Comments for Decaturfbc's Weblog http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com Connecting with Decatur First Baptist Church Family Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:49:38 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on sunday, september 28, 2008 by Erin http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sunday-september-28-2008/#comment-106 Erin Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:49:38 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=44#comment-106 From what I was able to hear of the sermon it was right on. So many times people get caught up in the "church". Maybe thats is why so many churches are falling apart and so many people dont like the church or even go. They are too busy focusing on the church and not following the simple truths Jesus taught us. We are what makes the church and if we dont follow what was taught by him it just all falls apart. I would like to thank you for all you have done since you have come and I get much out of what you say. Keep up the great work. From what I was able to hear of the sermon it was right on. So many times people get caught up in the “church”. Maybe thats is why so many churches are falling apart and so many people dont like the church or even go. They are too busy focusing on the church and not following the simple truths Jesus taught us. We are what makes the church and if we dont follow what was taught by him it just all falls apart. I would like to thank you for all you have done since you have come and I get much out of what you say. Keep up the great work.

]]> Comment on sunday, september 28, 2008 by Andy http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sunday-september-28-2008/#comment-105 Andy Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:19:51 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=44#comment-105 Steve, I think you're absolutely right, and I'm glad you had this in the blog since I can't make it through the doors every Sunday. For those who have a strong personal relationship, even though at times our religous beliefs have been in question, we know exactly what you're getting at... Steve,

I think you’re absolutely right, and I’m glad you had this in the blog since I can’t make it through the doors every Sunday. For those who have a strong personal relationship, even though at times our religous beliefs have been in question, we know exactly what you’re getting at…

]]> Comment on sunday, september 28, 2008 by Lindsey Gray http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sunday-september-28-2008/#comment-104 Lindsey Gray Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:26:06 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=44#comment-104 I agree with Danny Mark, I personally, loved this sermon as well. It got me to thinking about my own religious background. I was raised as a Christian Baptist and when we are young we are taught that there are certain ways to praise God that are acceptable in different religions. There is a right way and there is a wrong way. I have found myself, at times, looking at other religions and thinking that they are going about it the wrong way. I guess, kind of looking down on them because they aren't doing it the same way I was. It's great to learn new ideas from Pastor Steve, they really are eye opening. If you just step back and look at yourself as a Follower of Jesus instead of a Christian Baptist or Catholic or whatever religion you may be in, we can see ourselves coming together as a whole loving the same God who died on the cross for EVERYONE, not just one religion. I agree with Danny Mark, I personally, loved this sermon as well. It got me to thinking about my own religious background. I was raised as a Christian Baptist and when we are young we are taught that there are certain ways to praise God that are acceptable in different religions. There is a right way and there is a wrong way. I have found myself, at times, looking at other religions and thinking that they are going about it the wrong way. I guess, kind of looking down on them because they aren’t doing it the same way I was. It’s great to learn new ideas from Pastor Steve, they really are eye opening. If you just step back and look at yourself as a Follower of Jesus instead of a Christian Baptist or Catholic or whatever religion you may be in, we can see ourselves coming together as a whole loving the same God who died on the cross for EVERYONE, not just one religion.

]]> Comment on sunday, september 28, 2008 by Danny Mark http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sunday-september-28-2008/#comment-103 Danny Mark Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:12:20 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=44#comment-103 Steve, I loved the sermon. I think it was spot on. I think the failure of the church as an influence in our society today is because we have all become caught up in religious trappings. We are not seeking first His Kingdom. We are seeking what makes us feel good and comfortable. You have opened my eyes a lot since you have been here and I am, I believe, coming into a more genuine relationship with Christ. there sre so many things we can do in our time here on earth to help serve His Kingdom if we would just make him Lord. Steve, I loved the sermon. I think it was spot on. I think the failure of the church as an influence in our society today is because we have all become caught up in religious trappings. We are not seeking first His Kingdom. We are seeking what makes us feel good and comfortable. You have opened my eyes a lot since you have been here and I am, I believe, coming into a more genuine relationship with Christ. there sre so many things we can do in our time here on earth to help serve His Kingdom if we would just make him Lord.

