February 2012

Thankful. Words cannot express how thankful I am to all of you who are continuing to make this transition from Kentucky to Colorado as smooth and as wonderful as possible. Between the generosity from all of you on the pounding on January 8, the hard work that has clearly been done at the South House, the encouragement you’ve given me for the sermons (to God be the glory)—and a myriad of other things—you have made my family and me feel loved, cared for, and encouraged as we enter into a new phase of ministry at ARBC.

Children’s Ministry. On Saturday, January 28, Karen Bransgrove came and spoke to our children’s volunteers. Praise God—we had 21 come out for the meeting, and we have about 6 who are ready to volunteer for a new Wednesday night children’s ministry called Worship Kids. It will begin March 7 and will be for elementary age children (kindergarten through 5th grade). Thanks to all who came out to help and provide prayer support for this very important ministry. We are so excited to see what God will do in the days ahead with our children. Keep on praying!

Worship. I had the privilege to having a great meeting with our Music Team on Saturday, January 14. First of all, thanks so much to Dee Dunn, Gloria Hughes, Dolores Sears, Gene Shoun, Don Taylor, and Diane Weston for keeping the music and worship ship not only afloat during this transition time—but sailing ahead beautifully. I was reminded of a passage from Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ” You see, the worship time is about proclaiming the Word through the vehicle of music. And I love that the apostle Paul included ‘psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs’—the whole spectrum of musical styles all come together for one purpose: to help the Word dwell in us! And reading through the Psalms, you see all sorts of instruments and ways they praised! What a variety God has allowed us to use in magnifying His name for His glory to the world! I told all of you that I pray our worship time is doctrinally sound with a joyful sound that declares His renown all around! May it be so!

Sermons. This February, we finish up the Epistle to James as we have looked at “Faith That Works.” Thank you all for the feedback and encouragement in telling me how God has used His Word to change your hearts! Keep praying that God’s Word would go all over and change all hearts in our church and community by His Spirit! In March, I’m excited about what God has put on me. It’s a series on “Why We Do What We Do!” Our worship services have parts in it where we call people to worship, listen to sermons, give offerings, pray, commit to Christ, and to be unleashed into the world. Why? Many times, we just go through the motions and don’t really think about how our worship services show the core values of what we believe at ARBC as well as showing us how to live our lives as Christians! Plus, this will be helpful for those new to the church who may think we just do this … just because! No! There is a helpful reason why we do what we do in our worship services - and why we should continue to do this in our day-to-day walk with Christ!

Outreach. Keep your eyes open for opportunities in the coming months to be involved in various outreach ministries, especially as Resurrection Sunday (April 8) rolls closer. Also, more information will be coming about how you can be a part of a team that, through letter writing, phone calls, and visits, can help make connections in our community and follow-up with those who have come to our churches. Make no mistake in your minds: people are starting to come visit ARBC and they love the people, the worship services, and are inquiring about who we are and what we are all about. Make those connections to them when you see them in church. Love them in Christ’s name. Every soul matters to God—and I pray that every soul would matter to every soul already at ARBC.

I love you all and am excited about where our church is headed in 2012. Strap on the armor (Ephesians 6:10-18)—let’s get ready!
Pastor Matt

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January 2012

Actively Rejoicing and Believing in Christ (ARBC)
And so begins the new year of 2012! Having spent three weeks at ARBC in December and getting to know so many of you, I believe that some very bright days are ahead of us! God has placed a wonderful spirit at this church with so many of you ready to move forward for the cause of Christ!

When we hear and see the letters ARBC, we know this stands for Arapahoe Road Baptist Church. We know what the letters stand for, but one question that needs asking is, what do we stand for? My prayer is that for 2012, our aim would be that ARBC stands for “Actively Rejoicing and Believing in Christ” (thanks, Shelley Joplin, for this clever and timely acronym!). What will this look like?

In January and February on Sunday mornings, I will preach through the book of James in a sermon series titled, “Faith That Works.” We reject that we are saved by faith plus works, but once we come to Christ, we want to have a faith that works in how we worship our Lord, take care of one another in Christ, bringing others to Christ, and serving the community Christ has placed us in. This is where the active part in Actively Rejoicing and Believing in Christ comes in.

Pray for our church in the next three months or so for a number of reasons:

• We plan on offering all ages an opportunity to minister in being a part of an outreach and follow-up ministry. We pray everyone can commit at least one day a month to be a part of a team that will have members who will pray, visit, call, or write letters to those who need a contact (either members or visitors).
• We have plans to implement a Wednesday night children’s ministry for elementary-aged children that will teach them about the Scriptures, missions, and other areas of the faith in an age-appropriate fashion. Karen Bransgrove of the Colorado Baptist Convention will come on Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 a.m. to help us, to advise us in this area and help give us some direction. All who work with children or have an interest in this area are welcome to attend.
• Pray for our deacons and myself as we work to have a retreat, either in January or February, as we go through a wonderful study by Johnny Hunt entitled, “The Deacon I Want to Be.” Let me ask, are you praying for your deacons? I pray you are—God has called some wonderful servants from this church.

This is just the beginning! And just as all of you have been working diligently in serving our Lord in bridging the gap from our previous pastor until now, I pray you will continue to work and serve in the areas God has led you to serve. No one person can do it by themselves, but together being led by the Spirit, we can accomplish much for the Kingdom.

In closing, pray for me as I travel to the country of Trinidad & Tobago from January 20-23, 2012. My pastor friend (and “brother from another mother”) Roddie Taylor, who pastors the Point Fortin Mt. Beulah Evangelical Baptist Church, will be installed as a bishop on Sunday, January 22. He has planted numerous churches and mentored numerous young pastors in that oversight, and in many African-American churches, they see the evidence of this faithfulness over the years. I was honored and humbled when he asked me to come and to preach the installation sermon and oversee this ordination process. I am grateful to our deacons and the Personnel Committee for permitting me this short time away. Pray that the Spirit would endow and empower me and continue to empower Roddie in the days ahead.

I’m thankful to be your pastor. May God richly bless you in 2012.

Pastor Matt

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December 2011

As I write this, I’m just days away from climbing in my car with my dog and some of my belongings and making the 1200 mile drive from Lexington, Kentucky, to Denver, Colorado! I just finished my last service at Boone’s Creek Baptist Church and am so grateful to that loving church family for eight years of ministry together. Even more exciting was that one of my sons, Daniel, prayed to receive Christ and was baptized at the end of my last service there. What a way to go out—isn’t God good? Pray for them during this transition, that God would bring His man for His church at Boone’s Creek.

But I hear that two have come to Christ at ARBC this past month! Praise God!! May we pray for them and do all we can to help them “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

As Southern Baptists, we know that the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions will be collected to help the 5000+ career missionaries and 20,000+ other missionaries reach all the people groups of the world, especially the 4000+ unreached people groups (UPGs). We celebrate this during December because Lottie Moon (who hailed from my home state of Virginia) died on a ship back to the states on December 25, 1912. Who knew that a 4’3”, 60-pound lady would loom as such a giant in Baptist missions?

John Piper once said in his book Let the Nations Be Glad, “Missions is not the purpose of the church—worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” He’s mostly right. We all worship something, for that is how we are wired. God calls us to examine ourselves to see where our true worship lies. Subtly, Satan can steer us off-course to where something or someone other than Christ drives our lives. God came on-mission so that we could worship rightly! Let us be generous in our giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering as we dedicate ourselves to pray, give, and go for the cause of Christ from our neighbors to the nations!
Thank you so much for the 130 of you who filled out the doctrinal survey. Someone once said that Mormons get more converts from Southern Baptists than from any other denomination. Why? Simply put, too many Baptists don’t know what they believe or why they believe it. That survey helped me to understand how to be a better pastor and preacher to you as we understand how to know His Word, to grow in His Word, and to show His Word to others.

One last thing: I am so grateful to you all. As you saw from my last newsletter, my intention was to be a “pastor at his post” and preach to you on Christmas Day (December 25 lands on Sunday this year). Not long after I mentioned this in an e-mail to Craig Howell, he gave me a call on my cell and said, “Matt, we all are on-board and expected you to go back to Kentucky for Holly’s birthday, to be with your family for Christmas, and to help with last minute moving details.” I was floored! Thank you for your willingness to allow me to be with my family for Christmas. We are all very grateful to God for you and for this!

See you soon!
Pastor Matthew Perry

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A Certain Sound

It is a new day at Arapahoe Road Baptist Church. The future is bright. I praise God for the spirit of the church family as the members work together to accomplish the ministry given to this congregation.

I want to challenge you to pray daily for Dr. Perry and all his family. Then pray that pastor and congregation may have a God-given vision for all He wants to do in this place and through the ministry of this church. Just as the church is efficient in the internal organization, I pray that the church will give attention to the organization of ministries and programs to reach out to the community that surrounds us in this great city. The people are here, the prospects are all around us, and, through the leadership God has provided, there is opportunity to reach children, young people and adults with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sara and I are thankful for the opportunity to work with the family of believers called Arapahoe Road Baptist Church. You have been very warm and kind in your reception of our ministry here. Even as we look forward to the future under the leadership of Dr. Perry, I want to encourage you to be faithful in the services and in your responsibilities in the present. I’ll look forward to seeing you each Lords’ Day in the next few weeks.

As we continue to worship and serve, please consider:
Are you ready for leadership?
Are you ready to follow leadership?
Are you ready to go to work?
Please express gratitude to God for keeping the church family together through stressful times and bringing us to this day of victory. The Bible says that if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (I Corinthians 14:8) As we are faithful to the task God has given us we will make A Certain Sound.

Lewis Adkison
Interim Pastor

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November 2011

In my almost 20 years of ministry, I have never been a part of anything like the morning worship service of Sunday, October 16. The worship time, the fellowship, not to mention the unanimous vote that led you to call me as your pastor—words cannot express how grateful I am that the Spirit led us together.

On that Sunday night, I shared with you from Hebrews 13:20-21 and its wonderful truth for our church (yes, it’s good to say our church): God has provided and will provide every faithful church with everything it needs to accomplish everything He desires—and that includes us as we stay faithful to Him. This truth helps us focus on the leadership of the Spirit and the Word, not exclusively on ‘nickels and noses.’ He’s provided us with many things:

• Himself (Genesis 1:1);


• His gospel (Mark 1:14-15);


• His called leaders (Hebrews 13:7-19; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)


• His people (Exodus 19:5-6)!


• He has given us opportunities to worship together in spirit and truth, to fellowship with one another, and to minister to those inside and outside the church (Acts 2:42-47).


• He’s given us beautiful pictures of His ordinances: baptism, which is the outward profession of that inward faith (Romans 6:1-4); and the Lord’s Supper, symbolic symbols of the ultimate truth of his death that brings redemption (Ephesians 1:7).


• He has given us the blessing of coming to Him in prayer to find grace and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16);


• He’s given us the mission field of Denver, Colorado, where 95% of Denver is unchurched and 255,000 people are within a five-mile radius.


• He has given us a passion for Christ, His truth, and His creation that needs His people to bear witness to Him (Acts 1:1-8).

