The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father, and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Economy

I have been a little concerned about the recent crisis within our economy. Well, it actually isn't 'recent'; it is just publicized within the media/political sector because of Wall Street, AIG, etc. This recent crisis and reading several months ago that the White House reported not long ago that our nation will reach a record deficit - led me to a question, '....didn't we have a surplus?' I wanted to attain some information regarding the surplus and deficit history within our nation. It took a while, but I found some very interesting information. This is just food for thought. I am just a reporter in this particular blog; I would ask that, as the reader, you would draw your own conclusions.

This is a summary of Deficits (which have a negative symbol), Surplus, and the Year. Note: This represents millions; therefore...-$400,000 would equal a 400 billion dollar deficit.

1975 $-73,732
1976 $-53,659
1977 $-59,185
1978 $-40,726
1979 $-73,830
1980 $-78,968
1981 $-127,977
1982 $-207,802
1983 $-185,367
1984 $-212,308
1985 $-221,227
1986 $-149,730
1987 $-155,178
1988 $-152,639
1989 $-221,036
1990 $-269,238
1991 $-290,321
1992 $-255,051
1993 $-203,186
1994 $-163,952
1995 $-107,431
1996 $-21,884
1997 $69,270
1998 $125,610
1999 $236,241
2000 $128,236
2001 $-157,758
2002 $-377,585
2003 $-412,727
2004 $-318,346
2005 $-248,181
2006 $-162,002
2007 $-410,047
2008 $-407,408

Another interesting point. At the beginning of 2001, our nation had a surplus of $540 Billion. As of now, our DEFICIT stands at $2.659 Trillion (not including the bank bailouts.) Is there a reason this information isn't mentioned more in the media? I guess it's not important. I don't know!

How My Wife and I Spend Our Spare Time...Funny!

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Sunday, September 21, 2008

I will not make this long. As a result of the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, the lights at our present place of worship are still not on. Interestingly, millions of people in the Houston area are still without light. Of course, this does not mean that we can not worship. We did just that! Those of our members who were in town and got word - worshipped at our home. Many area churches opted not to have worship,,,some really could not, in their own right. I was amazed to see how God demonstrated His power and our people expressed their worship to Him despite the fact that we were gathered in the living room of my wife and I!!! I was amazed. This has confirmed (and I know many use this word quite often) for me that the Lord is leading our congregation back to Pearland at some point in the near future. Our vision has been to reach the people of Pearland, specificially; though we are generally called as any given church to go into 'all the world'. Interestingly, I met with a few of a key leaders at my home about a month ago and began to chart a specific vision; cheif of which we all agreed and stated, 'If the name of our church is 'Cornerstone Baptist Church of Pearland', we need to atleast hold public worship in Pearland.' This is certainly true; and we were certainly fruitful with being in Pearland our first year in 2005-06. We had no idea that night a month ago that Hurricane Ike would blog through. But after two years--even though it took a hurricane--we were back in our target area, PEARLAND--rather than being 20 miles outside of Pearland. I am not saying that Ike came through for our fledgling fellowship; BUT it is amazing to experience the things that the Lord will ALLOW in order to stretch our faith and push us closer to the center of HIS will. God is up to something great, I believe. Well...He's already doing that! Just keep us in your prayers!

At AWE in His Presence

Here is an interesting thought from Ed Rowell....

A number of years ago, a woman in Kansas City walked into a Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop at the Plaza shopping center. While waiting, she turned to find actor Paul Newman standing behind her! He was in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and was now standing behind his biggest fan.

He smiled at her and said "hello." She took one look at those legendary blue eyes and her knees almost buckled. Her heart was in her throat. She tried to speak, but not a sound came out. Mortified, she turned around, paid for her ice cream, then quickly walked out of the store.
Outside, she sat down on a bench and caught her breath. As she calmed down, she realized she didn't have her ice cream cone. She was debating walking back in to get it when Paul Newman walked out. "You looking for your ice cream cone?" he asked. Speechless again, she nodded. "You put it in your purse with your change."

If you or I were to come face to face with a celebrity we admire, I imagine most of us would behave in much the same way. Our generation is infatuated with celebrities. Movie stars, rap stars and athletic superstars dominate the headlines of our magazines and tabloids. We love to read about their lavish lifestyles and ruined relationships. And though basketball star Charles Barkley emphatically stated, "I am not a role model," our children inevitably list media personalities when asked to name their heroes.

I wonder, we who get so excited about meeting a celebrity -- why is it that we can enter into the presence of God with a yawn and a shrug?

H.B.

Just when I think I've got it, I listen to H.B. Charles, Jr. and realize I have yet so far to go. What a rich exposition of Psalm 119 I've heard tonight!

T.O.

