Where Should I Go To College?

Where Should I Go To College?

In the culture of Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches, young people are exposed to Bible Colleges on the regular. Whether at Youth Conferences, College Days, the YP's alumni or the Pastor's alumni; Bible College is not an anomaly for most of us. Most young people learn early to align with a College with like emphasis, standards and ministries.

However, it was for me.

You see, I didn't grow up in a church that actively sent young people to Bible College. If I am not mistaken, I was the first to attend Bible College from our Church EVER!!!! As a teenager there was not a common knowledge, expectancy or push for young people to attend Bible College.

As I write, Commonwealth Baptist College is finishing up College Days 2013 and I have just preached to a chapel full of prospective students. The majority of them will end up going to a Bible College. Whether for a year or for a degree, the choice for them is not what kind of college, it is Which College? ....And it made me think....

Why did I go to Commonwealth Baptist College?

• It wasn't because of an allegiance or because my favorite Preacher was there.....

No, to be honest, I didn't even know Pastor Fugate or any of the staff at CBC...

• It wasn't because of the location or looks of the College...

There was no huge buildings, no fancy chandeliers and no tropical climate...

• It wasn't because of the female population...

I was engaged to be marry when I decided to leave and go to Bible College.

• It wasn't because of a super fun Youth Conference or College Days experience.

I had never been to Clays Mill Road Baptist Church.

• It wasn't because I had no other options....

I had a 4 year scholarship to the University of Kentucky to study engineering.

• It wasn't because I had heard about it my whole life, it wasn't because of who my parents were or where I went to high school....

So... Why did I choose to go to Bible College? Why did I choose Commonwealth Baptist College?

1.   Because I Listened to My Preacher

Well...not really MY Preacher... It was a dinner with Pastor Buster Mullins. He preached a Revival at our church and I went to dinner with him and Bro. Kelly. At that dinner, Bro. Buster casually, kindly asked me "Have you prayed about Bible College?"

He did not tell me that I needed to go. He did not tell me where I needed to go. He did not guilt me into going somewhere...

He kindly asked me "Have you prayed about Bible College?"

Sadly, even as a Preacher-Boy... the answer was NO.

2.   Because I Prayed About It

I went home that night and I had a dart in my heart. I had not even thought about let alone prayed about Bible College. I got on my knees by my bed and I poured my heart out to God. For the next 30 days I fasted, prayed, walked with God and did everything spiritually possible to be as close to God as I could when I made a decision.

3.   Because it Was God's Will

From the first night I prayed about it, I knew... God's Will was for me to go to Bible College.
God had called me to be a Preacher. I had allowed the Devil to sell me a bill of goods on how God would be fine with me being a Preacher for a hobby and an engineer for life. I had allowed making money, being successful, pleasing parents and having things to control my thinking. Preachers should go to Bible College... and God had called me to Preach.

4.   Because I was Surrendered

On August 9, 2000 I surrendered to Preach. In May of 2002, I surrendered to go to Bible College.

Why?

Because I Listened, Because I Prayed, Because it was God's Will and so... I surrendered....

Should you go to Bible College?  HONESTLY... I don't know.

Want to know for sure?    HONESTLY... I can tell you...

Listen to Your Pastor-   Counsel with your Pastor or Youth Pastor about College. Why is it we are so afraid to talk about a decision we supposedly made in God's Will?

Pray-  Seriously Pray. Fast and Pray. Walk with God for 30 straight days before you make a decision.

Know God's Will-  He will lead and guide you the way you need to go. Parents may have a will, you may have a will, friends may have a will... but God's Will is the best. Invest in the Best! Trust Him.

Surrender-  When God speaks, say YES!   Don't question!  Don't doubt!  Don't run!  Just say Yes.

Do you know what those who have wrecked their lives with selfish, sinful choices say is the reason they chose wrong? What do they say is the reason? What do they say???

They Say.....

I Didn't Listen    I Didn't Pray        I Didn't Know God's Will            I Didn't Surrender

Deciding where to go to school is more of spiritual decision than many realize.
Don't get sidetracked by the logistics of a college. Cost, climate, co-eds and career should not make those decisions for you.
Listen. Pray. Know God's Will and Surrender.

