Spiritus Gladius

Call Out To God

2011-05-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

Psalm 77:1

I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. ESV

Tuesday, 8:50 AM

I just walked into my office, and my cell phone rang. The caller ID read, "Central Elementry" Uh-Oh...somebody is throwing up. Nope. To my delight I hear the voice of Son # 2. "Uh Dad - I forgot my lunch box in the car."

I said, "No problem. Mom will bring it when she gets Son # 3. I love you."

To which he replied, "I love you too. Bye", and he was gone.

I immediately wondered if God delights himself in helping us in our daily difficulties the same way I delight in meeting the needs of my boys? I wondered if God's heart melts the way mine did when my child said, "I love you."? I'm sure it does. I also wondered if asking for lunch or - daily bread - is trivial to God? I doubt it.

Call out to God. He will year you.

1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

See You Sunday - Bro. Andy

Pi R Not Square

2011-04-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

It are round. Gooey. And in my face.

Myself, Filbeck, and David all got smacked with a pie at the annual Pie Auction & Spghetti Dinner last Sunday Night. Mine was Cherry O' Cheese Pie. Filbeck's looked like a strawberry cream of some kind, and David's was a blend of refried beans, blackeyed peas, and green beans - all topped with a whole can of whipped cream. It was nasty, but that one pie raised $500 for the Youth Choir Tour.

Here is a video of the carnage. Enjoy

What A Great Church

2011-04-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

This is just a quick blog to let you know I am still blogging. Kind of - I have a really busy month or two, but hopefully I'll settle down in the near future.

I'm finishing 3 seminary classes this month, and will graduate in May. I also have a wedding the end of may, and I plan on taking some vacation time right after school is out.

Tulakogee Children's camp is the first week of June, and I'm the camp pastor at Camp Webster in Salina Kansas the 2nd week of June. After that I'm home and in the groove until Falls Creek, and VBS in July. The first week of August we are going to South Dakota for Children's camp there, and when we get home...school starts once again.

That is why it is hard to blog. Lots of stuff...all the time.

I do want to say how excited I am about what God is doing at Riverview. I love my church, and am blessed to be the pastor here. I love our staff, and thank God for them every day for the awesome work they do. We have great deacons, great support staff, great members, great location, and great worship services and ministries. It is a good day to be a part of the Riverview Family.

Sunday is Easter Sunday, so use that opportunity to invite a friend.

It's a big day. What could possibly make it better? A friend or family member getting saved. Pray! Invite! Come and Worship!

See You Sunday

Bro. Andy

REVIVAL

2011-03-09T09:40:00.000-06:00

REVIVAL or Revival...

Which Will We Have?

In about three weeks we are going to hold revival services at Riverview. Does this mean we will have REVIVAL? That remains to be seen. A revival is when a church has a guest preacher, and they hold services a few nights in a row. Everyone gets excited for a day or two, and then...the evangelist heads to his next assignment, the excitement wears off, and the church gets back to normal.

On the other hand REVIVAL is when the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls, to pray, repent, seek forgiveness, humble themselves before God. When REVIVAL comes many souls are saved, and countless experience a renewed commitment to their Lord and Savior.

We are going to have a revival. My prayer is we have REVIVAL ! Here are a few things you can do to see REVIVAL at Riverview.

Pray. There have been many revivals without REVIVAL. The only way we will experience a true awakening is by humbly, and fervently praying for God to move in our church and community. Also, please use the prayer commitment cards you received at church on February 27th. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Reflect. Spend quite time with God seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Revival must be personal before it will spread through the church. (Mark 1:35)

Attend. There will be many activities competing for your attention. Commit NOW to come 3 out of the 4 nights of the revival. (Hebrews 10:25)

Invite. Invite as many friends and family members as you can, and watch for them at every service. When they arrive meet them at the back, sit by them, and make them feel welcome at RBC. (John 1:41-42)

Sing. Sing with all your heart. Join in worship and praise during the service. Don’t just sit there wondering why everyone else is so happy. (Hebrews 13:15)

Exalt. Lift up Jesus. He said, “If I will be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

It has been a long time since Riverview has had a revival...it's been even longer since we have experienced REVIVAL. Please be a part of what God is going to do that week. Why? Because REVIVAL does not begin in the "church", it begins in you.

aj

Confession...Good For the Soul?

2011-02-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

If you happen to be Catholic there is good news. A developer has designed an app that will allow you to confess your sins to your iPhone instead of a priest. You can read the entire story at http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/confession-by-iphone/

How is this significant?

It shows how technology and religion are being woven together...whether I like it or not. The Catholic Church is an ancient church with ancient tradition, and I am a little surprised they are using technology in such a way. Technology has not just politely knocked on the door of religion. It kicked it off the hinges, barged in, and sat at the head of the table.

I understand the usefulness of technology. We depend on it every day (and then some) in our church. To be honest it is easy for me to see using technology for administrative tasks, but in a spiritual exercise. This may be a little much. The claim is that the app is not inteded to replace real confession, only help the user better understand their decisions. Either way it is a spiritual leader, and a rligious practice being replaced by a machine.

I don't intend this to be an anti-technology article. My main goal is to remind us all that an iPhone cannot redeem from sin. There is not an app in the world that can grant absolution. In fact, the Bible says, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." Hebrews 9:22
Have a great week. Andy

No Greater Love

2011-01-13T10:01:00.001-06:00

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. ESV

John 15:13

"On Monday, rapidly rising water engulfed a car carrying Rice, his mother and his brother in the hard-hit town of Toowoomba. The torrent knocked over the first person who attempted to reach the stranded family.

A second man managed to reach the car, but when he tried to pull Jordan out, the teenager insisted his 10-year-old brother Blake be saved first. Jordan couldn't swim.

Before the rescuer, Warren McErlean, could return to the car, a rope he was clinging to snapped. The car flipped over and Jordan and his mother Donna were carried away by the floodwater. They both died." - CBSnews.com

This is why the story of Jesus is so amazing. Anyone who hears of Jordan's courage and his love for his brother will certainly be inspired and emotionally moved. If people are this touched by Jordan's willingness to lay down his life for his little brother. How much more will people respond when they hear that someone actually gave his life for them? The Bible says, Jesus died for us "while we were yet sinners." Now that is love, and it is a love that can pierce even the hardest heart. Sacrificial love is what Jesus is all about. Share it with someone today.

2011

2011-01-02T16:11:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm beginning my fourth year at Riverview. In fact, today is the official day. (January 2nd) The time has zipped by at times, and some weeks crawled by like a snail on Benadryl. No mater, I am sure of this fact though. All of them were appointed and directed by God, and He used each experience to shape me and form me into the image of His Son, as well as refining me into the pastor I'm supposed to be. The good news for me is - I survived this stage of ministry. The not so good news is I'm sure there will be many more valleys...and mountains in my future.

I believe RBC is finally at a place where we can move forward. The big transition is now an object in the sideview mirror that seems bigger than it actually is. The church staff...including me, are all settled in, and the program and ministry structures of the church are basically in place.

The future is bright at RBC. I'm glad you are a part of it. God bless. See you soon.

aj

Thank You Jesus

2010-11-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

Thank You Jesus Day was great at Riverview last Sunday.

The people willingly brought their offerings of sacrifice and praise to the Lord. The free will offering was wonderful, and the way my people gave sacrificially touches my heart, but better yet, there was an amazing spirit of unity, love, cooperation, and excitement about what God is going to do in our future. No ammount of an offering can compare to this.

My first three years here have been tough. I'll leave it at that. But I thank God for every trial, test, and difficulty. For in my heartache, frustration, and weakness He has proven Himself over and over again to be all I need. He is my rock, my refuge, my provider, and my strength. Most of all He is my Hope!

I know God has called me to RBC. I know my church is with me. I know God has a purpose and a plan for us.

2 Timothy 1:12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Thank you Jesus. -- Andy

Thank You Jesus Day 2011

2010-11-05T10:46:00.000-05:00

Thank You Jesus Day

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     When I saw my friend Ted Butler a few months back the shaking in his hands had become visibly worse, and he was now stooped so far forward he could only see the tops of his shoes.
When I saw him I said, “Hey Ted, how you doing?”

    He craned his neck back as far as he could, rolled his eyes up to the top of his brow to see me, and said, “I’m doing great brother Andy. I praise God for the disease he has blessed me with. Every day it reminds me how small I am, and how great He is.” What a great example of hope and faith.

     To be certain, I have only met a few ‘Ted Butlers’ in my life, and I’m not talking specifically about my friend. I’m talking about men like him. Men who praise God when blessings flow, and who also praise God when troubles roll. As Thanksgiving speeds by this year take a moment to thank God not just for the good things, but for the though times as well. This Thanksgiving let’s all take a step toward ‘walking by faith, and not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7)

    On November 21st we are going to celebrate Thank You Jesus Day at Riverview. This is a day to say THANK YOU to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Praise & Worship, The Preaching of the Word, and our special Thank You Jesus Day Offering.

     This is what I am challenging my church family to do:

Commit to attend church November 7th, 14th, and 21st, as each Message will lead up to the TYJD Offering.

Begin praying now about how you can sacrificially give this year.

Get your entire family involved.

Through your Small Group, or Sunday School please ENCOURAGE others to participate.

