John's Blog about life, love and other mysteries

angels

2010-02-05T18:33:00.004-05:00

Who They Are and How They Help–What the Bible Reveals…
What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?
Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.
More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.
Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.
“Outstanding! As one would expect from David Jeremiah, this book reflects a theologian’s concern, a pastor’s heart, and a Biblicist’s accuracy.” ~ Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, New York Times bestselling author
The author explores the different actions of angels in the Bible – warriors, protectors, messengers, also the fallen angels. He discusses the proper way to view angels. He talks about the modern day “angel mania” and compares the view of people nowadays of angels, to the Biblical view of angels.
Each chapter is Biblically based with scripture and also references to some of the previous works on the subject. A very thorough down-to-earth study of what angels are and aren’t.

About the Author..
Dr. David Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, and founder of Turning Point Radio and TV Ministries. His radio program is carried on over 2,500 stations worldwide, while the TV broadcast is received by 500 million homes via cable and satellite. The recipient of numerous awards for broadcast excellence, his books have garnered Gold Medallion awards and become bestsellers with The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times. He is a sought-after conference speaker by organizations nationwide.

More mess

2009-04-10T19:21:00.000-04:00

Still much work to do!!!

2009-04-10T19:12:00.001-04:00

Our table setting

2009-04-10T19:00:00.000-04:00

2009-04-10T17:49:00.001-04:00

Wow!! Our wedding presents!!!! Thanks guys!!!

2009-04-10T17:43:00.000-04:00

When God Says GO!

2009-04-02T16:39:00.003-04:00

I am so excited about the new things getting ready to take place in ministry. Lots of Changes. I am so stoked! God is amazing and working amazing things in peoples life. I cant wait to see what more is to come. God said Go and we aren't missing a beat!!! So EXCITED. SO AMAZED that God would involve me in something this great!!!

FOR THE KINGDOM!!!

John

Clutter-free Christianity

2009-04-01T13:55:00.003-04:00

When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Author Bio:
Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

My neighbor in Lancaster riding his pet chicken!! Cool

2009-03-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

Loving God Loving each other

2009-03-30T00:50:00.006-04:00

It is amazing that people just read your blog to find anything that they can use to distort the truth to hurt you and the kingdom of God. Which God really turned around to be a good thing... NA NA NA NA BOO BOO (HAHAHAHAHAHA YOUR PLAN FAILED ) But, In a way it really does not amaze me that people would do this. Lost people act like lost people. It makes me sad to think that people have so much hate that they would rather see a ministry crash and burn and people go to hell than to see God work mighty in peoples lives. Again, they just don't know Jesus. If they knew Him they would know how He feels about His kingdom. I just love Jesus and I want to do what He says. If i don't i am a Whore of the Gospel of Christ, only doing what makes me and the church feel good for God's money! I must follow Him. I will follow Him, I will do what he tells me to do or bust Hell wide open with water pistols! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!! There are people going to burn in Hell without the message of Christ. I want them to know Jesus. I want them to know Jesus' love for them. I want them to not burn in Hell forever and ever. If you don't have the same desire, you need to get saved. God places that burning desire in every believer, if you don't have it, get saved and get it! Church is not about You! it never has been! It's bigger than us. And by the way God is bigger than us. We limit what He wants us to do by being disobedient and complacent! We just have to keep moving forward and sometimes use a spiritual enema to flush out the problems that hinder Christ from moving! Just remember what Perry Noble said, " Ignore the Jackass"!!! you can watch it at http://www.newspring.cc/unleash/2009/

*****A wise friend suggested that I explain the Jackass statement in detail. Some people will not follow the link and take the time to see the story for themselves. Pastor Perry Noble was on a mission trip to Kenya and was observing a leader of the tribe casting vision to his people about the village. A Jackass, only a few feet away totally freaked out, kicked, screamed, hee hawwed and went nuts. The leader never missed a beat, he kept focus, kept casting vision. He ignored the Jackass. As people following God we must always ignore the things that would hinder us from following God. We must ignore the Jackass. AMEN *********

--john

Jessica Taylor's artwork for the New Children's area idea

2009-03-30T00:42:00.006-04:00

These are copyrighted materials. Any copies that are printed out, handed out or duplicated without written consent is illegal, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

©

All for 15$ at delaneys

2009-03-26T12:52:00.000-04:00

The new beast

2009-03-26T08:26:00.000-04:00

New childrens area idea!!!

