Apologetics

The necessity of apologetics for the Christian is regulated first by the Scripture. The evidence points to the obligation of being prepared and ready to give a defense, answer, or reason of the faith and hope that is within the believer’s heart. Laying out that responsibility often begins with Peter in his epistle (1 Peter 3:15). Our pluralistic multi-cultural world has changed so rapidly that many Christians were caught sleeping, or with their head in the sand, and suddenly found themselves unprepared to give an adequate defense of Christianity in a post-modern world. The informed student of the information age often has difficult questions that are not always flippantly addressed. The good news is that there really are sufficient answers. The child of God needs to energetically prepare to provide those answers according to Peter’s admonition. Norman Geisler echoes this charge, “Unbelievers have good questions. Christianity has good answers. And God has told us to give them the answers they are looking for.” It is certainly time for Christians to erase the stigma of being ignorant and uninformed. Perhaps some have been afraid, or just too lazy, to put forth the effort needed to be a studious workman of the Scripture that is not ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). The honest skeptic deserves to have answers to eternal questions. But what about the dishonest skeptic, do they deserve answers? Josh McDowell gives illustration of a student who refused to believe no matter what the answer. The challenge is, “Would you believe if I could prove the Bible is reliable, and that Jesus Christ is Lord as He claimed?” If the answer is, “No” the problem is not with reason but with will. Because of this some have reasoned that it doesn’t matter what you present factually, a person can only come to God through faith. Certainly faith is the avenue of salvation and conversion. But faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). As believers we have a responsibility to present the truth of the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to convict the sinner. They may not respond with the first planting of the seed, but as the seed is watered it could possibly produce fruit. Ours is not to judge the motive of the hearer, but to provide them with the truth and answers. Therefore apologetics is necessary for evangelism. As provided in class notes, “Apologetics is the art and science of presenting the gospel in such a way as to overcome the objections of a reluctant person for whom Christ died.” This responsibility rests not only with the Christian, but also with the church in curriculum, Biblical education, and training. If our young people do not understand a reason for their faith they become easy prey for the vain philosophies of the world. Apologetics should therefore be a priority for both the church and the Christian.
Tracy Roby

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Often people assume that preachers are preaching at other people without realizing the messages are often directed right back at the preacher. Sure, some messages hit home more than others; but preachers need preached to just like everyone else. The Word of God is living and often the message is needed for the messenger. That was especially true last week. Studying the life of Moses is an encouragement to any minister. He probably had one of the most difficult ministries every assigned to any one individual. I am thankful I didn’t have to walk even a mile in the sandals of Moses. The people he shepherded constantly complained, they were prone to sin, and Egypt (the world) still engulfed them. Moses worked in a time before breaks, forty hour work weeks, or vacations; but he kept moving forward with incredible patience. I know that he blew it in frustration and never had the privilege of entering the land of rest... but who could blame him? The passage of focus is Exodus chapter thirty-two through thirty-four. One of the most difficult moments of Moses’ ministry must have been that moment descending the mountain top and entering the valley to find the people totally consumed with sin. I can’t even begin to imagine the roller-coaster of emotions that Moses’ must have endured that day. As ministers we all experience the highs and the lows of ministry. When people are consumed by sin the affect is also devastating on the man with a pastor’s heart. You don’t want to see your sheep hurting. When they hurt you bear the burden as well. So, how did Moses’ keep on keeping on without failing or faltering in his difficult ministry? Chapter thirty-three holds the key. Exodus 33:11 says: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Exodus 33:14 says: And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Rest isn’t found in a place; rest is found in the person and presence of our Savior. Need rest? Need a friend? Come to Jesus face to face.

Summer Vacation

It is only about a month away - summer vacation. We are looking forward to it more than normal. May finished another year of graduate classes which are extremely time consuming. May included two week long graduations at colleges. June includes two summer camps, which we love and enjoy. But we are ready for a break. Several stressful situations have added to our readiness. It is okay to have moments of rest and relaxation. Our Savior taught us that by His example. My desire is to savor the moments with my family. We are going to Sea World San Antonio and a water park (which is ridiculously hard to spell, so I won't try). Next year one of my children graduates college, and one begins. Amazingly we also will have a 4th grader and a 1st grader. Every moment with them is precious. How many more summers will I have with my 20 year old? I don't want to miss a minute. This is my 18 year old's senior trip, she just wants to relax. We have encouraged her to work hard to prepare for college. Vacation - it is about life, love, and laughter. Ten days of family fun - priceless.

Disc Golf

We started something new as a family this summer - Disc Golf. Flying frisbees into metal baskets. It started as a great way to spend some time with the family, but we have all been having a great time. I am sure all six of us look a little funny throwing our discs from all directions. The good thing is it is free - that is after you buy ten to twenty dollar disc! But this is a wonderful inexpensive family fun time. The first two times I played I had to climb three trees. But thankfully things are getting better. That is after I begin to feel my arm again.

I’ve been enjoying in my office recently this beautiful hand crafted kaleidoscope. It is on loan for a series at church we are doing called “Life through a Kaleidoscope.” The thought is seeing the beauty of change through God’s perspective. There are many life applications that we are making to help us see the beauty in life. We serve a God who is truly able to make all things beautiful in His time.
I take pleasure in craftsmanship. I don’t know how well you can see the picture; but there are several different types of wood used in the construction (some of them exotic). The gears that turn the kaleidoscope are also made of wood. There is intricate scroll saw detail, and a turned base that holds the kaleidoscope.
Obviously it isn’t a work that was finished in a day. There was a designer who finely engineered every detail. A woodworker carefully followed the plans. I am honored to be in possession of it for a short while through the series. It sits looking out the window of my office and each day I take a peek at the beautiful forms inside. That’s what “kaleidoscope” means – to behold beautiful forms.
We are like that. The design wasn’t imagined in a day. We ask for patience because we know God isn’t finished with us yet. But, no matter your past – if you will submit to the Master Craftsman He can do something beautiful with your life as well. Read Psalm 139 today as see afresh just how much He cares about you.

iTouch

I will confess for her - my wife loves gadgets. Last Christmas my wife's gift (to herself) was an iTouch. How could she not love it - I must confess it is really cool. It holds music, movies, games, and interesting gadgets within the gadget... like a level... which is a tool (that's my love). Do you like popping bubble wrap? You can do that on your iTouch. The Virtual flute is one of the best selling apps for iPhone and iTouch to the tune of $800,000! Oh yea, you can also listen to and read your Bible. The iTouch provides innumerous ways to get in touch with your gadget inclination.
But how does God get in touch with us? If God desires to reveal Himself to man how does He go about the process? I believe that God revealed Himself to us through His Word. During the spring of 2009 I preached a series entitled iTouch. The three messages are titled: Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Illumination. If you missed them and are interested you can find them through our sermon audio site. www.sermonaudio.com/opbt or www.overlandparkbaptist.org
We have been discussing at church the importance of our faith. Faith is important to salvation. Faith helps us through the storm. Faith provides strength for service. Faith helps us to accomplish impossible missions. How do we increase our faith? We increase our faith through God's Word. Romans 10:17 says, "So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Love for the Word is primary to the Christian walk and relationship. I encourage you to get in the Word and let the Lord reveal Himself to you.

B-Baller

We had a great first season of UpWard Basketball. This is a great program for the kids. Davis had a blast as you can see.