Go to the RBC webpage, and listen to the sermon on Financial Freedom by clicking on the Mousetrap/Dollar Bill Icon. http://www.riverview-church.org/

Thank You Jesus Day
November 21st, 2010
8:30     Breakfast is Served
             East Lobby (Adult Departments 1, 2, and 3)
             Fellowship Hall (Adult Departments 4, 5, and 6, and Youth and Children)

9:30     Contemporary Worship & Sunday School
             Thank You Jesus Day Offering

10:45     Blended Worship & Sunday School
               Thank You Jesus Day Offering

12:00     Celebration & Praise Report
               Announce the TYJD Offering Total !

Thank You Jesus - Andy

57 Cents

2010-11-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

This Sunday I'm going to preach about SACRIFICIAL GIVING. I hope you'll be here to join me in an amazing month (November) that will culminate on the 21st with THANK YOU JESUS DAY.

Aren't you curious to know what this has to do with 57 cents?

You'll have to come Sunday to find out.

See you there.

Andy

Keeping Up with the Blog

2010-11-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

I don't think this is quite the same as keeping up with the Jones', but it sure has been a hard thing for me to do.

If anyone cares... I'm going to start writing here regularly.

Thanks for patience.

Andy

The Real Switch...

2010-08-24T16:31:00.001-05:00

Just a few days ago on our local news affiliate I heard a reporter inview Jennifer Aniston about her new film, The Switch. As far as I can tell the movie is about a woman who chooses to have a baby without a father. I'm not going in that direction...Bill O'Reilly took care of that rant.

Anyway...in the interview, the reporter askes, "What is the message of this movie?" To which Jennifer replies, "You can do what you want, when you want, and you don't have to play by anyone elses rules."

Huh ?

I don't know if she really, in a philosophical way understands life is like this, but who knows, maybe that world view is now normal.

I'd like to research that quote better, to make sure I didn't mis-hear it. I don't want the downfall of American culture to be pinned on Ross' old girl friend if it isn't true. Either way, is this the way Americans see how life is supposed to be lived? Play by your own rules, to heck with everyone else?

We'll see.

aj

Back Home...Hitting It Hard

2010-07-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

Home for two weeks. Nolan is at Children's Camp, and I am now preparing for our mission trip to South Dakota the first of August. Summer is winding down, and I can't say enough how excited I am. If you look back you will probably find some ramblings at the end of Spring concerning how excited I am becase Summer is almost here. Funny.

I'd love to write something deep and spiritual right now, but I need to plow through over 2,000 emails, and look at my sermon text for next week, and make a hospital visit.

Have a great night.

Andy

9:36 PM - Monday - Borders Books - Lee's Summit Missouri

2010-06-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

I'm in Kansas City taking a class. Theology II. 8 hours a day for 5 days. Day one is in the books, and I am wore out. I just looked at the remainder of my summer, and it doesn't look good either. Of the 6 remaining weeks before school starts, we have plans for 5. Granted one week is vacation, but I usually come home more tired from vacation than when I left. NO PROB. God is my strength and refuge. Well - a voice in the speaker over my head said BORDERS is closing in 15 minutes, and I need to bring my final purchases to the front of the store to check-out. Too bad for them. I only came in to use the free Wi-Fi. He-he-he...Catch you later. - aj

Church Shopping

2010-05-24T15:10:00.002-05:00

Order 227

2010-05-19T10:09:00.000-05:00

In 1942 the German and Axis Armies marched deep into Russia, and World War II seemed to be at a tipping point. If Hitler controlled Stalingrad, he would control the Volga River, and the main military transportation route for most of the Soviet Union.

This is when Joseph Stalin gave this fateful order. Order 227. The watch-words of Order 227 were "NOT ONE STEP BACK". The Russian soldiers were sent into battle with the zagradbat behind them. The zagradbat were blocking battallions that were ordered to shoot their own men if they retreated in any way, shape, or form. Not one step back.

The Russian soldiers fought until the last drop of blood was shed from the last man. With their backs to the Volga river the Russians outflanked the Nazi Army, and ultimately won the Battle of Stalingrad.

At what cost?

It is estimated there were 850,000 German and Axis casualities, and over 1.2 million Russian casualities. That is 2 million casualities in a single battle to take one city. Not to mention the civillian losses. 40,000 Russian civilians died in one weekend of bombing by a Nazi Panzer Division, and the notorious German Luftwaffe.

These numbers are hard to get a modern American mind around. We are disturbed when one death is suffered in a modern war. Don't get me wrong. It breaks my heart when I hear stories of young soldiers laying down their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. But the horrible truth is...Wars are not measured in bullets and tanks. They are measured in lives.

Luke 14:25-35

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

To win a battle...a war there is a price to pay. The Germans and Russians both paid a high price. Likewise, to follow Christ there is a price as well. Will you count the cost? Will you deny self? Will you love Him more than family and posessions? Luke 14:25-35 is Jesus' ORDER 227. Not One Step Back.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

The cross before me, the world behind me.

My cross I'll carry 'til I see Jesus.

Though none go with me, I still will follow.

No turning back.

I Could Almost Kill Steve...

2010-04-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

You may be wondering who Steve is, and why I'm so mad at him...well I'm glad you asked. Steve is our new pet. He is a stray rooster who wandered up to our house about three weeks ago, and decided to stay. He follows the boys around the yard like a puppy. He's a great conversation starter with friends and neighbors...but he starts crowing every morning at 4:30!!! That's right 4:30. That is...except for today...it was 3:30. I was in our front yard at 4:00 this morning in my underwear, throwing soccer balls at him yelling - "Shut Up Steve". How about that for a crazy neighbor.

Ol' Steve has become a fixture around here, and I suppose I couldn't kill him if I really wanted to...but he better get back to 4:30, or we might have chicken and noodles next week for Sunday dinner.

Have a great week.

Andy

Is it me...or was that a line we just crossed?

2010-04-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

When I first heard this story on the news, I thought...prayed it was an April Fools joke. Well. It's no joke, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm laughing, or crying. Seriously. I don't know what to think about this.

One thing is for sure. I feel guilty, because I know I have done the same thing myself. I can justify it because it was to a lesser degree, but I feel like I still did it. It being - giving something away to get people to come to church...or Jesus.

Check out the story for yourself...what do you think?

How To Treat Others

2010-03-11T15:57:00.001-06:00

Hiking on Turkey Mountain

2010-03-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

The Church Directory

2010-02-25T13:16:00.000-06:00

Do List

2010-02-22T11:14:00.000-06:00

Write letter for Church Directory.
Develop "The Plan"
Plan Mission and Ministry Night
Prepare for Men's Bible Study
Prepare for Wednesday Night Bible Study
Work on Sermon
Write Article for Newsletter
Do Andy's Update
~~Blog~~
Promote Spring Bible Conference
Call L.I.
Call C. L
Call M.W.
Call J. P.
Prepare for Staff Meeting

To Save A Life

2010-02-19T12:42:00.000-06:00

Last Friday night our new Young Adult Sunday School Class was out on a group Valentine’s date. While we were laughing it up - about to eat our dinner, a lady at the next table began to choke. She was turning purple, and without a doubt dying quickly. Three of our guys, Josh, Kyle, and Desmond rushed to her aid, and thanks to their fast thinking she is alive today. In fact Kyle (an officer on the Tulsa PD) talked to her a few nights ago, and she said she was 95 years old, doing fine, and thankful to be alive.

I used this as an illustration last Sunday in my sermon to drive home the point that we all need to be ready to step in and save a life. My thoughts however don’t just end at saving a physical life. I am thinking more in line of sharing Jesus with our friends, family and neighbors so they might believe in Him and have eternal life. The lady who was saved on Friday night will like all of us someday knock at deaths door again.

What if our three guys would have said:

• No, saving that lady choking is not our responsibility.

• What if Kyle would have refused because he wasn’t on duty?

It would have been unthinkable to let her perish because we were busy doing our own thing.

What a great snap-shot what is happening in many of our churches today. We are busy having our parties, events, and programs, and people around us are dying without Christ…every day.

I am sure God will give you the opportunity to share your faith this week. Be bold and courageous, and sieze that opportunity.

aj

Unity

2010-02-12T17:43:00.000-06:00

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said,
"Sovereign Lord"...

Acts 4:24

Let me just say...and I can because it's my blog...I am excited about many things at Riverview right now, but the one thing I am most excited about is the sense of unity and harmony in the church. Even though we have gone to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools UNITY is increasing. Why? Because unity in the Body of Christ is not about proximity to one another. It is about relationship with Jesus, and His people.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Paul loved the Philippian Church like no other, and even though he was in prison in Rome their live did not diminish. In fact it grew.

Philippians 1:8

ForGod is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

An old friend of mine at my church in Blackwell...whom I love with great affection, used to always say, "It's about the love Andy, it's all about the love." THE LOVE is the love of Jesus we have for one another.

On top of this please know that it begins with the pastoral staff at RBC. We love each other. I am so blessed to serve with the people God has placed in our fellowship. Each of them are gifted specially for the ministry God has called them to at Riverview, they are committed to God and this church to the Nth degree, and they love you too.

What an awesome church. Not because we have the best programs, buildings, or events. It's because we got the love baby...we got the love.

Love, Andy

PS - I didn't make the connection to Valentines day until right now. Cool.

Pressure

2010-02-09T10:44:00.000-06:00

Today I feel pressure. It seems I have much more to do than I have time...pressure. It is easy to get caught up in the "busyness" of life and ministry, but I have to discipline myself to not neglect the MOST IMPORTANT THING: Time with Jesus.