So... Where should you go to College?

I don't know!           But have you prayed about Bible College?

www.commonwealthbaptist.org

#fuel

How To Have An Exciting Youth Group

How To Have An Exciting Youth Group

This article is written for Teens...
who want to have fun and enjoy the Youth Group in their church more.

This article is written for Youth Pastors / Workers...
who want teenagers to love and enjoy the Youth Group more.

This article is written for Parents...
who want their teens to be more involved in church, but don't know how.

How can I make my Youth Group more exciting?

1.   Participate

When there is a Youth Activity scheduled, BE THERE. The only way you can enjoy the Youth Department is to attend the Youth Department. If you go to the activity, participate!
The surest way to be bored at a Youth Activity is to not participate. Whether the activity is something you really enjoy or something for which you don't care; just being a part of the activity will help you and all of your friends to have fun!!!

2.  Sing

If attending a Youth Rally, Conference or Church service where there is a song service-  SING!
Sure, maybe you are not the greatest singer in the world, but this is not a solo; this is a group. It is a proven fact that happy people sing and singing makes people happy, not to mention our God deserves all of the praise and glory we can give Him. If you are not attending service, but are taking a trip to the zoo, ski lodge or baseball game, SING in the van or bus. Get happy before you even get to the activity.

One of my favorite times with the teens of CMRBC is on the bus or van coming back from a trip. They will sing and sing and sing. I love hearing them and watching them enjoy singing.

3. Listen

I encourage every Youth Pastor / Worker to have some sort of a spiritual truth to share at every activity. Rallies and conferences are easy, but even a trip to the zoo can contain a time for spiritual growth. I once preached about "Falling" coming back from a ski trip, and about "Guardrails" on the way home from the zoo. As leaders, let's use every chance we have to make a positive spiritual impression.

As teenagers, you should listen to the teaching / preaching of the Word of God more intensely than you play any game or contest. Your Youth Pastor or workers are not just there to entertain you. We have something we want to share with you spiritually as well. Please don't miss the main reason God has put your Youth Pastor in your life- to lead, teach, guide and direct you spiritually.

4.  Bring FUN and Friends with You

When I was a teenager, at camp or conferences my youth group always kept to themselves, were reserved and quiet. NOT ME! I decided I was bringing the FUN with me. Whether the cool guy and cute girl in our youth group were interested or not, I was going to have fun. Whether the games were cool and exciting or lame and boring, whether the preaching was short or long, whether the church was big or small... I had already decided I was going to have FUN. Why? How? Because I brought the FUN with me!!! Also, if you have friends that are not currently involved in the Youth Group, bring them along. Be an encourager and supporter of the Youth Activities. Get involved, laugh, sing, play and have a blast as a teenager.

5. Make Decisions

This goes back to the point on listening. Often times at Youth Rallies and Youth Conferences, we get so caught up in games, contests and giveaways that we miss the most important part of the conference-  the altar call. All of the games, decorations, prizes and fun were done to bring us to the preaching and the altar call. At every altar call we should ask ourselves, what was preached from God's Word that I need to work on in my life?  What can I do better? What can I stop doing? An exciting youth group is one that is growing spiritually.

On those bus rides I mentioned, I love sharing testimony of how the Lord spoke to our hearts. I will share first how God spoke to me (BTW- if Youth Leaders wont share how God spoke to them, don't expect the teenagers to share) then the teenagers will one by one talk about how God pointed out something in their life. This is by far my favorite time of every youth activity.



I don't know when your next Youth Activity is... but the next time you and your Youth Group get together...

Participate
Sing
Listen
Bring Fun and Friends with You
Make Decisions

Watch and see if you wont create a more exciting Youth Group for your Church.

#fuel

A New Generation on the Old Paths-

NYFC 2013 Recap-

There may be some in our generation who choose to not serve the God of Heaven, but if the NYFC is any indication, there is still a righteous remnant of Teenagers who are on the Lord's side.

