Saturday, May 14, 2011
I Won't Settle
**** Librarian Warning!!! This one is somewhat long, so if you get tired of reading go get a snack and come back. ****
I just wanted to write this post to show that I am by no means perfect. I do admit that some of this is hard for me to admit. For so many years of my life, I was content to just exist. I would spend whole days watching T.V. and movies. I don't think that these things are bad, but I used to do them in excess. So many years of my life, I believed in what David Platt calls in his book, Radical, something known as "the Super-Christians". Those were the people who memorized and studied scripture. These were the people who shared the Gospel, read their Bibles everyday, and prayed without ceasing. I just thought that there were the supers and the average performing. I really thought and believed that. I remember all throughout high school, I would just leave my Bible in the car on Sunday. I wouldn't touch it again until the next Sunday. That was just how I lived.For so many years, I did not truly acknowledge everything that Christ did for me. I did not understand the gravity of it. For so many years, I shortchanged God.
By the grace of God, I got into a really good college ministry at The University of Alabama. The college minister at First Baptist, Tim Simpson, was very serious about truly knowing your Bible. He constantly promoted Bible studies where you could be encouraged by fellow believers. I remember Tim always claimed that Bible studies are where you truly learned about God. I remember Tim always telling us to take time out of the day to study the Bible. I can even remember him saying,"Oh, you think your too busy to read the Bible. Give me your planner, I bet can find time for you."
My lack of knowledge in the Bible always enforced my belief in the "Super-Christians." But of course I didn't know my Bible, because I never read it. When I first started at Alabama, I always had to flip to the table of contents to find a book of the Bible. I simply did not know where they all were. Nor could I tell you the names of all of them.
Over time, as I entered a Bible study and made an effort to have a quiet time, I was able to learn more about the Bible. I do thank my Bible study leader at First Baptist, Andrew Seay, for investing into my life. Even though, I learned more about the Lord, I still always felt like I was lacking. Through reading the Bible every day, I was able to get through the whole Bible. I still had trouble memorizing scripture and making the most out of my Bible readings. At this point, I could tell you all the books in the Bible, but I still could not tell you the order to save my life.
Within the past year, I have gotten stronger in my walk with Christ. I am being constantly encouraged by friend, Daniel Fuller. He continues to teach me and increase my understanding of the Bible. My Sunday School teacher and friend, Chris Bloom, has helped connect some gaps I had about the Bible in my mind. He has also let me borrow books that have helped me understand the Bible a little better.Teaching the youth at Bluff Park Baptist Church has made me study the word more diligently and carefully than ever before.
In March, I decided that my time with the Lord needed to be better. The way that I have usually study the Word is that I read from both the Old and New Testaments. It works out pretty well. However, I needed to change how I was reading the Bible. I would usually just read the Bible on my bed. Most of the times I could not tell you what I read after I would get through. Sometimes I would even fall asleep. In March, I decided to change that. I decided I would get a journal to write down verses that I found interesting, questions I had, write my own little commentary, and keep up with prayers. I also go to a desk or table to study the Bible. Doing these have really changed how I study the Bible. It has made my time learning about the Lord and praying to Him more intimate. Since, I am writing and stay more focused, my quiet times are longer.
A few weeks ago, I decided that I was going to learn the order of the books of the Bible. I knew roughly where most of them were, but I was determined not to settle for "roughly". By the power of the Holy Spirit, I was able to do it. I felt the Lord working in me as I split the books of the Bible into sections. However, I still needed to get better at memorizing scripture.
I e-mailed Daniel to ask him if he knew of a tool or something that could help me. He sent me this plan that helps me people memorize a whole book of the Bible. So far I have I John 1 memorized. I am working on I John 2. It has been amazing to see the Holy Spirit work.
I still don't know as much about the Bible as I would like to. Right now I feel like I am catching up on all the time I wasted pursuing other things in life. But I absolutely refuse to settle for "a rough knowledge" or "occasionally reads the Bible". No, that attitude is gone. There is no such thing as a "Super Christian" or an "Average Christian". You are either pursuing God or you're not.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
How It All Fits
So, if any of you have been reading my blog lately you know that I have been reading a book called A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman Geisler. It is really wonderful. It presents each book of the Old Testament in a very concise way. I just wanted to share with you another quote from the book that explains how the Old Testament fits together.