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
I know many of you can relate, and the truth is...we can't wish our way to a quiet time, and focusing on God and the things of God won't fall into our laps like an apple falling from a tree. We will have to work for it. I am going to stop everything right now and seek the Lord. Everything I HAVE to do will be right here on my desk when I get back, the world will still be spinning, and I won't be any further behind than I am right now. The only difference is, I will have quenched a thirst that is only satisfied in Christ.

Slow down, and have a great day.

aj

Looking Ahead at Riverview

2010-01-08T15:21:00.000-06:00

I’ve tried to think of an analogy to accurately reflect my thoughts on 2009, and Riverview’s potential in 2010. One person called 2009 the ‘Perfect Storm’ of change for our church. An entirely new staff, a building project, and a programming change all culminating in January 2009. That’s a pretty good analogy, but I don’t want to give the impression that what happened at RBC in 2009 was bad. God has used all we have gone through to prepare us for future ministry, and challenges.

Someone else related to me that from their ‘insider’ experience at Riverview, RBC is more like a schizophrenic church; meaning there were five different churches trying to meet together in the same building. I could see a lot of truth in that, but from our study in Ephesians, we know it never works that way. We (the church) are one body in Christ, and to divide the body is to kill it. (Ephesians 2:16 & 4:4)

Instead of these two analogies I would like to suggest that Riverview is more like a person who is maturing and growing, and who sometimes goes through what my mom used to call ‘growing pains’. Riverview was born in 1954. When we were a young church we grew like a young child…fast. Within ten years the church had grown from zero to over one hundred. In the next ten years it grew by another hundred. In the adolescent years of the church it stayed much the same, but in its young adult life RBC grew tremendously. By the end of Pastor L.M. Woodson’s tenure the church was turning forty –five years old, and had grown to average four hundred in attendance.

Then came the MLC…the mid-life-crisis. Pastor Brad, Bro. Aaron, Mike, and Charles all arrived at Riverview at an awkward time in the life of our church and community. God placed them as Pastors at Riverview during a difficult time of transition, and they did a great job leading RBC into the new millinea, which I think is pretty symbolic of their ministry years at Riverview. They led Riverview from one distinct phase in life to the next. Also during this time, up through the present, Bixby has been growing like crazy, so we have had to discern who we are in our fast changing community. We have had to answer questions like, how do we keep the older folks who have been here for thirty years happy, and at the same time reach all the new young people moving into our area? Or, how do we keep up with the new and exciting churches that are being planted all around us without sacrificing our core values? Grappling with questions like these and hundreds more have led me to understand Riverview has simply gone through another stage in the life of a church. Over the last several years RBC had a church-wide mid-life-crisis.

A mid-life-crisis is an identity crisis. When men go through this they are trying to figure out who they are, and it often leads to a career change, a gold necklace, and a corvette. When a church goes through it, we imitate the churches around us, adopt ministry methods that don’t fit us (in an attempt to be relevant), and we usually alienate church members on both ends of the spectrum. Riverview has had it’s MLC, and now we are ready to move forward; accepting who we are, as God intended us to be, to be used by Him and for His glory to reach our community for Christ.

So where do we go from here?

Get Comfortable In Our Own Skin. Let’s just be happy with who we are in Christ. Riverview is God’s Church, and He loves His Church. He is building His Church, and the gates of Hell cannot prevail against His Church. Instead of trying to be something we are not, Riverview will simply be the Church God has called us to be.

Commit to Sound Doctrine. Preach the Bible. Teach the Bible. Live out the Bible.

Commit To Being The Best. Let’s be the best Door Greeters, Sunday School Teachers, Hand-Shakers, and Meal Takers out there. We should be the best at welcoming new people into the flock, and we should be the best ministering to the needs of others. I want Riverview members to be the best at a participating in worship, not just showing up to watch. If you are a Youth Sponsor, give it your all. If you teach in Children’s or Preschool Sunday School, do it whole-heartedly. If you are an Adult Director, please realize how important your job is. To everyone else - get involved, find a place to serve, and give God your best.

NO GRUMBLING. Please don’t complain to the people in your circle of influence. Be a positive influence with them. If you have a genuine concern talk to one of us pastors about it. Maybe we can explain why we do what we do. Getting mad and grumbling never does any good. It doesn’t make you feel better, and it doesn’t solve any problems. Not to mention grumbling and complaining are not the Christian way to handle disagreements.

Embrace Evangelism. Evangelism is one of the keys that will unlock the future of Riverview. Pray and ask God to place people on your heart to pray for them to be saved. Then pray and ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith with the people you are praying for.

Live Missionally. Living missionally goes hand and hand with evangelism. People will most likely not hear you message if your life does not back up what you say. Living missionally means to always be watching for opportunities in your daily life that will open a door for you to serve another person in the name of Christ with the hopes of sharing your faith with them on a personal level.

God Bless You Riverview. You know I love you, and I love being your pastor....Have a great Year!!!! aj

This Preacher's Life

2009-12-12T11:31:00.000-06:00

I feel like a Bible Dictionary. Probably...more like the Cliff's Notes version, but a source for Bible facts and data none the less. But that is not what I am supposed to be doing. I am supposed to teach, no, scratch that, I'm supposed to show people how to live. My teaching should be an overflow of my heart, and my time with God.

I feel like an 'Ambulance Chaser'- No offence any friend I might have who is an AC. My flock - like most - think my highest calling is to know who is sick, who is in what hospital, and to be there before anyone else. I love my church family, and want to be there when they are hurting, but I can't seem to make it happen. My pastoral care should be the overflow of my heart, and my time with God.

I feel like a CEO. I really struggle with being the Administrator of a religious organization. Instead, I want to be a part of a living organism. A Body. The Body. All I can say about this is, I may not be the best, but I could be a whole lot worse. Anyway - my administration should be from the overflow of my heart, and my time with God.

So...if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go spend some time with God.

aj

Choir Rehearsal

2009-12-02T20:06:00.001-06:00

Just got through practicing for the Christmas Musical. I really enjoy singing in the choir. I always have. When I was a kid at the First UMC Church in Lamont, Oklahoma I would sing with the adult choir. Me, Gilly (He was the preacher), Glenn Webster, and Rod Reese made up the men's section. Diana Reese, Syble Webster, Cynthia Waddell, and Ada (The preacher's wife)...and some other made up the ladies section. Those are some awesome memories. There was an old guy named Merle Hardwick too. He used to call me...never mind...I would never hear the end of it if I told you. He sang too. I know I'm forgetting some people, but we practiced every Sunday Morning at about 9:00. I was usually a few minutes late, and a little under pitch, but I loved it...

Anyway. I just got out of Choir practice, and I am so thankful I get to sing for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

aj

Surf's Up

2009-07-26T17:12:00.001-05:00

I got a surf-board today...dude. I don't think it is for me though. It is about 6 inches wide, and about 18 inches long. Darrell and Teresa McCain gave it to me to remind me to pray for them. As I understand it Teresa leaves Tuesday, the 28th. They have a wonderful opportunity to minister to international students at the University of Hawaii. God speed to you both. We'll pray for Teresa to get things set up, and prepare for the students, and we'll pray for Darrell as he needs to sell their home and join up with his wife.

I just saw the 'MISSIONS TABLE' in the hallway. I am so happy and excited that RBC has a heart for missions. Last night was a great block party at Pecan Park Mobil Home Park. Don't you love it. Missions around the world...missions around the corner.

Get missional. Live missionally every day. Lead your Sunday School or Small group to be missional. Enough preaching...

God Bless - - - - - - (now go be the salt. Matthew 5:13)

Our BIG BIG GOD !!!

2009-07-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

If you go outside tonight, and find the tip of the handle on the big dipper you will see a bright star named Polaris. Polaris is forty-six times larger than our own sun, it is 1,800 times brighter, and 430 light years away. 430 light years means you would have to travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second) for 430 years to reach your destination.

To put all this in perspective light travels from the Sun to Earth in 8 minutes and 19 second. If we could fly to the Sun on a 747 at four hundred miles per hour (normal speed) it would take a little over 26 years to get there. Think about it. The Sun seems so far away, and at the speed of light it DOES NOT even take a day to get there…it only takes eight minutes, but to get to Polaris it would take 430 years. The most amazing part is, astronomically speaking, Polaris is a neighbor; it is in the Milky Way.

According to NASA, through Hubble Space Telescope technology, astronomers estimate there are hundreds of billions of other galaxies besides the Milky Way in our universe. To say the least it is far beyond our comprehension.

I pray it comforts you to know the God who is powerful and wonderful enough to create all this is the same God who loves you, cares for you, and sent His only Son to die for you.

Isaiah 40:26-31
Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing… Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power….Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Why I Don't Like Mother's Day

2009-05-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

Now before you get excited let me say for the record...I LOVE MY MOM. I'm not the biggest fan of any holiday; Mother's Day just happens to be tomorrow.

My mom is the epitome of sacrifice. She was a career beautician in a small town, which meant she colored and back-combed hair - almost to hard-hat standards - at the drop of a hat for whoever called, at anytime. Then when I was a senior in High School, she went back to college (I think she was 40), and she began working at a convenience store in the evenings until time to close. She would always forgo things she needed to make sure us kids had what we thought we needed, and she was an awesome cook too. My mother is an inspiration. Without knowing it, she fostered in me a 'can do' attitude. She modeled for me a work ethic that is second to none, and she is truly a woman who walks by faith, and not by sight. Yep. I love my mom.