2009-03-25T18:11:00.002-04:00

Details and Questions for New Children's Worship Area and Small Groups
1. Why we feel that change is needed.
a. Our children today are faced with many allurements of worldly things. Companies like Nickelodeon, Disney, and many more have our children's full attention. If you take you child to Disney you know that they will beg to come back. The reason that companies like these are reaching kids is because they are exciting, fresh, and current. We believe that as a church we should do everything we can to reach out and win these kid's heart. It is a race to the heart of a child and the first one to get there wins. These companies are great at what they do and what they do isn't always wrong, but they have a totally different focus, revenue. We as missionaries and believers in Christ have a much different focus, which is Jesus Christ. We want everyone to know His love, grace and salvation.
2. So, How will this change enhance the Children's ministry of First Calvary?
a. We want to create an environment that children can learn on their level that is exciting, current and fun. Today children are learning by what they see, hear, taste, smell and feel. They learn by what is made real to them. It is one thing to tell them about the burning bush that was not consumed, but how much more can they experience the miracle that took place by actually seeing it. One of our teacher's burnt leaves to show them how amazing the miracle was just for the bush not to be consumed. The kids will never forget that lesson. By adding a worship service to our children's area we will have a greater opportunity to show the realness of the Bible that will keep them interested and will make it fun. We want them to experience God and His word on their level. They will be able to worship with their style of music, they will be able to learn by getting involved with the lessons, they will have fun learning about Christ and beg to come back. We want them to be so excited about coming to church that they tell everyone about how much fun it is and pester their parent to death about coming back to church. With this new area and change, we know God is leading us to do it will create that environment!
3. What Will Happen to the Sunday School Teachers?
a. We want every Children's Sunday School Teacher that is willing, to lead small groups during a service that they do not attend. They will now have the option to go to Sunday School or attend Children's worship as a volunteer. We want the volunteers to arrive 15 minutes early to prepare. If the teacher chooses to attend Sunday School they would need to make preparations to still arrive 15 minutes early before there scheduled time. The lesson material will be available to them 4 weeks in advance. The props for the lesson will be available 2 weeks in advance and will be set up every Thursday before the small group meeting. Also, we want every volunteer involved with the children's ministry to attend a VIP meeting (vision, information & prayer) once per month. We will equip our teachers by making the material ready in advance and providing classes to train them on how to use the material.
4. Where do the teachers get their material?
a. The material will be provided for the teacher in the Small Groups Material room beside the children's worship area. By arriving 15 minutes early they will have ample time to get this done, if they need anything else that what is in their room. Their material will be laid out in order with the additional materials need. A volunteer will be there to assist them with any questions about their material. Also, drinks and snacks will be available to the volunteers in this area.
5. How will the Children be divided into small groups?
a. 2yrs - 5yrs old
i. This is for children that are not in kindergarten
b. K - 1st grade
i. Even if the child is 5yrs old or younger they will be in this class because they have classroom experience.
c. 2nd - 3rd grades
d. 4th - 5th grades
6. Worship and Small group settings
a. Because First Calvary has 2 services there are different families that come at different times. This is why we will offer 2 small group settings. The first SG will begin at 8:45am and the second will begin at 11:00am. We believe that it is important for them to worship together as a large group. We know that this will cause excitement and growth when they are together & more learning when their groups are smaller and more personal.
7. Will the 2yrs - 5yrs old children participate in the same worship as the older ones?
a. No. We do not believe that we can teach pre-school children on the same level as a grade-school child. The way that they learn is very different and e want to create an environment where they too can learn on their level. They are just as important .
8. What will they do different?
a. Their small group time will be the same as the others, but they will have a different material that will be on their learning level. Elevate Jr. is design for this particular age group. They will have their worship in a different room than the older children. It will be in the current children's church room. It will take place the same time that the other children's worship service will. This will create a more exciting environment for that age group. They will participate in just as much or more hands on learning and crafts.
9. What will this new Sunday look like?
a. Here is a schedule of the children's events for a typical Sunday morning.
i. 8:30 Checkin (For Traditional Attendees)
ii. 8:45 Begin Small Groups (For Traditional Attendees)
iii. 9:45 Snacks
iv. 9:45 Checkin (For Contemporary Attendees)
v. 9:55 Move to worship area
vi. 10:00 Begin worship
vii. 10:55 Check out (For Traditional Attendees)
viii. 10:55 Move to small groups (For Contemporary Attendees)
ix. 10:55 Begin small groups snack time
x. 11:15 Small group lesson
xi. 12:00 Final Check out
10. What will the worship service look like?
a. The worship service will be a very exciting time! Our children will participate in live worship music and hear a Bible story from their children's pastor that relates with their small group time. The worship time will include games, trivia and prizes to keep the children's attention and involve them in the lesson. There will be a Skit preformed by volunteers or watch on the screens in the worship area. They will be able to sing along with the songs by watching the screens with the lyrics and exciting backgrounds.
11. What will happen on Wednesday night if the rooms are now the worship area?
a. As of now there is only 1 room out of 6 being used in the current preschool area. They will move to these rooms.
12. What will happen on Sunday Nights if you are using Elevate on Sunday Mornings.
a. Elevate Kidstm has over 3 years worth of material available. We will use a different section of their material on Sunday nights and will still have Elevate for K-5th grade and Elevate Jr. for 2yrs - 5yrs old. The schedule will be the same as it is now, just relocated.
13. What happens if the Children's pastor is terminated or dies?
a. We hope that neither of these happen, but in the occasion that it does he will have already begun the training of a Godly volunteer leader to run and keep growing the ministry until a replacement or other arrangement is made. We are committed that no matter what we must keep ministering because Hell is still very real and without Jesus people are going there.

