tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36574755461446013222012-02-16T03:30:51.095-05:00Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17)Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-72334765141057736022008-08-22T20:55:00.004-04:002008-08-22T21:01:34.822-04:00

I will be moving to a new site. One that is more suitable for what I want to do in the future. This site will remain available to see, so that old posts are still available. I appreciate the support I have received. I hope for the opportunity to grow with the new site. The posts have been sparse lately, because I have been having some problems with this site. Hope to see you at the new

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-55594125943627129882008-08-19T12:59:00.003-04:002008-08-19T13:01:18.088-04:00

I am just going to make a small observation on something today. I usually don't dive into politics on this blog, but one comment a heard disturbed me. The comment happened during the forum at Saddleback Church. Many of you have probably seen or heard this by now. The question pertained to when a baby begins to have rights. The answer that startled me was that it was above the candidates pay grade

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-17721685212412621332008-08-13T08:13:00.002-04:002008-08-13T08:18:28.680-04:00

Why have Christians become so apathetic? It seems most Christians have no desire to stand up for what is right or to even share their faith. Yet, will complain about the condition of the world today. We are to be salt and light.Matthew 5:13-16, 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-86924390694582804582008-08-11T08:16:00.002-04:002008-08-11T08:19:03.370-04:00

In our sermon yesterday at First Baptist, we heard that hell is separation from God. What exactly does that mean? I have struggled with this question for awhile. Is hell a place where God puts people and He never goes there. I don't think Scripture teaches that. God is omnipresent. Let's look at some verses.2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-14720670084051801742008-08-09T13:24:00.001-04:002008-08-09T13:24:32.677-04:00

It has been a couple of rough weeks, with the illness and passing of my great-grandmother. I want to thank everyone who called, visited, e-mailed, sent cards and posted on my facebook page. I am excited about the opportunity to start writing again. Be prepared, I have had 2 weeks to reflect on things around me. I hope to write about death, assurance, Christian friends, liberal churches, apathetic

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-62030359794744059392008-08-01T07:04:00.001-04:002008-08-01T07:06:39.151-04:00

I was not planning on writing this week, but a recent blog caught my attention. In case you missed it a man gunned down some people at a liberal church. An event that is extremely sad and just plain evil. Well as I was listening to the Albert Mohler radio show, it was mentioned that some pastor blamed Dr. Mohler for the shootings. I couldn't hardly believe it, so I had to check it out. I found

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-2559469965169718012008-07-24T22:55:00.003-04:002008-07-25T07:22:47.632-04:00

Sorry for the absence. My great grandmother is in the hospital and not doing well. Pray for the family. Hope to resume writing soon. It is an honor to serve in this way. Thank you to all who have already been praying for this situation. God is good and will work all things, even death, for His glory. I have seen more strength in this 90 year old woman, than I see in people half her age. When I

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-13374864835728854372008-07-22T06:52:00.000-04:002008-07-22T06:53:21.765-04:00

Now that I have begun to work with the youth group, I have looked at some youth related statistics. The first thing I looked at was the fact that 70% will leave the church between 18 and 22. How do we reverse that trend?2 Timothy 2:22 - Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.We need to be teaching the truth

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-62214870369672447312008-07-21T06:52:00.000-04:002008-07-21T06:53:12.915-04:00

Ephesians 4:11-1611 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-4061992059339533272008-07-16T06:53:00.001-04:002008-07-16T06:54:29.075-04:00

Why are so many fooled be false teachers? I have recently come across a man named Todd Bentley. He is part of several ministries, Fresh Fire Ministries and Ignited Church being the main ones. This a man drawing 10,000 people a day in Lakeland Florida. When you read the belief statement on his websites, his statements are perfectly within orthodoxy. When you get into his claims and testimonies

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-43232258879474684322008-07-15T06:52:00.001-04:002008-07-15T06:56:47.250-04:00