My beef with Mother's Day is that it gives us kids a cop-out. We can ignore our moms, or not appreciate them all year, and then if we will come through with some flowers or candy one day of the year, we get a reprieve the other 364. Just as we treat Christmas and Easter like 'holy days', and then forget about Jesus the rest of the year, we need to remember that our moms are special every day, not just Mother's Day.

Now I hope I am not coming off as some kind of Mother's Day Pharisee; holier than thou. In fact, all I got my mom this year is this cheap blog article. Soooooo - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM !! I love and appreciate you. Talk to you next year (just kidding.)

aj

PS - I am a fortunate man. I had a great mom, and my boys have a great mom too. I am so proud of her, and I thank God every day for her being a godly influence in their lives. Maybe in 2039 Nolan, Mason, or OB will sit down at what will be a computer in the future, and honor their mom with a super-information-highway Mother's Day thought.

Anonymous Letters

2009-04-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

The following are some assumptions I make concerning people who send anonymous letters to their pastors.

1.) They Don't Love Their Pastor. In the letter they always say they love their pastor, but their actions (writing an anonymous letter) tell a different story. Oh the irony. If you love your pastor talk to them like an adult...face to face.

2.) They Don't Know Their Bible. Did you know people who stretch out their hand against God's annointed servants will not go unpunnished. Individuals can justify their actions to men, but God, the JUDGE, knows their heart, thoughts, and secret motives. This is why pastors must pray for people who hurt them. This is why we pray, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Also, sending anonymous letters shows zero respect and esteem for the leaders God has placed in your church. If you really love them "Speak the truth in love." Remembering though Ephesians 4:15 is not talking about "your truth" - that's your opinion. It is talking about speaking GOD'S TRUTH in whatever situation you are in.

1 Samuel 26:9-10
But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be without guilt?" NASU

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. NASU

3.) They Are Self Centered. Every anonymous letter I have ever received only stated someone's opinion. It reflected their taste concerning Music, Facilites, Preaching Style, etc...

Philippians 2:3-5

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. NASU

NEVER have I reveived an anonymous letter concerning Ecclesiology, Theology, or Doctrine. In other words: anonymous letters never have substance, only steam.

Suggestions for handling an anonymous letter.

You can usually tell what you are in for before you open the envelope.

After opening the letter first check for a signature. If there is no John Hancock at the bottom. CHUNK IT. Resist every temptaion to read it. Run...and I mean RUN to the shredder and feed it to the little paper eating monster in the corner. The shredder can handle it...you can't.

My Solemn Vow

From this day forward I pledge to never ever, ever, ever, ever,...ever-ever read an anonymous letter. I vow to disregard such letters with expediency and fervor. I promise to feed anonymous mail to the Fellows PS 60 C-2 without hesitation. Futhermore, I pledge, with my hand raised to the heavens, to dance a little jig as the disingenuous document is gound to a pulp.

Seriously

I bet your pastor loves you, and would take your constructive criticism graciously. I also believe you are in no emotional, let alone physical danger when talking to your pastor about a serious concern you have. (Meaning - They are not going to yell at you, call you names, and try to punch you.) I also know that you don't understand how much pressure your pastors are under to please many different people who have a wide range of tastes, desires, and agendas. Your pastors need your love, patience, support, and prayers.....not anonymous letters.

Signed - Anonymous - Just Kidding - Andy

Easter and the Wascally Wabbit

2009-03-19T16:42:00.000-05:00

Question: What is the connection between hiding eggs, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
One little boy gave this answer: Jesus’ Disciples really liked eggs, but Jesus had high cholesterol so they couldn’t eat them. When the Disciples thought He was dead and gone they decided to have eggs for breakfast. It just so happened this was the morning Jesus was raised from the dead, and appeared to His disciples. When Peter looked up and saw Jesus coming he said, “Quick fellas...hide the eggs.”

The truth is no one knows for sure the origins of Easter, but our best bet comes
from Bede, a late-seventh-century historian and scholar from Anglo-Saxon
England. He says Easter's name comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre,
associated with spring and fertility, and celebrated around the vernal equinox.
So there you go. As Christmas was moved to coincide with the pagan celebration
of winter, Easter was likely moved to coincide and replace the pagan celebration
of spring. (Christianity Today, “Why Easter?” by Ted Olsen, 4/10/98)

It’s interesting that Easter is observed by the churches of the West (that would be us) on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox. This means Easter is a "movable" feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. However, Eastern Orthodox churches observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival. That being the case, this year Passover begins at sundown on April 8th making Resurrection Sunday April 12th, which coincides with the week of Passover.

How about Easter Americana? Thank goodness Easter has not become as commercialized as Christmas. After all, angels singing and a bouncing baby boy are much more marketable than torturing and killing an innocent man.

However, many people, even Christians miss the point (not to mention the date). When Easter is elevated to the status of a ‘holy-day’ we diminish the importance of the other fifty-one Sunday’s throughout the year, forgetting the fact that every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you don't believe me, just check out how many people are at church on Easter Sunday as compared to the rest of the year.

aj

I Can't Get No Satisfaction

2009-03-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

"...nothing at all to look at except this manna." Numbers 11:6

Can you envision an Israelite holding a hand full of manna; whatever manna must have looked like? In my mind it was a cross between mashed potato's and a croissant (or maybe I'm just hungry) - Anyway, I can almost hear the sneer in his voice as he says, "I have nothing at all to look at except this manna".

We think, "If I just had one bite of that heavenly bread, I'd probably never want to eat anything else again." Wrong. It is funny (or maybe sad) how the wonderful blessings of God which we freely enjoy soon become, stale, and tasteless.

Owning a car that is three years old soon gives way to wanting next year's model.
Living in a big house only whets our appetite for a bigger one.
Getting a raise or promotion throws fuel on the consumer fanned flame.

My life is blessed , and I am resolved to not sniff at all God has given me, and say, "I have nothing at all to look at except this manna." Lord, please help me to be thankful and content with all you have blessed me with. Amen

Philippians 4:11-13

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

aj

I Wish I Were A Better Blogger

2009-02-21T17:52:00.001-06:00

I guess I don't even know how to blog. I think I have some good ideas, but nothing seems to work out.

I'd like to pick a topic and wear it out, but I don't have time to think about and write another article...let alone every day. I preach and teach at least 5 times a week, and it is all I can do to keep those times fresh and relevant. Plus I write a weekly article for Riverview's copy of the Baptist Messenger, and I've started writing a book. That ought to do it.

I might like to write about my family, but who really cares. The boys are fighting over the Wii, and we are going to a 66'ers game tonight. Not that exciting. Hamburgers tonight for dinner, they are seasoned with Essence of Emril, so that is close to blogging material, but that is about as exciting as it gets around here.

Things at RBC are going GREAT !! The multiple Sunday Schools and Worship Services took off without a hitch, and there is a wonderful sense of love and unity in the church. I love our staff, and we have many dear, dear friends in the church already. What a blessing.

Quote of the Day -
"Dude that was a giant iceberg, and I couldn't get up it."
Nolan, playing Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Falling In Love With Jesus

2008-12-12T15:47:00.000-06:00

I can't speak for other ministers and pastors, but I hate it when the line between my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my vocation gets blurry. And when I say I hate it...I really HATE it. Why? Because it is sin, and God hates sin, and if God hates sin, well then I hate it too. Even in my life. Especially in my life.

What I want is to fall in love with Jesus all over again. I don't think there is a specific prayer to pray or spiritual formula to make this happen, but I know it can happen. I honstly think it simply comes from spending time with Jesus. I really need to spend time with Jesus. Not preparing sermons or Bible studies, or reading the spiritual book de jour...just quality time with the one who loves me more than any one on this planet.

"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

Jesus Christ, to the Church at Ephesus - Revelation 2:4

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for creating me, loving me, saving me, and carrying me through each day. Forgive me when I ignore You. Forgive me when I get too busy for You. Please help me fall in love with You all over again. This is my deepest prayer. Amen

God's Protection

2008-10-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

Psalm 121:7

The Lord will protect you from all evil...

As I drove to work today there was a surveyor in the middle of a busy intersection. For those of you who know Bixby / Tulsa he was at 151st (which is Highway 67) and Memorial; not to mention it was right at 9:00 am. There is only one bridge in Tulsa that crosses the Arkansas River, and it is a mile and a half north of where this guy was standing. It is an understatement to say this guy was taking his life into his own hands.

There he was peeking through his theodolite (the little telescope looking thing) protected only by his hoodie, and three small orange cones. As I sat at the stop light and watched him work, I thought to my self. If someone loses control of their car, or if they are not paying attention, this guy is a gonner. But he never flinched...even as I passed only a few feet away.

I don't know if that guy was a fatalist, or if he thought those cones could actually protect him...but it sure made me think. I am so glad God is my protector. I imagine we all race through life...brushing elbows with death, and never know it. All the while God is around us like a hedge of protection.

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - aj

The Flip Flop

2008-09-22T11:14:00.001-05:00

Hello, my name is Andy, and I am a sporadic blogger. The first step is just admitting it.

I haven't been very consistent in my blogging. I can give you all the reasons I've been sooooo busy that I haven't had time to write, but you already know them. I'll just say. This week I'll do better.

What I'd like to do over the next few months is simply blog about going to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools. I've been holding lots of emotions and thoughts in over the last few months, but now that the cat is out of the bag I have some freedom to start talking about the plan.