When we were planning the conference this year, we expected continued growth, but never could have imagined the conference to go as well as it did. From the opening choir number on Wednesday night to the closing sermon on Friday morning- It was AWESOME!

We had a packed house, powerful singing, pointed preaching and of course the Teen Stooges.

We were privileged to hear the two tour groups from Commonwealth Baptist College, The Fugate Family, Miss Elisabeth Brown and a CMRBC Ladies Teen Group.

There was car racing, hula hooping (the Baptist kind), rubberband shooting, toilet paper rolls, flying T-shirts and we even crowned a King of the Mountain- MARTIN!!!!

Thursday afternoon we spent 3 hours rollerskating, golfing and playing laser tag @ Champs.

The Teen Stooges entertained us again this year, as they journeyed back in time in an attempt to find the Old Path. Check out our skits at www.thenyfc.org

After all of those things......The Main Event of the conference has always been.... PREACHING!!!

Pastor Fugate preached a fabulous fundamental foundation sermon on "What is a Fundamentalist".

Bro. Derek Young preached a pondering sermon on "Stay on the Path".

I preached a convicting sermon on "The Cost of Serving God".

Dr. Jorgensen gave some wise words of advice on "What More Do You Want".

Pastor Fugate gave a great Bible truth about "What Else Moses Got on the Mount"

Dr. Daryl Whitehouse warned us with the life of "Jonah"

Pastor Fugate closed the conference with a challenge of "Not in My Generation" .

All of these are on or soon will be on the KYF website- www.thekyf.com

Throw in visits to Commonwealth Baptist College and the amazing meals and you have 3 days I have dreamed about for years!!!

I want to personally thank all of the Youth Pastors for working to bring a group to the conference this year. We do not take lightly the fact that you trusted us with your young people.

I want to thank all of the teenagers who attended the conference and whose spirit made it so great.

Lastly, I want to thank CMRBC and CBC for hosting the conference. I want to thank our teens, our preacher, our college students and anyone who helped to make the NYFC a success.

Keep Serving as a New Generation on the Old Paths....

If you have any questions, comments or concerns-
Please feel free to email me

wwadavis@gmail.com

Till next year..... Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.

The Most Beautiful Thing About California

Mark 12:30-31
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

I have spent the last 3 days in Long Beach, California. Our boys basketball team is playing in a tournament hosted by Pacific Baptist Church and Pastor Joe Esposito. We attended the mid-week service last night. The auditorium overflowed into a side room and onto an outside patio. The music and spirit was Godly and exciting- almost that of Bible College. The preaching was Spirit filled and the people were so polite. However, one part of the service stood out to me as the heart of our movement.

Pastor Esposito had a children's mission offering. Now, I have seen this done before, but never like this. The children lined up and walked by the Pastor en route to the globe that housed the offering. Pastor Esposito shook hands with every child that passed by said a little something and gave each a sucker. I am not just talking about staff children; I mean every child in the church. It was beautiful: the most beautiful thing in California.

My mind quickly went to our own ministry. Our Pastor who travels all around the country, preached to our Christian School. To many this may seem trivial, but to him it is the highlight of his month. He attends ball games, takes pictures and fellowships with the young people. Not just his kids or the staff children, but Ukrainians, Spanish, athletes and spectators. He loves people. It is beautiful to see him with them; the most beautiful thing in Kentucky.

It is with these scenes on my heart that I say the most beautiful thing about California is the the most beautiful thing about Kentucky- it is the Love of God shown through people.

In the verse above, Jesus gave us the 2 great commandments. The first being paraphrased- Love God; the second- Love People. All of Christianity rests upon these two commandments. Loving people is beautiful.

1. Love People Today- No one is promised tomorrow.

I have been to many a funeral where the family is full of regrets. A son that should've loved mom more, a sister who wished she would have forgiven and countless who would give anything for another conversation. Love the people around you today- the day will come when a hug cannot be felt, roses cannot be smelled and words are not returned.

2. Love People Truthfully- No one is fond of feigned feelings.

Working with teenagers I have learned that they are quick to pick up on fakes. In fact,most people know whether you are loving them because you have to instead of because you want to. Love because you want to, make it a part of who you are and what you do.