Okay...I am a staunch/die hard Cowboys fan. I used to say that I was a number one fan. But since I have no official autographs, have only been to one game (pre-season game), have no official jerseys - well, lets just say I have to be in the top...1 million?

I am very excited. Though I missed most of the game the other night between the Cowboys and Eagles, I have had the opportunity to see most of it again. All I can say is that I am pumped about this season. With all that I have going on - this is making my year complete! I feel as if I am back in the Aikman, Irvin, E. Smith era. This is great....only these guys MAY be even better. Of course, minus Emmitt. Let's face it - Emmitt is in a class all by himself. But these guys - Romo, J. Jones, Barber...and T.O.!!! Wow!!! Did you see that pass???

There is nothing left to be said. T.O. is more than just media hype, celebrity, etc. He is the BEST that there is when it comes to recievers. He WILL bypass Rice's record, just wait and see.

I don't want to put my foot in my mouth come February - but this is more than likely means Superbowl for us... I am praying for tickets!!!

What?

"The basic fundamentals of our economy are STRONG." For the person who made this comment - I am wondering what economy they are living in.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

I don't have many notes for Sunday; other than I had my devotion and worshipped the Lord in my own way. For about 1.9 million Houstonians, we were without electricity. We were blessed at the Pullam household to have our lights back on less than 24 hours after Hurricane Ike. Praise God! So...that means we were back up about 11 pm Saturday night. The place where we presently worship is still without electricity. 95% of Houston churches canceled services for today. I am thankful and grateful that all of my family in this area appears to be doing well; and that Cornerstone members are doing well. Prayerfully we will be able to hold service next Sunday, if not Thursday for mid-week.

Disappointment With God?

For the past seven days I have kind of been a recluse, so to speak. I have had, in my view, some major disappointments that have led to questions with God. I know there are many who say that we should never question God. I would almost echo the sentiment of Christ Himself had never uttered the interrogative, 'My God...why have you forsaken me?'. For sure, I am no better than Christ; so yes I have questioned God. For several months I have been praying about some things in my life and ministry; believing that the Lord navigated some of the circumstances - I became optimistic about it all. To say the least - I found myself devastated, frustrated, and completely confused. I found myself saying: 'God...if you are real, I need you to show me'. Response: Nothing. 'God...if this is your will...speak.' Response: Nothing. 'Lord...show me what to do now'. Response: Nothing.

Interestingly, it is not by accident that I have been given an assignment to read through and study the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk, one of the minor prophets with a major message, had a similar struggle. Habakkuk says, 'O Lord...how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save.'

The message that reverberates in Habakkuk is the fact that God is faithful and sure-even when life is fickle. I will not deny that this season of my life has challenged my faith; but I am still convinced that the Lord has a wonderful plan; and that He has ordered our steps. I am reminded of the words I once read: Never doubt in the dark what God has taught yon in the light.

Because I belong to Him

Though my schedule has been quite hectic, somehow I've managed to pick up a book off of the shelf and do some additional reading. I have found myself trying to read everything I can these days by Mark Dever, that 'XII Marks' guy. In reading this book - like much of Dever's work - I find great challenge, thought, conviction and instruction. Among the 12 (twelve) challenges - of which Dever references the Corinthian church, he lists 'forgetfulness'.

I am arrested by the striking words that Dever uses when he says: Our sharing in Christ is God's fundamental blessing to Christians.

If I may reference Dever, he says:

Many of us know the famous first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter catechism: "What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." But nearly a century before the Westminster Assembly produced their famous catechism, the German reformer Ursinus produced the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) with an initial question and answer no less worthy of being known:

Question: What is you only comfort in life and in death?

Answer: That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul-in life and in death-to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me whole-heartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Today we had an awesome time in worship at Cornerstone. We had a Children & Youth Day Worship Celebration; and the children and youth both did an outstanding job. They, along with the volunteers and directors are to be commended for their faithful service and stewardship in this effort and day. I praise the Lord for these people; they make it happen! Another treat was the preaching of God's Word. Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Jr., associate minister of Greater Friendship Baptist Church (I preached revival there earlier this month) brought the word. He came out of II Chronicles chapter 20 and he did an OUTSTANDING job of sharing God's word. It was a message that proved to be timely as well as convicting. I thank the Lord for using him in such a powerful way. His study and character were evident as he shared with us today. Johnny is a good brother whom I have met this past year through different people, ministers and friends. The Lord is allowing us to cultivate a great friendship and commodoree as co-laborers in ministry. Little did I know that, not only did he graduate from Willowridge High School here in the Houston area in '95, but he is also a '99 grad of West Point and was the starting quarterback for the Army Team. He is now enrolled in the College of Biblical Studies here in the Houston area and it is difficult to believe that this young man (whose father is a Pastor) has only been preaching since 2005. I look forward to seeing great things in the life of this minister and doing all that I can possibly can to ensure that he, along with other faithful proclaimers of God's Word, continues to grow and expand.

