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In this sermon, which I recently delivered at Cowboy Church in Alexandria, I discuss the exchange of Jesus for Barabbas during the Passover feast. I begin by giving a brief contextual summary of Matthew 26 leading up to this event, which occurs in Matthew 27, where I share a verse-by-verse exegesis, and I end the message with some important applications and the symbolic nature of the passage in terms of the Gospel.
Then and Now, Throwback Trends. Learn about why Montana for the legendary Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo —Plus, the biggest illegal bird bust in U.S. history! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 234 The Evolution of Cool: What We Loved Then and What's Trending Now Nostalgia always finds a way to trend. From bumpin' bass in your trunk to custom AI avatars flooding your feed—what's cool evolves, but the vibe stays the same. Let's take a ride through the decades and catch up on what's hot, what's history, and what's happening right now in pop culture, rodeo, and the wildest wildlife headline you didn't know you needed. From Fax Machines to 3D Cartoon Avatars Then: Remember the days of waiting in line at the office fax machine, praying it didn't jam? Or spending hours crafting a MySpace page with custom HTML? Now: We've moved on to creating 3D cartoon versions of ourselves using AI and ChatGPT to share on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. It's not just for kicks—these avatars are now brand mascots, profile pics, and conversation starters. 25 Years Ago: CD Players & Subs in the Trunk In the late '90s and early 2000s, if your ride didn't have a Pioneer deck and a couple of 12-inch subs in the back, were you even cool? Whether it was Tupac, Tim McGraw, or Linkin Park, music hit different when your rearview mirror shook from bass drops. The era of custom installs and trunk-rattling power might be long gone, but the spirit lives on in today's custom car scene and wireless audio obsessions. Rodeo Spotlight: Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo – Montana's Wildest 4 Days Miles City, Montana becomes the capital of cowboy culture every May during the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo—a four-day extravaganza of raw horsepower, western tradition, and all-out fun. Kickoff: Pendleton Whiskey Country Concert The event kicks off Thursday, May 15th, 2025 with a Pendleton Whiskey Country Concert featuring rising Montana country artist Tanner Laws. “This rodeo is electric. It's not just the horses that buck—every night feels like a full-on western party,” Tanner shared in our exclusive interview. Hear his full interview on this episode of The Bend Show. Joining the Tanner Laws Band are special guests Tigirlily Gold, adding a powerhouse female energy to the stage, and Gary Allan, headlining the show and bringing decades of country grit. What to Expect All Weekend Friday, May 16: Match Bronc Rides and Street Dances Saturday, May 17: PRCA-sanctioned rodeo performances Sunday, May 18: Cowboy Church and the PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo Vendors, parades, beer gardens, and the best western wear you'll find all year! Bucking Horse Sale, Rodeo & Concert: TICKETS ORDER NOW!! These tickets are selling fast, so make your plans and grab your tickets! Purchase Tickets, Schedule and To Learn More visit BuckingHorseSale.com or RanchChannel.com Largest US Illegal Taxidermy Bird Bust In unexpected wildlife news, the largest illegal taxidermy bird bust in U.S. history just landed a Montana collector with a $900,000 fine. Authorities uncovered a treasure trove of over 300 protected species, including eagles and falcons. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called it "an unprecedented display of arrogance and disregard for federal law." Busted: $900,000 Fine in Largest Taxidermy Bird Sting in U.S. History According to OutdoorLife.com; A Georgia man has been fined a whopping $900,000 in what authorities are calling the largest taxidermy bird bust in U.S. history. Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Georgia, was sentenced this week for illegally trafficking thousands of rare and endangered bird mounts and eggs from around the world — including some species possibly extinct. Federal agents say Waldrop smuggled over 1,400 bird mounts and nearly 2,600 eggs between 2016 and 2020, using fake shipping info and even recruiting his farm's caretaker to help hide the shipments. His massive collection included protected eagles, rare parrots, and songbird eggs — many of which didn't have the permits required by law. Some of the birds and eggs were from species so rare, no U.S. museum has them, including three eggs from an Asian shorebird with only around 1,000 left in the wild. Officials say Waldrop created demand that fueled illegal poaching across Africa, Asia, and South America. Waldrop pled guilty, was fined $900,000 and will serve three years of probation. His caretaker got six months. Authorities say the case shows just how seriously wildlife trafficking is being taken — and how much it can cost when the law is broken. OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/
Awesome live remote broadcast from Gumbo Bottoms Ale House in Jefferson City. Amazing performances from Lucky, Rayce Kendrick, Andy Samson, Sarah Parker, Cowboy Church and Zawata.