"The Law laid the foundation for Christ by the election (Genesis), redemption (Exodus), sanctification (Leviticus), direction (Numbers), and instruction (Deuteronomy) of the nation through which the Messiah was to come.
In the books of History preparation was made for Christ by giving Israel the Holy Land for their possession (Joshua). Despite the oppression of foreign powers (Judges) due to Israel's sin, there remained devotion within the nation (Ruth). God gave stabilization to hte nation under king Saul (I Samuel), expansion underKing David (II Saumel), and glorification of the nation during Solomon's reign (I Kings 1-10). With Solomon's death came the division of the nation (I Kings 11-22) into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Both suffered deterioration and final deportation by foreign powers (II KIngs). Likewise, the Temple suffered deprivation (I Chronicles) and finally destruction (II Chronicles) at the hands of the Babylonians. But God was faithful in the reconstruction of the Temple (Ezra), the restoration of the nation (Nehemiah) and the protection of His People (Ester). The Holy nation returned to the Holy Land and preparation was made for Christ.
Meanwhile, in the Poetical Books there was aspiration for Christ. Whereas the Law laid down the moral basis for the people of God and the books of History provided the national framework, the books of Poetry revealed their spiritual aspirations, The implicit longing for what Christ alone would provide was fivefold. In Job the aspiration is for mediation by God and in Psalms for Communion with Him. Solomon's aspiration for wisdom in Proverbs, for union in love in the Song of Songs, and ultimate satisfaction in Ecclesiastes completes the spiritual longings of Israel for what was to be provided through Jesus Christ.
The Books of Prophecy look forward to Christ in expectation. The Earlier prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos) expect a national restoration by the coming of Christ. But Obadiah, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah warn of God's retribution on the nations. Lamentations grieves over God's retribution on His People but Jeremiah looks for a convenantal reaffirmations in Christ. Ezekiel expects the nation's religious restoration and Daniel predicts its political restoration. After the Babylonian captivity Haggai and Zechariah exhort the people in their religious reconstruction and Malachi in their social and moral reconstruction as they await the coming of the 'sun of righteousness that shall rise , with healing in its wings' Malachi 4:2."
"The Law laid the foundation for Christ by the election (Genesis), redemption (Exodus), sanctification (Leviticus), direction (Numbers), and instruction (Deuteronomy) of the nation through which the Messiah was to come.
In the books of History preparation was made for Christ by giving Israel the Holy Land for their possession (Joshua). Despite the oppression of foreign powers (Judges) due to Israel's sin, there remained devotion within the nation (Ruth). God gave stabilization to hte nation under king Saul (I Samuel), expansion underKing David (II Saumel), and glorification of the nation during Solomon's reign (I Kings 1-10). With Solomon's death came the division of the nation (I Kings 11-22) into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Both suffered deterioration and final deportation by foreign powers (II KIngs). Likewise, the Temple suffered deprivation (I Chronicles) and finally destruction (II Chronicles) at the hands of the Babylonians. But God was faithful in the reconstruction of the Temple (Ezra), the restoration of the nation (Nehemiah) and the protection of His People (Ester). The Holy nation returned to the Holy Land and preparation was made for Christ.
Meanwhile, in the Poetical Books there was aspiration for Christ. Whereas the Law laid down the moral basis for the people of God and the books of History provided the national framework, the books of Poetry revealed their spiritual aspirations, The implicit longing for what Christ alone would provide was fivefold. In Job the aspiration is for mediation by God and in Psalms for Communion with Him. Solomon's aspiration for wisdom in Proverbs, for union in love in the Song of Songs, and ultimate satisfaction in Ecclesiastes completes the spiritual longings of Israel for what was to be provided through Jesus Christ.