Riverview is a great church. We are 54 years old, and have only had a few pastors. I'm probably 7 or 8 on the list. My wife and I (and the kids) love it here. When I came to Bixby we saw immediately that the church needed to move to dual services. Going to 2 worship services is no big deal, the church has been planning this for a while, but adding a Sunday School has really raised the anxiety level at RBC.

As of today (Monday, September 22, 2008) we have held 2 Town Hall Meetings in which I 'roll out the plan', and then answer questions. My gut feeling about the THM's is that they went very well. I really hope to keep people informed and encouraged about this transiton. There were several questions, and I think they helped me understand the needs at Riverview at this 10 seconds.

I know there is not much meat in this post, but it is just the beginning. If you read this please pray for me. I wan't God's will to be done. I wan't to follow God's leadership, and I wan't God to be glorified. I am the pastor of a great church, and I know God is going to use us to do indredible things for His Kingdom and His Glory.

aj

Why Do I Cry...Everytime...

2008-09-05T17:04:00.001-05:00

Every time I watch this video I cry. Why? Maybe its the song. I love this song. Maybe its Dick Hoyt's love for his son reminds me of my love for my sons. Maybe its because I can see Rick Hoyt delighting in his father's love, and I am once again blown away by my FATHER'S love. Sometimes I think it is because I like guys who gut it out. Who sacrfice. Who lay it on the line for others.....nah...it's the love.

Part VII - 2 Chronicles 7:14

2008-09-03T15:16:00.000-05:00

Conversations with the Father

If My People…Pray

When I travel I love calling home to talk to my children. Just hearing their voices makes my heart well up with joy. They usually tell me about their day, and what fun they had, or maybe about a new ‘owie’ they have suffered. I then hear Dustie in the background say, “Tell Him what you did.”, and a full confession ensues. I don't even mind hearing them ask, “What are you bringing me?”

However, I don’t like coming home from a long trip to be ignored because the boys are distracted by a video game, the television, or some other toy. Just for a short time I want their undivided attention. I want to know they love me, and that I am important to them. Especially more important than the plastic noise makers that do not care for them nor love them like I do. Somewhere in the back of my mind it clicks; they are captivated by the gift, and not the gift giver.

I wonder how often conversations with our heavenly father resemble the conversations between us and our children. When you talk to God is your main concern what He is going to give you? Do you only go so deep with God so as to tell Him about your most recent ‘owie? Do you ignore God while giving your attention to the trivial things of this world?

I am certain of this; our Father in heaven longs to have a meaningful relationship with His children, and a fundamental part of that is simply spending quality time talking with Him. Will you spend quality time with your Father this week?

Summer Recap

2008-08-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

Our first Summer at Riverview has been a wild one. In May our Music Minister Charles Collins retired (it was expected), and we had a great retirement reception for he and Linda in our Fellowship Hall. The best part of the evening was when close to 100 former and current Youth Choir Members came to Riverview to surprise Charles with an encore performance of three of their favorite songs.

In June Dustie and I went to Falls Creek, and my mom came and stayed with they boys for that week. Also in June Riverview called Susan Pisarra to be our new Director of Childhood Ministries, and somewhere in that mix Victor Mendoza also started as our Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries. Not to mention on the Friday of Falls Creek we made a quick trip back to Bixby for David and Ruth's wedding. David is our Interim Music Minister, who, Lord willing will lose the title interim in the next few weeks.

In July Susan started on a Sunday, and we held VBS the following week. Dustie's mom and niece were here from Alabama for 3 weeks during that time, and the week after they left we left town for a week going to Grand Lake, and Ponca City for a short getaway. And then, school started the week following our return.

As of today (August 21st, 2008) - The building project is almost completed, and it will be very helpful as we are making lots of plans for going to Multiple Sunday Schools and Worship Services in January of '09. Sadly enough though we are now praying for God to send us a great Youth Minister. Mike Keahbone has been called to a church in OKC. We will miss him greatly, but we know God has a plan for him and for RBC. No worries.

Dustie is working 3 days a week at OSU Medical Center, Nolan and Mason both ride the bus to School, and OB is going to Pre-School 2 days a week at a local church. In fact...I need to leave to take him here in a few minutes.

Thought I would simply catch you up on the Summer excitement. Hopefully I'll get back into a groove, and can do some more writing this Fall and Winter.

Keep us in your prayers. We need it.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part VI

2008-07-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

What…Me Wicked?

“If My people…will turn from their wicked ways…”

The trouble with wickedness is nobody likes to think…let alone admit they are wicked. Yet God says He will only hear from heaven, forgive sin, and heal the land when HIS PEOPLE turn from THEIR WICKED WAYS. What then does God consider wickedness? The following are lists from the Old and New Testaments. Notice how the wickedness described in each list wouldn’t even make the six o’ clock news today.

Old Testament

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

New Testament

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power…

Revival quenching wickedness is the ‘big’ sins that make the hair on the back of our necks stand up; it is the things believers do, or don’t do in disobedience to the Lord. However, God promises revival will come when God’s people turn from their sin, and renew a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part V

2008-07-13T16:29:00.000-05:00

Seeking His Face

What does it mean to seek God’s face? In Strong’s Concordance the word seek is defined as searching out by any method, specifically in worship or prayer. The word face is used 2,100 times and most often obviously refers to a person’s face. However, when referring to God the word is not talking about God’s physical face, but is instead describing the presence of God. In fact, in 2 Chronicles 4:19 the showbread in the Temple is called the ‘Bread of the Presence’, and is the place where the Spirit of God dwells. It is interesting the word face in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and presence in 2 Chronicles 4:19 are the exact same word in Hebrew.

So then, if we want to see revival we do not have to seek a new program, a fancier building, or a bigger budget. We simply need to seek God’s face. How can we seek God’s presence? According to the above definition it is through humble, repentant worship and prayer. So what is the game plan?

1.) Don’t attend church next Sunday. (Huh?) Come be a worshipper of God!
2.) Prepare Saturday to worship on Sunday. (Get your clothes laid out, and go to bed early.)
3.) Tune out distractions when you get here. (Leave the cell in the car.)
4.) Treat actively participating in worship as a privilege, not a boring, mundane, chore.

John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

See Ya Sunday - Bro. Andy

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part IV

2008-07-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

Part IV – Making Prayer a Priority

“If My people…pray…”

“I would rather teach one man to pray, than to teach ten men to preach.”
C.H. Spurgeon

During Ramadan devout Muslims pray eight times a day. Orthodox Jews devote three times every day to prayer, and a committed Buddhist will spend hours in meditative prayer and chanting. Christians pray when they are ten miles out side of town and about out of gas.

Every great revival throughout history has been preceded by corporate, fervent, extraordinary prayer. Corporate prayer is people praying together. Fervent prayer is praying with a sense of urgency, and extraordinary prayer is praying at times that do not fall into your regular routine of prayer, such as praying before meals and at bedtime.

Suggestions to help you make prayer a priority in your life:

* Make time for prayer.

* Set aside specific times to give to God in prayer.
* Eliminate distractions.
* Keep a prayer journal.
* Pray through scripture.
* Pray for the right things.

It is a good thing to pray for those who are sick, and those who might have other physical needs, but it is not always the best thing. Make an effort to pray for the spiritual, not just the temporal. Pray for people to be saved, pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and repentance among God's people, and pray for Christians to be bold and genuine in their walk with the Lord.

God says, “If My people…pray…” Let’s be those people.

aj

Basic Evangelism

2008-06-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

I saw this video clip on another blog, and had to post it. I'll figure out how to put the youtube picture on my blog, but until then watch this clip from E.R., and think about how the Church does evangelism today.

In my mind this clip shows the urgent need of evangelism, and how Christians often try to soften the blow of sin and its results, when in truth lost people when faced with their own mortality want to hear about a real God, and forgiveness, so they can avoid a real hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNuSBGa1mLM

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part III

2008-06-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

Part III – Humbling Ourselves

“If my people…will humble themselves…”

When our boys are rebellious sooner or later they usually come into subjection under their parents (usually). However sometimes it is not until we put into practice the “this is going to hurt me worse than it’s going to hurt you” principle. I will assure you, as a father I gain no joy or pleasure when I have to force my sons to respect and obey me. On the contrary though, it is hard for me to put into words the pride, joy, and love I experience when I ask them to do something, and they say, “Yes sir”, and hop to it.

The word humility is only used four times in the Old Testament, and is a synonym for meekness. To be humble on the other hand is used thirty-eight times, and means to be brought low before someone. The best way to understand the word humble is that it is the opposite of pride. Proverbs 29:23 “A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” If you can picture someone bowing before a king you understand the Old Testament use of ‘being humbled’.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are not talking about a vanquished foe, but instead the author is describing a nation who has turned away from their God, is suffering the consequences of rebellion, and is now returning on bended knee seeking forgiveness. The key is not simply that they have been humbled, but THEY HUMBLED THEMSELVES.

What kind of relationship do you have with your heavenly Father? Do you honor, respect, and obey God simply because you love Him, or do you only HUMBLE yourself before the Lord when you are forced to by difficult situations in life?

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part II

2008-06-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

What’s Your Name?

“…who are called by My name…”

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was specifically known as God’s people. The phrase “who are called by my name” is literally rendered “upon whom My name is called”, and is used to signify ownership. (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) The New English Translation has it like this: “If My people who belong to me…” So then, revival comes when the people who belong to God repent and come into a right relationship with Him.

