I created a video and posted it on our church-plant Facebook page. It's basically an invitation for folks to visit our Sunday services. Feel free to take a look, and please continue to pray for us. God bless you!
Showing posts with label notice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label notice. Show all posts
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Living For & Rejoicing In Christ ebook
I am also glad to announce that this book is now available for download or reading via e-book format at Vook and the iTunesStore. Hopefully in a couple of days the Kindle Edition will be available and about a week later the B&N Nook Book edition should follow.
Thank you to Jeffrey Yozwiak (production coordinator) and Natasha Boysaw of Vook, Inc. for helping me out with navigating through the e-book publishing conundrum. Without their help, this book would have remained in print format only.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Off to the press
With the Lord's help and by His grace, my second book is now off to the press. It is with great enthusiasm that I anticipate how the Lord may bless this new book. "Living for and Rejoicing in Christ" is a practical study guide through Paul's epistle to the Philippians (as mentioned in my previous blog article). Having worked on the printed book, and having found out, just yesterday how to format a Word doc for Kindle, I think, that when I get some spare time (somewhere) I would attempt to once again customize this book for the Kindle e-readers. Last time I tried this it was a complete waste of time for me. IF what I have stumbled upon (in formatting Word for Kindle) works, great! If not, then at least I know that I tried again (and failed again) and will be reminded about why I hated formatting. This would be a small price to pay assuming a successful experience.Two more books are certainly in my purview. I so hope to get them done before I leave for the Philippines. I will not be saying anymore about it. I just ask that you would pray for me and for lives to be affected in a positive way for the Lord. To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
Friday, February 22, 2013
The calm before a fatal blow - personal insights into my new book
Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then it becomes a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public. (Sir Winston Churchill)
SURPRISE!
Well my latest monster is almost ready to be slain and then flung to the public. I have been working on a new book and I am really excited about it. It's called "Living For and Rejoicing In Christ." It is a study guide through Paul's letter to the Philippians. I started out with the idea of writing a short commentary on Philippians and as I was laboring in it a couple of thoughts came to mind. First, another commentary. There are plenty of good commentaries already available. They all stem from a devotional, pastoral, and even critical vantage point. A few honor the KJB (and a perfect preservation of the Bible viewpoint) while many others (unfortunately) don't, but their technical, historical and practical insights are extremely helpful. Second, I wanted to write something that could be a blessing to the average person vs. a seminarian or Bible College student. So audience factor kicked in about half way through the project and a rework was in order. When I got to where it needed to be the writing process was a bit more enjoyable. I believe this will be a blessing to those who desire to dig into the word of God either for themselves or for others (as in classroom instruction).
SCHEMATICS
So the study guide is designed to take the reader directly through the book of Philippians in sections or units of study. The most important aspect is bringing the reader to the Biblical text itself. Each chapter is divided according to units of thought. Then, each phrase or line of the Biblical text is succinctly exposited or explained either textually, topically or expositionally. The chapter endings features a helpful tool for instructors (Sunday school teacher) or speakers (Pastor) which summarizes the unit and provides a helpful outline. Finally, the last section features a "questions to ponder" type of a set up which is designed to stimulate practical and application thoughts and/or further group discussions from an inductive approach.
SITUATION
Where it stands right now. The book is in the final proof reading process. After the final proof, a reformatting of the manuscript. Then, the final of the book cover (which is almost done, too). Then off to the press. Then finally, flinging it out into the public. So in terms of percentages, I could say that the book is about 90% done - the monster is being slain, albeit slowly but surely. I suppose if I stop blogging and tweeting then I could use the time to move the project forward, but this is my way of calming down before fatally stabbing the monster for the last time (at least for this first edition).
Thursday, September 20, 2012
My vote and a bit more
Thus far I personally have logged eleven reasons why not to vote for Obama on my Twitter page. I think that list will grow. It's not that I don't like him personally. I don't think I'll ever get to know him on a personal basis to make that judgment call. If I ever get a chance to meet him, I would love to spend a few moments to show him from the Bible how he can know that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins, and how he can have a home in heaven when he dies. In fact, I would really be delighted at that. It would be my pleasure. But I don't like his record as President, nor the Democratic platform (which took God out only to insert Him in later after a sassy and pretentious parliamentary vote).