The Books of Prophecy look forward to Christ in expectation. The Earlier prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos) expect a national restoration by the coming of Christ. But Obadiah, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah warn of God's retribution on the nations. Lamentations grieves over God's retribution on His People but Jeremiah looks for a convenantal reaffirmations in Christ. Ezekiel expects the nation's religious restoration and Daniel predicts its political restoration. After the Babylonian captivity Haggai and Zechariah exhort the people in their religious reconstruction and Malachi in their social and moral reconstruction as they await the coming of the 'sun of righteousness that shall rise , with healing in its wings' Malachi 4:2."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
God and Modern Science
" Some gernal principles of reconciliation between science and Scripture. There is no contradiction between the facts of Genesis and facts of science. There is a difference between some interpretations of Genesis and some theories of science. Since God is revealed in both His Word (Scripture) and His world (science) (Ps.19:1; Rom. 1:19), there is really no contradiction between them. When the Bible and science appear to be in conflict, we must remember that scientific theories change, and they be wron today. In addition, there is more than one way to interpet the early chapters of Genesis. Finally, through the years science has come to support many things the Bible which it once taught were untrue.
Some areas where science supports the Bible. Archaeology has discovered thousands of things which prove the historical accuracy of the Bible. Astronomy agrees with Genesis that the world had a beginning. Geology supports the order of creation presented in Genesis 1, following its approach that the universe came first, the world was formed next, that life began in the sea, with the lower forms of life appearing first, and that man is the highest and latest form of life to appear. Physics (the second Law of Thermodynamics) shows the world is running out of available energy. Hence the world cannot be eternal buy must have had a beginning. Mathematics (the Law of Probability) shows that the world did not happen by chance but was designed by an intelligent power. Biology teaches that each creature reproduces its own kind, and Anthropology shows that there is only one race of mankind (Acts 17:26) with different ethnic groupings within it. This indicates a common ancestor for all men."
I believe that God and science are not too different things. I believe that when one study science one is studying the mind of God. To me science does not disprove God, in fact it further proves that their is a God.
Monday, May 9, 2011
It is all about Him
My friend and Sunday School teacher, Chris Bloom, let me borrow a book called, A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler. I am only about seventy pages into, but so far I gotten a lot from it. This is a list that Geisler gives about how all the books of the Bible point to Jesus. I think that this is an awesome list and I just wanted to share this with all of you.
The Old Testament
Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15)
The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12)
The Atoning Sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11)
The Smitten Rock (Numbers 20:8, 11) {This one confused me a little. It is mentioned again in I Corinthians 10:4)
The Faithful Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18)
Captain of Lord's Host (Joshua 5:15)
The Divine Deliver (Judges 2:18)
Kinsman's Redeemer (Ruth 3-4)
Anointed One (I Samuel 2:10)
Son of David (II Samuel 7:14)
The coming King (I and II Kings)
The Builder of the Temple (I and II Chronicles)
Ezra represents Christ as The Restorer of the Temple (Ezra 6:14, 15)
Restorer of the Nation ( Nehemiah)
Ester portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation (Esther)
Living Redeemer (Job 19:25)
Praise of Israel ( Psalm 150:6)
Wisdom of God ( Proverbs 8:22- 23)
The Great Teacher (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
Fairest of Ten Thousand (Song of Solomon 5:10)
Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:11)
Maker of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31)
Man of Sorrows (Lamentations 3:28-30)
Glory of God (Ezekiel 43:2)
The Coming Messiah (Daniel 9:25)
Lover of the Unfaithful (Hosea 3:1)
Hope of Israel (Joel 3:16)
The Plowman (Amos 9:13)
The Savior (Obadiah 21)
Jonah represents The Resurrected One (Jonah 2:10)
Ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2)
The Avenger (Nahum 2:1)
The Holy God (Habakkuk 1:13)
Desire of the Nations (Haggai 2:7)
The Righteous Branch (Zechariah 3:8)
Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)
The New Testament
King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2)
The servant of the Lord (Mark 10:45)
The Son of Man (Luke 16:20)
Son of God (John 1:1)
Christ is the Ascended Lord (Acts 1:10)
