My mandolin was restrung with new D'Addario strings last week. Last evening as the country/bluegrass band I play with once a week (and gig with once in a while) got together, the new strings finally were stretched enough and today they sound really great. My Morgan Monroe mando sounds better and better the more I play it. The molecules that make it up must be getting aligned just right.
This week I'm preaching from Paul's Letter to the Philippians 2:12-13 where he writes that we're to obey and work "out" our salvation with fear and trembling (v. 12) . Then in v. 13 he says that God is at work in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Amazing truths, right? Just think, God is at work in you if you're a believer in Jesus Christ.
We're to work "out" our salvation (not work "for") by obedience to God's word. And then at the same time we're to remember that God is at work in us willing for His pleasure our growing Christlikeness. In other words, God keeps putting new strings on us. He keeps restringing us and we sound better and better each day for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). The process of us working "out" and God working "in" us is called sanctification and means holy and set apart.
Thank the Lord today that He doesn't leave us alone in our spiritual growth, but is actively involved in the process called sanctification. Thank Him for the new strings.
Dan
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Good Reading
The pastor's group I am involved with is slowly reading the book Heaven written by Randy Alcorn. Needless to say the book is fascinating. It's basically a biblical theology of heaven. Alcorn is really stretching us as he brings us verse after verse of Scripture arguing that the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1) will someday (in God's timing) be right here on this earth (though renewed), thus it will be a very physical place. I recommend the book. It will make you think about your preconceived thoughts and beliefs of eternity. And it's amazing how many Scriptures Alcorn uses as he writes. Great book so far as I read.
I also just started reading a book titled, What Is a Healthy Church written by Pastor Mark Dever. The first chapter of this book also stretched me. I can't wait to read and digest the rest of it. The first chaper deals with those who call themselves Christians but are not involved in a local church. Dever says on page 26, "And never does the New Testament conceive of the Christian existing on a prolonged basis outside the fellowship of the church." In my experience as a pastor there are many, many people who call themselves Christians (and tell others they are) but never ever meet with a local church congregation. To me those people are a spiritual contradiction at best and at worse self-deceived and unsaved. Like Dever I've not found any evidence in the New Testament where the writer's say it's okay for a believer to be lax or uncommitted to a local church. In fact the opposite is true from God's word (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25).
So I encourage you to read GOOD Christian books that are will stretch you spiritually. Maybe you and a group of Christians could choose a book and commit to read a chapter a week and get together and discuss it. If you do you'll grow to love it and you'll grow spiritually as well.
Dan
I also just started reading a book titled, What Is a Healthy Church written by Pastor Mark Dever. The first chapter of this book also stretched me. I can't wait to read and digest the rest of it. The first chaper deals with those who call themselves Christians but are not involved in a local church. Dever says on page 26, "And never does the New Testament conceive of the Christian existing on a prolonged basis outside the fellowship of the church." In my experience as a pastor there are many, many people who call themselves Christians (and tell others they are) but never ever meet with a local church congregation. To me those people are a spiritual contradiction at best and at worse self-deceived and unsaved. Like Dever I've not found any evidence in the New Testament where the writer's say it's okay for a believer to be lax or uncommitted to a local church. In fact the opposite is true from God's word (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25).
So I encourage you to read GOOD Christian books that are will stretch you spiritually. Maybe you and a group of Christians could choose a book and commit to read a chapter a week and get together and discuss it. If you do you'll grow to love it and you'll grow spiritually as well.
Dan
Monday, August 17, 2009
State Gospel Music Jamboree
Last week (Thursday - Saturday) I attended our denomination's state gospel music jamboree in Billings. In attendance were advanced, intermediate, and beginner acoustic musicians in order to learn more about their craft, do a little jamming together, as well as fellowshiping with each other. Others attended just to sing and enjoy the music. Fellowship Baptist Church (FBC) in Billings, MT hosted the event. My hat's off to Pastor Ken, his staff, and those who are FBC. They all did a great job serving us and making us feel at home. Thank you FBC!
As I attend meetings and conferences I always try to go with an open heart for what God has for me and also how I can encourage and build-up others. In the Bible Study Friday morning that was brought to us the Lord gave me something I used in yesterday's sermon. In the gospel of John 5:19 it was pointed out that Jesus didn't come to earth with His own adjenda, but instead He was all about doing the things of His Father. I shared at the end of my sermon yesterday from Philippians 2:5-11 that if Jesus came without His own adjenda, how dare we come to ministry and church things with our man-made adjendas. Thank You for that truth Lord. The Bible study on Saturday morning was about the different stringed, horn, and percussion musical instruments in the Bible and the question was asked which instrument is the most important in the Bible. Answer: God's people (you and me). Great insight from the Scriptures.
