Solomon’s Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, insights and instructions. While not used in worship the ways the Psalms are many passages are still well known to us. Solomon makes many appeals to his readers to pursue wisdom and righteousness as well as many helpful tips for daily living.

*At some point I mashed the words rebuke and reproof together and got “rebufe.” I didn’t hear until listening to the sermon audio myself Monday afternoon. 2 Timothy 3:16 in the NRSV should read like this:  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

The Psalmist David

David is remembered for a few things he did. He was little more than a child when he defeated the Philistine giant Goliath. He is perhaps remember in another light because of Bathsheba and Uriah, and a series of events beginning with conspiracy and culminating in murder. Let’s not forget that David described as a man after God’s own heart. The Psalms, many written and others collected by David, give us insight in his mind and heart. Passages from Psalms are still often used today in our praise & worship choruses, church bulletins, signs and posters today. Jesus quotes from the Psalms many times in the Gospels. Let’s take a look at Psalm 1 specifically and the entire collection in a general way and see what David has to teach us about worship.

State Missions

I preached two sermons in September related to the Georgia State Missions Offering. Mission Georgia was the first, on September 2nd, as we began a week of prayer focus on missions and missionaries serving in our state. Near and Far, on September 9th, explains why Jesus told his followers to start where they were located and work outward (cf. the Great Commission statement to Acts 1:8).

Mission Georgia:

Near and Far

Solomon

Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba hand-picked by David to succeed him. He was the last king to rule over a united kingdom of Israel. He was blessed by God with wisdom, which he asked for, and with peace and prosperity.

King David: 3 Sermons

The Rise of King David briefly examines the tension between Saul and a young David that became very popular with the people very quickly. God’s Spirit was taken from Saul and given to David. This was his plan and his doing.

The Fall of David looks at not only David sin but all that he did to cover it up, up to and including murder. Perhaps thinking that he had pulled it off he was then confronted by Nathan the Prophet.

The Redemption of David describes how David and Saul responded differently when being challenged by sinful behavior. Saul justified his actions with explanation, redefining right and wrong in his own terms. David confessed his sins and repented, seeking after God.

Obituary: Jack Miller

Jack was born on July 7, 1925 in Atlanta to the late James Earl Miller and Willie Mae Prow Miller. In addition to his parents, Jack was also preceded in death by: his brother, Harry Miller; and his sister, Sarah Miller Culberson. He was a member of Plainville Unity Baptist Church. Jack was an Air Force Veteran, serving in both WWII in the South Pacific and the Korea Era. He served 12 years on the Gordon County School Board, and was the oldest member of the Plainville Masonic Lodge F&AM #364.

You can read the full obituary and leave condolences here.  The Miller family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 pm at Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun. Services will be Sunday, August 19th at Plainville Unity Baptist Church. The Masonic Lodge will have graveside rites at Scott Cemetery.

Jack Miller was the kind of deacon that pastors enjoy working with. He was type to arrive early and leave late, unlocking doors and turning on lights when he came in and turning everything back off when he left. He was a stickler for details in a day and age when folks have decided details don’t matter. He put Sunday School numbers on the board and rang the church bell at 10:45 on Sunday morning. As his eyesight and hearing began to fail it frustrated him that he could no longer read the Bible. He would tune into Through the Bible with Les Feldick and often give me a report on what Feldick had to say about a particular scripture. Jack continued to serve communion and collect the offering on Sunday morning after we tried to talk him out of it. He was more than faithful in his service; he literally refused to quit. 

Jack Miller served his country, worked hard, loved his wife and loved his church. I can honestly say to his credit there are not many like him. Maybe there were at one time but in a changing world he remained steadfast. To God be the glory.

 

King Saul

When Israel demanding a king, God told Samuel to give them one. He did so for one specific reason and that was to demonstrate they were better off  without one. God was with Saul when he was called but after not keeping God’s commandments, and eventually claiming his sin was God’s will, the Bible tells us He regretted making Saul king. Samuel encouraged/warned Israel that king or no king God would not forsake his people if they would serve the Lord.

*I messed up my notes and began reading 1 Samuel 9:9-13 and it should have been 10:9-13. It wouldn’t hurt to go back and read all of 1st Samuel, in this case chapters 9 – 15, in order to understand this sermon in it’s full context. 

God with Samuel

Samuel is a judge and a prophet, a bridge between the time Israel was guided by judges and ruled by its first kings. Samuel was established as a prophet in all of Israel and during his lifetime they served only the LORD.

Choose Whom You Will Serve

Joshua 24 begins with a brief history review, from the time of Abraham to the conquest of the people in Canaan. Joshua then challenges Israel to “choose whom you will serve.” The people commit themselves to putting away other gods and serving the LORD all their days.

 

Fruit of the Land

We had a guest preacher July 1st. This is the Sunday morning sermon from July 8th, 2018. 

As soon as the Children of Israel began eating the produce of Canaan the manna from Heaven stopped. Before the Battle of Jericho, the Commander of the army of the Lord appeared to Joshua.