3. Love People Who Cannot Love You Back- Reciprocation is not a Prerequisite of Love.

Bro. Esposito got nothing in return for shaking hands and loving all of those children. There were no famous preachers in that line. Pastor Fugate does not make the papers for fellowshipping with the children and teens of CMRBC. These men love people not for what they can get from them, but because that is who they are and what they are supposed to do.

Also, as Christians, we should love those who choose not to love us. When someone doesn't love you, that should be all the more reason to love them. They need love. Love them. Your love may prove to be the love they needed to begin to love others.

There are many beautiful parts of California and Kentucky. From the mountains to the beaches, the bluegrass to the white sand; the most beautiful are Preachers loving people and teaching them to love others. Maybe this is what was meant in

Romans 10:15
...How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Maybe the reason those feet are so beautiful is because of those sitting at their feet.

John Elway, Jack Hyles and Jesus

 

 

 

In Season and Out of Season

II Tim 4:2
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

Paul tells us that there are going to be seasons where preaching is in and times when preaching is out.
The social acceptance is not what should decide our doctrine, beliefs, lifestyle or preaching. We are to be Christians in season and out of season.

JOHN ELWAY-

I began to follow football in 1994. I was 12 years old and the sport intrigued me. I watched a player who was so driven, so talented and so resilient; no matter what the score, the other team feared him having the ball... He was John Elway. I caught him in his last 5 years, probably his best. In 1998 and 1999 he lead the Broncos to back to back Superbowl wins. It was wonderful to be a Broncos fan! After the second Superbowl win, Elway retired.

THEN...
We had Bubby Brister, Brian Griese, Gus Frerotte, Steve Buerlein, Jake Plummer, Jarious Jackson, Jay Cutler, Chris Simms, Kyle Orton, and Tim Tebow...
Let me be the first Bronco's fan to say, the last 13 years have been tough!!!!

Enter 2012... the Broncos land Peyton Manning, arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. "Oh Happy Day"!!!! We finally have a quarterback like Elway.
The calls began to come in from people who used to laugh and make fun of the loser Broncos. All of a sudden, they wanted to know where I get all of my Denver gear. They had converted... they were Denver fans! I welcomed them and celebrated with them.

Enter 2013.... the Broncos secure the number one seed, only to lose to Baltimore at home. All of a sudden the new Bronco fans are quiet. They are unsure if Denver was a good idea. They aren't as happy to wear the gear I helped them acquire.

I understand that when I began to be a Broncos fan, Denver was good, Elway was in his prime and we were a perennial powerhouse. However, I was a Broncos fan when being a Broncos fan wasn't cool too. Through Bubby Brister, 17 different running backs, trading Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, hiring Josh McDaniels, finishing as the 2nd worse team in the NFL and not making the playoffs several times.... Regardless of what the team's record was- WIN or LOSE...  I am a Broncos fan. "In Season, and Out of Season"


JACK HYLES-

At age 17 God called me to preach. It was the year 2000. In the 1980's, 1990's and early 2000's Independent Baptist churches were growing by leaps and bounds. New churches were springing up and staying strong with the Old Time Religion. It was a great time to fall into Fundamentalism. Jack Hyles, Tom Malone, Lee Roberson, Carl Hatch, Harold Sightler... The preacher's were heroes and champions of the faith. Being an old time Fundamentalist was a good thing. Soul-winning, the bus ministry, gospel music, standards of holiness and preaching Hell hot was accepted and anticipated from churches.

Enter 2013... Those heroes of the faith are in Heaven, being a Fundamentalist makes you a nut job, soul winning has been replaced with marketing, the bus ministry doesn't reach rich people so it doesn't work, rock music has been repackaged as CCM and dance teams are commonplace, Christians who look like and act like Christ are called Pharisees and judges, preaching has been pushed aside for PowerPoint's and pep rallies and churches have erased the name and doctrine of Baptist.