I will officially start on the field Thursday, December 1, with my first Sunday preaching December 4. My aim is to go through the Christmas account in the first two chapters of the gospel of Matthew for the first three Sundays in December, followed by preaching out of Luke 2:1-20 on Christmas morning (yes, December 25th lands on Sunday—won’t that be a special day)? So go ahead and read up and be ready to receive His Word.
Blessings to you all!
Pastor Matthew Perry

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October 2011

There is one thing the Bible promises that Christians will be given if we ask. The one thing that every Christian needs and that God wants to give us is wisdom. The promise is found in James 1:5 (NLT):
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
You notice we have to understand that we need wisdom. The verse following tells us that we must ask in faith. But God is anxious to give wisdom to those who know their need and in faith ask Him to provide it for them.
I am asking that members of this congregation pray for wisdom. Specifically ask God that wisdom be given to those who serve on our Senior Pastor Search Team. Pray for wisdom to be given to the one who is searching for God’s will concerning serving as our Senior Pastor. Pray for wisdom for our church family to know with certainty how God is leading in this most important decision. This is a vitally impor- tant time in the life of Arapahoe Road Baptist Church—one of the most important times in the history of the church. We want to have God’s man to lead this congregation. God wants to send us that man. It’s a win/win situation—if we have wisdom to know and follow His will.
I have chosen as the title of this column “A Certain Sound.” This title comes from I Corinthians 14:8:
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
As we proclaim the message of Christ and carry out His work, it must be with a clear voice. There must be a clear message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must give a certain sound that men are lost without Christ and that Jesus is the only way of salvation.
With a certain sound, we let the world know that we are a people of love. We call sin what it is but have compassion for sinners. We are a people of prayer. We believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is our desire to serve the needs of people in this community. In our church and our ministry, we seek to exalt Jesus Christ. We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (II Corinthians 4:5).
Thank you for the privilege of serving with you in this wonderful church. I look forward to seeing you each Lord’s Day. I’ll have a Bible in my hand and a message in my heart that comes from the Word of God.
Lewis Adkison Interim Pastor

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September 2011

Welcome Lewis and Sara Adkison!
Dr. Adkison will begin preaching regularly on September 4. He will preach Sunday mornings and evenings and will conduct our Wednesday evening Bible Study/Prayer Meeting. He will work in the office on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, and Thursday mornings. We are so glad to welcome Lewis and Sara to ARBC again!

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August 2011

Rock the Range
August 27-28, 2011
All events are free of charge. Go to www.RocktheRange.org for details.

Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Events:
Saturday, August 27
10 a.m.—Noon is Kidzfest
Free concert with the group, God Rocks

Saturday, August 27
4—9 p.m. is Student Night
Bands include LeCrae, The Afters, The Almost
Special message from Franklin Graham

Sunday, August 28
4—7:30 p.m. is the Family Event
Music by Michael W. Smith and The Afters
Special message from Franklin Graham

*Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is at 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City 80022.

Would you like to help by praying?

At each event during Rock the Range, there will be an Event On-Site Prayer Room. Prayer time begins promptly 30 minutes prior to the start of each service and lasts until the conclusion. Prayer Room Supervisors host the Prayer Room, using prayer guides. You may pray silently or in groups. If you are interested, register by Friday, August 19. Please consider serving in this way—you are greatly needed! (Registration forms are in the church office.)

Specific Prayer Requests:

• Franklin Graham—that God would strengthen, anoint and fill him with His message for the services.
  
• All Artists & Presenters—that God would use the music, songs and words of testimony to prepare hearts to hear His message.
  
• Operation Andrew & Andy—that participants would see many answered prayers
  
• The Harvest—that hearts would be receptive to coming to Rock the Range, hearing and responding to the life-changing message of the Gospel
  
• Follow-up and Discipleship—that churches would be prepared and diligent in following up on and discipling each new believer.
  

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July 2011

“Call 2 Fall”

I will answer God’s “call 2 fall” on my knees in humility and seek His face in repentance so that He might forgive my sins and heal our land.

The Family Research Council has set in motion a movement whereby on Sunday, July 3, people are being asked to set aside five minutes to get on their knees before the Lord in repentant prayer for God to reshape our lives and renew our land.

There are millions of believers who realize that America has troubles for which neither Washington nor Wall Street has the answers.

July 3 was chosen as the date to emphasize this, so that, as we celebrate our “Independence,” we can also express our “Dependence” upon the Lord. Throughout this day, believers are encouraged to spend time on their knees, crying out to God to heal our souls and our land.

Our founding fathers sensed the need for the same kind of prayer in view of the monumental struggle we were engaged in with Britain. The First Continental Congress called for a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer throughout the Colonies on July 20, 1775, just after war broke out.

As you pray, be mindful of these simple truths:

God is sovereign.
He is holy, and He is love.
We can do nothing better than humble ourselves before Him and resolve to follow Him in obedience.

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June 2011

"June Gloom” is a phrase that I learned while visiting the Santa Barbara, California, area some years ago. It seems that there can be a layer of fog that comes off the ocean and stretches inland for a few miles. It makes the temperature fall several degrees, and it stays cold until that fog burns off. The problem is that it happens almost every day! It can be quite depressing. Sometimes we can have a “June Gloom” season in our lives.

This June will be gloomy for me because I am leaving ARBC. June 5 will be my last Sunday in the pulpit. It is the nature of interim pastor ministry to be short-lived. I am sad about leaving but excited about what the Lord has for me next. We have seen God do so many marvelous things, and this church will always have a special place in my heart.

So what do we do about a “June Gloom” season in our lives? James speaks to this when he says in 1:2-4: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way”. – The Message. Another version says “Consider it all joy…” The joy of the Lord will burn the fog of any gloom away.

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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May 2011

Rob's Ramblings

It is hard to believe that it is already May. I love this time of year, with all the beautiful springtime blooms and buds and growth! I love to say: “My Father made that!” It is true. What a joy to be named as one of His children. And the Rockies are in first place. It truly is a miraculous time of the year.

May brings some very important days for many of us. Mothers’ Day comes to mind first. This will be my mom’s second one in heaven. Growing up, this meant that I would get a white carnation instead of a red one. I always thought that was sad, but I don’t anymore. The reason is that as I grow older, the prospect of Heaven is more and more real and exciting. While I will get to see my mom there, I am more excited to see my Jesus! I hope you get to celebrate with your mom but if not, I hope that she is in heaven.

Another big event for many in May is graduation. We have five from ARBC graduating this year: Kelsey Babilon, Carlee Dunn, Mark Monson and Sara Starks from high school and Heather Diaz (our new Interim Youth Pastor, Steven’s, wife) from Denver Seminary with her masters degree in counseling. Congratulations to all of you and to your families. Dad’s, the money flowing out of your wallet has only just begun! The most important advice that your pastor can share with you graduates is to keep your walk with the Lord in tact. Search out Christian friends, Christian organizations on campus at your college and find a good church where the Word is proclaimed with power. Your parents will tell you to not go wild, not to get arrested and not to do something stupid, especially if it kills you! This is also good advice.

As the fresh, newness of spring takes hold of our surroundings, I hope that your walk with the Lord will take on a fresh newness, too. We must be on our knees seeking the Lord’s will and direction in our personal lives as well as in the life of ARBC. We must hear the gentle whisper of the Lord as He directs our lives. What is He saying to you? How will you respond? I look forward to hearing about what new thing the Lord is doing in and through you for His glory!

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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April 2011

Rob's Ramblings

I love April! Spring is busting out all over, the days are getting longer, baseball starts (I’m sure the Rockies will go to the World Series!), and this year we get to celebrate the Resurrection in April. Of all the things I love about this month, that is the most important.

The Resurrection is the single most important event in history. Everything we as Christians believe revolves around the truth of it. The bottom line is this: If Jesus did not come out of the grave, then all that we believe is rubbish. If Jesus is not alive and seated at the right hand of the Father, then we have been deceived, and everything the Bible says is a lie. If Jesus is dead, then our churches are filled with the stupid and not the saints.

Praise God! The Resurrection is true and Jesus lives. We rightly celebrate this and do so with a certain knowledge that no critic can honestly deny: Jesus lives and we can know Him. We joyfully gather to remember, rejoice and renew our commitment. The curtain is torn and the grave is empty. We have a direct line to the Father through our resurrected Lord Jesus. This is our theme and will be until the end of time.

I hope that you will be with us as we celebrate the events of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday on the 17th (including several choir numbers); followed by a Good Friday Lord’s Supper service at 6 p.m. (we will also have the Lord’s Supper at our Saturday Connection service on the 23rd). Of course, the height of our celebrations will be on Easter Sunday, the 24th. I pray that we will all take every opportunity to tell the resurrection story and invite friends and family to celebrate the most important event in history!
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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March 2011

Rob's Ramblings

March Madness has become a phrase that makes one ask: “Who is mad or crazy (depending on your definition), and what are they mad or crazy about? I would like to think and do believe that I am neither! Of course, March Madness is all about college basketball and the tournament that ultimately leads to a national championship. I had a friend who got satellite so that he could watch as many games as possible…he was crazy and his wife was mad!

March is also known for Saint Patrick’s Day. It is one of the holidays that is always on the same day, the 17th. Patrick was a missionary who brought the Gospel to Ireland—a great story that everyone who loves missions and Jesus should know! Nowadays most only celebrate it for the beer, the color green, and luck. I don’t believe in luck and am on a private crusade to rid that word from the English language! I believe in Jesus instead.

The Bible teaches us clearly that God is in charge. From the beginning where “God created…” in Genesis 1:1 to the promise that “God is my fortress” in 2 Samuel 22:33, to the truth that “God so loved the world…” in John 3:16, to our invitation to join God in the eternal city (Heaven) in Revelation 21, He is in charge! Praise the Lord that I do not have to hope for good luck to make it in this world, or that I have to be lucky to be blessed or lucky in love to find fulfillment in relationships. All I need is to be rightly related to God through Jesus Christ and He will fulfill me, bless me, and show me the way in this world. Why would anyone leave all of that to luck?

This March let’s not be crazy, mad or lucky. Let’s be a people who are sane in our walk with the Lord, happy in our blessings from God and certain in our future because of the promises of God. But, I will be wearing green on the 17th because there are some crazy people out there, and I don’t want to get pinched!

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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January 2011

Rob's Ramblings

Here we are at the start of a new year. What a wonderful time to be alive and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, I don’t believe for a minute that 2011 will be an easy year. The truth is, we have no idea what will happen this year; in spite of all our planning and desires, we just don’t know. I know it is trite to say, but we do know the One who does know what is on the docket for us, and He is completely trustworthy!

Years ago I heard an evangelist named David Perry preach a sermon that I have expanded into four sermons…this is what preachers do from time to time—HA! He called them his “Four Mottos”. I think they are good principles to commit to as we begin a new year. You will hear these on Sunday mornings in January, but here are the main points for you to ponder now.

Everything I need, Jesus is. This affirms God’s grace in my life. Philippians 4:19 is one of my favorite verses, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Pretty amazing promise, isn’t it! All my needs met by God’s infinite resources in His Son, my savior. WOW. Do you think this truth might help you at some point in 2011? I know it will help me.

Jesus always saves the best until last. This affirms God’s goodness. In John 2:1-11 we find the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which was turning water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana. Here is the idea behind the statement: babies are born at the end of the pregnancy, graduation happens when we finish school, the kids leave home after they grow up, we go to heaven at the end of our lives. You get the picture. The point is that God is good all the time and, as they say, we just have to “wait for it”. He will come through for us!

The only way to do it is to do it. This affirms my submission to the Lord. James 1: 22 says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” Of course the principle here is obedience, and we all need to work on that. Most of us don’t like to be told what to do. This rebellious spirit is something the Lord wants to work on in us and does from a basis of that grace and goodness we talked about. Many of our difficulties in life stem from our own stubborn disobedience. Remember how that worked with your kids?