The Believer's Righteousness (Romans 1:17)
Sanctification (I Corinthians 1:30)
Sufficiency (II Corinthians 12:9)
Liberty (Galatians 2:4)
Exalted Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22)
The Christians Joy ( Philippians 1:26)
Fullness of Deity (Colassians 2:9)
Believer's Comfort (I Thessalonians 4:16)
Glory (II Thessalonians 1:12)
Christians Preserver (I Timothy 4:10)
Rewarder (II Timothy 4:8)
Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)
Substitute (Philemon 17)
High Priest (Hebrews 4:15)
Giver of Wisdom (James 1:5)
The Rock (I Peter 2:6)
Previous Promise (II Peter 1:4)
The Life (I John)
The Truth (II John)
The Way (III John)
The Advocate (Jude)
King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelations 19:16)
The Old Testament
Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15)
The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12)
The Atoning Sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11)
The Smitten Rock (Numbers 20:8, 11) {This one confused me a little. It is mentioned again in I Corinthians 10:4)
The Faithful Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18)
Captain of Lord's Host (Joshua 5:15)
The Divine Deliver (Judges 2:18)
Kinsman's Redeemer (Ruth 3-4)
Anointed One (I Samuel 2:10)
Son of David (II Samuel 7:14)
The coming King (I and II Kings)
The Builder of the Temple (I and II Chronicles)
Ezra represents Christ as The Restorer of the Temple (Ezra 6:14, 15)
Restorer of the Nation ( Nehemiah)
Ester portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation (Esther)
Living Redeemer (Job 19:25)
Praise of Israel ( Psalm 150:6)
Wisdom of God ( Proverbs 8:22- 23)
The Great Teacher (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
Fairest of Ten Thousand (Song of Solomon 5:10)
Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:11)
Maker of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31)
Man of Sorrows (Lamentations 3:28-30)
Glory of God (Ezekiel 43:2)
The Coming Messiah (Daniel 9:25)
Lover of the Unfaithful (Hosea 3:1)
Hope of Israel (Joel 3:16)
The Plowman (Amos 9:13)
The Savior (Obadiah 21)
Jonah represents The Resurrected One (Jonah 2:10)
Ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2)
The Avenger (Nahum 2:1)
The Holy God (Habakkuk 1:13)
Desire of the Nations (Haggai 2:7)
The Righteous Branch (Zechariah 3:8)
Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)
The New Testament
King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2)
The servant of the Lord (Mark 10:45)
The Son of Man (Luke 16:20)
Son of God (John 1:1)
Christ is the Ascended Lord (Acts 1:10)
The Believer's Righteousness (Romans 1:17)
Sanctification (I Corinthians 1:30)
Sufficiency (II Corinthians 12:9)
Liberty (Galatians 2:4)
Exalted Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22)
The Christians Joy ( Philippians 1:26)
Fullness of Deity (Colassians 2:9)
Believer's Comfort (I Thessalonians 4:16)
Glory (II Thessalonians 1:12)
Christians Preserver (I Timothy 4:10)
Rewarder (II Timothy 4:8)
Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)
Substitute (Philemon 17)
High Priest (Hebrews 4:15)
Giver of Wisdom (James 1:5)
The Rock (I Peter 2:6)
Previous Promise (II Peter 1:4)
The Life (I John)
The Truth (II John)
The Way (III John)
The Advocate (Jude)
King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelations 19:16)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Wrong Attitude
Before I begin this post, I want to say that I am by no means perfect. I have failings just like everyone else. I just wanted to share my thoughts with all who might be reading this. I think that many people who gather together in church have the wrong attitudes when it comes with reaching the lost.
Less then a year ago I was sitting down with a group of Christians. One of the people in this group (whom we will call John) started talking about how the ex-husband of a friend of his was hurting her. I have heard about and met this friend before. Her ex-husband psychologically and emotionally abuses her and the children they have together. I have yet to hear anything good about this ex-husband. After John finished the story about his friend. Another Christian (whom I will call Carrie) responded by saying, "That man is going to be burning in Hell." John then replied by saying,"He sure does. I hope he burns in Hell." (This conversation actually happened) I have heard this ex-husband mentioned before. Every time I do it ends with "I hope he burns in Hell."
Okay, first of all every single human that has ever walked this earth deserves to spend an eternity in Hell for their sin. Only by the grace of God we are saved through Christ. Paul writes in Romans 3:10 "As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one". Paul also writes in Romans 3:22-24 that "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Alright, so even someone like Paul, Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Billy Graham, or you the person reading is no better than the worst possible sinner imaginable.