First, I would like my readers to know that I am not against government. All human governments, even the worse kind, is ordained of God according to Romans 13:1. Let's not forget that Paul submitted himself to a government that cut off his own head. What we don't want to imply is that all human government is approved by God. The best government on this world is that which is Christian (but that will have to be for another post). And so here we are in post-post modern America. Many things have change. People's behavior or culture have been influenced by many factors like technology so much so that it is amazing to live in a time between two seemingly different worlds (one prior to the internet/computer age and the other, well, you get it). There are gains and losses, too (and you know what's coming...that will have to be for another post). Truthfully, with all the changes that could possibly take place certain "things" are not subject to change, I can think of a couple, God and His Word. I want to focus on His Word and how the Holy Bible is going to influence my vote this coming Nov.
I realize that this particular reason isn't even on the blip screen of what so many believe to be the no.1 issue of this election (i.e. the economy or to put it down on the lower shelf - jobs - a three letter word according to Biden - but that will have to be for another post). My contention, at least on this post, is that abortion on demand and partial birth abortion and abortion period is a huge reason for not voting for politicians like Obama and others regardless of party affiliation who do not have enough conscience to protect some of the most helpless of human life, the unborn.
Consider how involved God is in the creation of human life:
"Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?" (Job 31:15)
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Ps. 139:13-14).
"Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." (Jer. 1:4-5).
But there's more: Job 10:8-13; Ps. 51:5; 127:3; 139:16; Isa. 49:1,5.
Consider what God says about the killing (or murder) of human life:
"Thou shalt not kill" (Exo. 20:13).
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. (23) And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, (24) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, (25) Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." (Exo. 21:22-25).
I don't think I have even scratched the surface on a Biblical consideration about abortion (not to mention Bible characters that would mirror abortive practices, i.e. Pharaoh in Exo. 1:22, Harod in Matt. 2:16, and Satan in Rev. 12:4 even if it is figurative). But one thing I will leave you with for now is that if you regard the human life inside a womb as merely nothing more than a fetus, then you and everybody else is an over grown one. So yes, this issue isn't the most pressing concern in our advance day and age, but then if we start looking at God's Word, esteeming it as God's Word, and recognize the value of human life, I'll guarantee you we can start solving fundamental societal problems. The root of every political and social problem is a spiritual problem, and the answers are beyond us, but never beyond God.
For the many women and men affected by the consequences of abortion, please know that there is forgiveness and mercy and grace for your sin. If you truly repent of sin and trust in Christ as your Savior, then you can have the peace through forgiveness and the power of having a true walk with God.
Needless to say, I will not be voting for Obama. I have no choice but to vote for Romney. I am not pleased to say the least that he isn't solid on the issue of abortion (thankfully, Ryan is stronger, but also not as strong on it as I am). I do believe that if we desire to keep whatever similitude of liberty we have left, that this election must be a win for the GOP, at least for now.
First, I would like my readers to know that I am not against government. All human governments, even the worse kind, is ordained of God according to Romans 13:1. Let's not forget that Paul submitted himself to a government that cut off his own head. What we don't want to imply is that all human government is approved by God. The best government on this world is that which is Christian (but that will have to be for another post). And so here we are in post-post modern America. Many things have change. People's behavior or culture have been influenced by many factors like technology so much so that it is amazing to live in a time between two seemingly different worlds (one prior to the internet/computer age and the other, well, you get it). There are gains and losses, too (and you know what's coming...that will have to be for another post). Truthfully, with all the changes that could possibly take place certain "things" are not subject to change, I can think of a couple, God and His Word. I want to focus on His Word and how the Holy Bible is going to influence my vote this coming Nov.
I realize that this particular reason isn't even on the blip screen of what so many believe to be the no.1 issue of this election (i.e. the economy or to put it down on the lower shelf - jobs - a three letter word according to Biden - but that will have to be for another post). My contention, at least on this post, is that abortion on demand and partial birth abortion and abortion period is a huge reason for not voting for politicians like Obama and others regardless of party affiliation who do not have enough conscience to protect some of the most helpless of human life, the unborn.
Consider how involved God is in the creation of human life:
"Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?" (Job 31:15)
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Ps. 139:13-14).
"Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." (Jer. 1:4-5).
But there's more: Job 10:8-13; Ps. 51:5; 127:3; 139:16; Isa. 49:1,5.
Consider what God says about the killing (or murder) of human life:
"Thou shalt not kill" (Exo. 20:13).
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. (23) And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, (24) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, (25) Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." (Exo. 21:22-25).
I don't think I have even scratched the surface on a Biblical consideration about abortion (not to mention Bible characters that would mirror abortive practices, i.e. Pharaoh in Exo. 1:22, Harod in Matt. 2:16, and Satan in Rev. 12:4 even if it is figurative). But one thing I will leave you with for now is that if you regard the human life inside a womb as merely nothing more than a fetus, then you and everybody else is an over grown one. So yes, this issue isn't the most pressing concern in our advance day and age, but then if we start looking at God's Word, esteeming it as God's Word, and recognize the value of human life, I'll guarantee you we can start solving fundamental societal problems. The root of every political and social problem is a spiritual problem, and the answers are beyond us, but never beyond God.
