Delve into the Depths Radio is Back!!!

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Delve into the Depths internet radio station is now back on the air!  I first began the station back in February of 2003, and then took it off the air about a year ago and replaced it with this podcast.  During this time I have greatly missed operating the whole station and have no decided to bring it back.  It feels good to be on the air again!

For those of you unfamilar with the station, Delve into the Depths runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Simply log on to our station website (http://www.live365.com/stations/delveintothedepths) and click on the play button.  Coming soon, all that will be available here on this blog – but for now you can click on the play button on the bootom of this post.  We air a continuous stream of sound, fundamental preaching mixed with God-honoring music. 

We also offer some good programming you may enjoy.  We run our programs three times each day so you’ll never have to miss your favorites.  Click here for a program schedule.  As tomorrow (March 1, 2007) is our big premire, we don’t have all of our programs lined up as of yet – but it soon it will be.  Currenty, we are proud to offer the following programs:

Fundamental Voices
The Legal Alert
Answers in Genesis
The Sword of the Lord Broadcast

So, go ahead and check us out right now!  Be checking on this blog as well as I will post continual updates on our station and programming.  But don’t worry, I’ll still be posting my usual sermon outlines, humorous tidbits and random thoughts from time to time.

A Good Post Over at JackHammer

The folks over at Jackhammer have an interesting disucssion going on this month (which of course ends today) over the Bible translation debate.  It is worth your time to check out.  I found this one article very interesting and worthy of discussion:

A Plea for an Updated King James Version

I Couldn’t Believe It

For some odd reason this evening, I watched a small segment of the CBS news with Katie Couric.  It was the tail end of the program and what caught my interest was the final segment concerning the “Tomb of Jesus.”  As some of you know, this is the latest hoax to try and disprove Christian beliefs and Biblical fact.  Some people have claimed to discover a box containing the bones and remains of Jesus Christ.  The fact that CBS would cover the story was not shocking.  What took me off guard was the fact that the piece was shedding doubt on the recent find.  The report actually questioned the legitimacy of this hoax.  How amazing!   Who would have thought?

What Kind of Man Are You, part 9

I. The Righteous Man Realizes There is More to Life Than Money (Pr 11:28)

A. Are you trusting in your riches?  Like me, you may want to laugh at such a suggestion.  What riches do I have?  Well, it easy to look at the wealthy and tell them, your ruches will not take you into heaven.  We look on the rich as prideful and arrogant.  We are quick to remind them that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for them to enter through the gates of heaven. 

B. But, as middle class or lower class people, can we still trust in riches?  The answer is yes.  For some people, their only goal in life is financial security.  If I can just save up enough for retirement, then I will be ok.  As long as I can maintain this certain type of lifestyle, then it will be ok.

C. Money, even though may not be talking about a lot of it, is the major determining factor for many people.  Money determines what job you will take.  Money determines what you will give in the offering this morning.  Money will determine where your kids go to school… 

E. What are you trusting in?  Are you allowing your finances to determine your decision or the Lord’s leading to influence your decisions?

F. Turn over to Proverbs 21:26 and we’ll see that the righteous man is also a giving man.  Notice it doesn’t say that he can afford to do all these things.  It just says that he does.  The opposite of coveting is giving.  Are you a giving person?  Do people know they can come to you in times of need?  Oh, but people might take advantage of you.  Yes, they will.  But that does not negate our Biblical responsibility.

G. There are many who do not want to give up what little they have.  Pastor Laitres told the story a few weeks ago of the farmer who came to his pastor and declared that if he had 100 pigs, he would give 50 to the church.  If he had only 50 pigs, he would still give 25 to the church.  Then the pastor asked him, what if he only had 2?  The farmer said, “Now that’s not fair, you know I only have two…”

H. I had a professor in college who suggested that financial success is the ability to give something every time a need arises.  It is the ability to always be able to throw a good amount of money into the offering plate during special offerings. 