An Historic Evening

I have just finished watching the final speech of the DNC; I just can't seem to hold back the tears. I spoke with our church tonight; and I wish to express it here. We as the Christian Church are to dissuade ourselves from taking political sides - atleast that is what we are advised to do in the 21st century. OF course, I can show clearly a myriad of scriptures that show Christ actively involved in social justice, political change and activism. But whether Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal, Left or Right, Black or White - we can not deny the fact that there are significant strides that have been made. A black man is nominated for President of the United States and a white woman recieves OVER 18 million votes and ALMOST wins the nomination. IT doesn't matter if you like these people or their policies, history IS history.

On another note, we as Christian should learn to know a 'tree by the fruit it bears'. It is dangerous when we play a game and try to suggest or pre-suppose that one particular church, organization, party, family, race, or anything - is AUTOMATICALLY God's choice. If there is no fruit or evidence of your 'evangelical' stance and position - then your 'moral majority' may not be moral at all. The bottom line is this - I ask each and every person to LISTEN to what each and every candidate is SAYING and ALSO what they have done.

Books

These are my required books for the semester.

Old Testament I
· Lasor, William Sanford, David Allan Hubbard, and Frederic William Bush. Old Testament Survey. 2d. ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans, 1977.
· Matthews, Victor H. and Don C. Benjamin. Old Testament Parallels: Laws and Stories from the Ancient Near East. Mahwah, New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1997.
· Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests – A History of Old Testament Israel. 9th ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2006.
· Walton, John H. Chronological and Background of the Old Testament. Revised ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1994.


Hebrew Exegetical Method
· Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. NOTE: either the small or large print version is acceptable.
· Scott, William R. A Simplified Guide to BHS: Critical Apparatus, Masora, Accents, Unusual Letters & Other Markings. 4th ed. D & F Scott Pub Inc, 2007.
· Brotzman, Ellis R. Old Testament Textual Criticism: A Practical Introduction. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1994.
· Williams, Ronald J. and John C. Beckman. Williams’ Hebrew Syntax. 3rd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007.
· Andersen, Francis I. Habakkuk: A New Translation With Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday, 2001.
· Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990.
· Chisholm, Robert. A Workbook for intermediate Hebrew: Grammar, Exegesis, and commentary on Jonah and Ruth. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publisher, 2006.
· Koehler, L. and W. Baumgarter. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Study Edition. 2 vols. Leiden: Brill, 2001.or;
· Francis Brown, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon, 1906; reprint, Hendrickson, 1997.


Baptist Heritage
· George, Timothy and David S. Dockery. Theologians of the Baptist Tradition. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2001. ISBN 0-8054-1772-9. $24.99
· Hammett, John S. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2005.
· Leroy Fitts. A History of Black Baptists. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1985. ISBN 0-8054-6580-4. $34.99.
· Torbet, Robert. History of the Baptists, 3rd ed. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1973, 2000. ISBN 0-8170-0074-7. $25.00


Systematic Theology
Grenz & Olson, Who Needs Theology?, InterVarsity Press, 1996. Plantinga, Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin, Eerdmans, 1995.
Paul Copan & William Lane Craig, Creation Out of Nothing, Baker, 2004.
Thomas Morris, The Logic of God Incarnate, Wipf and Stock, 1986.

Hebrew

Because I took 2 semesters off in 2005, I found myself under a new catalogue requirement in the MDiv program. In starting out at SWBTS in 2001, I was required to take 4 semesters of Greek along with 2 semesters of Hebrew.

Fortunately, because I took 4 semesters of Greek at DBU, I only had to take 2 semesters of Greek at SWBTS which I completed. I also completed the 2 semesters of Hebrew back in 2003. I actually made A's in this course. It was so fun because my friends were in this class with me, including Remus & Mia Wright and one of my best friends, Howard Earle, Jr.. Under this new catalogue, I discovered that a new requirement has been ADDED to the MDiv program: HEBREW EXEGETICAL METHOD. This class is designed to teach students how to continue to maintain and utilize their knowledge of the Hebrew language and scripture.

Here is my problem - I have practically forgotten so much in how to read the Hebrew scriptures through. I am completely overwhelmed with this, when considering my other courses, ministry obligations, and family. Please pray for me.