For the many women and men affected by the consequences of abortion, please know that there is forgiveness and mercy and grace for your sin. If you truly repent of sin and trust in Christ as your Savior, then you can have the peace through forgiveness and the power of having a true walk with God.
Needless to say, I will not be voting for Obama. I have no choice but to vote for Romney. I am not pleased to say the least that he isn't solid on the issue of abortion (thankfully, Ryan is stronger, but also not as strong on it as I am). I do believe that if we desire to keep whatever similitude of liberty we have left, that this election must be a win for the GOP, at least for now.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Three online tools to learn more about Mt. Zion Baptist Church
1. Our church website. Obviously, this is the most elaborate tool. It contains everything you would want to know about MZBC. You can look at current events and calendar items, read our doctrinal statement, a succinct background on our Pastoral Staff, see the various ministries and so much more.
2. sermonaudio.com/mzbc. This online tool archives our audio and video sermons. We also live stream our Sunday morning service at 10:45am EST. If you are like me, you like listening to the preached Word, then help yourself to some good old fashioned preaching.
3. Follow us on Twitter @mtzbc. If you would like to receive announcements, updates, and more information about MZBC, then feel free to follow us on Twitter. Send us a request, and if we determine that you aren't a spammer, we will gladly add you to our Twitterverse.
2. sermonaudio.com/mzbc. This online tool archives our audio and video sermons. We also live stream our Sunday morning service at 10:45am EST. If you are like me, you like listening to the preached Word, then help yourself to some good old fashioned preaching.
3. Follow us on Twitter @mtzbc. If you would like to receive announcements, updates, and more information about MZBC, then feel free to follow us on Twitter. Send us a request, and if we determine that you aren't a spammer, we will gladly add you to our Twitterverse.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Frustration - some Blogger hate and love
I am frustrated...with Blogger, and my inability to get the pictures inserted in the proper order. I don't exactly know when I started meddling with my blog template, but somehow or another I must have messed up some details in the html code (this would be like the DNA of webpages) and as a result, my postings (including pics) are not as smooth or swift as I would like for it to be. To my well meaning friends (who are tech savvy, and have offered their aid) thank you, but I really don't want to spend much more time with this aspect of blogging (Maybe I will scrap this old blog and start over again, I don't mind that - no more will I try to customize - I have learned my lesson) - please do not offer any help.
So if you look at the pictures (if you can see them, that is) just read the captions and you will hopefully get what I am trying to convey. If anything else, at least I get to update my blog today. Even if it is a minor note of Blogger hate. And please don't suggest Wordpress, I think that one is worse than Blogger - now there is some Blogger love.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A break for now
Dear Blogdom,
I apologize for not connecting with you in the past few weeks. I took a survey trip to the Philippines and now my attention is focused on catching up with emails, snail-mails, phone messages, and various other miscellanies. I am also working on a report to Mt. Zion Baptist Church about the trip, and when that is done, I will be able to return to blogging (and when I return, I will also update my blog about the trip - details, pics, and all). I believe I will be back into Blogdom no sooner than after Easter. This doesn't mean that I don't read other blogs, I do. I just am not going to be posting any of my own until then. So, for now, have a great rest of the month, and advanced "Happy Easter!" and for those who associate Easter with the pagan thing, "Happy Resurrection Sunday!"
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead;)" (Galatians 1:1) Praise the Lord, we serve a risen Savior!
I apologize for not connecting with you in the past few weeks. I took a survey trip to the Philippines and now my attention is focused on catching up with emails, snail-mails, phone messages, and various other miscellanies. I am also working on a report to Mt. Zion Baptist Church about the trip, and when that is done, I will be able to return to blogging (and when I return, I will also update my blog about the trip - details, pics, and all). I believe I will be back into Blogdom no sooner than after Easter. This doesn't mean that I don't read other blogs, I do. I just am not going to be posting any of my own until then. So, for now, have a great rest of the month, and advanced "Happy Easter!" and for those who associate Easter with the pagan thing, "Happy Resurrection Sunday!"
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead;)" (Galatians 1:1) Praise the Lord, we serve a risen Savior!
Monday, August 24, 2009
erratum
On my 3rd gabcast, I mentioned the links located on the "right section of the blog posts." When I decided to switch templates, the current one I am using has the side menu bars located on the left hand side. The gabcast was finalized prior to the switch, and thus the error.
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