I. It is interesting here that we have something called faith promise missions.  We don’t give determined by our budget, we give determined by the amount the Lord has placed into our hearts.

II. The Righteous Man is A Soul-Winner (Pr 11:30)A. What type of fruit are you producing?  An apple tree produces apples.  An orange tree produces apples.  A Christian ought to produce other Christians.  We call this discipleship.  Soulwinning does not merely end in someone praying a prayer.  It is reproducing your faith into someone else.

B. It is taking what is in my heart, and placing it into another’s heart.  What is in my heart was not learned in the process of a few minutes by reading a small tract.  It has taken years to coe to the place I now am in my walk with the Lord.  As I disciple someone else, it is a commitment of time and effort. 

C. Matthew 28:18-20, II Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs  12:12 

III. The Righteous Man Thinks before He Speaks (Pr 15:28)

A. This is not one who just merely speaks his mind.  Proverbs 29:11

B. It always irritates me when people offer instant solutions.  One of the things I appreciate with our pastor is that he is not quick to solve everything at once.  Often times when I present him with a problem, he asks for time to think about it. 

C. What is wrong when people are quick to speak up – first, we know they have not thought about what they are saying and second, we know they have not prayed about what they are about to say.  Whatever comes out of their mouth only comes through their own limited experience

Some Southern Baptists Call for Honesty and Biblical Reality in Church Member Statistics

By David Cloud
Friday Church News Notes
February 23, 2007

www.wayoflife.org
fbns@wayoflife.org
866-295-4143

Some Southern Baptists are calling for honesty and biblical reality in church member statistics. The denomination claims to have more than 16 million members, and that is impressive, unless you look carefully at church member statistics. It is typical for Southern Baptist churches to report terrifically bloated membership numbers. It is not
uncommon for a church that has 500 members on the roll to have 50 people attending a Wednesday night service. A survey taken a few years ago found that of the 16 million “members,” only 6 million (37%) attend Sunday morning services and only 2 million (10%) participate in anything else. At the Baptist Identity II conference at Union University this month, professor Gregory Thornbury said, “There should not be people on our membership rolls who never come to church, show no discernable evidence of conversion or holiness, and who are not currently participating in a local body of believers” (“Baptists Denominationally Disillusioned,” Christian Post, Feb. 19, 2007). To that we say, Amen. Thomas Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Coral Gables, Florida, plans to introduce a resolution at this year’s convention “to ensure integrity in church membership.”  One of the Baptist principles is a regenerate church membership. This is what we see in the New Testament. Those who joined the first
church at Jerusalem were those that “gladly received” the gospel and were baptized and “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42).  They were saved people who gave evidence of their salvation. It is not only the Southern Baptist Convention that needs to take a fresh
look at the doctrine of regenerate church membership; many independent Baptist churches also have bloated membership rolls that contain the names of people who give no evidence of the new birth.

What Kind of Man Are You, Part 8

The Righteous Man

“Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.”

I. The Righteous Man Knows Just What to Say (Prov 10:11)

A. When he speaks, it is a well of life.  People benefit from what he has to say.  We call this edification – to build one another up in the Lord.  This is not merely flattering words or compliments, but speech that is intended to actually help people.  There are several people in my life that do this very well.  These are the people you can go to for advice, encouragement and assistance.  They have a good head on their shoulders and seem to know what they are doing.  The New Testament echoes this sentiment.  (Rom 4:19) (Romans 15:2) (I Thess 5:11)  What is your speech characterized by?  The opposite of this type of speech is violence, this verse tells us.  This is speech that is intended to break down.  Insulting, joking or tearing into things is what is pictured here.  Let me give you an example.  We all know people who do nothing but complain.  NO matter what happens, they don’t like it and think it could have been done better.  But, when asked how to fix a problem, they have no solutions.  They have no idea what to do, they’ve never bothered to even think about it. 

