Union Baptist Church

Pastors Corner 2/20/2011

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:16:00 +0000

2/20/2011

The childhood story, “Three Little Pigs” was one of my favorite stories that I recall love hearing my grandmother tell me when I was young. It really was not so much about the story as I liked her animations and personal touch she added to it. Even in childhood, we share stories that are interwoven with truth and wisdom for daily living. I never would have guessed that this simple story was actually the New Testament in a modern day fable.

Today we must take a look at the truth behind the story of the three pigs that made various decisions as they chose construction materials for their homes. If we are honest, we can see traits of the three little pigs in our own lives and in the people around us. More tragic than not we see the evidence of real shattered lives and broken homes as a consequence of choosing inappropriate materials to build our lives upon. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul lays out the truth behind this childhood classic. To the world our faith and trust in the Lord is foolishness. It is antiquated and out of synch with “modern day” living and values. Yet we know that other choices simply do not work or bring fulfillment. In reality we know the “big bad wolf” is around the corner but we are confident that our foundation and homes are secure. Each little pig thought they were safe too. We know what happened next . . . the question becomes what about our choices and the materials we have chosen. How will they fair when they are tested?

Pastors Corner 2/13/2011

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:15:00 +0000

2/13/11

I am reminded of the story Bill and Linda told of a few years back when they first took toys to hand out to the children in Brazil. Many struggled as they had to make a choice about what to choose. We live in a country where we are used to having choices. Even our own candyman practiced this as he gave us a variety of candy to choose from. Having choices is something we all like but it also creates a lot of problems to. It goes back to our creation moment. When God created us he gave us a spirit of free will. God could have made us without it but what pleasure would there be in having a relationship that was created to love and serve us. God gave us free will but it was not unconditional. He placed limits.

Just as loving parents, we place limits upon our children in order to protect them. It does not take long for even the youngest child to start to test and push back against them. A wise parent recognizes the need to continually adjust and reset these limits as the child grows. If we are so rigid we stifle growth and self discovery. If we are too permissive we potentially place the child in harm’s way. It is a delicate balance. As adults, we often forget that in the eyes of God we are children. He knows how we are made and knows our needs yet we still struggle and push back with an independent resolve. The message today picks up with this idea as we look to both the old and new testaments. God is still in the business of setting limits and wanting very much to enjoy the relationship he intended with us. How rewarding and heart breaking it must be as we struggle with making the right choice. Today’s message gives us a place to start.

Pastors Corner 2/6/2011

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:14:00 +0000

2/6/11

A challenge we face in life is remaining useful. Most seniors express the desire to remain independent and not become a burden on their families. I personally do not care for the idea that others would have to care for my needs but a greater fear that I have is to be viewed as obsolete. I have watched many seniors as they have aged and how families have worked around the various issues that pop up now and then. I have watched the attitudes of those seniors and while they may have physical limitations they maintained an attitude positive self worth and contributed and added value for a long time to their families. The seniors that did not have this view quickly became bitter and withdrawn or simply succumbed. It comes back to understanding creation and more importantly our purpose as a created being. It is not by chance that one of the commandments that God gave to Moses included one for honoring our parents. In fact it also comes with a blessing, “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you, (Exodus 20:12).”

Today’s message reminds us of the greater purpose that the church was created for. Not unlike many companies that are formed they quickly become shadows of their initial purpose. The common cause of this demise is that they get overwhelmed by the process that they forget their original purpose. Churches like companies need to pause and reflect upon their reason for being in existence. As the church has aged it has been a wise sage in some circles while in others it has been deemed obsolete. It is up to us how our community sees us. I hope that they will see our “light is on” and we are open for business.

Pastors Corner 1/30/2010

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:11:00 +0000

1/30/11

We live in an interesting time. There is a distinct struggle between good and evil but also the relevance and meaning of our past, present and future. The political discourse is but a symptom of a larger and in my opinion, a much more serious problem. We have to look no further than our own backyard. Southern Baptists along with other main stream protestant denominations have historically been known for evangelism and mission work both domestically and internationally.

While the efforts continue today it is no longer on the scale that we have seen in past generations. It has become a very serious matter. I need only to site the fact that in other countries where the gospel is flourishing and the church is growing they are now sending missionaries to our shores to reach the lost where in many the places the churches are in decline. What happened?