]]> Comment on sunday, september 28, 2008 by POLLY BILYEU http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sunday-september-28-2008/#comment-102 POLLY BILYEU Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:34:17 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=44#comment-102 THE SERMON LAST SUNDAY WAS REFRESHING. IT WAS INTERESTING TO ME TO REALIZE THAT AT THE BEGINNING OF JESUS' MINISTRY HE WENT TO THE LOCAL SYNAGOGUE WHEN HE CAME INTO A NEW TOWN. BUT AS HIS MINISTRY PROGRESSED HE DECIDED HE WAS WAISTING HIS TIME ON THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. THEY DIDN'T WANT THEIR BELIEF SYSTEM TO BE INFLUENCED BY THE TRUTH OF THE "GOOD NEWS" JESUS WAS PREACHING. THEY HAD THEIR RELIGION ALL WRAPPED UP IN A NICE NEAT PACKAGE, THEY HAD THEIR MULTITUDINOUS LAWS TO KEEP, THEY HAD THEIR FINGERS IN THE SELLING OF ANIMALS TO BE SACRIFICED. IT WAS A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS. THEY WERE PROBABLY GETTING A KICK BACK FROM THE MONEY CHANGERS IN THE TEMPLE AREA WHO WERE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PEOPLE. THEY HAD DISCOVERED NUMEROUS WAYS TO BEAT THE SYSTEM OF LAWS, BUT HELD THE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERY DOT AND TITTLE( IS THAT A WORD?) THAT IS RELIGION, NOT THE "GOOD NEWS" JESUS CAME TO GIVE TO US. TODAY PASTOR STEVE TALKED ABOUT ALL THE THINGS WE GREW UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DO ON SUNDAY. I WAS BORN IN THE EARLY 1930'S. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO PLAY BALL ON SUNDAY, THERE WERE NO FACE CARDS IN THE HOUSE, ONLY "ROOK", WE DID NOT GO TO THE STORE BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL CLOSED. WE COULD GO THE CHURCH, EAT A DELIGHTFUL LUNCH AROUND THE DINNING ROOM TABLE WITH GOOD CONVERSATION. IF OUR THOUGHTS WANDERED TO A PERSONALITY AND SOME UNKIND REMARK WAS MADE ABOUT THAT PERSON, ,MY FATHER WAS QUICK TO SAY, "IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING GOOD, THEN DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL." GOSSIP WAS NOT PERMITTED ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. AFTER DINNER WE COULD TAKE A NAP, READ THE PAPER, OR LISTEN TO THE RADIO. WE COULD NOT INDULGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRED GOING OUT SIDE. IT WAS PRETTY MUCH A DAY OF REST. ONLY ON SUNDAYS DID I SEE MY MOTHER IN BED TAKING A NAP. WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE EVENING FOR CHILDREN OR YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND THEN TO SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE. WARREN AND I DISAGREED ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID TODAY. I BELIVE THAT WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP WE WERE, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE LAND---SOMEWHAT LIKE THE PHARASEES IN THE BIBLE. WE COULDN'T DO THIS, BUT WE COULD DO THAT. WHO WAS IT THAT SET THE STANDARD? I KNOW JESUS SAID, "REMEMBER THE SABBABATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY. " WHAT DOES HOLY MEAN? NOT PLAYING BALL? WHAT IS UNHOLY ABOUT THAT? I AGREE WITH PASTOR STEVE-- WHAT MAY BE REST FOR ONE, MAY NOT BE REST FOR ANOTHER . BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE TO HAVE LIMITS PLACED ON EVERYBODY. THIS IS RIGHT TO DO AND THIS IS NOT.PERIOD! SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WHEN THERE ARE RULES TO LIVE BY AND IF YOU DEVIATE FROM THEM THEN YOU ARE WRONG AND THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR BEING WRONG. SORRY I HAVE RAMBLED. I BELIEVE YOU ARE DEALING WITH THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY. THE "GOOD NEWS" IS NOT ABOUT KEEPING A LIST OF DOS AND DON'T BUT SPREADING GOD'S LOVE AS WE UNDERSTAND IT THROUGHH THE LIFE OF CHRIST. KEEP ON KEEPING ON PASTOR STEVE. I NEEDED TO HEAR HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET PHYSICAL REST. OUR BODIES DO NEED TO BE REJUVINATIED. I 'M DONE. THINK I'LL TAKE A NAP. THE SERMON LAST SUNDAY WAS REFRESHING. IT WAS INTERESTING TO ME TO REALIZE THAT AT THE BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY HE WENT TO THE LOCAL SYNAGOGUE