Is it alright to portray God against His nature in works of fiction? I ask this question because I have been deciding whether to write about a book called The Shack. I have been hesitant to criticize a book by a christian author. This book is on top of the christian book charts, and has been endorsed by the likes of Michael W. Smith. After wrestling with this for a couple of months, I heard an

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-44712545045616584712008-07-14T06:49:00.000-04:002008-07-14T06:50:21.966-04:00

Well our VBS ended last night with a great turnout. It was a long, but rewarding week. I must admit this past week pushed me to the limit on several occasions. One thing never ceased to amaze me though. Every time I felt exhausted and didn't feel like going on, I always seemed to get a second wind. As I sit back and think about it, it brings a verse to mind.Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-86250022085923291452008-07-09T06:49:00.001-04:002008-07-09T06:51:09.503-04:00

Why do you go to church on Sunday? Your answer to that question will determine if you are content at your church. I have heard people say that they come to church on Sunday to get refilled. Church is not a once a week filling station. We should be getting filled on a daily basis, by a personal relationship with God. We should not be coming to church to be entertained. The big trend today is turn

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-58208516432814041882008-07-07T06:50:00.000-04:002008-07-07T06:51:17.555-04:00

Men, the time has come to begin preparing for Men's Fraternity again. We will be doing year 1 again. We ask those who did it last year to repeat it again and bring others along this year. Many churches lack in the area of male leadership. We are called to be leaders in our homes and in our churches. This class will help you to become both. Men start preparing your hearts for this now. Ladies if

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-79568539811263689582008-07-02T06:47:00.000-04:002008-07-02T06:48:04.877-04:00

There is a trend going in some church circles today, particularly among seeker friendly and emergent churches. That trend says that anything dealing with church tradition needs to be done away with or at least re-evaluated. Conservatives they say hold too close to tradition and should toss it aside to draw people in. As a self proclaimed conservative, I would say that statement is both true and

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-83044046876980086922008-07-01T06:49:00.000-04:002008-07-01T06:52:36.079-04:00

Today, I am going to share part of an article from HeartCry Magazine. The organization that produces the magazine is HeartCry Missionary Society, which is under the authority of First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals Alabama. This is an organization I support and encourage you to check out. Here is part of an article on the Lozi people of Zambia by Sean Reece.The Laborers are FewThe Bible teaches

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-7276544592775323152008-06-30T06:51:00.000-04:002008-06-30T06:52:06.305-04:00

“A person who believes that Elvis is still alive is very unlikely to get promoted to a position of great power and responsibility in our society. Neither will a person who believes that the holocaust was a hoax. But people who believe equally irrational things about God and the bible are now running our country. This is genuinely terrifying.” Sam HarrisThis is a quote from one of the top

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-63084876715244877742008-06-27T06:50:00.002-04:002008-06-27T06:52:26.440-04:00

Acts 2:41-4741So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44And all those who had believed

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-32832660841573451282008-06-26T06:46:00.000-04:002008-06-26T06:47:23.160-04:00

Check this out. 57% of Evangelical Protestants believe there is more than one way to eternal life according to this survey by Pew Research Center.Why is this the case? I believe there are many reasons. Too many churches aren't teaching the whole bible. There is a lot of feel good Gospel being preached. Churches are so sensitive to numbers building, they are preaching what draws people in. They

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-9367592289962922952008-06-25T07:11:00.000-04:002008-06-25T07:12:29.607-04:00

Today I want to share what God has been placing on my heart this week. There are 3 groups at our church doing the Downpour study by James MacDonald. This weeks lesson is on repentance. Repentance is described in the study as recognition of sin for what it is, followed by heartfelt sorrow culminating in a change of behavior. God has placed many things on my heart as I have gone through this study.