We know that this vision is what God desires at First Calvary. We believe that it will aid in the reaching of many for the cause of Christ. If we are to be a church we need to do everything we can to follow God's plan and reach people for Christ.

Bible drillers

2009-03-22T17:09:00.000-04:00

The MaMa

2009-03-19T14:47:00.003-04:00

The baker boys.... I Look high and pale and dazed.......

2009-03-19T14:43:00.003-04:00

2009-03-17T23:58:00.000-04:00

Second thought

2009-03-17T12:56:00.001-04:00

If your money was declining like the church you would so something
about it. --perry noble

Why sit here until we die????

2009-03-17T11:29:00.003-04:00

Last week the unleash conference opened my eyes to many things I have been overlooking in ministry. It is amazing how people put their personal preferences before Jesus. Perry Noble asked a question, “How many Grandparents are willing to give their lives for their Grandchildren”. All grandparents raised their hands! Then he asked, “ How many Grandparents would change their music style at church to see their grandchild come to Christ?” There was a dead silence over the entire place. It is a sad thing that most people are willing to give their life for someone but are unwilling to change their ways and preferences to see someone come to Christ. IT is because the cause of Christ and Christ Himself is not real to them. It is not real to them because they truly do not believe in Him. If their belief and love for Christ were as strong as their love and devotion to their preferences, what could be done for Christ would be amazing. If people could just see that it is bigger than them and change their ways it was be unimaginable what could be done for the glory of God.

Why is change so hard? This is the #1 thing that causes churches to die off, they would rather die than change. 2 Kings 7:3-10 tells a story of 4 lepers who were dying. Their people were under attack. As they were waiting to be overtaken by the enemy they discussed with each other this very important statement that we as believers and the body of Christ must ask ourselves, “Why sit here until we die?”. This is what is wrong with the church today. We have become so comfortable in our own cesspool of complacency; we would rather die and rot than to make a move. These lepers made a decision, they would rather die trying that to die rotting. They thought that it couldn’t be any worse with the enemy; they would either kill them or imprison them and at least feed them. To them it was better to die trying to live than to rot. When they arrived to the enemy’s camp, there was no one there and every thing was abandoned. There was plenty of food and supplies for everyone, including the ones that stayed behind awaiting death. Just like these people the church is dying, should we die and rot? Or should we seek God’s face with everything, make a change, risk everything and thrive? It is up to you as an individual to pray for the church. It is up to us as believers to make the changes necessary to uplift and magnify Christ.

John Baker

This theather is so poor they can't afford previews!!! This has been up for 10 min!

2009-03-13T17:02:00.000-04:00

Wicked sweet

2009-03-13T13:07:00.001-04:00

I thought this was cool.......