Believers today need to understand and apply the same truth to their lives as well. If you are saved, you do not belong to yourself anymore. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know…you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price…”

In fact, we are still “called by His name”. The name Christian is only used three times in the New Testament, but by the middle of the first century it was commonly used in Rome, and soon throughout the entire empire as a derogatory term for followers of Jesus. “I am a Christian” became the triumphant confession of many second century martyrs who joyfully proclaimed their loyalty to Jesus as they died for their faith.

We casually say we are Christians, but we need to remember the name means we are ‘followers of Christ’ - WE BELONG TO HIM. Being called a Christian may no longer qualify someone to be a martyr, but it should not be a religious brand name we wear like a designer shirt either. The name reminds us of the one we follow…the one who died for us…the one to whom we belong.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part I

2008-06-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

Who Needs Revival?

“If My people…”

Quite often those of us in the church think revival is kept at arms length because of all the lost sinners out there running wild. For many church goers it appears that if the world would just be more Godly everything would be set right. God would hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land…a nation wide revival. Come on lost world – get with the program. (Sarcasm)

However, the Bible tells a different story. The promise of God to grant national healing, and forgiveness of sins in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not a result of the heathen being converted. It is instead the result of God’s people humbly repenting, turning from their wickedness, and seeking God’s face.

Over the last few years the catch phrase in the church has been, “It’s not about me.” Well this time it is about me, and it is about you. We are the one’s who must repent and seek God. Revival will never come if WE, the church, do not change our ways, and begin to hunger and thirst for God and his righteousness.

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent …”
Revelation 2:4-5

Reaching the "Nones"

2008-06-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

Who are the “Nones”? The Spring 2004 issue of Church Planting and Evangelism, a magazine published by the North American Mission Board, described the “Nones” as a growing segment of the U.S. population who claim no religious affiliation in public opinion polls. If the “Nones” were a religious body, they would be the fastest growing denomination in the country.

The National Survey of Religious Identification claims the “Nones” number more than 30,000,000 (that’s right - million) in the U.S. “If viewed as a religious group, they would only trail Catholics and Baptists in numbers.”

The numbers are staggering, and they remind us that the fields are truly ripe for the harvest (Luke 10:2). However, do not let the enormity of the task cause retreat. The same survey discovered that 50% of the “Nones” agreed strongly that God exists; indicating an openness to discuss spiritual matters.

Remember, Bixby is no different than the rest of America. The Bixby Chamber website estimates there are 360,000 people living within ten miles of our community. Moreover, Tulsa Metro Baptist Association research reveals that 80% of Tulsa County is ‘un-churched’…or ‘nones’. This means there are a quarter of a million people in our community, and surrounding area who do not have a church home. Subsequently, tens of thousands likely do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Bottom line - we need to get busy.

In Luke 10:2, Jesus told seventy followers the fields were ready for the harvest, and that they should pray for God to send out workers into His harvest. Then in Luke 10:3 Jesus sends them, the seventy, out into the harvest. WE ARE THOSE WORKERS. This Summer make it a priority to:

Learn how to share your faith with a “None”.
Share your faith, on a regular basis, with someone who needs Jesus.
Invite someone to church every week.
Work in the Lord’s fields.
Pray every day that God will send workers into His harvest.
Learn who the “Nones” are in your life, and minister to them.

aj

Food For Thought

2008-05-20T17:02:00.001-05:00

I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.
Psalm 119:47

Not too long ago on the all sports network I watched the world champion hamburger eating contest. For those who care Joey Chestnut won by eating 102 hamburgers in six minutes. Consider these other amazing culinary conquests. Six pounds of baked beans in under two minutes, 1 ¾ pounds of butter in five minutes, 65 hard boiled eggs in six minutes, and my favorite 128 oz of mayonnaise in eight minutes. (Folks that is over four big jars of mayo.)

How is your spiritual appetite? Do you gorge yourself once a week at Sunday School and Church only to starve the other six days? I am not a dietitian, but I am quite sure eating four jars of mayonnaise, or 102 hamburgers can not be healthy. In the same way taking in spiritual nourishment once a week is not the path to spiritual health and vitality. Instead we need a steady diet of Bible study and prayer? Here are a few suggestions which can help make regular Bible study a reality in your life:

- Schedule time for Bible study. If you do not plan it, it will not happen.

- Eliminate distractions.

- Start small. Remember newborns do not dine on steak and potatoes. Your appetite for scripture will increase just like your appetite for food has grown over the years.

- Make Bible reading and Bible study a positive habit in your life. The good news is many experts estimate it only takes three weeks to develop any habit…good or bad.

- View personal Bible study as a privilege not a duty.

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus

Casting Pearls

2008-05-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

Be careful in voicing judgments according to your Christian convictions. Jesus gave the reason in Matthew 7:6; He said doing so is like “casting pearls before swine”. Because pearls have no value to pigs, they will simply trample them under their feet. His other illustration was wild dogs turning on you, and tearing you to shreds.

To see this you only need to watch a news program when a Christian takes a stance on their spiritual convictions, believe me, the claws will come out in the secular media. The following is a case in point. I read this article on the KOCO TV 5 website about a documentary filmed at a Christian Church Camp in North Dakota called “Jesus Camp”. For the full article go to http://www.koco.com/family/9935738/detail.html

Some of the words used to describe the camp in the article are ‘shocking, indoctrination, frightening, brain-washing, and child abuse.” Folks, it is a short jump from mentioning Christianity and frightening brain-washing in the same sentence, to linking the two together. In fact, one mother was vilified because she home schools her children, and teaches them to question science. I thought asking questions was the whole point of science?

The bottom line is this; we may live in desperate times…but not in hopeless times. Jesus is still Lord, God is still on His throne, and the Holy Spirit is still working in the hearts and lives of men and women. Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel, (Romans 1:16) take your stand for Christ.

Matthew 5:10-12
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great…

Tithing Recession

2008-04-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

Is there a recession? I keep hearing how the US economy is in a tailspin, but frankly I don't see it. Maybe it just hasn't trickled down to the people I live around.

I went to a Tulsa Drillers ball game the other night (thanks for the tickets Dr. R), and I was amazed at the amount of money flying out of wallets - mine included...not to mention it was the end of a long month...right after tax day.

As I looked around half of the people were texting with their cell phones, souvenirs were flying off the shelves, and I know for a fact, my kids made a $12.50 stop at the concession stand for,
(1 - Cracker Jack, 1- Cotton Candy, - 1 Soft Pretzel) and trust me there were lots of people buying lots of expensive 'refreshments' during the entire 3 1/2 hour game. Finally after the game there was a fantastic fireworks display that lasted at least for 20 minutes. Premier Pyrotechnics a fireworks display company quotes this type of display at $7,000.00.

As I took all of this in I was thinking to myself...if this is a recession...God must really bless America, 'cause we got it good. I laugh because we think we are in a recession yet we buy $4 coffee, $3 gas, and $1 water quicker than you can say cha-ching. We go to $10 dollar movies, spend $100's on Cable TV & Internet, and buy cars that would be 30 years wages in some countries around the world...and that is just the tip of the iceberg...or maybe its just the tip of the Titanic. Anyway.

As my thoughts turn to the church I wonder if a 'recession' will affect tithing? Will people stop giving? Will ministry falter? I sure hope not, but only time will tell. The truth is; church people haven't been the best tithers while things are good, so I am setting the bar of my expectations kind of low.

So let me encourage you to decide right now to be obedient to God in your giving no matter what happens with the American economy. Choose to be a good steward with out looking to the circumstances around you.. Remember - this whole world is God's and all that it contains, (Psalm 24:1) so don't sweat the little stuff...like a recession. You belong to Him, and your Father owns the store.

God Bless - Andy

Praying for the Lost

2008-04-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

Please read this !! It is another testimony of God at work at RBC. The idea is inspired and self explanatory. Having a prayer list for people who are lost is something we MUST DO. I do not say we must do it because it is a good idea, or because I am the pastor, and I can say "We must do it." I say we must pray for the lost, because it is Biblical.

1 Timothy 2:1-5
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NASU)

Let me say this: If you are worried about offending someone by putting their name on a prayer list, then use their first name only, or even just their initials. God knows who they are, and He will hear our prayer as we pray for people to be saved.