The only way not to do it is not to do it. This affirms my separation. 1 Peter 2:11 tells us to “abstain from fleshly lusts” and 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that every time we are tempted, God provides a way of escape. “I can’t help it”, “I can’t stop it” are not phrases for God’s children. We are a holy people and need to act like it for His glory and our benefit.

Let’s allow the Lord Jesus to make this a very blessed new year!
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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December 2010

Rob's Ramblings

Christmas already! It seems hard to believe, but it’s true. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love Christmas. If you are one of those, please don’t tell me. Oh, I know that for some, this is not a fun time. Something bad has happened to them, they don’t have money for gifts, they don’t like their relatives to visit, they get tired of the music and crowds or something. For me there is nothing I don’t like about Christmas. I love all the sounds, smells, surprises and snow. But most of all I love the story of the first Christmas.

The Christmas story is truly a miracle of God’s grace in action. Just think about everything that had to come together at the right time: the star, the shepherds, the manger, the taxes, the couple, the choir. God put everything in place at the right time. We should not be surprised by that at all.

You see, God is always on time. He is the “On-Time God” as the song says. Have you noticed that in your life? I hope so. In fact you may be facing some sort of challenge right now. Let me assure you that God will show up for you at just the right time and in just the right way. Notice that I didn’t say that He will show up the way you might want Him to. Why? Because His ways are not our ways, and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Joseph wanted an inn, but he got a manger. I’m sure Mary wanted to be at home with her family around her, but she got shepherds and cows. I’m guessing those shepherds wanted a nice quiet night with their sheep, but they got quite the concert and the trip back to town to see “this thing that the Lord has made known to us.” You get the picture. He will show up for you!

As we enter this most special time of the year, let us not neglect our families, our church, our missionaries (Lottie Moon Offering), or the voice of our Lord. He loves us so much and demonstrated that by sending His Son, Jesus! I hope that you have a blessed Christmas season!

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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November 2010

I love November because it is a time for Thanksgiving. Now, you might think that I am only talking about the “day” and the food associated with it, and you would be partially right! Oh, but there is so much more to be thankful for than that.

I am thankful for the Saturday Night Connection at Arapahoe Road that starts this month. I was so excited when I came to see that ARBC has a heart for reaching a part of our community that can’t or won’t come to church on a Sunday morning. To know that there are 19,000 folks within a mile radius of the church who don’t go to church anywhere is eye-opening to say the least. How many of us want to see our children and grand-children come? Now there will be a service designed just for them. I hope you will join me in praying for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this outreach effort and for all of us who will help with it.

Last November 22 my mom went to be with Jesus. I am so thankful for her. She was such a sweet, godly woman and a real prayer warrior! I guess every November I will be thinking of her life and influence on me and for Christ. Mom died in hospice care, and her last words were: “Dorothy’s not here anymore.” I hope that when my time comes that I will be more “there” than here! Who do you thank God for in November?

This November I am going to be especially thankful to be with my grandson Teddy on Thanksgiving Day. This will be his first Thanksgiving, and he won’t remember it. But I will, and I may get his piece of pie, too, since he’s not ready for solid foods yet! Family is so important at this time of year. I hope all of us get a full helping of our loved ones and are thankful for them.

Jesus spent so much time at parties and dinners that He was severely criticized for it. Why do you think He did that? I believe it is because He loved people and wanted to spend time with them. November is a perfect month to do that, and who knows what opportunities you will have to speak a word about our Jesus or to be His fragrance in a situation that needs His touch. Who knows, you may even get an extra piece of pie!

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

Posted by arbc at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)

September 2010

I love this time of year. Football is starting, baseball is headed for the playoffs, the weather is cooling off with a hint of fall, the aspen are turning their beautiful golden color, and football is starting. Did I already say that? When I was a kid, September also meant “Back to school.” Now days many children have been in school for almost a month!

Here at ARBC there is a lot going on in September. We have our mission trip to Hungary. New discipleship classes are beginning. We have elected a Pastor Search Team. We usually think of springtime as the season of new things but not in church life. We start new things after Labor Day, too!

I wonder if the Lord has something new that He would like to start in your life. Maybe it is adding Bible study to your Sunday morning. Possibly it is attending one of the classes being offered on Sunday nights or during the week. Could it be sharing a word about Jesus with a lost family member or friend? Or getting that quiet time going on a regular basis after a busy summer? It might even be honoring God with your tithes and offerings taken from the “first fruits” instead of the leftovers of your paycheck!

Would you be willing to ask the Lord to do something new in your life this month? Who knows what exciting thing He will do to bring glory to Himself and be a blessing for you? Tell me about what new thing the Lord is doing in your life the next time you see me!

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

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August 2010

So, we begin a new chapter in the life of Arapahoe Road Baptist Church. What a joy it is for me to be called as your Pastor for this interim time. I believe that these are exciting times as we begin a process that will eventually lead to a man chosen by God to be the Pastor here. I want you to know that you have my full attention!

We live in a day when our phones are smarter than we are! But, we still serve the God of the universe and He is on our side. I know that he will lead us with His loving hand through the days ahead. There are no deadlines, there is no hurry or rush about this process. The only page that we want to be on is the Lord’s! He already knows the timing and, for that matter, the man we will call. There will be hard work ahead for all of us, but the best and main thing we can do is pray.

This time of transition is a bit like gardening (since we don’t have many farmers among us!). One does not just go into the garden and harvest what is grown. The ground must be prepared, what is planted must be decided, the planting accomplished and then the care, like watering and weeding, has to be done. Eventually there will be fruit and veggies to eat or flowers to enjoy but not without all the work. I promise that our process will be careful, prayerful and fruitful.

The Beatles had a song titled “Get Back”. I think of August as “Get Back” month. We get back from vacation, get back to school, get back to football. I pray that we will get back to church and even more importantly, get back to our relationship with Jesus. He is always there for us! I look forward to seeing you and ministering with you as we seek His will each week.

Because of Jesus,
Pastor Rob

Posted by arbc at 08:03 AM | Comments (0)

America, The Beautiful

Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) wrote, edited and taught English in her native Massachusetts. Occasionally, she wrote hymns, too.

On a trip to Colorado, Bates was greatly impressed by amber waves of grain, fruited plains and purple mountain majesties. She believed that God had definitely shed His grace all across this land. A visit to the summit of Pikes Peak inspired Bates to write her most famous poem-hymn, America, the Beautiful.

Bates also realized that patriotism was an important part of America. She was grateful for heroes “who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.” She wanted all Americans to realize how God had shed His grace on them and had crowned what was good “with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”

Bates embodied the spirit of thankfulness to God for all she had experienced and been given.

Posted by arbc at 08:13 AM | Comments (0)

Celebrating 50 years of God’s blessings!

Saturday, June 12:
9:30 am – 1:30 pm: Come & Go Reception at the church
10:00 AM - 5PM: Annual ARBC Golf Tournament at Littleton Golf & Tennis, 5800 South Federal Blvd, followed by cookout & picnic for all golfers and their families at Progress Park, 5100 South Hickory Street in Littleton
6:30 pm – 9 pm: Former Youth Ministers & Youth Pizza Fellowship

Sunday, June 13:
8:30 – 9:00 am: Registration
9:00 – 10:15 am: Fellowship
9:00 – 10:15 am: Optional Sunday School for Adults
10:30 am – Noon: Worship Service
12:15 – 1:30 pm: BBQ Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 pm: Afternoon Service

Our new cookbook has arrived! Purchase yours for $15. (They would make great gifts…)

Pictures will be taken on both Saturday and Sunday.
We will then print a memory book, which you may order; the cost will be approximately $5.

You will see a display of pictures and mementos from years gone by – maybe you’ll find yourself in them!

Posted by arbc at 09:45 AM | Comments (0)

May 2010

ne Parson’s Opinion


Last night I got a call from my daughter, Elizabeth. She read some Bible verses to me to encourage me. Wasn’t that nice! After the phone call, I thought of the goodness and the grace of God. I then remembered different stages of Elizabeth’s life and wept with joy for the gift she is to me. I remembered the day I surprised her by picking her up from elementary school in our brand new van, and I remembered the day she graduated from high school. Of course, my mind was flooded with many, many more memories.

As I pondered, I was struck again at how life changes. Our kids don't stay kids for long. All of life is in flux. We forget how fast things change. Several people who were alive and well when I came to ARBC as your pastor six and a half years ago are now either homebound or have gone to be with the Lord. Someone has said the only thing that is constant in life is change. I suppose that person is right. But there is one more that doesn’t change, and that is our Lord. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Someone reading this needs to be reminded of this important truth. God does not change. This is a constant. Circumstances may scream to the contrary. You may feel He changes based on your performance, but He doesn’t! No, He is not fickle like we are. One moment we are a fan of someone and the next moment, we turn. He doesn't turn. You need to hang on to the unchangeable character of God. If not now, soon you will, because life is in flux.

Our Lord loves us, all the time.
Our Lord is just, all the time.
Our Lord is longsuffering, all the time.
Our Lord is all-knowing, all the time.
Our Lord is all-powerful, all the time.
Our Lord provides for our needs, all the time.
Our Lord is merciful, all the time.
Our Lord is for us, all the time.
Our Lord is trustworthy, all the time.
Our Lord listens to our prayers, all the time.
Our Lord is with us, all the time.
Our Lord’s ways are different than ours, all the time.

He told me to remind you, so don’t forget!

Posted by arbc at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)

April 2010

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March 2010

ne Parson’s Opinion


Have you noticed this article comes around about every month? I get tired of writing the articles, and I know you get tired of reading them. But this is one of the things you pay me to do, so here goes!

My article, which I write and you read (because you are afraid you will get the fever if you don’t, and you hope you will prosper if you do) is a parable of life. There is a lot of monotony in life, punctuated by moments of sheer terror (just like my articles!). Also, my articles tend to fall in a rut.

I want us to break out of that rut. We are trophies of God’s grace. We have been redeemed by Jesus. We are forgiven of all sin. We have the Lord living inside of us by the Person of the Holy Spirit. We have everything we need for life and godliness. God is working all things together for His glory and our good in our lives. Doesn’t this make you want to get up and dance?

Now, I want us to forget that we are Baptists and dance! Yes, dance! (Just don’t tell Nashville!) I want us to rejoice in the grace that has been given to us in Christ.

Honestly, I really wanted to write about how you’d get leprosy if you do not tithe, but God told me to tell you to dance!

Posted by arbc at 02:25 PM | Comments (0)

February 2010

ne Parson’s Opinion


The first Sunday of the year I challenged our church to begin to discover the unique mission God has for ARBC.

It is true God has ordered us to reach the lost and to disciple the reached. Yet, it is also true that He has called forth ARBC for a unique mission that will impact the Kingdom.

How will we know what that unique mission is? The answer is, God has to reveal His assignment to us. We are not to try to “think one up.” We are to foster our relationship with Him, and trust that He will reveal His assignment to us as His church.

I am excited to see what our mission is to be. There are many gifted, talented people at ARBC. There are many resources here as well. If we all put our efforts into the same mission, what an impact ARBC could make for the Kingdom of God!

Our Long Range Planning Board is giving leadership to our efforts here. If you think God has revealed this mission to you, contact one of the Board members: Wayne Peterson, Dee Dunn, Norma Pickerill or Mary Pierce.

Also, at the last Church Council meeting, the suggestion was made by one of our deacons, Bill Martin, to have a forum and let people share what they sense God’s mission is for ARBC. The date to do this is April 18; the sharing will take place at our monthly Business Meeting. So, be preparing yourself and asking God what His unique mission for ARBC is to be.