If you're a Christian musician keep playing your music to the glory of God. If you're a believer in Christ and you feel the Lord wanting you to play or sing for Him, prayerfully choose an instrument and get started. Practicing for just 15 minutes a day will help you get better and better in no time. Music is a great way to praise and magnify the Lord. It is also a great way to meet non-believers in order to build relationships with them and share Christ with them as well.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus today (Hebrews 12:2).
Dan
As I attend meetings and conferences I always try to go with an open heart for what God has for me and also how I can encourage and build-up others. In the Bible Study Friday morning that was brought to us the Lord gave me something I used in yesterday's sermon. In the gospel of John 5:19 it was pointed out that Jesus didn't come to earth with His own adjenda, but instead He was all about doing the things of His Father. I shared at the end of my sermon yesterday from Philippians 2:5-11 that if Jesus came without His own adjenda, how dare we come to ministry and church things with our man-made adjendas. Thank You for that truth Lord. The Bible study on Saturday morning was about the different stringed, horn, and percussion musical instruments in the Bible and the question was asked which instrument is the most important in the Bible. Answer: God's people (you and me). Great insight from the Scriptures.
If you're a Christian musician keep playing your music to the glory of God. If you're a believer in Christ and you feel the Lord wanting you to play or sing for Him, prayerfully choose an instrument and get started. Practicing for just 15 minutes a day will help you get better and better in no time. Music is a great way to praise and magnify the Lord. It is also a great way to meet non-believers in order to build relationships with them and share Christ with them as well.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus today (Hebrews 12:2).
Dan
Monday, August 10, 2009
Washing Feet
As pastor of FBC-Boulder, Montana I have been preaching through Paul's Letter to the Philippians. The last few weeks we've been at the start of chapter two which deals with humility and specifically as it has to do with the attitude of Jesus Christ. We've extensively studied vv. 2-5 and Jesus' attitude of selflessness and not merely looking out for His own interests, but instead looking out for the interests of others. The apostle Paul wanted the Philippian Christians to be together in unity (v. 2) and the way to do that was to have the humble attitude of Christ (v. 5).
Verses 6-8 are a Christological treasure trove of truth concerning Jesus' deity and humanity, while vv. 9-11 are God the Father's response to His Son and His sacrifice on the cross (v. 8). As part of the introduction of these messages we looked at the example of Jesus in the gospel of John chapter 13:1-11 when He stooped in humility and washed His disciples dirty stinky feet the night before His crucifixion. Yesterday I asked the saints who make up Boulder Baptist Church if they (figuratively) washed anyone's feet last week. I also encouraged them to look for ways to humbly do the same this week.
What about you? Whose feet will you wash this week. Who will you stoop in humility to serve? "Have this [humble] attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Ask the Lord to lead you to someone whose feet you can wash. Ask Him to lead you to someone you can humbly serve like Jesus did. I'll do the same.
Dan
Verses 6-8 are a Christological treasure trove of truth concerning Jesus' deity and humanity, while vv. 9-11 are God the Father's response to His Son and His sacrifice on the cross (v. 8). As part of the introduction of these messages we looked at the example of Jesus in the gospel of John chapter 13:1-11 when He stooped in humility and washed His disciples dirty stinky feet the night before His crucifixion. Yesterday I asked the saints who make up Boulder Baptist Church if they (figuratively) washed anyone's feet last week. I also encouraged them to look for ways to humbly do the same this week.
What about you? Whose feet will you wash this week. Who will you stoop in humility to serve? "Have this [humble] attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Ask the Lord to lead you to someone whose feet you can wash. Ask Him to lead you to someone you can humbly serve like Jesus did. I'll do the same.
Dan
Friday, August 7, 2009
Why Mandolin and Ministry?
What's your passion? What makes you tick? What really interests you?