Hello church! This is Marci S. writing here. Most of you probably don't know who I am because I'm such a quiet in the background kind of person. But that's OK you don't have to know me. I'm writing because recently one of Andy's sermons made me start thinking. It was the one about prayer. Ephesians 1:17-23. One of the things he said was that we need to have perspective and pray for spiritual things more than physical needs. He said that sometimes we pray for a lost person's health but don't pray for their salvation. I immediately thought of my young cousin Austin. He is somewhere around 6 yrs old and losing his hair in large patches. They don't know why. When I heard about it I thought 'I need to pray for him.' He and his family are not saved and I don't remember anytime recently praying for their salvation. After Andy's sermon that Sunday I realized that I have so many unsaved relatives who need prayer. I know we as a church in our Sunday school classes have prayer lists and that sort of thing but I would like to start a church wide prayer list of nothing but unsaved family, friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. I proposed the idea to Andy and he thought it was good. So after a week of praying and thinking about how to do it here's what I feel we should do. I have opened an email account the address is salvationprayers@hotmail.com I would love for everyone in the church to be involved in this. Please send the names of every unsaved person you know to this address. Also please tell me if you would like to receive the list to pray for these people. If someone that you put on this list gets saved please let me know! We want to see the results of our prayers and praise God for them. Also if someone we are praying for is starting to go to church or is asking questions or anything that shows you God is working on their heart please send me those updates. I will update the list and send it out either monthly or weekly. At first probably weekly as I expect to have frequent emails to start with. I realize this will be a very long list and it will take a long time to pray for every individual on the list. A good goal would be to pray through the list once a month. Take several people each day and pray for them. I would recommend printing out the list. If you do this you could even cut the list into sections. Each day as you get ready to do whatever you are doing grab a section and put it in your pocket. Every time you think of it pull it out and pray for those people. However you do it is fine those are just a few suggestions. If we get everyone praying and everyone prays for each person at least once a month think how many people are in our church, that's how many times each person will be prayed for that month. Not just that one time that you pray but I hope hundreds of times. We need to pray for the lost to come into our church. Every week at the end of the service we have an invitation. We have seen a few people saved and every single one is reason to celebrate. But every week that no one comes I wonder why not. I think to myself, maybe that means everyone here is saved. That's good right? But then I think, why aren't there lost people here? Aren't they our mission? Is everyone in Bixby saved? No. We need to start praying for the lost. It's not our job to go out and bang down doors and drag people in. It's not our job to have a big exciting program to bring them in. It is our job to pray, and to be available to talk to anyone God leads us to. If we don't do this then Andy is preaching to the choir. Yes the things we learn are good for us to learn but what's the point of us being the only ones who hear it? We'll become, as Andy said himself, religious fatheads. I believe that many of us in our church have gone through personal revival in the past year, myself included. It's time to move it outside our church walls and the walls of our homes. One of the most important things we can do is pray. So sorry if this email got a little long I tend to do that! If you want to put someone on the list please send me their names. If you do not want their full name listed just let me know what you want listed. We can do first names, initials, whatever. God will know who they are. For those who would like to get this list emailed to you please send me a message and I'll add you. If for any reason you ever feel you need to be taken off the mailing list just let me know. I think God can use this in mighty ways. God can do awesome things! Thanks! Marci

Remember - this is a work in progress so be patient with any glitches or tweaks. Thank you Marci. May God bless this part or our prayer ministry.

AJ

A Brid in the Hand

2008-04-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

I read an article in World Magazine recently that told the story of birdwatchers in Scotland who were privileged to observe the very rare Red-Humped Swallow. However, while they were watching that bird, another bird, a Sparrowhawk swooped in, and made the rare specimen a rare meal. One spectator, Mike Sawyer, told Britian’s Metro, “We were horrified, we had just called other birdwatchers to tell the news, and then had to call back to say it had been eaten.” (Copyright © 2006 WORLD Magazine, December 02, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 46)

How often are we, the church, guilty of simply watching the lost and hurting world around us, when instead we should intercede? Let’s not be idle. When someone is hungry; feed them. When you see a need; share. When a heart is broken; give comfort. And, when a soul is lost; share the words of life. Christians are not merely spectators in the grand scheme of eternity, we are participants. So then, commit to being involved in the Ministry and Missions of Riverview Baptist Church. Say to yourself right now – “I will be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer”. (James 1:22)

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (NIV) Matthew 25:35-36

Have a great week - Andy

Praying for a Pastor

2008-04-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

For a few weeks now Riverview has been asking God to lead us to the right man to be our Associate Pastor. I am so happy to announce to you that God has done just that. Yesterday at the end of our worship services RBC officially invited Victor Mendoza to come to Riverview in view of a call on April 27th. Pray for Victor, Janeen, Alyssa, and Jessica as they pray about answering God's call on their lives.

To make a short story long. Victor has been a member at Riverview for ten years, and a Deacon here for eight years. He was called into ministry a few years ago, and and has since completed his undergraduate degree in Leadership Management, as well as taking several classes through OBU. I was praying for Victor, and asking God to open up a church that he might Pastor, and then it hit me...Victor is the man for Riverview.

I asked Victor if he would be willing to submit his resume to RBC, and he was. About two weeks later as I prayed for confirmation that Victor as the man; two different people at exactly the same time...I mean precisely at the same time on the same day contacted me to say God had given them a word of "CONFIRMATION" - their word not mine - that Victor was the man. One person called me at 11:20 on Tuesday, and the other emailed me at the very same moment.

There are several other 'WOW' events in this whole process, but needless to say. We are excited that God would so clearly lead us to the right person.

Just thought I'd share that with you...Praise the Lord.

AJ

I Have An Announcement !

2008-03-26T10:03:00.001-05:00

There was something missing in last week's worship service...did you catch what it was?

No? Well let me give you a hint. We usually do it at the end or beginning of the service, it takes about 10 minutes, and it has nothing to do with worshipping God.

You guessed it. This announcement is about announcements.

We didn't give announcements last week during the WORSHIP Service and to our amazement...everything went fine. Construction is still under way, prayer meetings are still being held, people are still excited about coming to Riverview, and as far as I could tell no one's life was affected because we didn't make official announcements about upcoming activities in the Church.

After praying through this, the other pastors have agreed our worship services will be more worshipful if we don't have to 'kick off' or conclude our worship with announcements. I know churches have been giving announcements since Moses was a pastor, but please trust me in this. God will be honored in our time of worship when our focus is on HIM, and not other distractions. In turn God will honor our faithfulness to Him by meeting all our needs according to His will and by His power.

I don't know how much of a case I need to make for this conviction, but allow me a few points:

Worship is supposed to be focused on God, and making announcements focuses on us and our activities.
It takes time away from singing praises to God, and the preaching of His Word.
It either starts us off on an awkward note, or forces us to end with a 'thud'.
No matter how hard we try announcements just don't fit in a worship service.
Who decides which announcements are worthy of pulpit time, and which aren't?

Plus - We will continue to announce activities:

On Slides before the Worship Service.
On the Web Page.
In the News Letter.
By E-mail Announcements.
In the Bulletin.
Through the Sunday School.
Through Ministry Organizations - Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Student Ministry, etc...
With Information Tables in the New Foyer.

A quick story to Illustrate:
I once had someone announce a ministry opportunity during the worship service; it turned into a 10 minute guilt trip / scolding - not to mention the 6 or 7 minute follow up video.

In a fast paced world with hectic schedules; a world in which we (the Church) are lucky to get someone's attention for 1 hour. Why take precious minutes away from focusing on God, and not being rushed to respond to His Glory, Love, and Grace?

aj

Easter Sunday

2008-03-26T09:50:00.000-05:00

What a great day. The music was great, the crowd was great (I heard 600), and the sermon wasn't too bad...I hope. I simply want to give God praise, because He is worthy of such worship and proclamation.

I pray every Sunday will be a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and every day will be a day we live in the Power and Hope of His glory. We are blessed to be a part of what God is doing at Riverview, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the grace He has showered upon us.

This week please:

Pray for someone you know who is lost without Jesus.
Invite one (1) person to church.
Do something kind for someone you wouldn't normally give any attention to.

Let's see what God can do through us this Spring!

A Far Death Experience

2008-03-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

...as opposed to a 'near death experience'. Last week my blood pressure got really high. It seems Doctors prescribe medicine for a reason, and when you don't take it...bad things happen.

Sitting in our staff meeting my heart began to flutter, I felt tightness in my chest, and I had an excruciating headache. I made my way home dug up my left over blood pressure pills, and tried to rest and relax.

Fortunately my episode was not as bad as thought it was (its funny how your mind plays tricks when your heart skips ticks), but while lying there thinking "I'm coming Elizabeth...it's the big one" - my life flashed before my eyes...in slow motion. - go figure -

I probably thought all the same things every dying man thinks. What about my family? Has my life made a difference? Is this going to hurt? Truth is we will all die someday. Maybe even some of us - today. Luke 12:20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you...

My point is, there are things in life that are bigger than $3 gas, Democratic Primaries, and March Madness...there is nothing like a far death experience to help you put things in perspective.

CLEAR !!!!! -- AJ

Easter and the Wascally Wabbit

2008-03-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

Question: What is the connection between hiding eggs, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

One little boy gave this answer: Jesus’ Disciples really liked eggs, but Jesus had high cholesterol so they couldn’t eat them. When the Disciples thought He was dead and gone they decided to have eggs for breakfast. It just so happened this was the morning Jesus was raised from the dead, and appeared to His disciples. When Peter looked up and saw Jesus coming he said, “Quick fellas...hide the eggs.”

The truth is no one knows for sure the origins of Easter, but our best bet comes from Bede, a late-seventh-century historian and scholar from Anglo-Saxon England. He says Easter's name comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, associated with spring and fertility, and celebrated around the vernal equinox. So there you go. As Christmas was moved to coincide with the pagan celebration of winter, Easter was likely moved to coincide and replace the pagan celebration of spring. (Christianity Today, “Why Easter?” by Ted Olsen, 4/10/98)

It’s interesting that Easter is observed by the churches of the West (that would be us) on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox. Meaning Easter became a "movable" feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. However, Eastern Orthodox churches observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival. That being the case, this year Passover begins at sundown on April 20th making Sunday the 27th Resurrection Sunday.

Just by looking around it is easy to see that Easter has not become as commercialized as Christmas. After all, angels singing and a bouncing baby boy are much more marketable than torturing and killing an innocent man. However, many people, even Christians miss the point. When Easter is elevated to the status of a ‘holy-day’ (not to mention that we miss the date entirely) we potentially diminish the importance of the other fifty-one Sunday’s throughout the year, when in fact every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

See Ya Sunday - Andy

Bed-luh-m

2008-03-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

I was told last night at prayer meeting the Bedlam Basketball game was in progress. At the posting of this article, I still do not know who won. I first published this article on November 21, 2006 before the OU / OSU football game.

