Youth Camp

July 21-24 I went to Youth Camp with the FBC Archer youth group. I am the pastor of FBC Archer. The camp was planned and coordinated by out Youth Council and other church volunteers. It was held at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simon's Island, GA. Epworth by the Sea is a Methodist retreat center; however, all of the activities were conducted by FBC Archer folks, except meals (done by the Epworth staff) and worship music (done by Brady Fritz, who we called to serve as our camp worship leader). It was definitely a Baptist camp. The camp theme was, "Friend, I gotcha back." Each night I had the honor of giving a message and leading prayer during the worship time. Our youth had daily devotions, activities, and worship. One person was saved during the camp, and several others re-dedicated their lives to Christ. It was a good experience for all involved, including me.

See pictures from the camp below.

Untitled from Paul A. Coleman on Vimeo.

"GET IN THE GAME" YOUTH RALLY

Tonight I went with the FBC Archer Youth Group to the "Get in the Game" Youth Rally in Horseshoe Beach, FL featuring RV Brown. He is a gifted evangelist with a heart for young people. At least 17 churches brought members to the event. There were dozens of decisions for Christ at the event. I also received a signed copy of RV Brown's book, "Step Up to the Plate, Dad!"

FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION EVANGELISM CONFERENCE

I had the pleasure of attending the Florida Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference on Monday, March 21, 2011. In the morning, there were breakout sessions. Each person could attend two of the sessions. Later, there was great preaching by a number of speakers, special music, and a new evangelism strategy was launched. I had the opportunity to see several friends and meet some new people. Hopefully, all of the training and encouragement will translate into increased evangelism.

FROM ANXIETY TO JOY

A Meditation on Psalm 13:

There are times when we feel that God has forgotten us. Troubles come and overwhelm us. In such times cry out to God. Trust in His mercy. Rejoice in His salvation, both past and future. Praise God for the blessings He has given you. Notice the progression from being consumed by the cares of the world to being filled with praise for God. The former brings anxiety. The latter brings joy. This psalm reveals a cure for anxiety.

FAITH AND JUSTICE

A Meditation on Psalm 12:

Here David laments the absence of righteous men and the rise of double-tongued men who speak kindly but secretly oppress the poor and needy and rebel against the Lord. David expresses confidence that God will protect the poor and needy. He speaks of the purity of God's words, in contrast to the deceitful words of the wicked. God will keep His word. He will preserve the poor and needy. In the closing verse David states that wicked men increase their activity whenever evil is promoted.

Do not put your trust in people. They will often let you down.

Do not take advantage of the poor. God is their Protector.

Trust God for deliverance from oppression.

Trust God to be true to His word. He will not let you down.

Trust that God's word is pure and good, no matter how anyone may feel about it.

Never promote wickedness of any kind. Even sins that seem harmless will create conditions that allow people with evil intentions to take advantage.

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD

Meditations from Psalm 10 and 11:

Although at times it seems as if God is nowhere to be found while the wicked oppress the righteous and the helpless, He knows all and will judge the wicked in due time.

God knowingly allows adversity to come upon all. It is a test for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.

Praise God, for He is omniscient. He knows all.

Praise God, for He is just. He will not allow sin to go unpunished.

Praise God, for He is omnipotent. He will defeat the forces of evil.

What is the Gospel?

What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo.

I found this video from my old alma matter. This is a great presentation of the Gospel. Thought I'd share it with everyone. The only question is, have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

EVANGELISM LINEBACKER

Too afraid to share your faith, or too afraid not to share your faith?

Meet the Evangelism Linebacker.

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP

I suppose any style of worship can be misused. That is why we need to focus on Whom we worship, rather than how we worship. If God is not our focus, what are we worshiping?

Don't get me wrong, I am not against contemporary worship, nor am I against traditional or blended worship. I am, however, against any "worship" which focuses on pleasing men rather than pleasing God.

An Experiment in "Hi" Definition