Second, when Carrie said "I hope he burns in Hell" scares me. I have a half sister. She hasn't spoken to me in almost two years. She cut of all connection to me and my family when she left her husband. I don't know where she is or how to contact her. Before she left her husband, we were never close. She never treated my parents very well. She hardly ever called at the house. My sister and I have rarely hung out. Her ex-husband and her took me to go see the Lord of the Rings in 2001. I remember her taking me to the mall once. Those are probably the only two times we ever hung out. She has driven my parents to cry many times. I say all that to say, I forgive her. I don't hate her. Heck, I barely know her. Yes, she hurt me. Yes, she hurt my family. But I have the love of Christ in me. And if I could contact her I would share Christ with her. I can not imagine hating some one so much that I would wish them to burn in Hell forever. There is no excuse for Christians to wish Hell on to someone. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colassians 3:13
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are not to fortify ourselves in our churches. We are commanded to love and reach every single person on this earth. We are not suppose to love only people of our race or people who honored us. We are not suppose to love only Love all. Hell is serious. Hell is real. Christians are suppose to reach people for Christ.
Less then a year ago I was sitting down with a group of Christians. One of the people in this group (whom we will call John) started talking about how the ex-husband of a friend of his was hurting her. I have heard about and met this friend before. Her ex-husband psychologically and emotionally abuses her and the children they have together. I have yet to hear anything good about this ex-husband. After John finished the story about his friend. Another Christian (whom I will call Carrie) responded by saying, "That man is going to be burning in Hell." John then replied by saying,"He sure does. I hope he burns in Hell." (This conversation actually happened) I have heard this ex-husband mentioned before. Every time I do it ends with "I hope he burns in Hell."
Okay, first of all every single human that has ever walked this earth deserves to spend an eternity in Hell for their sin. Only by the grace of God we are saved through Christ. Paul writes in Romans 3:10 "As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one". Paul also writes in Romans 3:22-24 that "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Alright, so even someone like Paul, Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Billy Graham, or you the person reading is no better than the worst possible sinner imaginable.
Second, when Carrie said "I hope he burns in Hell" scares me. I have a half sister. She hasn't spoken to me in almost two years. She cut of all connection to me and my family when she left her husband. I don't know where she is or how to contact her. Before she left her husband, we were never close. She never treated my parents very well. She hardly ever called at the house. My sister and I have rarely hung out. Her ex-husband and her took me to go see the Lord of the Rings in 2001. I remember her taking me to the mall once. Those are probably the only two times we ever hung out. She has driven my parents to cry many times. I say all that to say, I forgive her. I don't hate her. Heck, I barely know her. Yes, she hurt me. Yes, she hurt my family. But I have the love of Christ in me. And if I could contact her I would share Christ with her. I can not imagine hating some one so much that I would wish them to burn in Hell forever. There is no excuse for Christians to wish Hell on to someone. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colassians 3:13
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are not to fortify ourselves in our churches. We are commanded to love and reach every single person on this earth. We are not suppose to love only people of our race or people who honored us. We are not suppose to love only Love all. Hell is serious. Hell is real. Christians are suppose to reach people for Christ.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Praises
The Lord has truly blessed me over the past few months. I have seen Him directing my path. During Spring Break I was doing an assignment for my public libraries class. We had to analyze a library and the community it serves. I decided to check out Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. It is a new facility. The building was made from trees from the site and recyclable materials. The whole library was made to be friendly to the environment. I was talking to one of the adult services librarians. I told her that I was a library student. She then asked me if I would be interested in doing an internship there. I of course said yes. Over the next week I got an internship set up there for the summer through the university.
This week the Lord blessed me again. On Thursday I received notification that I would be getting an assistanship for next semester. I would either be working at a library or working for a professor. I am very excited by this prospect. I would get six hundred dollars a month and half of my tuition paid for. Yesterday, I received another letter from the library school that I would be getting a scholarship this summer to help pay for my internship and another class. The Lord keeps providing for me.
I remember this time last year I was feeling downtrodden. My major was Social Science Secondary Education and History. However, teaching was not working out for me. He directed me to library school. I have found a wonderful community there. I know that God has a plan for me.
This week the Lord blessed me again. On Thursday I received notification that I would be getting an assistanship for next semester. I would either be working at a library or working for a professor. I am very excited by this prospect. I would get six hundred dollars a month and half of my tuition paid for. Yesterday, I received another letter from the library school that I would be getting a scholarship this summer to help pay for my internship and another class. The Lord keeps providing for me.