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-5471579351563498652008-06-24T07:13:00.000-04:002008-06-24T07:14:00.658-04:00

Hopefully today's blog will get some people thinking a little bit. The sermon at First Baptist Sunday touched a little bit on the Garden of Gethsemane. That is where I would like to go today. As I have studied these passages, my views have changed from what I have heard preached and have been taught. Let's look at the verses as they appear in Luke.Luke 22:39-46, "39 And He came out and proceeded

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-73813051832665901502008-06-20T06:53:00.001-04:002008-06-20T06:54:42.722-04:00

I am going to be a little selfish today. I am actually writing this a day before you read it. Today, June 19th is my 4 year wedding anniversary. I want to use that to tie into what was preached at First Baptist on Sunday. He preached on divorce and how it is no worse a sin than any other. And not to let that sin keep someone from being remarried. This is my second marriage and I have been truly

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-88934624537472181192008-06-19T06:53:00.001-04:002008-06-19T06:53:40.502-04:00

I want to look at a term that has been used a lot lately. Seeker friendly church is a term used to describe a church that includes many different things to draw people in. Some things include: bookstores, food courts, bowling alleys, Starbucks and the list goes on and on. The idea is to get people to church and then maybe they will hear the gospel and turn to God. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-41052488185109732022008-06-17T08:01:00.003-04:002008-06-17T08:04:07.146-04:00

Romans 1:24-27, "24Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.25For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.26For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-62526313330439911562008-06-16T06:57:00.003-04:002008-06-16T07:00:21.524-04:00

I was reading an article yesterday by Gail B. Houston in Focus On The Family magazine. The article is about switching churches. I thought it was an interesting article. Today it seems like Christians are changing churches at an unprecedented rate. And current polling shows that is the case. Here is 4 poor reasons she gave that people use for leaving a church;Things in the church are changing, and

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-75377279635864277672008-06-12T06:53:00.001-04:002008-06-12T06:55:07.833-04:00

Propitiation, what is it? First, here are some verses.Romans 3:25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-26561636791095878332008-06-11T06:54:00.000-04:002008-06-11T06:55:03.501-04:00

Yesterday, Johnny Hunt was elected new Southern Baptist Convention President. Here is a recap of his first press conference as posted on Baptist Press.Incoming SBC President Johnny Hunt concluded his first press conference during the dinner break. Following is a sample of what he said: "We believe that there's a need for a radical change and radical leadership to turn the tide in our denomination

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-51577153513373742752008-06-10T06:48:00.001-04:002008-06-10T06:48:57.749-04:00

It has been a busy time for me lately. I have noticed when I am busy, I come up with a bunch of people and things to pray for. I have noticed my prayers becoming God I need this and God help out in this area. We are supposed to bring our prayers before God. Although, God is not our personal prayer ATM. "If I put in a few good works or acts of service, God should answer my prayers as I see fit".

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-81501822748336206492008-06-05T06:53:00.003-04:002008-06-05T06:54:55.772-04:00

I was thinking yesterday about what my life should exemplify. I began reading in Galatians and I discovered some things.Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."I began to try to determine if I was walking by the Spirit. I knew the Holy Spirit was in me and guiding me. But was I truly following that guidance? What should my life look

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-32591202961149112542008-06-04T06:54:00.000-04:002008-06-04T06:55:01.001-04:00

I was asked last week by e-mail to share my thoughts on Oprah. First let's look at few comments from one of her shows. During the show Oprah related, "I was raised a Baptist and we were too hung up on traditional ways. I was sitting in church and heard that God is a jealous God. I asked 'Why?' Come on-let's get over it!". With that being said take a look at Deuteronomy 4:23-24, "23 Be careful not

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-41387779669655002008-06-03T07:03:00.001-04:002008-06-03T07:05:17.974-04:00

Have we become comfortable Christians? We live in a country blessed with prosperity. Let's look at some facts. 19,000 people die every day of hunger, while we feed our animals better meals than most of these people eat. 1 million people die from malaria each year, when all it would take is a mosquito net to save many of them. Over 55,000 Christians are martyred each year for professing Jesus,

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-87156237313078538542008-05-30T07:10:00.001-04:002008-05-30T07:11:16.494-04:00