Remember that we are dependent upon God to reveal to us this assignment.

Proverbs 29:18 says: “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint….”

See you on the Lord’s Day!
Jim

Posted by arbc at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)

January 2010

ne Parson’s Opinion


It is no secret that we are way below budget as we end the year. Even the “actuals” (which is what we are actually spending) are running in the negative. We have had to go into our savings and presently have a surplus of about $95,000.

If our present rate of income and expenses continues, this will take us late into next year before we are unable to meet expenses.

Now, before panic strikes you and you faint, let me remind you of a few facts.

1. God has not abdicated His throne and He is, therefore, up to something through the financial shortfall.
   
2. The economy is playing havoc with ARBC’s income as well as with all Southern Baptist Convention entities. The International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board and the Colorado Baptist General Convention are all having to make serious budget cuts.
   
3. When I became your pastor a little over six years ago, the income was very low. I struggled with the question of whether the Perkins could make it financially at ARBC.
   
4. God proved faithful once again to ARBC and to the Perkins family. We came, and the Lord took care of us through you. He has brought in a host of new people, many of whom are tithers.
   
5. God meets the needs of the Kingdom through His people.
   
6. ARBC has many wonderful, faithful tithers (Jesus knows you by name and told me to tell you He is proud of you).

So, pulling all of these facts together, what do I conclude?

My conclusion is that God is at work in the financial shortfall at ARBC. Now, I do not know exactly what He is doing. But He is doing something.

One possibility is that He is driving us back to Himself. You see, our tendency as individuals is to think we are self-sufficient. Churches can feel they are self-sufficient, too.

Individuals and churches must be dependent on God to be used by God. He will not share His glory with anyone or anything. So, a church which He uses must be brought to dependence upon Him.

Just a thought!

If you are a tither—thank you! If you are a giver who is moving toward tithing—thank you! If you are not giving, I encourage you to be obedient to God and get in on the work of the Kingdom. You will be blessed in more ways that you can know.

See you on the Lord’s Day!

Jim

Posted by arbc at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

December 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


I am not among the number of picky eaters, as evidenced by my girth. Therefore, we will be eating leftovers for several days after Thanksgiving and enjoying them.

Leftover—the word is interesting, is it not? It refers to the food that remains, that which has not been eaten. It also refers to the odds and ends, the orts, the leavings.

I wonder, as I think about leftovers in the food arena, if there are some leftovers in the arena of your life and mine. In other words, “Are there some issues I need to address before the year ends?”

The answer is Yes for me, and I imagine it is Yes in your life, too! Let me probe a few areas and see if the Holy Spirit will remind you of some leftovers which need to be dealt with before the year ends.

Is there hidden sin which needs to be confessed and forsaken?

1. Do you need to tell some people that you love them?


2. Do you need to send someone a card of encouragement?


3. Do you need to forgive some folks for hurting you?


4. Do you need to commit to being more faithful to worship service or prayer meeting?


5. Do you need to catch up on your tithe?

I am writing this on Wednesday. We had someone over to the house for supper last night. Beverly made “Polish Hand Grenades” (for the unlearned, these are stuffed cabbage rolls!). For lunch today, guess what we had? Yes, the leftovers from last night, which were even better today.

Leftovers are part of life, but there comes a time when you have to deal with them. You have to eat them or throw them away. Isn’t it time for you to deal with the leftovers in your life?

See you on the Lord’s Day, Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


I believe you will agree with me that to ask for something that has already been given is a bit silly. If I were to ask for a pen at the bank when the teller had already given me one, that would be silly.

Yet, we practice this kind of silliness as we walk with the Lord. We ask Him for things He has already promised to give.

Let me give an example: The Lord promised He will give us peace in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

God says in His Word that He will give peace if we will bring our requests to Him. Our job is not now to ask for peace but to bring our requests to God and then to thank the Lord for the peace He will give.

Another example goes like this: Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”

Our response is not to ask for instruction or counsel. It is rather, in faith, to thank the Lord that He will instruct and counsel us.

Now, it’s okay if you ask for instruction. God will not be mad at you. But it is an expression of your faith in the Lord to thank Him for what He has already promised He will do.

John Hunter said in one of his books that one way to look at Bible study is to see it as a treasure hunt. Here is the challenge: As you study the Scriptures, make note of what God has already promised and is yours to receive.

Happy hunting!

See you on the Lord’s Day.
Jim

Posted by arbc at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)

September 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


Why do Christians not pray? Even among pastors, the statistics reveal that less than 10 minutes a day are spent praying. Why do you think Christians talk a lot about prayer but pray very little?

I cannot pretend to know the whole answer to this question (I guess if I did, I would write a book about prayer!), but let me take a try at some possible answers. I’ll raise the objections and then try to answer the objections:

1. “God wouldn’t listen to someone like me. I know what I am like and what I have done.” Yes, God knows what you are like and what you have done, and He loves you, period! As a Christian, you are His child and He desires for you to talk to Him. Your lack of a perfect performance was dealt with at the cross.
2. “My prayers don’t work. I’ve tried praying and nothing changed.” Oh, yes it did! Your prayer changed you and/or the circumstances, or the timing is not right for you to see the answer just yet. James 5:16 says, “...the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
3. “What will I do if I pray and nothing happens?” Don’t you think it’s about time you experienced God? It is God who invites you to pray. If there is nothing to God’s intervention in your life, don’t you think you ought to find out and wonder no longer?

Let me give you a challenge to begin an exciting journey of experiencing God through prayer. Make a list of people or situations that need God’s help. Then, for the next 30 days, every day, talk to God about your list. As you pray, He will remind you of Scriptures which you can pray with each request.

For example, if you are praying for someone who is not a Christian, He will probably remind you of II Peter 3:9, “He is not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.”

Make a notation of your request, the Scripture to pray with it, and how God answered.

I believe this little exercise will bring great benefit to you and to the Kingdom of God.

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)

August 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


Beverly and I were out visiting last Tuesday night, as is usual for us. As is the pattern on most of these nights, we ran into people with great needs. You know this to be true, but sometimes we do forget that there are a lot of hurting people out there in your world and mine.

There was a song many years back which communicates what I wish to say. The title is People Need the Lord. It is true! The longer I live and the more I deal with people, the more I am convinced that the greatest need of the human heart is Jesus.

There are Christians who have gone through heartache and sorrow. There are lost people who have no clue as to why they are here and are desperately seeking to find life. Many of the attempts that lost people make to find life are self-destructive. People do really need to be pointed to Jesus. He often is the only one who can help, whether one is saved or lost.

So, let me ask you to do a few things for those people in your circle of relationship who have needs. First, pray for them, whether they are Christians or not. Pray for their needs specifically. If the person is not a Christian, pray for God to intersect their life in some way. Pray the verse, “God is not willing that any perish but all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) Based on this verse, ask God to save that one.

If your friend or loved one is a Christian but is going through tough times, pray that the Lord Himself will come to them and comfort them. Pray that the Lord, who is the God of all comfort, will be the God of all comfort to them (II Corinthians 1:3).

Second, seek to share Christ with that lost friend. Witnessing is nothing of which to be afraid. In witnessing about Jesus, you are simply telling your friend they are loved beyond imagination, and this Lover of their soul wants to give them abundant life now and life eternal. To come to the point of following Jesus and receiving this gift of salvation, your friend must “get” a few facts:

1. First, God loves them.
   
2. Second, sin has messed up their life.
   
3. Third, the solution to the sin problem is Jesus.

Then, what will they do with Jesus? Ignore Him or believe His death dealt with the sin problem and follow Jesus as Lord.

I trust you will make even some faltering attempts to do the above, because people do need the Lord. (By the way, if you do falter, Jesus said to tell you, it’s okay; He loves you.)

See you on the Lord’s Day,

Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:25 AM | Comments (0)

July 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


One day in the Garden of Eden, Adam asked Eve, “Do you really and truly love me?” “Who else!?,” Eve replied.

A Catholic priest asked a Jewish rabbi, “When are you going to have a ham sandwich with me?” “On your wedding day,” replied the rabbi.

What did Adam and Eve do when they were expelled from Eden? They raised Cain!

A pastor was called by the IRS about a $25,000 contribution claimed by a church member. The IRS man asked, “”Did he really give that amount?” The pastor reflected a moment, then said, “I’d rather not say right now, but if you’ll call back tomorrow, I am quite sure the answer will be yes!”

Notice on church nursery door: “Dear Parents: Children not claimed within 10 minutes after church is dismissed will be sold!”

Saint Peter and Satan were arguing about who was going to repair the hole in the wall between heaven and hell. Peter said to Satan, “You’re going to fix that wall or I’m going to sue you!” Confidently, Satan replied, “Where are you going to find a lawyer?”

Have you had a laugh? I hope you enjoyed at least one of the jokes. If you didn’t think the above were jokes (I know you, and some of you didn’t!), all I can say is:

Sign on an Arizona church bulletin board in the month of August: “You think it’s hot here!?!”

I do hope you got a chuckle or at least a smile. You see, my brother and sister, most of the time we Christians don’t act like we are free and forgiven and on our way to heaven. Many Christians act like they have been vaccinated with lemon juice.

Now, I do not mean we are to be giddy in the face of pain. But you see, we really are deep down, fundamentally different from the pagans.

We are new creations in Christ Jesus. We know some secrets they do not know, and the being and the knowing ought to make us live life on an entirely different plane.

So, my Christian friend, relax a little and laugh the laughter of the redeemed. Jesus redeemed you, brother and sister. What could be more important than redemption? What could be more freeing than redemption?

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)

June 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


It was a privilege, and it was stirring, to be in attendance at the Commissioning Service of our International Mission Board on May 20 at Riverside Baptist Church. Over 100 missionaries were commissioned. Imagine the thousands of people who will be in the Kingdom through their efforts!

I was reminded of the privilege that I have to be a Southern Baptist. God has blessed, graced and used Southern Baptists in the furthering of His Kingdom through missions.

We have a mission support system which other denominations simply do not have. That is why we are able to place over 5,000 foreign missionaries and over 5,000 home missionaries on the field and take care of them. Several of our home missionaries serve right here in Colorado.

Local missions operate primarily through our cooperation with the Mile High Baptist Association. At our Executive Board meeting a few weeks back, we were told of several ethnic works. There is a new Brazilian church start here in Denver with 30 people attending. A new Hispanic work in Wheatridge has begun and is running about 60 in attendance, with a high attendance of 104. Our Vietnamese church started out several years back with 17 attending and now runs 200. We also heard about Pastor Singh, who is starting an Asian Indian church in the Thornton area.

Through ARBC’s giving to the Cooperative Program and our giving to the Mile High Association (ARBC is the largest contributor to the Mile High Association, and Bob Humphreys is chairman of the Administrative Team of MHBA), we get the privilege of obeying Jesus’ command to share the gospel locally,statewide, nationally and internationally.

In addition to supporting missions, some of our members involve themselves in hands-on mission work. We have a group going to northeast Nevada to work with four churches from June 12—20. We are organizing to help Heritage of Praise in Fountain, Colorado, on August 15. There are five of our members going to Hungary in September. Barbara Crocker works with the Russian church each week. Elaine Phillips is director of Champa House, which is associated with the Denver Rescue Mission.

I commend all of you for your work in the Kingdom, whether it is going or giving. Let me finish with a note of encouragement. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you don’t believe Jesus, just ask one of the folks involved with hands-on mission work, and they will tell you the same. You are blessed when you serve!