Bedlam – (1) a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion; (2) an insane asylum or madhouse. (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2005)

In 1247 the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem was founded in London, England. Three hundred years later in 1547 when the monastery was dissolved, the institution was transferred to a state run lunatic asylum, and the name was shortened to Bethlehem Hospital. If someone was considered insane, and institutionalized at that hospital, it was said they had gone to “Bethlehem”, or the way it sounded in the local dialect, the person was at ‘Betlam’. In effect the word bedlam has become a euphemism for a sixteenth century madhouse.

Now then; if you live in the state of Oklahoma, you know this is Bedlam week, and this coming Saturday Stillwater is going to be a madhouse. This is the week to not just be a fan, but a fanatic. Tens of thousands will brave the weather, traffic, and each other to attend the game. Literally, millions of dollars will be spent on tickets alone, as well as thousands more on soft drinks, and gasoline, not to mention the millions of dollars paid for merchandise, and television advertising. Sometimes we (myself included) go crazy over a three hour game that has no lasting significance in the greater scheme of life and eternity.

This year let’s get as excited about Jesus as we are the ball game. How? Be willing to invest as much money, time, energy, and passion to the Lord and His work as you are this week’s game. I promise; if you make such a commitment, you will find greater satisfaction than if your team wins, and the result is not merely bragging rights for a year, but an impact for eternity.

Unholy Trinity

2008-03-05T08:36:00.000-06:00

Scanning Sports Illustrated today I came across an article on the Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.) squash team which has a ten year winning streak. They hold nine consecutive national titles, and it is the longest winning streak in college sports history. However what impressed me most was a sentence in the middle of the article, "Trinity, which was founded in 1823 has no religious affiliation..." (Sports Illustrated, February 11, 2008, pp.62-64)

Wow! How do you go from being named TRINITY because of the Congregational dominance in your area, and having a founding president who is an Episcopalian Bishop to - no religious affiliation whatsoever? How? By slowly turning the heat up on the frog in the pot over a one hundred eighty-five year span.

Sometimes I wonder if Trinity College is a microcosm of the American Church. We have religious names like Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, and we have religious history, meaning our churches / denominations are not new kids on the block...but are we disconnected from our source? Is the body disconnected from the head?

Be vigilant and pray. Satan wins the greatest victory not when a church is destroyed by fires, or tornadoes, but instead Satan is most effective when a church appears to be busy, well run, and well attended...yet unaffiliated with Christ.

John 15:5
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (NLT)

SG - AJ

Sunday Morning Miracle

2008-03-03T11:32:00.000-06:00

I arrived at church feeling so sick Sunday morning I didn't think I could walk from my truck to the church. I had been sick since about 4:00 am, and I wasn't worth much by 9:30. However, people began praying for me, and by 10:30 I was ready to go. I honestly believe God healed me, and enabled me to preach. Praise the Lord.

God has certainly been blessing Riverview. God is moving in our Worship Services, and His Word is bearing fruit in all of us. It is exciting to watch the flock take what they learn, and apply it, and put it into active service for the Lord.

Next week we will have a GUEST PREACHER in the Morning Worship Service.
His name is Charlie Keim, son of Buddy Keim, and father of our own Jeannie McSherry.
Charlie will be here Sunday to baptise his grandson Elijah McSherry.

Let me share with you what I expect: I expect God to do something great this Sunday Morning. I'm preparing myself for a ONE DAY REVIVAL. You see we have been gifted in different ways. I am a Pastor/Teacher, and Charlie is an Evangelist, and I believe God has been using me to plant and water seeds, and He will use Charlie for the harvest.

Pray for Bro. Charlie, and pray for your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers you might invite to hear what could be the sermon that would change their life forever...for eternity.

SG - Andy

Gone

2008-03-01T23:02:00.000-06:00

Week - February 25-March 1

Monday through Wednesday I worked hard preparing for this coming Sunday's Message. I also visited St. Francis Hospital, and attended a Funeral on Wednesday. I go to the church early on Wednesday mornings, and stay until after church, about 8:30 PM. Thursday & Friday I was at a Missional Church Conf. in OKC...Mike, Aaron, and Dave made it a memorable one, and Friday night and Saturday I was back at OKC for the Mission Ignition Rally (Formerly R.A. Congress).

Needless to say...I've been gone. I haven't seen my family all week, and I miss them dearly. Nolan went to Mission Ignition with me, but he was hanging out with his old buddies from Hobart, so I didn't see him much on the road.

It was so beautiful when we got home as soon as I unloaded our luggage, I rigged up a couple of fishing poles, and Mason caught his first fish out of our pond. A little sun perch, but he cast out the line, hooked him, and reeled him in. After much trying, and catching and releasing two trees behind him, Nolan caught a perch as well. It was great. Mason wanted wanted to cut them up and cook them, but I told him we needed to let them grow a little. That fillet would have been the size of a Wheatthin.

I don't have any deep theological truths to contemplate, or political scandals to parse...Just that I missed my family, am glad to be home, and praying for a great day tomorrow at Riverview.

SG - AJ

Spiritus Gladius

2008-02-25T09:25:00.000-06:00

Why name my blog Spiritus Gladius? Aaron sent me a picture the other day of the stained glass from the sanctuary at Riverview. The glass containing the name of the Apostle Paul has a picture of a Bible, and a Sword, and the words "Spiritus Gladius". The Sword of the Spirit."

I instantly knew this would be the name of my blog. I love the Bible, and I am so thankful Riverview has placed a high priority on Bible teaching in my ministry. The other Pastors, ministers, and lay leaders do such a great job in their calling here that I am free to STUDY, PRAY, PREACH THE WORD!!!

Right now it is Monday Morning, and I am excited to begin studying for next Sunday's message. I feel like a detective on a new case looking for clues. I sometimes imagine myself as an explorer turning over every rock in the scriptures, looking behind every leaf, trying to take in every nuance of the passage. However, just like every Monday, not only am I excited, I am also fearful. I feel completely empty. I am convinced if God does not fill me up, and illumine my mind to understand the TRUTH of His Word. Next Sunday I will be like a rain cloud with no rain. (Jude 1:12) All promise, and no production.

So please - keep me in your prayers. If you were going in for heart surgery, would you pray for your Doctor? You bet. The truth is - if I were a heart surgeon it would be less important than my job now. For if I were a heart surgeon, and I messed up, you might die (temporal), but if I twist the gospel, or mis-interpret scripture...this has an eternal impact.

Pray that God will always guide me to 'rightly divide the Word of truth.' 2 Timothy 2:15

SG - Andy

My Testimony

2008-02-22T17:25:00.000-06:00

I guess the first thing I'll share with you is my testimony.

I was raised by my mother and step-father along with four brothers and sisters in Lamont, Oklahoma. I was saved when I was nine years old at Camp Lela near Pawnee, OK, and was baptized a few months later at the Lamont FBC. When I was ten years old, I felt God calling me to be a preacher, and from that point on I knew that was what I was going to be. At the age of fifteen I surrendered to preach at Falls Creek, and God began opening doors for me to preach and share my testimony at FCA meetings and Youth Groups in my area.

In college I became involved in the Baptist Student Union at NOC, and I started traveling with that group doing several Youth Retreats and Revivals in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. In the spring of my freshman year Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City let me do an internship with their youth and children’s workers that lasted a year and a half. In the Fall of 1989 I transferred to NWOSU, and soon after arriving at Northwestern, Cherokee FBC called me to be their Minister of Youth and Activities. When the pastor left I gave my resume to the pulpit committee knowing I had been called to preach, but they felt that I was not ready. One night after a deacons meeting an older deacon, as well as an old friend said, “Brother Andy, if God has called you to preach, He will provide a place for you to preach.” That night the pulpit committee from the First Baptist Church of Helena called to see if I would be interested in sending them a resume.

During our tenure at Helena we went on a mission trip to South Dakota, and while there God moved my heart for little churches struggling in that Southern Baptist pioneer area. Needless to say Dustie and I took a tiny church in Sioux Falls, and worked hard for three years nearly to the point of fatigue. The church grew and became self sustaining, but we left after three years spiritually, financially, and emotionally drained. After our ministry in Sioux Falls, God led us to the Kansas City area, and this is when I began my formal seminary training.

During seminary at MBTS I was the pastor at the Seaman Baptist Church in Topeka. We were happy there too, and the ministry was thriving, but after about three years Immanuel Baptist Church of Blackwell came calling. It was a long, hard decision to move to IBC but we felt God leading us back to Oklahoma. Moving to Blackwell was like coming home for me, and I could write a book about what God did in Blackwell, and the love we experienced with our church family there.

In September 2005 FBC Hobart called me to be their pastor. Again it was a hard decision, and God orchestrated some amazing events to take us there. Hobart has had a tremendous history in Baptist life in Oklahoma, and I am thankful to be a part of that history.

In January of 2008 God brought us to Riverview Baptist Church in Bixby. We are excited about the future of RBC, as Bixby is the fastest growing town in Oklahoma. We have a great staff, a loving church, and the FIELDS ARE RIPE FOR THE HARVEST.

I have been through alot in my life. Maybe I'll blog about it later. I just know God has used every event, every person, every ministry, every church, every victory, and every trial to shape me into the man, husband, father, and pastor that I have become.

To God be the glory.

SG - Andy