If you're a believer in Jesus Christ as I am you have a mandate from the Scriptures to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether, then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (NASB). So it makes sense to use your passion, what really interests you, to and for the glory of God. Never thought of that before? Neither had I up until three years ago when I heard a message at a conference where the speaker said exactly that. "Use whatever interests you to glorify God." The speaker used 1 Corinthians chapter 9 as the text he was preaching from, especially v. 23 where the apostle Paul says, "And I do all things for the sake of the gospel." As you read this you can purpose to do the same. You can purpose to do "all" you do for the sake of the gospel of Christ. You can start with whatever your passion is.
That's why this blog is titled Mandolin and Ministry Minute. I love playing the mandolin. I mean I really like playing it. It might sound funny to you but even when I practice I make it a worship time with the Lord. Even if I'm playing some of the old mountain songs that the mandolin has made famous I play them to the glory of God.
So try it Christians. Let me know how it goes. I'm telling you if you do "all things for the sake of the gospel" your life will be changed. It will.
Dan
If you're a believer in Jesus Christ as I am you have a mandate from the Scriptures to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether, then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (NASB). So it makes sense to use your passion, what really interests you, to and for the glory of God. Never thought of that before? Neither had I up until three years ago when I heard a message at a conference where the speaker said exactly that. "Use whatever interests you to glorify God." The speaker used 1 Corinthians chapter 9 as the text he was preaching from, especially v. 23 where the apostle Paul says, "And I do all things for the sake of the gospel." As you read this you can purpose to do the same. You can purpose to do "all" you do for the sake of the gospel of Christ. You can start with whatever your passion is.
That's why this blog is titled Mandolin and Ministry Minute. I love playing the mandolin. I mean I really like playing it. It might sound funny to you but even when I practice I make it a worship time with the Lord. Even if I'm playing some of the old mountain songs that the mandolin has made famous I play them to the glory of God.
So try it Christians. Let me know how it goes. I'm telling you if you do "all things for the sake of the gospel" your life will be changed. It will.
Dan
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Welcome to the Mandolin and Ministry Minute
Welcome to my blog Mandolin and Ministry Minute. My name is Pastor Dan McCarl. I serve God's people who are named First Baptist Church in Boulder, Montana. We live in a smaller rural community of approx. 1,300 people in Southwestern Montana thirty miles between Helena (Montana's capital city) and Butte on Interstate #15. Boulder is nestled beautifully in the Rocky Mountains and whatever season it is we're always reminded of God's awesomeness in creation. Boulder truly is a beautiful place.
I've been married to my bride Karen (28 years last Saturday). It's been a good ride babe! We have two daughters, Amanda (23 married to Dan since Dec. '08) and Mernie 21. All three are follwing the Lord!
I love playing the mandolin. I play a Morgan Monroe F-style mando and a Michale Kelly F-style that I use for praise and worship on Sunday's. I'm also learning to chord and strum a Martin DX-1 acoustic guitar that I hope to use in praise and worship as well.
Trout fishing in our nearby Boulder River is also an interest of mine (a friend and I caught 17 a week ago) as is reading. I have read many of Dr. John MacArthur's books and commentaries and am currently reading and studying two of Dr. John Piper's materials, Desiring God, and What's the Difference, which is teaching on the truths of biblical manhood and womanhood. Both MacArthur's and Piper's writings, sermons, and teachings have impacted my life greatly.
One last hobby is my flower gardening. I love tending a small flower garden in our front yard each summer. I find it extremely fun to watch plants grow and flourish in our very short growing season here in Montana.
Anyway, welcome and come back often.
Dan
I've been married to my bride Karen (28 years last Saturday). It's been a good ride babe! We have two daughters, Amanda (23 married to Dan since Dec. '08) and Mernie 21. All three are follwing the Lord!
I love playing the mandolin. I play a Morgan Monroe F-style mando and a Michale Kelly F-style that I use for praise and worship on Sunday's. I'm also learning to chord and strum a Martin DX-1 acoustic guitar that I hope to use in praise and worship as well.
Trout fishing in our nearby Boulder River is also an interest of mine (a friend and I caught 17 a week ago) as is reading. I have read many of Dr. John MacArthur's books and commentaries and am currently reading and studying two of Dr. John Piper's materials, Desiring God, and What's the Difference, which is teaching on the truths of biblical manhood and womanhood. Both MacArthur's and Piper's writings, sermons, and teachings have impacted my life greatly.
One last hobby is my flower gardening. I love tending a small flower garden in our front yard each summer. I find it extremely fun to watch plants grow and flourish in our very short growing season here in Montana.
Anyway, welcome and come back often.
Dan
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