2009-03-10T14:10:00.001-04:00

On lake murray

2009-03-10T09:36:00.001-04:00

New comforter set

2009-03-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

honeymoon Pics3

2009-03-02T12:04:00.000-05:00

More Pics

2009-03-02T11:55:00.002-05:00

Honeymoon Pics

2009-03-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

Nearly 400 people for FireProof

2009-02-14T20:03:00.000-05:00

Picking out vowes and ceremony

2009-02-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

New church sign

2009-02-12T23:42:00.000-05:00

Amanda got a wii and duck hunting waders 4 birthday.

2009-02-05T23:17:00.000-05:00

I set this up for superbowl party... We delayed the game by 3 mins and screened it live with the tv below

2009-02-05T23:15:00.000-05:00

New ride, blazer blew up!!!!

2009-02-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

Trying to learn Contribute

2009-01-30T10:45:00.001-05:00

I hope that this works.

2009-01-28T12:12:00.001-05:00

I am excited about the upcoming events at FCBC. This weekend we are taking the children to Edventure Museum. Upwards soccer is coming up in March and we are in motion with advertizing. Please pray for Upward ministries. I encourage you to promote Upwards to all of your friends and family. Also, if you are interested in coaching or participating with Upwards, please let Jimmy Woods or myself know.
Elevate is up and running strong. We are studying the book of James with Elevate and the sermon on the mount with Elevate JR. If your child is not involved with Elevate they are missing out on one of the fastest growing ministries of our church.
Please be in prayer for Sunday night as our Superbowl Tailgating Party will be taking place. This is an evangelistic event that I encourage you to bring all of your friends and family to. Fireproof is a wonderful movie that we will be showing Feb. 14th. Remember to get your tickets to give to others for this event. This movie has been a tool to help saved several marriages that I know personally of and many more.
Don’t hesitate to get involved with FCBC ministries and programs. This is a wonderful way to serve God and support your church.
In Christ Love ,
John Baker

2008-12-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

After 12ft of copper, a regulator,
some fittings, and a gas grill tank it worked
i smell propane now though

2008-12-23T09:42:00.001-05:00

Robbie fought the water on the road,
Didnt come out to well, but you should see the tree

2008-12-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

My 120lb future wife woman's Taurus Judge.
Shoots 410's and 45 Long Colts.
Currently loaded with:
410 000 buckshot
410 slug
410 6 shot
410 7 1/2 hot shot
45 Long Colt cowboy load
(It's like a box of chocolate, u never know what your are going to get)

2008-12-23T09:26:00.003-05:00

Springfield Armory's New Xdm 9mm
19+1 rounds of ammo
interchangeable back-straps
Lots of extra's
illegal in California
Awesomeness

The Bride

2008-11-08T19:47:00.001-05:00

I believe that our role as a church in today’s world in simply one thing, Worship. Not soul-winning, not evangelism, not discipleship, not outreach. This is not to downplay the importance of these things but to set priorities. When the Church’s only purpose is to worship Jesus Christ the other things will fall in line. This is the New Testament example. All of our ministry, discipleship and evangelism is null an void if the soul purpose is not worship alone. This living, breathing organism, The Bride of Christ is called first to worship the Groom.

John Baker

Engagement Photo

2008-11-08T16:30:00.001-05:00

Playing upward

2008-11-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Cheap gas

2008-11-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

PHILOSOPHY

2008-11-06T16:40:00.003-05:00

I had to write an article today about Artificial Intellectual. Can computers ever become beings? Would they have a Soul. What it would be like if this happened. How we should treat them. CRAZY!!!! My head is killing me. PHILOSOPHY IS NUTS!!!!! If my Mac Book ever acted like it knew something or had emotions/rational understanding...i have a tapus tool (sledge hammer) That would fix any PHILOSOPHICAL AND METAPHYSICAL ISSUES!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Lots of cars

2008-11-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Amanda

2008-11-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

a ready defense

2008-11-04T00:46:00.003-05:00

Here s a post i had to do for my philosophy class. We must not abandon a philosophical mindset, but season ourselves in the word of God--john