WHEN HE CAME INTO A NEW TOWN. BUT AS HIS MINISTRY PROGRESSED HE DECIDED HE WAS WAISTING HIS TIME ON THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. THEY DIDN’T WANT THEIR BELIEF SYSTEM TO BE INFLUENCED BY THE TRUTH OF THE “GOOD NEWS” JESUS WAS PREACHING. THEY HAD THEIR RELIGION ALL WRAPPED UP IN A NICE NEAT PACKAGE, THEY HAD THEIR MULTITUDINOUS LAWS TO KEEP, THEY HAD THEIR FINGERS IN THE SELLING OF ANIMALS TO BE SACRIFICED. IT WAS A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS. THEY WERE PROBABLY GETTING A KICK BACK FROM THE MONEY CHANGERS IN THE TEMPLE AREA WHO WERE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PEOPLE. THEY HAD
DISCOVERED NUMEROUS WAYS TO BEAT THE SYSTEM OF
LAWS, BUT HELD THE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERY DOT AND TITTLE( IS THAT A WORD?)
THAT IS RELIGION, NOT THE “GOOD NEWS” JESUS CAME TO GIVE TO US.
TODAY PASTOR STEVE TALKED ABOUT ALL THE THINGS WE GREW UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DO ON SUNDAY. I WAS BORN IN THE EARLY 1930′S. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO PLAY BALL ON SUNDAY, THERE WERE NO FACE CARDS IN THE HOUSE, ONLY “ROOK”, WE DID NOT GO TO THE STORE BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL CLOSED.
WE COULD GO THE CHURCH, EAT A DELIGHTFUL LUNCH AROUND THE DINNING ROOM TABLE WITH GOOD CONVERSATION. IF OUR THOUGHTS WANDERED TO A PERSONALITY AND SOME UNKIND REMARK WAS MADE ABOUT THAT PERSON, ,MY FATHER WAS QUICK TO SAY,
“IF YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING GOOD, THEN DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.” GOSSIP WAS NOT PERMITTED ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. AFTER DINNER WE COULD TAKE A NAP, READ THE PAPER, OR LISTEN TO THE RADIO. WE COULD NOT INDULGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRED GOING
OUT SIDE. IT WAS PRETTY MUCH A DAY OF REST. ONLY ON SUNDAYS DID I SEE MY MOTHER IN BED TAKING A NAP.
WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE EVENING FOR CHILDREN OR YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND THEN TO SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE.
WARREN AND I DISAGREED ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID TODAY. I BELIVE THAT WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP WE WERE, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE LAND—SOMEWHAT LIKE THE PHARASEES IN THE BIBLE.
WE COULDN’T DO THIS, BUT WE COULD DO THAT. WHO WAS IT THAT SET THE STANDARD? I KNOW JESUS SAID,
“REMEMBER THE SABBABATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY. ”
WHAT DOES HOLY MEAN? NOT PLAYING BALL? WHAT IS UNHOLY ABOUT THAT?
I AGREE WITH PASTOR STEVE– WHAT MAY BE REST FOR ONE, MAY NOT BE REST FOR ANOTHER .
BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE TO HAVE LIMITS PLACED ON EVERYBODY. THIS IS RIGHT TO DO AND THIS IS
NOT.PERIOD!
SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WHEN THERE ARE RULES TO LIVE BY AND IF YOU DEVIATE FROM THEM THEN YOU ARE WRONG AND THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR BEING WRONG.
SORRY I HAVE RAMBLED. I BELIEVE YOU ARE DEALING WITH THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY. THE “GOOD NEWS” IS NOT ABOUT KEEPING A LIST OF DOS AND DON’T BUT SPREADING GOD’S LOVE AS WE UNDERSTAND IT THROUGHH THE LIFE OF CHRIST. KEEP ON KEEPING ON PASTOR STEVE. I NEEDED TO HEAR HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET PHYSICAL REST. OUR BODIES DO NEED TO BE REJUVINATIED. I ‘M DONE.
THINK I’LL TAKE A NAP.

