips, tricks, and tools. I WANT TO BE A BETTER COMMUNICATOR WITH REGARD TO THE THINGS ABOVE.  I feel God has blessed me with the ability to talk to anyone anywhere openly and honestly.  I believe I am blessed to be a great listener when people really need to talk about things.  But beyond all this, the simple communicative steps don't happen often enough. One thing  I have learned is that "where there is lack of communication, there is abundance of assumption"!! PLEASE COMMENT!! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=21277 21277 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:29:00 +0000 Something I've been thinking about recently is visitors.  Our church has experienced SO MANY new people over the past couple years, and many of them do return for subsequent visits, but there are others who come once and we may never see or hear from them again. So, I'm trying to think from a visitor's prospective of church, "What aspects of church would bring me back?" and "What aspects of the church would keep me from setting foot in there again?" Let's take a drive down the road... Is the church easily visible?  From how far away?  Do you know it's coming up soon? Is there a sign out front?  What does the sign say?  Is it easy to see and read? Okay, let's pull into the parking lot... Are the parking spaces easily marked?  Are there parking spaces available?  How far away do I have to park from the entrance(s)? Okay, we've parked.  Now, let's walk into the church... Did someone greet me at the door?  Can someone give me direction as to where I need to go?  What about my kids?  Where do they go?  Do you have programming for them? My kids are in their classes.  Going to sanctuary for worship service... Is there a seat for my spouse and I readily accessible?  Are there certain seats or can we sit anywhere? Are the songs easy to sing along with even if I don't know them? Are the other people friendly and welcoming around me? Was the message relevant to me? Are the seats comfortable? Did the service go too long? Service is over.  Going to get kids from class and head back home... Are people coming up to me and being friendly and welcoming?  Thanking me for coming?  Are they really interested in me and my family? Did my kids have a great time?  Do they want to come back?  What did they learn? What did I learn? WILL I COME BACK HERE AGAIN???   After all of this, I would now like to hear your comments.  What aspects of churches, that you may have attended in the past or are currently attending, keep you coming back or not? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=20985 20985 Wed, 9 Mar 2011 09:28:00 +0000 As someone who is paid to hang out with kids and point them toward Jesus Christ, I realize just how important volunteers are to the life-long ministry I have been called to. There is no way that I could teach Toddler through High School Sunday School classes, watch the nursery, run Junior Church, take care of midweek kids & teens programs, plan events, drive 10...15...20...30 kids around to these events, and many other aspects of this job if it weren't for those people who are in "the trenches" with me...doing unpaid work, for little (if any) appreciation, giving of their time and energy to young people who come from multiple different backgrounds. I LOVE MY VOLUNTEERS!! If you are a volunteer (Marlboro Christian Church or anywhere else for anything else) and you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO!!! You truly are the "Unsung Heroes" in the church and the world! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=20756 20756 Thu, 3 Mar 2011 12:39:00 +0000 This past weekend, myself and two volunteers took a group of 8 middle school students to the CIY (Christ In Youth) "Believe" Conference in Cincinnati, OH. The theme for the conference was "Here? and Now!"....basically looking at the idea of where God has placed you currently.  You are HERE in whatever manner you are HERE, so what will you do for God NOW based on your circumstances HERE? They used the story of Esther from the Bible about how she was placed in such a time and place in the King's palace as his queen and ended up becoming the savior for her people, "God's Chosen People", the Jews through her circumstances.  She didn't wait for someone else to come along and right the wrong Haman was doing.  No, she realized she was "HERE" and she needed to act "NOW". So, where are you at in your life right HERE at this moment in time? Why are you "HERE"? What will you do "NOW"? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=20420 20420 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000 Last month I had an odd dream that was pretty vivid...one of those that sticks with you and makes you think further into it. I was doing "Stand-Up Comedy" at Marlboro Christian Church...the topic: "Parenting Wisdom From The Bible" I'll just highlight a few here: Noah - People always get down on him because his sons found him passed-out, drunk in their family's tent...However you try being on a boat for more than a year with just thousands of animals, your 3 sons and their wives, and your wife for company. Miriam - Of course she put Moses in the basket as a baby sending him down the Nile to protect him from Pharaoh's edict to kill the children, but seriously...Northern Africa, small baby in a basket floating down main drinking water for Africa's wild animals, a tasty treat for a thousand pound lion.  