Developing a philosophical mindset will help the believer to have a ready defense against ones who brings challenges. 1st Peter 3:15 states, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. Having a philosophical mindset is not only Biblical; it is also beneficial to the believer. Believers are constantly faced with challenges from many who are trying to find weak points of Christianity and without a philosophical mindset the believer cannot effectively argue and prove truth. In developing a philosophical mindset the laws of logic will come into practice. No defense can truly be upheld with out first being examined with logic. The law of non-contradiction, the law of sufficient ground and the law of the excluded middle are wonderful tools that can become apart of ones mindset in preparing a defense of a held belief. God expects us to be studied and seasoned it our belief and also opposing views. It is apart of being a worthy steward. A very important aspect of defending ones views is understanding the opposing view. When this mindset is adapted one can challenge their own view with the knowledge they have gleaned: finding weak points and slippery ground. This creates a sense of “open mindness” that believers are accused of not having. Everyone is dogmatic and bias towards their own views, but opening up to other views will substantiate the one that is held, or possibly weaken it. This philosophical mindset is essential in defending the Bible they way God would have believers to. The old “because the Bible said so” will no longer cut it. There is more to Christianity than blind faith. It is a faith based on fact.
John Baker

2008-11-03T19:18:00.002-05:00

Wow!!! IT has been a long time since i have posted. Sorry Guys here are a few updates in my life in general.

1. Getting Married 2/21/09
2. Bought my own House in Gilbert, SC back in June
3. Rasing wood and Mandarin ducks
4. Got a Dog
5. Ripped the muffler off my car on a railroad track.
6. Started Classes with liberty;s DLP in august working on my second set of classes

Love you guys, sorry i havent blogged in a while

Seriously check out Andrew Peterson new Cd resurrection letters it is amazing.

buy it on itunes, it will be e.z.er to find

How not to enter the children's area

2008-04-22T15:26:00.001-04:00

Me and amanda though visual aid would help people understand how to enter the children's area.

Prom

2008-04-20T00:46:00.000-04:00

Ready for prom.......maybe

2008-04-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

Amanda's pic

2008-04-18T14:46:00.000-04:00

Amanda

2008-04-18T14:45:00.001-04:00

I know some of ya'll folks back home in Lancaster has been wondering
who my girlfriend is. So here's a pic. And yes i did take that pic.....

John Baker
Sent from my iPhone

Pics from farm day

2008-04-18T14:41:00.000-04:00

Pics from farm day

2008-04-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

Farm day adventures of John

2008-04-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

Amanda and I helped out with the Gilbert FFA farm day. We did
aquaculture and used my scuba gear for props. I made a scuba man with
my wetsuit. It was great for the older children, but the kids in
primary school was terrified of it. They would ran away screaming from
it, which I though was exteremly funny!!!! The teachers did not think
so. I'll post more soon.

John Baker
Sent from my iPhone

The adventures of John

2008-04-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

I bought another Honda del sol because it gets 40mpg. After I got it I
noticed that the mpg was getting worse and worse. I went back to
Lancaster in it to pick up some stuff from the house and noticed some
type of fluid under the back end was on the ground. It was gas!!! The
gas tank had a hole in it!!! I bought the car for good gas mileage and
all my gas was leaking out!!! Daddy stuck his hand on the gas tank to
find the leak and pushed his entire hand through the tank!! It was
rusted through!!! I started calling around to find a gas tank.
Everyone wanted $400 for a new one. So I the called Mike Roach who
hooked me up with one for $100!!! Praise God!!! So daddy put it on
there for me and I decided to include a picture of him in honor of his
work. Thanks dad!!!!!

John Baker
Sent from my iPhone

The adventures of John pics

2008-04-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

Stuff

2008-04-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

More stuff

2008-04-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

Megaladon sharks tooth 5"

2008-04-07T23:11:00.000-04:00

Big tooth

2008-04-07T23:10:00.000-04:00

This is a megaladon sharks tooth I found while diving in the cooper
river. It was a very challengeing dive but I found alot of really cool
stuff!

John Baker

Church notes

2008-03-31T23:07:00.000-04:00

> Pastor's final sermon in the series of 1st John
>
> Text: 1 John 5:18-21
> Title: A Trinity of Certainity
> 1.Christian Power
> A.Expressed
> B.Explained
> C.Exhibited
> 2.Christian Position
> A.Certanity
> B.Contrast
> 3.Christian Perception
> A. Origin
> B. Object
>
> John Baker
> Sent from my iPhone

Sunday Morning

2008-03-30T10:44:00.001-04:00

Food

2008-03-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

Eatin at whizs

2008-03-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

We fixed it

2008-03-26T08:18:00.002-04:00

Amanda and I fixed it and it only cost $15.00 to do it! Sure was much less than i expected it to be. I broke a hammer in the process. Amanda thought it was funny. I also used Steve's drill and brought it back this morning. They thought someone stole Steve's drill. He needed it and had been looking for it since 7:00 this morning. I brought the drill back dead. He still loves me though. --john