I remember this time last year I was feeling downtrodden. My major was Social Science Secondary Education and History. However, teaching was not working out for me. He directed me to library school. I have found a wonderful community there. I know that God has a plan for me.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Robert Burgess: Origins
So, it was suggested to me by my friend, Beth, that I put my testimony on this blog. I will try not to bore you with all the details of my life, so I will endeavor to inform you of the most important things. However, if you take Facebook breaks while reading this, I will understand. I have been a member of the same church since I was very little. The name of the church is Bluff Park Baptist. I was baptized when I was six years old. Honestly, I do not think churches should allow children to become baptized at such a young age. At age six I had never sat through a sermon, ahad no concept of the the Trinity, and was unable to understand over ninety-five percent of the Bible. But I was absolutely convinced I was saved. Don't get me wrong, I think children need religious instruction. I believe that it is the responsibility of the parents to walk their children through the Bible and explain that the purpose for our existence is to glorify God. All I am saying is at age six I did not understand what it meant to be a Christian. All I remember was saying a prayer once.
Anyways, for the most of my upbringing I never read the Bible much. Don't get me wrong I was a good kid. I never had sex, got drunk, looked at pornography, or got addicted to drugs. I didn't do those things then, I still haven't done them now. I always went to church. Although until I was ten I would either draw pictures or sleep during the sermon. I really wished someone had stopped me from doing that.
I started to learn more about God as I got older. I had some really good youth ministers who seemed to care for me and made sure I understood the Bible. I came to church wanting to learn from them. However, none of the youth ministers stayed around for more than a year. There were periods from the time I was in middle school or high school when there simply was no youth minister. I found the other people in my youth ministry to be very discouraging. Very few of them seemed interested in learning about Christ. Many of them seemed as though they just wanted to come to church to play outside or flirt with one another. The guys who went to the church frequently made fun of m since I was different from them. I was different because I was not athletic and liked reading science fiction and comic books. There was a core center in the youth group that made fun of other people. Many of them cared nothing about learning the Word. In fact there were very few people in our youth ministry who did not end up on drugs, get pregnant, or leave the church completely. There were about a dozen of us in the youth ministry and less then five are serving the Lord now.
In middle school I started developing depression. There were many factors in me developing depression. It was a combination of getting made fun of in P.E. for not being athletic, hating the way I looked, never having girls show a bit of interest in me, and feeling as though I was unintelligent. The truth is that I am a very awkward person. Conversing with someone has always been difficult for me. I have never been a master of words and may never be. It has gotten a little easier now through practice. But I have to try much harder then other people. My time with depression was a time of sadness for me. I had even contemplated committing suicide. After months of therapy, I was able to put that part of my life behind me. In those months I spent a lot of time with the Lord. However, once I came through that my life returned to the way it had been.
When I was in high school, I still was not reading the Bible. I read it every once in a while, but never read it on a regular basis. I still did not understand the magnitude of being a Christian. To me it was saying a prayer to God every night(in which I would just fall asleep while doing) and going to church a couple times a week. I just didn't get it at all. I had a few friends at school, but not many of them were following Christ.
Things really did not change for me until I went to college. I went to a church within walking distance of my dorm. I went there every Sunday that I was in Tuscaloosa. No one from that church really welcomed me in. I still remember shaking the hand of the college minister every week. She never remembered me and would always introduce herself. She never once invited me to check out the college ministry or Sunday school. I went to that church the rest of my freshman year, because it was close to my dorm and I did not have a car.
At the start of the next year I was eating at Burke Cafeteria and I saw some people I knew from high school. There names were Beth Lester(now known as Beth Fuller) and Laura Fewell. A guy named Russell Platt was also eating with them. I knew Beth and Laura, but not very well. I had an AP Music Theory class my junior year with Beth. I knew Laura a little bit, but I hadn't spent a lot of time with her in high school. I joined them for a little bit. They started talking about the church that they went to in Tuscaloosa. The name of the church was First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. They talked about the things they were doing there and how much they liked the church.
The church in Tuscaloosa that I had been going to got a new pastor. One week he compared spiritual gifts to having Jedi powers. I thought that was a little weird, but I gave him another shot. The next week the preacher taught a sermon about how we need to make ourselves holy because we all have the power to control God. The preacher used Exodus 32: 7-14 to back up his sermon. In this passage Moses asks God to not to destroy the Jews when they were worshiping the Golden Calf. Moses pleaded for the people, but he did not control God. God is sovereign and is not dependent upon us. I believe that the preacher completely misunderstood this passage.