Today, let's take a short look at the basics of a Christian life.1 Thessalonians 5:16-2216Rejoice always;17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.19Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophetic utterances. 21But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;22abstain from every form of evil.Here we are given a brief

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-86771781894099517292008-05-29T07:21:00.001-04:002008-05-29T07:21:37.787-04:00

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves.From time to time I will try to point out false teachers and false teachings. We are to be on the lookout for false teachers, who look to lead us

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-91067613516506314022008-05-28T07:15:00.003-04:002008-05-28T07:21:24.518-04:00

Now that it has past, let's think about Memorial Day. Here is a list of the numbers who have died for our freedom.American Revolution - 4435War of 1812 - 2260Indian Wars - 1000Mexican War - 1733Civil War

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-79610733415118845662008-05-23T07:05:00.001-04:002008-05-23T07:06:44.989-04:00

I appreciate the comments and e-mails I received yesterday. Today's post is a response to some of the comments I received. James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.". Are we being doers of the word? We are commanded to obedient to God. Back when pastor John was doing this e-mail, God began to work on my heart. I was strongly being led to do this. I

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-84042444571047925992008-05-22T12:25:00.002-04:002008-05-22T12:28:49.254-04:00

Below is the AP article. Let's be prayerful for the family and thankful for our children.Daughter of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman hit, killed by carAssociated Press - 5/22/2008 5:00:00 AMvar addthis_pub = 'onenewsnow';NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The 5-year-old daughter of contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-81940778729027562512008-05-22T06:58:00.001-04:002008-05-22T07:00:13.965-04:00

As you can see, the "Thought of the day" has returned. This is Jason Taber and I will be writing this on behalf of the men's ministry. I will make an effort to get this out Monday through Friday mornings. I will be renaming this Voice of Truth to correspond with a new idea I have. I have started a web blog named Voice of Truth, where this email will be posted. Anyone can go to the website and

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-88077836270452413292008-05-20T19:33:00.003-04:002008-05-20T20:08:31.753-04:00

What is salvation? I cringe when I think what it has become in our churches today. No one is saved by simply repeating a prayer. Salvation is a heart and life change. It is not solely a head knowledge. We must repent and give our lives to Christ. Asking Jesus to come into your heart is not a way to salvation. Romans 10:9 reads, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-55199959638675939192008-05-18T20:59:00.002-04:002008-05-18T21:22:59.935-04:00

After reading the account of king Josiah, it raises many questions in our lives. After reading God's Word for the first time, he tore his clothes because he realized the sins being committed. Do we take sin that seriously? When was the last time we fell to our faces and cried out to God for our sins and the sins of our nation? Has sin become so rampant that we do not see it for what it really is?

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-7317862324037880022008-05-16T17:39:00.002-04:002008-05-16T18:25:07.551-04:00

What is revival? First, it is a return to the Lord. To return to the Lord, you must have first turned to the Lord. Revival is for believers, who are in a dry spell spiritually. Every believer will go through dry spells. Revival is a renewal of the passion we once had for the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "and My people humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways,

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-43585446347336960762008-05-13T12:45:00.004-04:002008-05-13T17:53:47.139-04:00

Do you know what Mormonism teaches and what they believe? Here is a few of their unchristian teachings and beliefs.-God used to be a man on another planet-God the Father has a body of flesh and bone-God the Father has a Father-God came down and actually had sexual relations with Mary to form Jesus-good Mormons can become gods and eventually rule their own planet-Jesus and Satan are spirit

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657475546144601322.post-34881300889842367512008-05-10T17:59:00.002-04:002008-05-10T18:19:46.858-04:00

Welcome to the Voice of Truth blog. This blog will be the home of the Thought of the Day, a post for the men's ministry of First Baptist Church. The future goal will be to have more authors posting on this blog. Content determined to be inappropriate will be removed. Thanks and God bless.Jason

Jason Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112597562199644053noreply@blogger.com0