How about it? Do you want to be blessed? Then ask the Lord to show you which mission project you ought to be involved in. You still have time to sign up to go to Nevada (see Craig Howell). If you can’t go, you can pray daily for a particular project.

I said I was finished above, but I lied! One more thought: Jesus said, “When everyone has heard the gospel, then shall the end come.” Let’s support missions in order to hasten the return of Jesus.

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:26 AM | Comments (0)

May 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


While on vacation, Beverly and I spent a few days in Albuquerque. Between the meals at Mexican restaurants (Did you know they serve sopapillas with your meal in the Mexican restaurants in New Mexico? I mean, the honey is right there on the table!) we attended two baseball games!

Albuquerque has a AAA farm team for the Los Angeles Dodgers called the Isotopes. They played the Iowa Cubs, who, of course, are the AAA farm team for the Chicago Cubs. We saw two games, with each team winning one game.

The Isotopes have a short stop whose last name is “Hu”! That’s right, “Hu” - pronounced “who”! So, in the stands, you would hear people doing a play off of the old Abbot and Costello routine: “Who’s on First”! But in Albuquerque, it went like this: “Hu’s up to bat? Hu’s on first? Hu’s on second?” Ha!

I imagine at different times in your life, you have asked the “who” question. Possibly you phrased it this way: “Who is in charge of the world?” Sometimes it seems like no one is. Sometimes it seems the pagans are right and chaos rules the universe. That is, it seems!

But reality and perception may not be the same thing. It may seem that no one is in charge of the universe. It may seem whoever is in charge is taking a break. It may seem that whoever is in charge is not very powerful. It may seem that whoever is in charge is not very loving.

But let me remind you again, reality is not always the same as perception.

Let me remind you of some realities:

Psalm 14:1 - “The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God.’”

Revelation 19:6 - “For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

I John 3:1 - “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

When things seem chaotic, remember the reality is, they are not! Remember “Who” is in control and remember He is working in you, through you and around you. He does this even when it looks like He is not!

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)

April 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


How about this weather?  Where did winter go?  Old-timers around here keep telling me winter is coming!  But they are running out of time for normal winter weather.  Spring has sprung, according to the calendar. 

Have you been surprised by the weather?  Now, I must confess, it has been a good surprise!  I know, I know, we need the moisture, but I sure like the kind that falls as rain and not as snow!

The weather, in its unpredictability, is like life.  Let me give one illustration of how unpredictable life can be: The downturn in the economy was a development that was unexpected by the masses (I am one of the masses! My expectation is that my retirement is now “eons” away and I shall still be preaching at 137 and using a walker to move around in the pulpit.).  But, I would imagine, the downturn in the economy is just “one” of the unexpected turns you have experienced of late.

Now, it is a surprise to me why we are surprised by the surprises in life.  (Notice I included myself in the lot!)  Why can’t we learn? Surprises really are the norm in life.   For me, being slow in getting this simple truism, I blame potty training!  You probably have a different excuse!

Folks, we are not promised tomorrow, and that includes the plans we make regarding tomorrow.  All we have is today.  So, my suggestion to you is to make it your business to enjoy this day. The Lord has made today in all its glory for you.

Also, don’t be surprised by the surprises of life.  Sometimes the surprises are good; sometimes they are not good.  An example of a good surprise is the one that happened about 2000 years ago in Israel.  You know the one I mean; the one where a dead man got up and walked.  Jesus said after three days that He would, and He did, but no one took Him seriously.  That surprise, though, guaranteed that all of Jesus’ followers would live forever. We celebrate that surprise this month. (By the way, I hope you can join us for Holy Week services!)

Life is filled with surprises, some good and some not so good.  Don’t be surprised by the surprises! The Lord said to tell you to stay loose!

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:23 AM | Comments (0)

March 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion

I was reading an article this last week which mentioned a “Pooped Pastor’s Conference.” It is an intriguing title. But there are a lot of “pooped” Christians, not just pastors!

Why do you think there are so many of us who are “pooped?” Since I raised the question and am writing the article, let me give a try at an answer.

There may indeed be several answers to the question. Maybe you are out of shape...maybe you are overworked.

But the “pooped” most of us face is of the emotional or spiritual kind. So, why is that?

My suggestion is that we think the “main thing” is the “next thing.” Therefore, we do not enjoy what we have right now. That means we live in tension, focusing on the next thing. That tension keeps us from enjoying the “right now.”

Folks, I lived this way far too long! How about you? Are you tired of living in the future?

How much do we miss by planning for, thinking about and preparing for the next thing? That approach to life builds great tension and is one reason we get “pooped.”

Remember Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The main thing hardly ever is the next thing. The main thing is the hand God has dealt to you for the moment (I know, I just used poker imagery. But I hardly ever play poker anymore. I just felt I needed to reassure you of that because I need this job!).

God wants you to enjoy what is before you right now!

See you on the Lord’s Day!

Don’t forget to enjoy today!

Jim

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February 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


I have just finished reviewing the Wednesday study on Integrity out of Proverbs. Integrity is to be a quality of every Christian. Pagans are still surprised by someone who claims to be a Christian and yet is not a person of integrity.

I remember seeing Warren Buffet on TV (the United States’ richest man) speaking to an MBA class at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He said the number one characteristic that employers are looking for is integrity. He followed this up by asking, “If you knew a fellow student cheated on a test, would you hire him?” Of course, the answer given by the students was “no.”

So let me ask you - How are you doing with your personal integrity? Are you known as a person of integrity? Do you maintain your integrity even when others do not understand? Integrity sometimes means standing alone, and sometimes not telling all you know.

Integrity means telling the truth and living the truth. Integrity means letting your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.”

Continue reading "February 2009"

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January 2009

ne Parson’s Opinion

Reading an article recently, I was confronted with a question. It is such an intriguing question that I want to share it with you: Do you trust the Lord? I mean really, do you? Nobody is watching as you answer. Oh well, I guess God is, isn’t He?! But let’s don’t go there...

Dare we be honest? I know we are supposed to trust the Lord. I mean, He saved us from hell, and we are Christians, and we are supposed to say we trust Him.

But do we really?!

Let’s lay it on the line. Do we trust Him with our jobs, our futures, our finances, our health, our kids, our parents, the new president, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, the economy and more besides?

Do we really trust Him? You say, “Well, maybe I don’t really! It’s more like I close my eyes and hope and try not to think about it too much!”

Continue reading "January 2009"

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December 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion
Prayer is one of the means God has ordained to move Heaven to earth.

A verse that teaches this is from the Model Prayer, Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” So, we ask Him. Prayer is simply talking to and asking our Heavenly Father to intervene.

Could God accomplish His will without our prayers? Yes, of course! But He has chosen prayer as a means to bring His will to earth.

So, it is vital that Christians pray! Prayer is not a matter of last resort. Prayer is the activity of the front-line warrior in the kingdom.

Notice how the apostle Paul told the church at Rome that they could be part of his ministry by praying for him: “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there.” Romans 15:30-31 (emphasis added).

Last Wednesday night, as we prayed for North Tongass Baptist Church and their new pastor in Ketchikan, Alaska, we-believers many hundreds of miles away joined with them in the work of the ministry in Ketchikan.

Prayer is the ministry!

Continue reading "December 2008"

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November 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion

The story goes that two men were talking about a problem. One says, “I guess we’ll have to pray about what is to be done!” The other fellow responds, “Oh, it’s down to praying, is it!” Ha!

This is one of those sad but true stories, at least among Baptists. We tend to think prayer is the last resort, yet prayer is to be our regular practice, and God is to be the first we consult when we face an issue.

Since I have been a Baptist, I have noticed this about us. We talk more about prayer than most anything else, yet we do very little actual praying. In all of the churches I have pastored, we have normally had just a few come to Prayer Meeting. ARBC does not skew these stats.

Now, if one of the means God uses to get His will accomplished on earth is prayer, and there is little praying, should any Christian be surprised when there is little supernatural activity?

I don’t know about you, but I hunger to see God do what only God can do, which is, change lives! I know of no better place for Him to show up than Denver. But we have to ask!

To that end, we are adding a variety of prayer groups to those already in existence. I hope God will burden you to pray with one or more groups, if your schedule will allow. I also trust more prayer groups will arise than what we presently have at ARBC.

What follows is a list of the groups we currently have available.

Continue reading "November 2008"

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October 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion
by Danny Rogers, Minister of Education

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

In regard to discipleship training, at ARBC we’ve completed two sessions of Share Jesus Without Fear, and Crown Financial is currently in session. There is more training on the horizon, and I would like you to know why these particular classes have been chosen for the coming year.

Some may ask, “Why wasn’t I asked about what I’m interested in learning?” I considered that, and then I looked at our rolls. We have 600+ names on our rolls with around 230 attending every Sunday. If only half of those in worship responded with two suggestions, I could have had 200 different suggestions. Considering duplication, it could have been a large number. There had to be a better way.

It all began with prayer. Next I turned to the Bible. Specifically, Galatians 5:22-23 and Matthew 28:19-20. I also considered the five basic functions of the church – worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, and ministry. The last item I used as a guide was the ARBC mission statement printed inside every Sunday’s worship guide. Then I asked myself, “Using this specific criterion, what are the factors in what a fruit-bearing Christian looks like and/or does?”

Continue reading "October 2008"

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September 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion
by Danny Rogers, Minister of Education


Straight up Change! I’m not talking about money; I’m talking about God changing you and me into the people He wants us to be. The “Christianese” word for this is sanctification. After you place your faith in Jesus Christ, God goes to work sanctifying you, or changing you. All of us need reminding that this is God’s will for us. Read I Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” It is at the heart of God that He desires for each of us to change from who we were and what we did into who He wants us to be, doing what He desires.

It has been said you should have three people whom you want to talk straight with you: 1. Your doctor – you want an honest report from your doctor—no beating around the bush for results and treatments. 2. Your auto mechanic – we want an honest mechanic who will tell us just how much it will cost to repair our cars. 3. Your Pastor (pastoral staff) – your spiritual health should be a top priority in your life, so that you become what God desires of you. This is what I’m writing about – change.

The whole idea of change can become confusing, because there are so many churches and messages telling us that it’s okay to overlook certain aspects of ourselves or our actions. In an age of tolerance, we are bombarded with the message of overlooking and/or tolerating sin. Ask yourself Christian, does God really want me to overlook the “little” sins in my life? You know as well as I that the answer is “No!” Would you expect your doctor to tell you, “Don’t worry, it’s only a ‘little’ cancer”? Of course not.

The first step to seeing real sanctification, real change in yourself, is to recognize sin in your life. Loved ones, if we are not willing to face our own sins in the mirror, then we won’t change. God is ready, willing and able to do His part—the actual changing—but you have to do your part as well. My first step is to recognize what displeases God and your first step is to recognize what displeases God. Face up to it, call it what it is, don’t soften it and admit it to God, then confess it to a confidant. Yes, I have scripture to back that up. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Confessing to a confidant is a key step because that person will help you with the next step.

Continue reading "September 2008"

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August 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion
by Danny Rogers, Minister of Education


Do you want a vibrant and exciting walk with Christ? I sure do! But how? The truth is there is no sure-fire, 100% plan, but there are some things you can do that will help you have that kind of relationship with Christ if you remain consistent in doing them. Let me give you three:

1. Genuine love for Christ. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God. When you place the Lord first in your life, you will want to serve within the church, read your Bible daily, tell others about His love and His plan of salvation. Remember how you felt when you met your spouse (or boyfriend/girlfriend, if you’re single)? You wanted to spend as much quality time with them as possible. This is how you should feel about the Lord. If you truly believe the Lord is God, then give Him everything you have. Take a moment and honestly examine your life and discover how you really feel about Christ.