After this sermon, I left that church. Later that week Beth sent me a message on Facebook to invite me to First Baptist. Through her I met many Christ following people. I got to meet a lot of Christian men that I could study the Bible with. I was able to cultivate friendships with men who were not following after the things of the World, but who were pursuing God. This was significant since it was hard for me to cultivate friendships with guys since they were the ones who always made fun of me for not being athletic. Tim Simpson, the college minister, is a very kind and welcoming person. I learned many things about the Bible. That year I began to start reading the Bible from cover to cover. It took me about a year, but I did it. I really think it is ridiculous for Christians to say they believe every word in the Bible, but never read it. The Bible is at the top of the best seller list every year and yet so many people choose not to read it.
During my second year of college, I started developing depression again. I did not want to commit suicide this time around. However, I did physically hurt myself quite a lot. I did not damage my body long term, but I did hurt my self. It was a terrible time for me. I really hated myself and wanted to strike back at myself. During this time I felt the love of God. He was trying to release me from my burdens, but I just kept hating myself. I went to therapy for a little bit, but I just did not click with my psychologist. After time I
realized God was the only one who could heal me. God was the only one that I could find contentment in.
Also, during that year I began to pray more to God. I realized that the Christian life was more than just sitting at church twice a week. I had been pretty good at doing what I was not suppose to do. However, I was not doing what I needed to do. I was not studying the Word. I was not serving the Lord. I was just sitting passive. I was not effective at all. I decided to make a change. I decided that I would no longer be content to just sit in the pews. I was determined to make an effort to know God and help others know Him.
Now, I am a youth leader at Bluff Park Baptist. I am serving with a young couple from the church named Chris and Libby Lee. Also, my friend Daniel Fuller (Beth's husband) has been helping me out. He is a wonderful teacher of the Word. I am thankful for his friendship and his willingness to serve. My goal is to make sure that these kids know Christ. It is hard a lot of the time, but it is rewarding to see them grow. Even if that growth is minuscule. By no means am I the best teacher. Talking to a crowd or having a conversation is still hard for me. I am still awkward and it is sometimes difficult for me to even make a phone call. However, lately I have been starting to get over some of my issues with approaching people. The Lord has made me a little better at conversation. When I do teach, I do feel the Holy Spirit with me. I may not ever be an eloquent preacher who is full of knowledge and charismatic stories. But I really don't have to be. All I need to do is preach the Word.
So, this is where I am at now. Anybody is free to ask me questions or tell me what I am doing wrong. Sorry this was a little long, but I hope it gives a little better of an idea of who I am.
Anyways, for the most of my upbringing I never read the Bible much. Don't get me wrong I was a good kid. I never had sex, got drunk, looked at pornography, or got addicted to drugs. I didn't do those things then, I still haven't done them now. I always went to church. Although until I was ten I would either draw pictures or sleep during the sermon. I really wished someone had stopped me from doing that.
I started to learn more about God as I got older. I had some really good youth ministers who seemed to care for me and made sure I understood the Bible. I came to church wanting to learn from them. However, none of the youth ministers stayed around for more than a year. There were periods from the time I was in middle school or high school when there simply was no youth minister. I found the other people in my youth ministry to be very discouraging. Very few of them seemed interested in learning about Christ. Many of them seemed as though they just wanted to come to church to play outside or flirt with one another. The guys who went to the church frequently made fun of m since I was different from them. I was different because I was not athletic and liked reading science fiction and comic books. There was a core center in the youth group that made fun of other people. Many of them cared nothing about learning the Word. In fact there were very few people in our youth ministry who did not end up on drugs, get pregnant, or leave the church completely. There were about a dozen of us in the youth ministry and less then five are serving the Lord now.
In middle school I started developing depression. There were many factors in me developing depression. It was a combination of getting made fun of in P.E. for not being athletic, hating the way I looked, never having girls show a bit of interest in me, and feeling as though I was unintelligent. The truth is that I am a very awkward person. Conversing with someone has always been difficult for me. I have never been a master of words and may never be. It has gotten a little easier now through practice. But I have to try much harder then other people. My time with depression was a time of sadness for me. I had even contemplated committing suicide. After months of therapy, I was able to put that part of my life behind me. In those months I spent a lot of time with the Lord. However, once I came through that my life returned to the way it had been.