]]> Comment on sunday, august 10, 2008 by martha http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/sunday-august-10-2008/#comment-99 martha Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:56:53 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-99 The thought that sticks with me, every time, is that we have a choice. So many choose to talk it, and nod in agreement, even say amen. But when it comes to being judgemental and harsh to one another, we still mess up. We say things and do things that Jesus would never do, yet insist we "want to be like Him". How He must weep over us! The changes have to start with ME! No matter what anyone CHOOSES to say, or CHOOSES to do, or how they CHOOSE to behave, I still am only responsible to HIM as to the choices I make, as we all are! If we truly concentrate on Jesus and His Will, we will be on the path! The thought that sticks with me, every time, is that we have a choice. So many choose to talk it, and nod in agreement, even say amen. But when it comes to being judgemental and harsh to one another, we still mess up. We say things and do things that Jesus would never do, yet insist we “want to be like Him”. How He must weep over us! The changes have to start with ME! No matter what anyone CHOOSES to say, or CHOOSES to do, or how they CHOOSE to behave, I still am only responsible to HIM as to the choices I make, as we all are! If we truly concentrate on Jesus and His Will, we will be on the path!

]]> Comment on Sunday, August 3, 2008 by Danny Mark http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/sunday-august-3-2008/#comment-96 Danny Mark Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:36:41 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=39#comment-96 The sermon on Sunday rocked. It really hit home with me. Personally I sometimes live a self-centered life and it is hard to do unto others as you would have them do unto you when I am only thinking about me. I need to start putting others first. Jesus, Others, Yourself should be the order of priority in a believers life. Steve, keep it up man. Your ministry is awesome. You have a really passion for showing us how to live and be mor elike Christ! The sermon on Sunday rocked. It really hit home with me. Personally I sometimes live a self-centered life and it is hard to do unto others as you would have them do unto you when I am only thinking about me. I need to start putting others first. Jesus, Others, Yourself should be the order of priority in a believers life.

Steve, keep it up man. Your ministry is awesome. You have a really passion for showing us how to live and be mor elike Christ!

]]> Comment on Sunday, August 3, 2008 by Cindy http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/sunday-august-3-2008/#comment-95 Cindy Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:30:36 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=39#comment-95 I think part of the issue with the "golden rule" is that it says to treat others as YOU want to be treated. We all assume that everyone wants to be treated well. But, if you have grown up in a household of abuse, put downs, insults, threats, drugs, violence, that may very well be how you expect to be treated and will treat others. (I did not come up with this concept - but heard it in a class and it made sense.) It takes a great deal of hard work, love, forgiveness and caring to "turn on the light" for someone who is immersed in that environment to see that there is a better life for them. I think if we are truly going to live the "golden rule" we have to meet people where they are and have the patience, love and fortitude to treat them as GOD wants them to be treated. I think part of the issue with the “golden rule” is that it says to treat others as YOU want to be treated. We all assume that everyone wants to be treated well. But, if you have grown up in a household of abuse, put downs, insults, threats, drugs, violence, that may very well be how you expect to be treated and will treat others. (I did not come up with this concept – but heard it in a class and it made sense.) It takes a great deal of hard work, love, forgiveness and caring to “turn on the light” for someone who is immersed in that environment to see that there is a better life for them. I think if we are truly going to live the “golden rule” we have to meet people where they are and have the patience, love and fortitude to treat them as GOD wants them to be treated.

]]> Comment on Sunday, August 3, 2008 by Sandy http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/sunday-august-3-2008/#comment-94 Sandy Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:09:01 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=39#comment-94 I wonder what would happen if we came to church and allowed the Holy Spirit to change our hearts to where it wouldn't matter if we wore shorts, or hats, or long hair, or short hair, (or no hair), or tattoo's and cared more if their lives were changed, and they had food in their stomach and roofs over their head. I believe that is one reason why I am so comfortable being with the youth. They have no agenda. They love everyone, and are less apt to see with a negative eye. That is until an adult points out the length of their skirt, hair...... How glorious it would be to see the alter full of people who new our church is where they could be safe and find Jesus in the midst. Preach on. !!! Sandy I wonder what would happen if we came to church and allowed the Holy Spirit to change our hearts to where it wouldn’t matter if we wore shorts, or hats, or long hair, or short hair, (or no hair), or tattoo’s and cared more if their lives were changed, and they had food in their stomach and roofs over their head. I believe that is one reason why I am so comfortable being with the youth. They have no agenda. They love everyone, and are less apt to see with a negative eye. That is until an adult points out the length of their skirt, hair…… How glorious it would be to see the alter full of people who new our church is where they could be safe and find Jesus in the midst. Preach on. !!!
Sandy

]]> Comment on sunday blog july 11,2008 by Marcia http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/sunday-blog-july-112008/#comment-92 Marcia Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:46:43 +0000 http://decaturfbc.wordpress.com/?p=33#comment-92 We are studying Matthew in our Junior High Class Room also, and I agree, it is a powerful book. It seems to be written for everyone, but through the Spirit I believe we each are hearing our own individual calling to be a follower of Christ and walk the path He has set before us. Keep bringing us the Word that God has put on your heart to bring us. We are studying Matthew in our Junior High Class Room also, and I agree, it is a powerful book. It seems to be written for everyone, but through the Spirit I believe we each are hearing our own individual calling to be a follower of Christ and walk the path He has set before us. Keep bringing us the Word that God has put on your heart to bring us.

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