Today, Social Services would be on her in a minute for child endangerment/abandonment. Adam & Eve - Demonstrated the first ever case of having a child simply to replace one that dies...Son Cain killed son Abel...parents have another child, Seth and move on with their lives.  Talk about some serious denial.  Of course, they really didn't have any parents of their own to base there own parenting on, so we have to give them some benefit of doubt. Finally, Mary & Joseph - lost their son, the future Savior of the World, for 3 days not knowing where he was when he was only a boy.  Probably the greatest "Missing Persons" case in history!! The Bible is full of great stories like this; some make you laugh, some cry, some really consider....but they are all important and useful for training, teaching, rebuking, etc. Please share any Bible stories you love in the Comments. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=20203 20203 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:01:00 +0000 One of the things that I have come to know over the years through personal study and instruction by others is that JESUS WILL BE COMING BACK!! I don't think any person who has ever read the Bible could refute that, but the big question has always been, "WHEN???" Well, I'm going to give you my thoughts on the matter and then ask you to comment with your thoughts and opinions. Now, obviously all of this is purely conjecture seeing as Jesus told us that "No one knows when the Son of man will return except the Father". However, that being said, I believe that Jesus will NOT return until EVERY POSSIBLE INHABITED GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF THE EARTH IS REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL SAVING MESSAGE OF JESUS CHRIST!! This is why I believe missions are so very important.  There are still more than a third of the planet's population who live in the 10/40 Window (the area of earth where it is said to be the LEAST REACHED with regard to missions).  In this area are Buddhists, Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, and many other religions that do not recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now, should Jesus return tomorrow and totally prove this wrong....I WOULD GLADLY CONCEDE DEFEAT!!! All this being said, Jesus did not tell us to try and determine when He will return...He merely tells us to BE READY WHEN HE DOES!! So, while you comment on your thoughts to Jesus' Return, the Rapture, Revelation, etc.....think about one question, "Is Your House In Order?" http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=20013 20013 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 07:08:00 +0000 How many of you out there own your own Bible?  Most would probably say, "Yes". So, if you said yes to that question, answer these: Do you read it every day? Do you read it at least 5 times a week? 3 times? 1 time?...DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHERE YOUR BIBLE IS?? A lot of people have excuses or reasons why they don't read or study their Bibles...EVEN IF THEY REALLY WANT TO!!! Some say, "Don't have time" or "Don't know where to start" or even "Don't know where to find things" How many of you out there if I were to ask you to open up your Bible right now and find a Scripture that has something to do with the steps to salvation could do it? How many of you could find the book of Hezekiah in under 20 seconds without looking in the table of contents?.... How many of you just now realized that the book of Hezekiah DOES NOT EXIST?? How many of you could tell me at least one movie that stars Mel Gibson? Angelina Joli? Will Ferrell? How about one song title by Katy Perry? Tim McGraw? The Beatles? I bet you had more answers for these latest questions... Can you even tell me right off the bat how many books there are in the Bible (all-together)?  Old Testament Books?  New Testament? The reason for all these questions (which I hope have really made you think and consider) is simple, and you've probably already guessed... WE KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE BIBLE OR WHERE TO FIND THINGS IN IT!! The question then is, "DO YOU THINK THAT'S A PROBLEM???" http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=19588 19588 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 13:02:00 +0000 Do you ever feel like there is just "No Time" to do anything? I think about my days and I always feel like I am rushing around trying to get everything done, and yet still don't feel like I've accomplished much of anything. I make a "To Do List" each week and work my way down through it, but there always seem to be things I haven't thought about or that get added to it as the week progresses until many of the things I planned on doing "Today" get put off until "Tomorrow" or "Next Week". I worry that I'm not getting things done that need to get done; I worry that something is going to slip through the cracks as I go through my brain try to focus on multiple things at a time. Am I balancing my work and family good enough?  Is either area suffering? With all of this thinking, worrying, contemplating, and stressing...where is MY time with God?  