When I was in high school, I still was not reading the Bible. I read it every once in a while, but never read it on a regular basis. I still did not understand the magnitude of being a Christian. To me it was saying a prayer to God every night(in which I would just fall asleep while doing) and going to church a couple times a week. I just didn't get it at all. I had a few friends at school, but not many of them were following Christ.
Things really did not change for me until I went to college. I went to a church within walking distance of my dorm. I went there every Sunday that I was in Tuscaloosa. No one from that church really welcomed me in. I still remember shaking the hand of the college minister every week. She never remembered me and would always introduce herself. She never once invited me to check out the college ministry or Sunday school. I went to that church the rest of my freshman year, because it was close to my dorm and I did not have a car.
At the start of the next year I was eating at Burke Cafeteria and I saw some people I knew from high school. There names were Beth Lester(now known as Beth Fuller) and Laura Fewell. A guy named Russell Platt was also eating with them. I knew Beth and Laura, but not very well. I had an AP Music Theory class my junior year with Beth. I knew Laura a little bit, but I hadn't spent a lot of time with her in high school. I joined them for a little bit. They started talking about the church that they went to in Tuscaloosa. The name of the church was First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. They talked about the things they were doing there and how much they liked the church.
The church in Tuscaloosa that I had been going to got a new pastor. One week he compared spiritual gifts to having Jedi powers. I thought that was a little weird, but I gave him another shot. The next week the preacher taught a sermon about how we need to make ourselves holy because we all have the power to control God. The preacher used Exodus 32: 7-14 to back up his sermon. In this passage Moses asks God to not to destroy the Jews when they were worshiping the Golden Calf. Moses pleaded for the people, but he did not control God. God is sovereign and is not dependent upon us. I believe that the preacher completely misunderstood this passage.
After this sermon, I left that church. Later that week Beth sent me a message on Facebook to invite me to First Baptist. Through her I met many Christ following people. I got to meet a lot of Christian men that I could study the Bible with. I was able to cultivate friendships with men who were not following after the things of the World, but who were pursuing God. This was significant since it was hard for me to cultivate friendships with guys since they were the ones who always made fun of me for not being athletic. Tim Simpson, the college minister, is a very kind and welcoming person. I learned many things about the Bible. That year I began to start reading the Bible from cover to cover. It took me about a year, but I did it. I really think it is ridiculous for Christians to say they believe every word in the Bible, but never read it. The Bible is at the top of the best seller list every year and yet so many people choose not to read it.
During my second year of college, I started developing depression again. I did not want to commit suicide this time around. However, I did physically hurt myself quite a lot. I did not damage my body long term, but I did hurt my self. It was a terrible time for me. I really hated myself and wanted to strike back at myself. During this time I felt the love of God. He was trying to release me from my burdens, but I just kept hating myself. I went to therapy for a little bit, but I just did not click with my psychologist. After time I
realized God was the only one who could heal me. God was the only one that I could find contentment in.
Also, during that year I began to pray more to God. I realized that the Christian life was more than just sitting at church twice a week. I had been pretty good at doing what I was not suppose to do. However, I was not doing what I needed to do. I was not studying the Word. I was not serving the Lord. I was just sitting passive. I was not effective at all. I decided to make a change. I decided that I would no longer be content to just sit in the pews. I was determined to make an effort to know God and help others know Him.
Now, I am a youth leader at Bluff Park Baptist. I am serving with a young couple from the church named Chris and Libby Lee. Also, my friend Daniel Fuller (Beth's husband) has been helping me out. He is a wonderful teacher of the Word. I am thankful for his friendship and his willingness to serve. My goal is to make sure that these kids know Christ. It is hard a lot of the time, but it is rewarding to see them grow. Even if that growth is minuscule. By no means am I the best teacher. Talking to a crowd or having a conversation is still hard for me. I am still awkward and it is sometimes difficult for me to even make a phone call. However, lately I have been starting to get over some of my issues with approaching people. The Lord has made me a little better at conversation. When I do teach, I do feel the Holy Spirit with me. I may not ever be an eloquent preacher who is full of knowledge and charismatic stories. But I really don't have to be. All I need to do is preach the Word.
So, this is where I am at now. Anybody is free to ask me questions or tell me what I am doing wrong. Sorry this was a little long, but I hope it gives a little better of an idea of who I am.
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