2. Recognize the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. By this I mean that you live the truths that are taught in the Bible. We cannot pick and choose what we want to believe because it’s either all true or it’s all false. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword…” You will never have the power to live a full and fruitful godly life until you choose God’s Word as your final authority. Do you have a draining circumstance that you can’t conquer on your own? God’s word has the power!

Continue reading "August 2008"

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July 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion

As a pastor, you tend to get the same questions asked of you over and over again. I don’t mind it. As a matter of fact, I am less insecure when it comes to questions I have been asked before! Ha!

One of those often-asked questions has to do with guidance. It is often expressed like this: “How do I know God’s will for my life?” Another way of asking the same question is, “Does God want me to do this or that?”

Honestly, I have not stressed much over knowing the will of God. My stress comes from waiting on God to do what I know He will do (but that is for another column).

I believe I do not stress about guidance because I know God loves me and will let me know what I am supposed to do when I am supposed to do it.

This is part of the faith walk. We Christians walk by faith and not by sight. So, that means we just rest, trusting Him who knows what is best for us and trusting that He will reveal what is best at the best time.

Now, I can hear a theologian saying, “That is too simplistic! Guidance is more complicated!” No, don’t believe that, and run as fast as you can away from him. Some want to make this Christian life difficult.

Continue reading "July 2008"

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June 2008

The last part of Hebrews 12:1 says, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The idea of enduring to the end is a theme that should not be easily overlooked in the Christian life, including serving in the Church.

To run a race with endurance means the runner must take the time and make a plan to finish well. What do you suppose would happen if a runner took off sprinting without ever knowing the length of the race they were running? It seems obvious to me that the sprinter would risk running out of energy before the end of the race. They could begin getting cramps, and then their legs wouldn’t move as fast as they wanted them to, and they could even drop to the ground. It’s painful, to say the least.

How does this apply to our lives and ministry with the church? Many of us will join a team to serve in ministry at ARBC, and I hope you have already planned to finish well by this time next year, but how do you do that? Make plans. You already know that the ministry term goes for one year. Each team needs to meet, pray, and seek what will honor God the best in this coming year.

Continue reading "June 2008"

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May 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


Our consultant, Dr. Larry Richmond, made some observations that certainly bear repeating. Let me try to distill what he observed about ARBC:

1. We have recovered well from the split.


2. We are a healthy congregation in many ways. An "oasis" was
   the word he used to describe ARBC for many who have been in churches
   where there has been discord.


3. We have the talent and the finances to do anything we want
   to do.


4. We need to sense God's activity and join Him in reaching
   and discipling people (by the way - I think it is God's activity to be
   an "oasis" for hurting people).


5. We need to continue to minister to the folks we have, but
   we must also be sensitive to where God is touching people all around us
   and respond by joining Him. Larry encouraged us to "get out of the
   boat", like Peter.

Continue reading "May 2008"

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April 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


I want to thank so many of you who volunteered your time to meet in focus groups and interact with our consultant, Larry Richmond. If you were able to be with us Sunday night, March 16, to hear his initial report, you were no doubt impressed with the direction of his consultation. His focus is not on programming as much as it is on spiritual vitality.

Continue reading "April 2008"

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March 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


Let’s just imagine this was my last article to write to you. What would I say if this was indeed the case?

I would thank all of you for the “hoot” it has been to be the pastor at ARBC. I would thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your friendship and my salary.

Continue reading "March 2008"

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February 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


I have been your pastor for a little over four years, and I feel it is time to look at what ARBC is doing well and what we not doing so well. To do this, we need someone objective to look at ARBC and see how we can do a better job with reaching and discipling people. To that end, I began looking for a trained consultant who could be that objective person.

Our Director of Missions, Dr. Bob Ryan, is one person I mentioned this need to, among others. He was able to link ARBC up with Larry Richardson, who is a Director of Missions in Illinois.

Continue reading "February 2008"

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January 2008

ne Parson’s Opinion


Happy New Year to you! I trust you will experience the Lord and His provision for you in wonderful, unexpected ways in 2008.

My prayer for ARBC in 2008 is that we experience more and more of what it is like to be family.

Years ago, one of my evangelism professors at Southwestern Seminary was Dr. Oscar Thompson. One day in class, he said the most effective form of evangelism is church evangelism. He went on to explain that he was talking about loving the brethren and unity in the body.

My years of pastoral experience have proven Dr. Thompson correct. All of the programming, personalities and plans have not been as effective in church growth as the fostering of family life.

The best way to understand what is going on is to look at it from heaven’s perspective. Jesus said, “I will build My church (Matthew 16:18)”. This simply means He is the One who adds people to His church. It seems He adds people to a church that is already taking care of those He has given them (see the parable of the talents).

Continue reading "January 2008"

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December 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas is a wonderful season of the year. I love the festivities, the decorations, the presents (remember, I take a “large”), the joy, remembering the birth of Jesus, the food, the family get-togethers, the special movies and more. I love it all!

When I was a kid I would make a Christmas “wish list.” My folks would then pick three gifts off of the list to give me for Christmas. First, a costly gift, then one that didn’t cost very much, and then a least expensive one.

It’s been years since I have made a “wish list.” My family will ask me for some things I want for Christmas, and I am hard pressed to come up with a list.

How about you? When asked, “What would you like for Christmas?” how do you respond?

Continue reading "December 2007"

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November 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

Can you believe as I write this it is the end of October? Where has 2007 gone? Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon be upon us (Beverly knows my shirt size!).

I can’t believe we have begun our fifth year at ARBC. Where has the time gone? I suppose this is a question you ask yourself also. Tempus fugit! (Time flies!) Indeed, it does!

Life really is a mystery, isn’t it? We’re born, life has joy and heartaches, and then we die. It all goes so quickly.

My uncle Carl died this last week. I suppose this is why I am thinking about the brevity of life. I remember being told that he was quite the baseball player. Then he was drafted and went off to World War II. He never returned to baseball. Instead, he married, got a job and had a family. Now he is dead. Life really is a mystery. All the things we pour ourselves into and worry about so much quickly pass away.

Continue reading "November 2007"

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October 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

The Lord has blessed ARBC with new folks. I am very grateful!
Because of new folks in the fellowship, questions like these arise:

“How do I relate as a new member to the folks who were already members when I joined?”
“How do I as a long-term member of ARBC relate to new people in our fellowship?”

• Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
  
• Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
  
• I Peter 5:5b: “All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Continue reading "October 2007"

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September 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

In the Christian world, unrealistic expectations abound. Here is one I find intriguing because of my profession:
The Ideal Pastor
“The perfect pastor is one who preaches exactly fifteen minutes but who shares with his people the wisdom of the ages. He condemns sin but never hurts anyone’s feelings. He works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also the janitor. He makes $75 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives $30 a week to the church. He is 26 years old and has been preaching for 30 years. He is above all else, handsome. He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all his time with older folks. He smiles all the time with a straight face, because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 25 calls each day on parish members, yet spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched and is always in his office if and when needed.”

Continue reading "September 2007"

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June 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

Years ago, before I went to seminary, I was pastoring the North End Mission in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. That would be the summer of 1975. I told the pastor of the mother church (Jack Smith) that, while in seminary, I sure would love to be on staff with a good, competent pastor. I felt I could learn a lot under his tutelage.

Jack’s response took me aback. He said, “Jim, you can learn a lot even from a bad pastor.” He was right, of course. I just hadn’t looked at life that way.

I am sure you are much more mature than I was and already know you can learn about life from every circumstance, situation or personality God brings into your life.

Continue reading "June 2007"

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May 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

Our church Cook will cease preparing our Wednesday night meals on May 23. She is expecting a little girl this summer. She cannot juggle the new baby along with her other job, two other kids and Wil! Ha! Thank you, Melissa, for your service to Jesus and His people over these five years.

Now, what about the Wednesday night meals? Who will prepare them or what are we going to do?

Quite honestly, I do not yet know! The Church Council is looking into this. They have talked about several options. If you attend the Wednesday night meals and have an idea, talk to Mark. Mark will bring your ideas to the Church Council for consideration. You may even come to the monthly Church Council meeting and present your idea.

Please pray for the Church Council as they struggle to find God’s direction! I told the Church Council that no matter which of the options out there we choose, we will still need someone to coordinate and give leadership to this ministry.

I am wondering if there is someone who would like to give leadership to the Wednesday night meal as a volunteer ministry. If you do feel God wants you to serve His people this way, please visit with me.

As I thought about the volunteer position above I began to ponder the whole notion of serving as a Christian.

First, serving is delightful when you are doing a ministry in which you are gifted and enjoy. On the other hand, doing a ministry which you are not gifted to do can be drudgery. (We’ve all done these.)

Continue reading "May 2007"

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April 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

For informational purposes, the church voted to pursue a Minister of Education in our business meeting, March 18. A preliminary job description was also approved. Now the process begins.

On April 1, (Yes, I know this is April Fools’ Day! Mark tells me he’d rather refer to it as Palm Sunday! Ha!) the church will be presented with a slate of active members. From this slate the church will choose the search team for the Minister of Education.

Also, in the same business meeting (March 18), the church adopted the “trigger” which the deacons recommended for two AM services. The “trigger” is that we average 260 in attendance in the auditorium for three months in a row. The deacons will monitor the numbers.

The deacons wanted the congregation to know that the two services will be mirror images of each other (as much as they possibly can be).

Now, it’s confession time. I encouraged the deacons to look at the need for two services. I am also the one who brought to the Personnel Team the need for an Education Minister. You probably know or guessed that. Here is the part that is a little scary. Change brings the possibility of problems. I don’t like problems. I’m the one who has to clean up the messes at ARBC!

Continue reading "April 2007"

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March 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

Hopefully, by now you have heard that in the March business meeting our Personnel Team will bring a motion to begin the process of looking for a Minister of Education.

The Personnel Team introduced the idea at our February business meeting. They wanted everyone to have the opportunity to know about ARBC’s discussion about a possible new staff member. So, if you want to express what you feel the Lord wants us to do, plan to be in the March business meeting.

A very legitimate question to ask is, “Why does ARBC need a Minister of Education?” Without sounding “spiritual” the theological answer is to help ARBC fulfill the Great Commission.

The Great Commission says in Matthew 28: 18-20 that Christians are to make disciples. The discipleship process involves evangelism, teaching, training, developing and launching. We need someone to give leadership to those areas.

Continue reading "March 2007"

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February 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

There is a bit of misunderstanding (even among the theologically correct group called Baptists) about growth in the Christian life.

It is a simple misunderstanding to correct, but an enlightening insight once you get it.

When my kids were young we would measure how much they had grown during the past year. What I discovered by measuring is that the kids did not grow to their present height all at once. It was a process.

You say, “Jim, that is silly! Growth is a process!” Bingo! (Excuse me for using a gambling term. You know I have been hanging out with Presbyterians and bad company corrupts good morals! Ha!)

But this is the point. Growth in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm is a process.

You may hear some preachers tell you that all of your trouble with temper, lust, hate, envy, jealousy, covetousness, gossip (have I hit you yet?!) will disappear all at once. No, it won’t! You see growth in the Christian life is a process.

At salvation you became a new person! That new person has to grow and develop.

How do you grow? Answer! The Lord grows you as you involve yourself in the disciplines of the Christian life. What are the disciplines? Some of the disciplines are corporate worship, private devotion, prayer, giving, witnessing, and meditating on Scripture.