I understand that when I chose to be a Fundamental Baptist preacher it was a good time to do so. But I want the world to know that even now when being an Independent Fundamental Baptist  is frowned upon, falsely ridiculed and freely mocked... I'm still an Independent, Fundamental, King James ONLY, Premillennial, Soul-Winning, Bus Running, Standard having, Hell Hot, Heaven Sweet, Holy Spirit Filled, Holy Ghost led, pew jumping, Bible thumping PREACHER! Regardless of what the crowd says, I am a Fundamental Baptist "In Season and Out of Season".

JESUS-

As a teenager, there are so many things that may seem common to you. Serving Christ, going to Church, the Bible you use, the activities, the preaching, the standards of separation and the love for souls. But as you grow up, you are going to find that those things are not as accepted as you thought.

I would just like to encourage you to decide to be Christian-   In season and out of season.
Believe the Bible- the KING JAMES BIBLE-  In season and out of season.
Love others and win souls-  In season and out of season.
Live Godly and separate from the world- In season and out of season.
Sing Spiritual songs and hymns- In season and out of season.
Preach the Bible- In season and out of season.
Be Christlike- In season and out of season.

Being a godly Christian may be cool at times, but there will be many times when it is not. You must resolve to be a thermostat and not a thermometer. Don't let your surroundings determine your spirituality.

Decide to live for God  "In Season and Out of Season".

The Top 10 Gifts For Your Pastor This Christmas

Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Here we have the story of the wise men coming to see the newborn King. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gifts were given on this first Christmas. This has a great deal to do with why we give gifts today. As a child, did you ever sit down and rate your Christmas gifts? You know, the ones from mom and dad were always in the top 5, then grandma's, then aunts and uncles and last was the thing you got stuck from the school's name exchange. Do you think Jesus did that?Which do you think was Jesus' favorite gift? Was it the gold? The frankincense or the myrrh? I believe Jesus' favorite gift on that first Christmas was not a tangible gift at all. I think the worship of those traveling magi was the greatest gift the Saviour received that year.

When it comes to your Pastor, you always want the best for him. You try to think of what to buy him that he will use, like and keep for a long time. This years top gifts for Pastor's include electronics, food, clothes and vacations. These things are great and I am sure your Preacher will love any gift you give him. However, I think there are 10 gifts that are at the top of his list this year...

1. Your Love

With a Pastor that loves the way your Preacher loves, he will often carry a heavy burden and a broken heart. He may never ask, but he needs your love. He wants to know you love him as much as you want to know that he loves you. He is not a mind reader... If you want him to know that you love him, you will have to tell him. Call him, text him, tweet him, Facebook him, email him, write him: find one of these ways that works for you and tell him you love him.

2. Your Prayers

Think of how many times he calls your name out to God. When you or someone you love are sick or hurting, who do you call on to pray? When you have a need and you have to see God move, who do you petition to pray? Just as much as you need his prayers, he needs yours. He is dependent upon your prayers. Think of this: What if your Pastor had the same prayer life as you? Would you feel secure? I have heard it said that a man of God is only as strong as the prayers of the people of God.
Pray for your Preacher.

3. Your Faithfulness

You may purchase a nice expensive gift for your Preacher this Christmas and that is wonderful. I remember a couple in the church I pastored who bought me at least 1 suit every year. Just when I needed something, they were always there. Do you want to know my favorite gift they gave me? I knew they were going to be in their place on Sunday and Wednesday. They were faithful. He was on the bus route, she was in Sunday School and they were in church faithfully. Your faithful attendance to church services, activities and programs is a gift every Pastor desires.

 

4. Your Smile

When your Pastor is preaching this Sunday, why not give him a huge smile as he is preaching the Word. So many times, he must see sleepy eyes, yawning mouths and dissatisfied sighs. Why not give him a smile. Show him how much that sermon that he has spent hours preparing and praying over means to you. Let him know you are happy that he is your Preacher.

 

5. Your Kind Words

Sometimes the only words a Pastor hears on Sunday are negative. Criticism, gossip, complaining and doomsday talk are often the "after-sermon" sermon. Let your Pastor know when he has done something right. Trust me, there are enough people who will inform him of his mistakes. Speak kindly to him, about him, to others and about others. I don't know of any Pastor who wouldn't want to see his church loving each other more as a gift to him this Christmas.