Pics from the brilliance of john

2008-03-26T00:34:00.000-04:00

More pics

2008-03-26T00:33:00.000-04:00

The brilliant adventures of John

2008-03-26T00:20:00.001-04:00

Not everything in life has a spiritual lesson. God sometimes uses the circumstances to teach us common sense. Like the other day He told me that it was probably not the best idea to text from my iPhone while backing my SUV down the driveway. He spoke to me
through a broken fence, broken breaklight, and paint stripped to the metal of my car. I have now been accused of being worst than a woman
driver by some of the church members. I believe that God has given us all a measure of common sense, but some of is need to hone it... Like me....... -- john

Church Stuff

2008-03-24T10:18:00.000-04:00

Upwards sports is coming along great! It has been a challenge for me to learn the inner workings of this program and put it to practice so soon. But I thank God for the volunteers that are helping me with it. This would not have been possible without their help. I also want to thank everyone who helped in the Easter Egg Hunt. It turned out great, we had 50+ people show up. There are more events coming up for our children at First Calvary, so be on the look out for announcements, posters, watch the screens, and be sure to check your bulletins. A lot of people miss out when they forget to do this. The staff at First Calvary make every effort to make obvious the upcoming events. I want to encourage everyone to pray for our church as we make changes and transitions. A church that does not move forward will die. We won't let that happen. Sometimes the changes may not be what we want, but we have to put our personal preferences aside and do what God says to do. We must be Kingdom minded. We must understand that the plan that God wants to involve us in is bigger that us. We should be honored that God would even consider to use First Calvary to carry out His plan. So praise Him for this awesome opportunity to reach this area for Christ. --john

Andrew's New Book

2008-03-24T08:59:00.004-04:00

On The Edge Of The Dark Sea Of Darkness

In the quiet land of Skree, the Igiby children—Janner, his younger brother Tink, and their crippled sister Leeli—stumble upon the lost jewels of Anniera and determine to return them. Unfortunately, the scary-bad Gnag the Nameless seeks the jewels for his own evil ends… and so our band of friends, accompanied by their trust dog Nugget, must escape with the help of their mom and grandfather (who happens to be an ex-pirate).
Their journey takes them through an inventively fantastical world of wonders, complete with memorable characters (like Gnag’s evil minions the Fangs and Peet the Sock Man), fanciful creatures (like sea dragons, snickbuzzards, toothy cows, flabbits, and bomnubbles), and captivating places (like the Books & Crannies bookstore, Shaggy Tavern, the Dark Sea of Darkness that divides the land of Skree from Anniera, the Glipwood Forest, Ice Prairies, and the Stony Mountains).
Through fast-paced storytelling, little ditties, songs, and poems, side-splitting asides, sensory descriptions of time and place, and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, Andrew Peterson has created a wondrous tale you’ll enjoy and treasure—just like those lost jewels.

About Andrew Peterson

Author Bio:
Andrew Peterson is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist best known for his Dove Award-winning songs of the year, “Nothing to Say” and “Family Man.” A natural-born storyteller (being a preacher’s kid from the south), he wrote and produced the popular Christmas play and musical, Behold the Lamb of God. He has recorded seven albums and tours every year. Andrew and his wife, Jamie, are the parents of two sons and a daughter and live in Nashville, Tennessee. His website is www.andrew-peterson.com

Conference stuff

2008-03-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

The conference was great. I am very excited about some things we will
be putting in place in our children's area that I seen was needed at
the conference. We must strive toward excellence in all that we do,
because it is for God. He deserves that. We have some new idea's about
rearranging the children's church area. Please be in prayer for us
about that and that God would guide us into what is best for His
kingdom. --john

Whats New

2008-03-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

The next few months are going to be very busy with the many activities planned for the children. Upward’s soccer has taken off with a good start. There has been 50+ children sign up for the program. We are going on a trip this Saturday to Edventure. If you or your child is interested in going and has not signed up, please call the church office and let us know. The Children’s Choir is working on a new musical and the Easter Egg Hunt is coming up very soon. Lambs List (the security check-in program) is another thing we will be starting up next month. We are also preparing for Sun Rock Camp and many other things to keep our children involved. If you are willing to volunteer your help with any of these things, please let me know. I want to thank everyone who is involved with Upward’s soccer, It could not happen with out you. God has supplied each of us with spiritual gifts to serve and worship Him with. As you find out what your gifts are please be willing to put these gifts into practice. We need each believer to be involved in the workings of our church. Please pray for all the upcoming activities of our church and that people will come to know Christ as we share His word.
For Him,
John Baker

What is Truth (Quote)

2008-02-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory and being of God. -- John MacArthur

Do You Believe?