Let me illustrate. Imagine you have a weakness with materialism. Stuff matters more to you than the Lord or people. What to do? Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to change you. He will! But it will be a process. One day several years from now stuff will be just stuff.

Remember, brothers and sisters in Jesus, we are in process. Better than we were, but not as good as we are going to be.

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

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January 2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

2007 is here! Happy New Year! Where did 2006 go? The year has flown by! It seems only yesterday it was January 2006. 2006 is now history.

You have heard similar words about how fast time seems to go by. In fact, you have probably commented yourself about how fast the days disappear.

“Tempus fugit!” (translation “time flies!”) is indeed true!

Time is an interesting thing for Christians to ponder. We are going to live forever, so we have a different perspective on the pressure to get things done. However, we do want to make 2007 count. We do want to glorify God in 2007. So, what is important to Christians? What ought we focus on doing in 2007 to make the year count?

We do have to do our jobs, because we have to provide for our families and most of us have gotten very used to eating regularly! And the creation mandate to go out and subdue our world still holds.

But Christians ought to focus on more than “tasks” which in the light of eternity disappear.

So, what do we focus on? We focus on the things that are eternal. Well, what are those things? God, people and we ourselves are eternal. So, in light of making 2007 matter for eternity we need to invest our days in developing our relationships with the Lord, with others and developing our own character.

Continue reading "January 2007"

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December 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Christmas season is upon us. Yes, I know that some of the stores have been “pushing” Christmas since September. But, most of us don’t start to focus on Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

There are many activities at the church building this season and I hope you will find time in your busy schedule to be a part of some of these.

Now, may I mention a “pet peeve” of mine? (This “pet peeve” brings out the “Scrooge” in me.) My pet peeve is the busyness of the season. This busyness seems to take away from the joy of the season.

We do have lots of responsibilities. There are presents to buy and programs to attend and special services to attend and visits to be made to family and friends.

I guess I truly am getting to be a “Scrooge.” You see, what I’d like is to do less and enjoy the events a little more. I find myself hustling from one event to another.

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November 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

Thank you for providing the funds and the opportunity for me to be a messenger from ARBC at the Colorado Baptist General Convention’s annual meeting in Pueblo.

This is the fourth annual meeting of the CBGC I have attended as your pastor. Each year, the meetings have provided both inspiration and information. This was no exception.

Let me give you some of the highlights of the meeting.

• There is a new initiative to get all Colorado Baptist churches to give ten percent to the Cooperative Program. ARBC already gives 10.375 percent of our offerings to the Cooperative Program. For you who do not know, the Cooperative Program is the voluntary giving program whereby we Colorado Baptist churches support our state-wide ministries like resort ministry, church planting and church strengthening. Also, the Cooperative Program is the mechanism whereby 50,000 SBC churches support home and foreign missions and our six seminaries.


• Four new churches were admitted to the Colorado Baptist General Convention.


• We now have 427 churches and missions in Colorado, divided into eleven associations.


• Sadly, we were told of Clear Creek County which is just west of Jefferson County. It has a 96.2 percent lost-ness factor. There is one SBC mission and only one other evangelical church in the whole county.


• In church planting there has been a net gain of 85 new works started in the last five years.


• We had the pastor of Northwoods Church in Keller, Texas, speak of their work in North Vietnam. They are partnering with a Vietnamese Christian who has started 240 cell groups in North Vietnam.


• We had a fellow speak from the Middle East who became a terrorist at age seven. He came to this country to recruit folks for Islam and terrorism. He got converted in the process. Now he speaks for Jesus all over the world.

There is more to report and I will give it in our next monthly business meeting.

Continue reading "November 2006"

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October 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

Several in our congregation have had the opportunity to experience the Flying W Ranch and the Flying W Wranglers in Colorado Springs.

Well, several of the Wranglers have severed their relationship with the Flying W Ranch. They have struck out on their own and formed the “Colorado Wranglers.”

The Colorado Wranglers are Christians and share their testimony in their performance.

A family in our church has given some money to host the Colorado Wranglers at ARBC. They will be with us in the p.m. service on October 22. They will have the entire service.

The Colorado Wranglers will be in cowboy costumes and performing cowboy music, but will share Jesus too!

Let me encourage you to plan to be with us on October 22, and to invite friends to be in attendance as well.

It will be an enjoyable evening of fun, entertainment and the sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ. I hope you will be able to attend.

Please also mark the evening service of October 29 to attend.

Continue reading "October 2006"

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September 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

Let me challenge you at a few points.

No, I am not going to try to make you feel guilty about what you haven’t done. You already feel guilty about those things! Ha!

I want to challenge you to digest some of the most remarkable truths I have ever come across.

Continue reading "September 2006"

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August 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

I wish to thank Ginger LeBlanc for her truly well-done job as VBS Director this year. She and her staff (below are the names of the helpers) did a good job presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had the largest attendance we have had in the three years I have been here as pastor.

• Decorations: Gloria Cobb, Theresa, Nicole, Kylee & Kara Martens


• Bible Study Teachers (Navigators & Trailblazers):
  
  
  • 4-5 year olds: Shanna Rockwell, Kellie Howell, Carlee Dunn
  
  
  • 1st-2nd grades: Susan Lyons, Leni Sutton, Emily Lutz, Kara Martens
  
  
  • 3rd-4th grades: Karen Ammon, Theresa Martens, Kevin Howell
  
  
  • 5th-6th grades: Gene Washburne, Bambi Mayo
  
  
• Nursery: Sally Teston, Ashley Mascoto


• Music: Christa Dunn, Kara Martens, Casey Howell


• Snacks & Lunches: Kim Lutz, Candy Washburne


• Crafts: Melissa Powell


• Recreation: Jake Mayo, Dillon Rockwell, Mark Monson


• Photography: Candy Washburne


• Library Resources: Earlena Barbee

Continue reading "August 2006"

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July 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

Winston Churchill, in his “Scaffolding of Rhetoric,” notes that an abstract idea goes in one ear and out the other. Concepts have to be turned into the concrete before they can be understood and remembered.

I believe this is why Jesus told parables. He wanted to make spiritual truth, which sometimes seems abstract, concrete and understandable.

Let’s take one of those parables and see the “master teacher” at work.

In Luke 15 there are three parables. The most famous one is the prodigal son. But let’s look to the early part of the chapter when Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep.

Continue reading "July 2006"

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June 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

Most of us have been deeply hurt by shame. We have been shamed by parents, and/or siblings, and/or peers, and/or fellow Christians, and/or pastors.
Shame differs from guilt. Guilt is what we feel because of our behavior. Shame is deeper. It addresses our worth as persons. Shamed people feel worthless, and suffer from a low self-esteem or negative self-concept. The shamed person feels defective, inadequate, unlovable and undeserving.
A person who is operating from a shame-based identity says to himself things like this:

• “I made a mistake therefore I am worthless.”


• “I spilt my milk therefore I am clumsy.”


• “My children misbehave therefore I am a lousy parent.”

Continue reading "June 2006"

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May 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

The three students who demonstrated a Bible Drill on Sunday night, April 23, did a wonderful job. The three are Dylan and Jordan Rockwell and Meredith Lutz. You did good!

They worked very hard for months hiding God’s Word in their hearts. Their work certainly did show. They are to be proud of themselves and we ought to be proud of them.

Dylan, Jordan and Meredith will never lose what they have put in their souls. God will use His Word to guide and direct them all of the days of their lives.

God’s Word is vital to our lives as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Moses addressed the Israelites in Exodus 32:46-47 he said in part: “...command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you - they are your life...”

Jesus said, as He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 in part, in Matthew 4:4: “...man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

As a follower of Jesus there is a hunger to know the “lover of your soul” in a richer, fuller, deeper, more intimate way. The primary instrument ordained by God by which this is accomplished is by studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God.

It is by meditating on the Word of God that the Holy Spirit guides and directs us in life.

Let me remind you of verses 1-3 in Psalm 1:
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

Continue reading "May 2006"

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April 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

There are some wonderful opportunities coming up for getting to know the Lord and understanding His ways a little better.
Henry Blackaby will be speaking at the Colorado Baptists Evangelism Conference, April 28-29. Then, April 30, we’ll begin our Spring Bible Conference at ARBC. Paul Burleson will again be with us to teach God’s Word Sunday through Wednesday (April 30-May 3).

Continue reading "April 2006"

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March 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

We had some wood needing to be split to burn in our fireplace insert. So, I bought a “tool” to help split that wood.
The wood was hard! Ben split some and I split some. It took a lot of effort to break the wood apart into smaller pieces to be able to fit in our insert.
There are hearts that are very hard like that wood. Some hearts seem impenetrable. They dig their heels in and fight with all of their might to keep from changing.
The “tool” God has given to His Church to change hearts is the Word of God - the Bible. The Holy Spirit applies the Word of God and changes people. This supernatural event happens in every service.
The Holy Spirit will apply the Word of God to bring someone to salvation. The Holy Spirit also applies the Word of God to sanctify us. Each worship experience makes us a little bit more like Jesus.

Continue reading "March 2006"

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February 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

In our Sunday evening worship service I spoke on one of the favorite passages in the Bible, Psalm 23.
What a treasure chest of promises are in this psalm!
If you were not able to be in the church service let me give you the three promises found in the text:

1. There is the provision of the Shepherd. I have everything I need (verses 1-3).
   
2. There is the protection of the Shepherd. His rod and staff protect me (verses 4-5).
   
3. There is the presence of the Shepherd. I will dwell with the Lord forever (verse 6).

Continue reading "February 2006"

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January 2006

ne Parson’s Opinion

I trust you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (We can say Merry Christmas in our newsletter!) By the way, aren’t you a bit tired of the attempts to move our nation away from its Christian roots? I suppose this move toward secularization and away from Christianity shouldn’t surprise us.

You see “pagans” do not like to be reminded there is a God. The reason for that is if there is a God then the pagan does not have the final say, God does! Therefore he doesn’t like to be reminded there is a God. The pagan would rather live in his fantasy land and make believe there is no God.

Continue reading "January 2006"

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December 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

Thanksgiving! It is all together fitting to use this article to express thanksgiving to so many. First, thanks to Karen Ammon and the Fellowship Team for leading ARBC in both the Fall Festival and the Thanksgiving Celebration. They did an excellent job with both events.

I do not know the attendance at the Fall Festival, but Karen tells me over 200 were at the Thanksgiving Celebration meal. Thanks to all of you who brought food, helped with set up and clean up. You did good!

John Hall was never in better voice. What a privilege to have him in our church for a concert.

This level of talent is costly to bring in. Thanks to the family in the church that gave the money so ARBC could bring in John Hall.

Continue reading "December 2005"

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November 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

I was coming down the hill; I can see the picture in my minds eye now. I was not thinking about much of anything, and there came this overwhelming sense that I was loved by the Lord. “Was it the ‘meatloaf’ the night before or was it the Lord?” Sometimes it is hard to tell, but I knew it was the Lord. After all why would Satan tell me Jesus loves me?

You may be reading this and wondering if anyone cares about you. To you, it doesn’t seem anyone does. Your relatives don’t call. Friends don’t regularly call or drop by. The circumstances have not been so great lately. You wonder and maybe you have even wondered out loud, “Does the Lord really love me or even care if I’m alive?” After all you reason God does have a universe to run and He has His hands full with George Bush and the new Pope. He certainly doesn’t care about me. I’ll bet He doesn’t even know I exist, much less love me.

Continue reading "November 2005"

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October 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

On behalf of the people of the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast thank you for your gifts. You have been so generous in your giving. I am proud of the way you have responded to this need.