B. Compare this with what Pro 10:21 says.  Many are fed, or edified by what the righteous man has to say.  Have you ever known someone at work, or church or even a wise family member, who was just filled with wisdom?  This is the type of person you can just sit under, and soak up all the information you can.  I’ll be honest, sometimes walking out of Pastor Laitres’ office, I feel that way.

C. Another characteristic of Righteous speech is honesty.  Look at Proverbs 13:5.  We’ve talked about this before.  What is your commitment to the truth?  How much do you value honesty?  A righteous person hates lying.  Hate is a strong word.  This is more than just someone who doesn’t lie – he hates it.  He wants to avoid it at all costs.  Perhaps some of you have watched Bill O’Reilly on his program.  Now, I don’t agree with a lot of what he has to say and generally think he’s a blowhard.  But, what does he start each program with?  You are entering a no spin zone…  In other words, O’Reilly doesn’t want politicians coming on his program and interpreting facts in a light that favors them.  You’ve seen people do this all the time.  They are trying to cover-up something or make one thing look like another.  This is not the act of a righteous man.

D. By the way, do you know what we get when we combine the idea of speech that is both edifying and honest?  We get Ephesians 4:19.  Speaking the truth in love.  That means first, you care about someone to tell them the truth and second, you are telling them in a loving manner.  We call this tact.  We tell the truth in a way that people understand we care and want to help.  This is not the stereotypical hothead who is going to tell it like it is.  This is not the preacher yelling and screaming from his pulpit, his message laced with insulting and derogatory slurs. Turn over to Proverbs 10:32 and see this – the righteous man knows what is acceptable. 

E. When you have edification, truth and tact combined together, the result should be Proverbs 16:13.  People delight when he speaks right.  Do people rejoice over what you say?  In other words, how people receive your words may be an indication of how tactful your speech is.  If everyone is always getting upset with you or always misinterpreting you – that is something you ought to consider.  Proverbs 15:1 is something you may need to consider. 

II. The Righteous Man is A Thinking Man (Proverbs 12:5)

A. First, is thought is right.  Turn over to Philippians 4:8 for a further explanation of this.  I can recall back in high school being asked the question, do you pass the Philippians 4:8 test?  I remember Dr. David Gibbs asking the question, If I could place all of your thoughts right here up on a screen for everyone to see, who would be the first volunteer?

B. Proverbs 11:23 – His thoughts are only good.  There are no wicked intentions here or ulterior motives found his mind. This is someone you can truly trust.  This is not someone who helps others, only to make himself look good to get some other type of gain.  He just wants the best for people. 

C. According to Proverbs 21:12, the righteous man will consider the house of the wicked.  In other words, he knows what wickedness is.  He knows how to identify wickedness when he sees it.  We call this discernment.  He knows right from wrong.  He can think through a situation to see the truth of it.  He is not gullible.  Some people will believe anything, as long as someone opens a Bible.  Ephesians 4:14 speaks of being tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine.

What Kind of Man Are You, Part 7

I. The Wicked Man Makes Excuses for Sin and Condemns Righteousness (Pr 17:15)

A. I have met many a person who is quick to make excuses for wicked behavior.  Oh, they can’t help it, they were born this way.  It is just part of who I am.  I’m not a drunk, I suffer from alcoholism.  Besides. What I do is not as bad what other people are doing.  As human beings, we constantly are trying to defend ourselves and make excuses for our sins and even the sins of others. 

B. Yesterday I ran into a man who was running a ministry to homosexuals.  I think that is a good thing and a needed ministry.  However, as we began talking, there was a problem that soon became evident – he did not believe homosexuality was a sin!  He would refer to it as a poor lifestyle choice.  When I began to press him, he would only admit that there are no positive statements concerning homosexuality in the Bible.  How wicked.  Yet, at the same time, he was angry at the church, telling us we were not doing our job of accepting homosexuals into our congregations and making sure they felt accepted by God.  My God does not accept sin, He sends people to hell for it unless they repent and feel the sweet blessings of grace and forgiveness.  However, you cannot feel that sweet blessing of grace and forgiveness if you do not admit your sin!  Otherwise grace and forgiveness are not even needed and is even offensive!