2008-01-30T08:39:00.000-05:00

I got up with this question in my head today, "Do You Believe"? Often questions like these pop up in our head. Many people think this is sin. Its not. It is ok to question yourself sometimes. Its actually heatlhy for your walk with God and its also biblical. 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves". I was thinking about this for awhile. What you believe is what drives you. You do things everyday that you believe needs to be done. You do what you believe. I probably couldn't make you believe that you would live and land without injury if you where to jump off of a sky scraper. I could preach it, teach it, write a book about it, but until you truly believed it you would never jump. Many people say that they believe in God. They act like it, come to church, and are moral people. But what do they truly believe. Many people profess to be Christians but there is no fruit evident in there lives. What we believe about things makes us "do" and puts us into action. If we really believe in the Bible and believe what Jesus has done for us that will put us into action. After what Jesus has done for us, and if we believe it, it will compel us to love, serve and obey Him. 2 Corinthians 5:14, " For the love of Christ compels us". If we love Him we will obey Him (John 15:14). He tells us to share His Gospel to others. Do you share it? He tells us to love Him first? Do you? He tells you to follow Him? Do you? If you belive in Him you must love Him, and if you love Him you will obey Him. Is your actions of service showing your love for Him? It all comes down to this question, "Do You Believe?". --john

Quotes

2008-01-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

A true man trusts in a strength which is not his, and which he does not feel, does not even always desire. --George Macdonald

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis

Imputed Righteousness

2008-01-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

A great truth that many believers overlook is the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. When you received Jesus, God never looks at you the same way again. He no longer sees you as a sinner, He sees you as a saint. His life was substituted for ours. That's called propitiation. His life and death on the cross satisfied God's righteous wrath against sinners. That's how we are made clean, holy, and righteous. When Jesus saves us, He makes us a new person. 2 Cor. 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." I believe Edward Mote hit the nail on the head when He wrote the hymn “The Solid Rock”. The last verse says “When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before the throne. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” By Jesus' death on the cross we are justified, made right in the sight of God. Remember that this does not give us a ticket to sin. Paul said, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not". Many believers abuse the freedom that Christ has given us with His life. Christ freedom is not freedom to sin, it is freedom from sin. You see, it takes perfection to get into Heaven and we cant be perfect. But Christ can and did, and He has given us a chance to trade our lives for His. We can be spotless and blameless in the sight of a holy God, not because of what we can do, but because of what Christ did. I'll finish this blog with a quote from George MacDonald.

"Christ Out Righteousness"
Christ is our righteousness, not that we should escape punishment, still less escape being righteous, but as the live potent creator of righteousness in us, so that we with our wills receiving His spirit, shall like Him resist unto blood, striving against sin. -- George MacDonald

Quotes

2008-01-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

The bridge to understanding our total sufficiency in Christ is to find our complete insufficiency in and of ourselves, and so the Law is there, just and good, to bring us to the end of our self-effort”.
-- Ron Block

1st Blog

2008-01-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

Hi and welcome to my blog spot. I am very excited about becoming your new Children's pastor. God has richly blessed First Calvary with a great potential to reach many children for Christ. I'm looking forward to see what God has instore for us at First Calvary. My first week has been buzy but great. I have been focusing alot of time on the upcoming Upwards Soccer Program. We have been able to advertize in places where they have not let us do so before. Start praying now for all the people involved with this ministry and those who we can reach with the Gospel. This program is an awsome way for us to reach many kids and their families. I pray that you will use the power that God has given to you to share His Gospel with everyone.
--John

ABOUT

2007-01-24T20:06:00.000-05:00

Hi I'm glad that you visited my site. I hope that this site is fun, keeps you up-to-date with my life and most of all, brings you closer to Christ. I hope you have fun looking through my site. If you need me for anything call me at 803-883-2496 or email me at john@firstcalvary.net