 

6. Your Growth In Christ

Maybe you cant afford a new suit or an Ipad for your Pastor. You can get him this gift that is sure to top his list. Any Pastor is overjoyed when he sees a church member begin to walk with God, go soul winning, work a bus route, teach a class, help someone in need or overcome an addiction. Your growth in Christ is a testament to your Pastor. When you succeed, he succeeds.

7. Your Grace and Understanding

As great as your Pastor is, he is going to make some mistakes. How about giving him some grace this Christmas. Maybe he missed a meeting, a visit, a call or a conversation. He would never miss an opportunity to help you. He loves you and wants to be a  blessing. However, he is human. He is not perfect. Give him some grace; it will help you as much as it helps him.

 

8. Your Joy

Your Pastor spends his days trying to teach you that joy is only found in serving Jesus. When he sees that you are a happy, joyful excited Christian, he knows he is doing his job. When a church member is down and depressed, it weighs on a Pastor. Show your Preacher you have the Joy of the Lord this year. Sing out, praise the Lord, say Amen, smile, laugh and have a great time with fellow Christians.

9.  Your Life in God's Will

When a Pastor watches someone surrender to God's will, it makes his day. Whether you are surrendering to be a Pastor, a witness, a godly Christian or giving up a sin or vice; your Preacher is filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy when you surrender to God's will. If God has been dealing with you about something in His will for your life, talk to your Preacher and surrender to God's will for your life.

10. Your Gifts

A Pastor will never ask for things like this and those 9 things I just mentioned are by far at the top of his list. However, your Preacher is very worthy of any gift you can give to him. Maybe give him a financial gift, a suit, a trip, an Ipad, a tie, a Bible or a gift card to his favorite restaurant.

I am sure each of you have something on your list for your Pastor. You may feel one of those tangible gifts would be his favorite, but I think when he scatters out all of his presents on his office floor his favorite will be the ones he sees in you.

Where Do Scary Dreams Come From?

Have you ever had "that" dream? The one where you are running from someone or some thing. You run and run and run and yet you cannot get away. You turn to look behind you and ...... You wake up in a cold sweat screaming!!!

Where does this dream, or any dream come? Dreams come from your mind. Your subconscious mind broadcasts a scene or action that you have seen, heard or experienced.

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

God tells us that my works (actions, deeds, experiences, sights, sounds and surroundings) are directly connected to my thoughts. Good Works = Good Thoughts.

If I help others, I will think of others more quickly.

If I tell the lost about salvation, I will think of their eternal souls more often.

If I read the Bible, I will think about how the Bible relates to my life.

If I go to church, I am quicker to think about Godly things during the week.

The same principle applies to the negative. Sinful Works = Sinful Thoughts.

If I watch Dr. Phil and Oprah all day, I am going to have thoughts of depression and anxiety.

If I secretly sin, I am going to have thoughts of getting caught and a guilty conscience.

If I hear swearing all day, I may not swear aloud, but I will in my mind.

If I look at pornography, I will lust in my mind and heart.

If I sing Rock music, Country music, Pop music or Rap music I will think about what I have
heard.

So where do dreams come from..... Normally from things we have see, heard or done.

My works affect my thoughts.

Do you struggle with thoughts of sin?

Do you have a hard time keeping sinful words and pictures out of your mind?

1. Commit Your Works to The Lord-

Sign over your deeds and activities to The Lord. What does he want? What is He for? What is He against? Surrender your life to Him.

2. Continue In The Word-

The more Bible I can put in my mind, the more good thoughts I am going to have. Read, memorize and meditate on the scripture.

3. Concentrate On Good-

Focus your mind on the good things that you have seen, heard and experienced today. Count your blessings, quote the Bible, sing spiritual songs or call an encouraging friend.

I don't think anyone wants bad dreams... As Christians, we don't want bad thoughts either. So what do we do?

Do right and you will think right!!!