C. Which leads to the second half of this verse, the wicked will condemn the just.  They will first make excuses for sin and vice, but they are also quick to condemn what is right.  Why?  Most likely guilt.  They cannot stand to be shown up, pride will not allow them to accept that other people are better than themselves.  That’s why tolerance is such a big movement now.  We all want to be equal because no one is better than anybody else.  But do you realize what that actually does – it lifts up self as the standard by which to judge all things.  The premise and presupposition is that I am the best, and no one can dare rise up over me, so at best, we all are on the same level.  In the height of arrogance, the wicked person exalts himself over the authority of Scripture and begins to determine what is right and wrong in and of himself. 

D. We must remember that our opinions, thoughts and ideas are always under the Word of God.  Our principles and standards are determined by Scripture and Scripture alone.  Just because I have an opinion, does not mean I have the right to it or the right to justify it.  Like Luther, our conscience must be held captive by the Word of God.  This is why Romans 12:2 speaks of the necessity of renewed mind, a mind not conformed unto the morals of this world.

The Evil Man

Now we will move from wickedness to evil.  This is another word that people do not like to refer to one another as.  It is certainly one of the most offensive words that one could use in this age of tolerance.  Keep in mind; that the distinctions between these words are not very clear and often overlap.  We are just looking at what the book of Proverbs specifically labels as wicked, as evil, ect…

I. The Evil Man Only Desires to Rebel (Pr 17:11)

A. When we think about rebellion, most often times we think of teenagers and children.  They defy their parents, disobey their teachers and carry a general bad attitude with them wherever they go.  What is even worse than this, in my opinion, is adults and parents who see this behavior and write off as childish, or a stage in life they are going through.  This behavior is 100% evil.  It ought to be labeled as such.  I think the problem with children and teen is that we expect too little of them.  They have the capacity to obey.  When we allow them to continue in their rebellion, we only serve to foster and nurture it.

B. However, rebellion is certainly not limited to teens and children.  There are many adults who have the spirit of rebellion and the actions to back it up.  You have met them, haven’t you?  Have you ever met those people who just always seem to be against everything?  No matter what the boss at work says about a situation, this rebellious adult doesn’t like it and thinks that big brother is at it again.  No matter what the pastor says, this rebellious person is one the other side of the issue.  No matter what any government official (at any level – federal, state, county or town) says, this person has decided it is his civic responsibility to question, oppose and disobey it. They have a spirit of rebellion.

C. As Christians, we ought to known for our obedience.

II. The Evil Man Never Understands the Judgment of God (Pr 28:5)

A. Here is a person who continually has to ask the question, “Why does everything happen to me?”  He doesn’t understand why bill collectors are calling him all day.  He doesn’t understand why the police are always after him for speeding tickets and whatnot.  He has no idea why he got fired, why his family is falling apart and why he is about to hit rock-bottom. 

B. It is clear to everyone else that God is judging this person, but he doesn’t get it?  Why?  The answer is that he is too marred with sin and selfishness.  He has ignored every warning because he doesn’t see what is doing as wrong.  He sees nothing wrong with it, therefore, why should anyone else.  And if he is not really doing anything that is wrong, why should he be punished?  Like the wicked man, he is setting himself up as the ultimate judge of right and wrong. 

C. We ought to be looking at the situations God has placed us in.  Now, let me hasten to say that just because things are going wrong – doesn’t mean it is the judgment of God – but it could be.  Then how do we know?  When bad situations come, we ought always to run to the Lord.  Storms and trails are sent to draw us closer to him to higher level of faith and dependence upon the Lord.  If, when we run to Him, and see we are not in the wrong we can rejoice that a test has been placed and God has been faithful.  If we can see that we have been wrong in some way,. We can rejoice that the Lord has brought this to our attention and then change our ways and be better off for it.  All things really do work together for good to them that love God. 