A New Semester

This week I've been trying to adjust into the rigors of a new semester in seminary. I both love and abhor seminary life. There is absolutely nothing like it - I can not decipher or determine if that is good or bad. Some have re-named it 'semitary'!!! Fortunately, I am in my next to last semester before officially crossing the state in cap and gown. This semester I am taking 14 hours which, for me, is a full load:

Old Testament II (3 hours)
Hebrew Exegetical Method (3 hours)
Baptist Heritage (3 hours)
Systematic Theology I (3 hours)
Spiritual Formation (1)
Applied Ministry - Mentoring (1)

It has often been said that Southwestern Seminary is the 'best seminary in the world'. I think that that statement is a matter of opinion, though it is the largest seminary in the world. The seminary has produced the likes of Joel Gregory, Ralph D. West, E.K. Bailey, Frederick Haynes - to name a few.

I started at Southwestern in the fall of 2001 after graduating from Dallas Baptist. Due to full-time ministry after college, marriage, children, 'pay as you go', starting a new ministry, etc. - it is 7 years later and I am still going. Add to this, Southwestern has a very rigorous program. It is my understanding that many Masters program require 60 or 70 hours, while SWBTS requires 91. Though I could have finished this program in 2004-2005, I am thankful to have attended such a prestigious school. Whether or not I continue my doctoral work there, the experience has impacted my life and ministry. I shall never be the same as a result.

Go Kai...Kinder!!!

Kai Livingston is my wife and I's oldest son. Today I took him to Kinder!!! His teacher's name is Mrs. Payton. And he attends Carelston Elementary here in Pearland. I shall never forget when I first met him March 31, 2003. I love this boy to death; and praise the Lord each day for his health and strength. He is a daddy's boy, for sure. And, of course, his brother is coming around! He reminds me a lot of his mother in so many ways.

Today was kind of hard for me. I am experiencing a lot of milestones...turning 30 y/o, celebrating 8 years of marriage, my first nephew going off to college, etc. I will not say that I cried, but I did have to go to the designated 'Cry Room', so please go figure! Congratulations son, I am SO proud of you. Be a good boy; and always know that we love you and believe in you. Remember that God is faithful; and honor him in all of your way - He will order your steps and direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6). I love you! -Daddy

Go Cowboys!

I must admit that I am a staunch/die hard Dallas Cowboys fan to the core! Eventually, I will have to indoctrinate myself into the culture of the Houston Texas - being I now live in the Houston area and have so lived here for over 7 years now. I was eating dinner with my family yesterday afternoon in Irving when we noticed many people sporting Cowboy jersey's. My wife attempted, non-stop, to convice me that we should go. I had no problem with going; but paying for it was my problem. I just knew the tickets, though still in pre-season, would not be 5 or 10 dollars. We left there and we sort of gravitated to the Texas Stadium. Before we knew it we had our tickets and we were excited about the game, sort of. They just so happened to be playing the Houston Texans. I must say that we were there. This is my first time being to a professional football game; and I am grateful to have now had the experience.

I did learn a few things, however:
1. It's not all it's cracked up to be (It was very hot (no A/C); we had to walk A LOT. When I say a lot, I mean MORE than Disney; people on your row keep coming and going, so you really aren't watching the game) Interestingly, we were close, but you still get a better view of the game on television in your living room.)

2. Men ARE committed. I have read book after book that has said that there are several reasons why men either hate church or do not attend.

....Men aren't committed (They were committed amid the above mentioned things).....Men don't like to spend money in the offering (The prices at the games are outrageous. I saw enough beer to overwhelm Amy Winehouse)

I will not say that I didn't enjoy the experience. I also will not say that I won't be back - I'll take free tickets any day out of the week. But I WILL say - that was money not well spent...PERIOD!

Las Colinas

On our way home from Oklahoma City, my wife and I decided to take a few days and spend time with our boys before heading back to Houston. We decided to spend some time in Las Calinas (next to Irving, between Dallas and Fort Worth). We are here at the Omni Hotel and, man, what a place! We are now all in our swimming trunks and, though I'm not much of a swimmer, this is all for the family! This will really give me the opportunity to take my mind and heart off of other things and just enjoy spending time with my peeps. We are contemplating what we will do tomorrow. For now the agenda is open and we will head home Saturday. I am not even preaching Sunday; one of our associate ministers will preach this Sunday morning. Of course, this is not all play. Tomorrow I have to go to the seminary in Fort Worth (main campus) in the morning to handle some business and register. I don't want any problems come May 2009, so these last two semesters will be very 'hands on' for me.

Fairview 3

On the last night of revival at Fairview (last night) I shared from John chapter 11, the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. More specifically, I dealt with the story from the vantage point of Christ's glory being revealed in all things, which centers around chapter 11 verse 4. The Lord used the message and He allowed me to minimize my need for the manuscript, though I did use a general summary of the entire message and took it with me to the pulpit. It is my prayer that the people of Fairview were both enlightened and encouraged in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also my earnest prayer that God was pleased with my availability to be used by Him this week.