Maybe that's ultimately at the root of why there is just "No Time"...what do you think??? http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=19256 19256 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:15:03 +0000 I'm just 29, but on Monday morning this week felt like I was 59.  I had just gotten done organizing and facilitating an all-nighter for Junior & Senior High students Sunday night into Monday morning, which I always enjoy! However, this time I really felt the results of staying up 10 hours, playing basketball, constantly caffeinating myself, sumo wrestling, etc. I definitely play on doing all-nighters again and again, but in the future I really need to know my limits...and maybe do some serious stretching beforehand. I say all this to say that I have finally realized that I no longer have the body, endurance, bones and joints of a teenager.  I realize that I can't hang with our teens anymore...but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying :) http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=19021 19021 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:10:25 +0000 One of the most profound statements I heard at the National Youth Worker's Convention back in November was this: "Why are youth ministers trying to teach other youth ministers how to be better youth ministers?" The question was to get us thinking about the fact that who would know better what they want and need from youth ministry than the youth we serve? This got me thinking more about how much ministry we really allow or put in front of our youth to do, and then how much we actually let them run with it...NOT MUCH! This past Saturday night, I had the opportunity to be on a retreat with the 7 members of ouf Freshman Discipleship Group here at MCC.  A challenge I placed in front of them when we got there was that I divided them up into their accountability groups (3 of them total), and then I had them come up with a ministry they will begin (not would like to see happen or there's a possibility of starting it).  NO, this had to be a ministry they WILL begin in 2011 within the church, their community, or their school. What they came back with had us talking more than 3 hours that night about "Drive Through Food Distribution", "Teens Teaching Teens" on Wednesday nights, "Growing the student Christian Organization at their school"... I couldn't believe some of what I heard, but overall what I heard was this...OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WANT TO DO MINISTRY!!! I am very excited to support them, and sit back and watch as God uses these 7 to do amazing things this year and beyond! http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=18730 18730 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:42:06 +0000 I'm making my blog short this week and simply asking for your comments on this question: WHAT IS YOUR 2011 RESOLUTION?  Mine is to be a more attentive husband and father. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=18535 18535 Thu, 6 Jan 2011 18:34:28 +0000 It used to be that if you wanted to be a part of a collective group of Christians worshipping our Lord, you would get up on Sunday morning, drive to a local church building and gather together with a group of other individuals all coming together for the same intent and purpose. Today, with technology being what it is, you don't even have to leave the comfort of your heated, massaging recliner to "attend" a church worship service.  More and more churches today are offering the opportunity to be a part of a Live, Streaming, Church Worship service complete with chat room to chat with other people watching over the internet as well as an individual or individuals actually at the church where it's being broadcast from. Many of us might look at this as an exciting, outreach opportunity to get to those people who may not be able to make it to church on their own due to disabilities, age, sickness, or another unavoidable issue keeping them home, and I would definitely agree that in these cases, it is a wonderful ministry. I would even agree that being able to download and watch previously recorded services is great for those who have to miss worship due to these problems above as well as job-related reasons. However, will these "opportunities" eventually lead to more people skipping church or using excuses not to leave the house, but still saying they're worshipping with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ by going the online route? Will people use the internet more and more as their "church" of preference because it's just easier, less pressure, more comfortable, etc.?  I certainly hope we're not headed that direction. Am I saying that I believe we are "required" to go to a physical church building to worship?  Not at all.  I am simply thinking about the verse Hebrews 10:25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV) Now saying all this, I do look forward to being able to download our own sermons online as well as having the opportunity for Live Feeds for the ministry opportunities I spoke of earlier. Let's just continue to be wise about technology and how we use it with regard to being a part of the Body of Christ. http://www.marlborochristian.com/index.cfm?i=13323&mid=25&blogid=5067&comments=18311 18311 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:04:52 +0000