D. Yet, when these same circumstances are brought before evil men, men who ignore what God has for them, to them it is judgment for they have not sought the Lord, therefore, the situation will continue to escalate.  The voice of God will be heard, even if it will be through the fires of eternal condemnation.   

E. What about those evil men who seem to have no punishment?  This is the ultimate form of punishment.  In terms of Romans 1, God has given them up to a reprobate life.  God is no longer working to bring them to repentance, but has instead left them to their own devices.  They will live it up until one day as mortal life slips into eternal damnation.  Let us seek to hear the warnings of our Lord.

III. The Evil Man Seeks to Be Rich, and Quickly So! (Pr 28:22)

A. You see them all the time on tv – the latest scheme to get rich quick.  Just follow this simple plan and everything will be ok.  Sell this product in the privacy of your own home and at your leisure, and all sorts of extra income will be flowing your way.

B. What is the problem with this?  Prosperity comes through work and effort.  God does not bless laziness.  Schemes like this appeal to our greed and our desire for ease.  These are qualities that God simply will not bless. 

C. According to this verse, they do not realize that their schemes will only lead to poverty.  Why?  Because poverty is the only possible outcome of greed and laziness. 

Singles’ Fellowship

Dear Friend,

It is my pleasure to once again inform you of our Fundamental Baptist Singles’ Fellowship.  Our summer conference was a great success.  All were blessed by the impassioned preaching and fellowship around God’s Word.  Singles who came left encouraged and challenged to more serve the Lord more effectively.

On February 16, 2007, we re planning another Singles’ Fellowship here at North Baptist Church.  Our main speaker is Pastor Robert Daulton, the pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Fitchburg, MA.  Pastor Daulton’s many years of experience will be a great encouragement.  This meeting will also feature break-out workshop sessions for both men and ladies.  These sessions are geared to be both Biblical and practical, addressing specific needs. 

Of course, no fellowship can be complete without food!  We will provide a nice array of snack-types foods.  We are also asking that each church coming bring in a dessert items to share with everyone as well.  This will help us defray the cost and offer this activity at absolutely no charge.  There will be a love offering taken for our speakers.

With Valentines Day coming, this can be challenging time for some people.  We wish to be a blessing and an encouragement.  As is have often said in our fellowships, the purpose of the single life is not merely to find a mate, but to draw closer to the Lord and develop gifts for His use within the local church.  We desire to help singles realize this truth and implement it in their lives. 

The fellowship will begin on Friday evening, February 16, 2007 at 7:00 and will run to approximately 10:00.  I pray you will make your plans to come!  If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail your questions to principal@nbc-sscs.org or call us at (508) 580-1400.  You can also visit our website at http://fbsingles.wordpress.com.

Because of Grace,

Pastor Thompson,
Assistant Pastor
North Baptist Church

Important Delve Announcement

As many of you have noticed, lately I have not been very faithful in posting the Delve into the Depths Podcast each week.  The simple reason is – I am busy.  My schedule has been very hectic the past two weeks and I have not had much time to devote to the podcast. 

Quite frankly, I don’t have much time to do many things I would like to do.  In other words, I must prioritize.  Obviously, there are things in my life more important than this podcast – my future wife and my current ministry being the top two.  I have also been more involved politically now with the Constitution Party of Massachusetts.  I believe this to be an important part of my life as well.

All this was taken into consideration when I made this decision – the Delve into the Depths podcast will cease to be a weekly program.  Instead, it will become an occasional posting as time allows.  I still have many interviews and sermons to use, and will continue to seek out more in the future.  However, it will just simply cease to be every week.  The Delve into the Depths Blog will continue to be updated regularly containing my sermons, thoughts, actions and various opinions and thoughts.

I thank you for your understanding.