The message Paul has for the church in Corinth continues from last week and provides us a part of the reason the church seems to be struggling and is endangered of becoming extinct in our time. Unfortunately, I wanted to say irrelevant verses extinct but I believe we see this attitude more often than we care to admit. We see it in our communities and in our families and in particular the lives of our children and grandchildren. We should take seriously there question: “Why do I need to go to church?”

Pastors Pen - Our 'Soldier of Christ"

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:56:00 +0000

Today we remember and give thanks for the blessing of having a "Soldier of Christ" in our church family and community. The impact and the life's that have been touched across this country will never be known on this earth, but I have no doubt that the kingdom of heaven has benefited from the love and compassion that has been given in quiet humility. The dash that separates the date of birth and his entrance into the eternity represent a life will-lived. A life that has known its share of joy, trials and sorrow each met with determination, courage and faith. Paul echoes the words that I feel for Vance today, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. "(2 Timothy 4:7) His example and fight are now passed to us. May we be as faithful and know that eternal love and joy that embraced him January 14, 2011.

Pastor's Corner

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0000

There are times that we all feel we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders or that we have been given an impossible task to carry. These feelings I think, are more intense in our youth because we have not had many opportunities to gain experience and perspective. While these feelings are not very pleasant, we recognize that they are only for a season. Wisdom and experience has taught us there is only so much we can accomplish on our own. One learns quickly that we ever really go it alone. As Christians, we should always be reminded that Jesus is always with us. Our experience is not so unique, but rather it is universal. We see this in scripture as well as in the hymns we sing like: "I Must Tell Jesus", "Sweet Hour of Prayer", "Tell It to Jesus" and "I Need Thee Every Hour". Today we see a young Timothy trying to live up to what is expected of him. Paul's words to Timothy may seem somewhat harsh, while at the same time providing needed encouragement and focus on the greater vision. All of us need encouragement and reminders of the importance our work plays in the larger context of the Lord's kingdom. Don't be overwhelmed the Lord never intended for us to "Go It Alone!"

......2 Timothy 1:1-14

The Eleventh of September

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:11:00 +0000

The Eleventh of September

2002 Roger J. Robicheau

We mourn their loss this day this year

Those now with God, no danger near

So many loved ones left do stand

Confronting loss throughout our land

May heart goes out to those who do

No one can fathom what they view

I firmly pray for peace of mind

Dear God please help each one to find

And to our soldiers now at war

God guide above, at sea, on shore

they are the best, I have no doubt

Our country's pride, complete, devout

The finest force you'll ever see

All freedom grown through liberty

One final thought comes clear to me

For what must live in infamy

Absolutely - We'll Remember

The Eleventh - Of September

Pastor's Corner

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Recently, we were teaching a class for doctors at the hospital. It was during the break that my boss introduced me to one of the other doctors in attendance. As the introductions were finished, I was the recipient of a wonderful comment about the paramedic program. Not only did I feel good, but it was also given in front of my boss. We all feel good and appreciated when our work is validated. The scripture passage addresses how to handle situations that may involve privilege and honor. The important lesson today is one that I appreciate from my experience. There are different philosophies regarding honor, such as; "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" or "sometimes you have to toot your own horn". While these maybe true, I think that we all recognize that the best type of recognition comes when it is not sough or anticipated. It gives credence to the teaching; we should do all things in such a way that it brings glory and honor to the Lord.

Pastor's Corner

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:40:00 +0000

There perhaps were a few days in your childhood where you did something that you should not have. I am not so sure what was worse, just dealing with the consequences or being sent to your room to contemplate your actions while others determined your fate. The reading from Psalm's today (Psalm 106:44-45) reminds us that God is righteous and hold us accountable. Whether it is an individual or a nation we face God's judgment. I am certainly glad that I have Jesus in my life. It is not that God relents when it comes to our sin, but rather that he accepts the work of Jesus on the cross on our behalf. How often did you have a big brother or sister that was willing to step in and take your punishment for your offense? Take courage even when we must confront sin in our life. God still loves us.

Pastor's Corner

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:35:00 +0000

There are many things that I have thought about since returning home from our Brazil mission trip. As much as I know that our team was a blessing to the churches we ministered in, I cannot stop thinking of the local folks that make the church run each week. There are many unsung heroes that enable the ministry of Christ to move forward. Pastor Walner has 4 churches most are about the same commute that I have. He depends on lay leaders in the church to help with visitation and all the other things that have to be done. So do I. Thanks be to God that He uses us in his service.