All that you have given has been sent to Moffatt Road Baptist Church in Mobile or to Bay Vista Baptist Church in Biloxi. The exception being that we have taken some of the money to buy bleach and cleaning supplies to take with us to Biloxi. Any money you give in the future will be forwarded to Bay Vista to help with the needs in their community. (FYI – the expense for gas for the Biloxi trip is coming from the Mission Team’s budget. The cost for food and lodging is being born by the individuals making the trip.)

Continue reading "October 2005"

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September 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

As most of you know my sister, Judy, is fighting cancer. She knows the prognosis is not good. Unless the Lord intervenes, the cancer will kill her. Judy and I thank so many of you for sending cards of encouragement and for letting her know you are praying for her.

Judy has said to me several profound things and there will be more nuggets of wisdom in the days to come.

One of her pearls of wisdom was stated like this: When you have cancer it changes everything. She said your values, what is important, your relationships – all of life is viewed through different lenses. It’s true! What a shame it takes cancer to remind me again of what is truly important in life.

Continue reading "September 2005"

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August 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

It has been hot in Denver! I was told it did not get hot in Denver before I came by a committee that will remain unnamed. Ha! All I can say is that if this is a taste of the place down below, I’m glad I am not going there after death.

But it will get cool soon and then probably your pastor will be complaining about the cold.

I wonder to myself, “why I am not satisfied?” I wonder why I keep looking for something more. I wonder why I would give even a little focus to the weather. What do I really have to complain about?

I am financially rich, if you measure me by the standard of the people who live in parts of Africa and parts of South America. I am rich in so many ways beyond the financial, such as I am a Christian and going to Heaven when I die. The Holy Spirit makes the presence of Jesus real to me. I live in victory now by trusting Jesus, whatever the circumstance may bring.

I have a family who loves me. We are all healthy. We have a home (or should I say, the bank and I have a home! ha!). We have more than enough to eat and to wear. We have Bobo (well, not everything is easy to be thankful for!) Anyway, my point is, I do have a lot to be thankful for.

Continue reading "August 2005"

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July 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

It’s an old story but it goes like this: Karl Barth, who earned many doctorates in theology, was speaking at the University of Chicago School of Theology. After he spoke, there was a Q & A time. One attendee asked, “Dr. Barth, with your vast knowledge of the Bible and theology, what is the greatest truth you have discovered?” Here was his answer, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

You may say, “what is so profound about that? We learned that in Sunday School as a child!” But, it is a profound mystery. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, loves you and He loves me. That love for us led Him to leave Heaven and live in a sinful fallen world for 33 years and then die on a cross to pay for our sin.

Why did He do all of this? Because you were on His heart even before time began.

Continue reading "July 2005"

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June 2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

As I began writing this article I found myself sitting at a car garage waiting for Beverly to pick me up. Yes, car trouble again! Can you believe it?!

I tithe, try to be “nice” and succeed about ¼ of the time, and I even go to Wednesday night prayer meeting.

You would think all of this “good” stuff would insulate me from bad things happening. And after all, need I remind you; I am the senior pastor of ARBC. Surely that counts!
It is no surprise to you to find, in spite of all of these “spiritual “ things I do, I still face difficulty and problems in life.

Maybe you do “spiritual” stuff too! But the “spiritual” stuff does not insulate you from bad things either.

What is going on here?

“Jim, you are a trained theologian. Surely, you can give us the answer to the problem of pain and suffering!” Surely, being “nice” counts for something!

Are you kidding? Theologians have wrestled with suffering for thousands of years. The book of Job in the Old Testament deals with this topic. How can I add insight to what has been written?

Continue reading "June 2005"

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A View from the Fields - May 2005

One Parson’s Opinion

A new chapter begins with Gene and Candy Washburne coming to lead our youth and education ministry. Gene told me he is planning to begin his ministry with ARBC on May 16. Do you realize how soon that date will be here? In just a matter of weeks we will have a youth minister on the field.


For the Student/Education Search Team there were days when it looked like this process was going to take forever. Yet, we do have a Student/Education minister. It came about in the Lord’s time. Which is the best time, after all.

Continue reading "A View from the Fields - May 2005"

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A View from the Fields, April 2005

One Parson’s Opinion

One of our church members said two words that were very nice to hear last week. He said thank you! I never get tired of hearing thank you’s. I suppose you do not tire of them either.

Let me send some thank you’s.

To the WMM - thank you for the nice ladies brunch you provided. I understand it was a joy. (No, I wasn’t invited! But yes, I am over it! Ha!)

Thank you Fellowship Team for the Winter Banquet. (I was invited to this event!) It was enjoyed by all.

To the Youth leaders and Youth- thank you. The Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction were both enjoyable. It raised quite a bit of money for the youth mission trip this summer. The total was $2,141.00. (Yes, I was invited to this event!)

To many of you - who gave to help defray Ben’s medical expenses and my medical expenses, a very heartfelt - thank you. You need to know that the church at the business meeting in March voted to increase our medical coverage. ARBC, thank you very much!

Continue reading "A View from the Fields, April 2005"

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A View from the Fields, March 2005

I seldom flip open my bible and look for a word from god. Often when I do, I open it to a passage that says something like “slay the philistines!” Then I am in a quandary as to how to apply “slay the philistines”. I wonder, “Does it refer to attacking deacons or Sunday school teachers?” Anyway, the best way to study the bible is to systematically study through a book. That way you can understand better the context and the historical setting and then make a correct application of the passage.

That being said, I did what i am advising you not to do. I flipped open my bible and my eyes fell to Jeremiah 6:16, which says,

This is what the lord says:

This passage intrigued me. I wondered, “are we at a
Crossroads and what are the ancient paths?”

I looked in a commentary, which says Jeremiah was telling the people they were at a crossroads and the path they needed to take was the ancient path, that is, the path of his law. It is a call to god’s people to live in obedience to the law of god.

Applying this to us, I have to say we face crossroads each day. The choice we have to make is to obey God’s law or not to obey God’s law. When we obey, notice the promise, which was for God’s people in Jeremiah’s time and also for us today. The promise is we will find rest for our souls. Rest is good. I trust you and I will live in obedience to god’s word and experience rest for our souls.

SEE YOU ON THE LORD’S DAY,
JIM

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A View from the Fields, Jan 2005

The lights and decorations all over the city and in your homes have been beautiful this Christmas season. I trust it has been a joyous Christmas for you and yours.

Thank you for the cards and the gifts you gave to the Perkins’ clan. You continue to be gracious to us!

Now, we close the door on 2004 and begin 2005. I wonder what will happen in 2005? I trust 2005 will be filled with blessings one after another. But, you know, as well as I, it won’t be all blessings. Life is not like that. 2005 will hold blessings, but there will be challenges, obstacles, sorrows and hurts, as well. You see, that’s life on planet earth.

Since 2005 will be filled with ups and downs, I have a suggestion to make. My suggestion is that you foster your relationship with Jesus. You will need to lean on Him in 2005. If you don’t know Him well, how will you lean on Him in the “day of trouble”?

Continue reading "A View from the Fields, Jan 2005"

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A View from the Fields, Dec 2004

We have a wonderful treat the first Sunday in December. Dr. Will J. and Marie Roberts will be with us for the weekend.

Dr. Roberts will preach the morning service and he and Mrs. Roberts will both speak in our evening service about mission work in Africa.

The Roberts are friends of the Burkes and have been Southern Baptist Missionaries in Kenya and Tanzania from 1962 – 2000.

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A View from the Fields, Nov 2004

Do you know what it means when someone says “He is contrary!” It’s an expression that refers to someone being difficult or hard to get along with at times. However, “contrary” means to do or go the opposite of that which you normally do or go. So I am asking you to go opposite from your normal bent in life in one particular area.

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A View from the Fields, Oct 2004

On Sunday night (September 26) Rob Norris (our Director of Missions) spoke.  Before the message, Rob presented ARBC with a certificate of recognition. 
The certificate is from the International Mission Board. It recognizes ARBC as giving the most per member to the Lottie Moon Foreign Mission Offering of any church in the Mile High Association!  We gave over $20,000 to Foreign Missions.  Congratulations ARBC!  I’m proud of you!  We did good!

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A View from the Fields, Sept 2004

Have you ever flipped open your Bible and started reading and have God speak to you in a powerful way? Most of the time when I just flip open the Bible it says something like, “slay the Philistines”! (Ha!) Therefore, most of the time it’s best to have a systematic reading plan when it comes to reading the Bible and not a hit or miss approach. But, recently, I flipped open the Word of God and started reading. The passage was Psalm 123:1,2

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A View from the Fields, August 2004

Beverly and I hiked up to the Devil’s Tower a few weeks back while the kids were at MissionFuge. (As a matter of fact we did a lot of fun things while the kids were away in Hungary and at MissionFuge. We enjoyed then going on mission trips so much we have been checking in to them going with the Presbyterians on a trip! Ha!) Anyway, getting back to Devil’s Tower, we had a wonderful hike and the views were spectacular. But there were a few times climbing the stairs up to the tower itself that it was a bit scary.

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A View from the Fields, July 2004

One Pastor’s Opinion,

Well, by now, you know the news! Gordon O’Briant (Lee) has resigned! God is moving Lee back to North Carolina.

Lee, Shawna and the kids will be missed by all of the church. Lee has been the youth director at ARBC for eight years. Eight years is an unusually long time for Southern Baptist youth directors to stay in one place. So, let’s rejoice that the Lord Jesus gave Lee to ARBC for eight years. This is a new and exciting opportunity for Lee and his family. I trust you will rejoice with them and be excited for them.

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A View from the Fields, June 2004

It’s here! Summertime! Summertime! Summertime! That time of refreshment, recreation and renewal is upon us. Many of us will be “vacating” Denver during the summer. (I certainly will be one in that number!)

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A View from the Fields, May 2004

As you read this, our Spring Bible Conference is history. Paul Burleson has been used greatly in my life to teach me some of the ways of God. I trust you were able to attend the services and God intersected your life during these days and taught you some of the ways of God. I'd like to have Paul back next Spring. We'll be talking about it. Let me know your thoughts!

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A View from the Fields, April 2004

You have undoubtedly heard that four of our missionaries serving in Iraq were murdered. The fifth one, Carrie McDonnall, is the wife of one of the murdered missionaries, and is in critical condition in a hospital in Germany. The names of the four who died are David, Carrie’s husband, Karen Watson, and Larry and Jean Elliott.

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A View from the Fields, March 2004

Lee and the youth did a fine job in leading us in the morning worship on February 22. Prayerfully this will be an annual event. You need to know they put in many, many hours of practice. You also need to know the youth workers (many behind the scenes) put in many, many hours pulling the youth led service together. Youth, thanks for your gift to Jesus and your brothers and sisters in Christ.

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A View from the Fields, Feb '04

Beginning February 8, we will have Discipleship Training on Sunday afternoons here at ARBC. Our first cycle will begin that Sunday and run through March 28. The adults will be studying Hermeneutics. Don’t let that word scare you. (I use it to show you I’ve been to seminary! Ha!) The word refers to how to study the Bible. It’s the science of Biblical interpretation.

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A View from the Fields, Jan '04

Congratulations to Mark Corzine! As you know by now, the church called Mark to be our Music/Administration Minister. He began January 1, 2004. I look forward to working more closely with Mark and getting to know him and his family. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Kim (Mark’s wife), you need to know Mark married above himself! (Certainly I did, and come to think of it, there’s no question about Lee either! Ha!)

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