Pat Hickcox shares his remarkable journey from a military background through struggles with PTSD and a fractured relationship with faith to the founding of Alpine Cowboy Church. His experiences underscore the importance of love, community, and personal vulnerability in healing and returning to a life of purpose.• Pat's military service and initial disconnection from faith • The role of relationships in rekindling faith and resilience • Addressing the realities of PTSD among veterans • The transformative experience of caring for horses • The establishment of Alpine Cowboy Church as a healing community • The call for others to engage in service without special training or educationSupport the showWatch Us On Youtube!
Wilson County Cowboy Church, 100 Hickory Run in La Vernia, is hosting a Community Wide Thanksgiving Feast of Celebration on Friday, Nov.22, from 6:30-8 p.m. The church will provide a Thanksgiving meal to anyone who is looking for a place to enjoy family and fellowship, somewhere to get a hot meal, or just a place to get out of this cold world for a little while. The church will open its doors to anyone is Wilson County who would like to attend. For more information, call 830-217-4294.Article Link
On this episode I sit down with my friend Rip Copeland. Rip is a rodeo chaplin, founder of bar C4 cattle & ministries and is the Pastor of the new cowboy church in Courtland Mississippi. We discuss his two biggest passions in life; sharing the gospel and the western industry. Y'all check it out! Show Sponsors: Panther Creek Ranch Wrangler
The Jay Franze Show: Your backstage pass to the entertainment industry
Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered what it's like to grow up in a rodeo family and then carve out a career in country music? Country music recording artist Chad Bushnell joins us to share his fascinating journey from steer wrestling to performing at Cowboy Church and opening for top country artists. Chad's story is a testament to the blend of hard work, faith, and passion. Listen as he recounts his childhood filled with rodeo adventures and the invaluable lessons learned from his close-knit family.You'll hear Chad's thrilling tales of opening for Dwight Yoakam and his near-miss with Vince Gill, offering a raw look at the excitement and occasional disappointments of meeting your musical heroes. His honest reflections on the differences between performing for family versus strangers, and the camaraderie among artists like Lee Bryce and Exile, provide a unique insight into the music industry's backstage dynamics. From his humorous bass player's advice to the inspiration behind songs written during flights, Chad's stories are equal parts entertaining and heartwarming.Dive into the nuts and bolts of Chad's studio experiences, including his recording rituals and collaborations with renowned producers and songwriters. Gain practical insights into the challenges and rewards of songwriting, touring, and marketing in today's music industry. Chad's journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring musicians, from the significance of recording rituals and hydration to strategic marketing tips that blend authenticity with personal touch. Join us for an episode brimming with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and the inspiration behind Chad Bushnell's remarkable career milestones.LinksJay Franze: https://JayFranze.comChad Bushnell: https://www.chadbushnell.com/ Support the Show.
This is episode 175 of the MxU Podcast! Jeff and Spencer are joined by two familiar faces, Josh Reeder-Esparza from the MxU crew and Dillan Howell from EVNT Ready. They chat all things experiences and answer this question… "Why are we Obsessed with 'Experiences' in Church?"Service Review (02:09 - 20:54)The crew review a service from AG Church of Willmar, MN. They dive into the mix, pointing out how the piano overpowers the guitars and the snare drum's sound. The consensus? Balance and subtle adjustments could make a significant difference. Thanks for the submission, Steve!If you're interested in a service review, submit yours to support@getmxu.com or DM us on our social accounts!Why are we Obsessed with Building ‘Experiences' in the Church? (20:55 - 01:06:54)Experience or service, whatever you call it, what's the true purpose behind them? Have we become too obsessed with the 'show' and not with genuine worship? In a larger sense, does our modern view of a church service align with the theological foundation of church in general? Take a listen as the guys dive into this topic and much more... Dillan even recounts his experience at a Cowboy Church.Upcoming Content (01:06:55 - 01:10:24)Tomorrow, on the MxU platform, we're releasing 'Mixing on an Analog Console' in response to the many... many... requests we've gotten over the years to film this course. Jeff used his "seasoned" expertise to craft a mix on an analog console and in doing so, he shared it all with you. Be on the lookout for the course drop tomorrow on our social accounts and via email.LinksMxUMxU Pop-Ups (Up Next: Dallas TX, August 20th)Dillan Howell
Send us a Text Message.Monologue:Backpacking OregonHurricane BerylStealth ShoppingLet's All Simmer DownGuest:Jerry Kelley has been the Pastor of the Cowboy Church of the Hill Country since 2013. He started as a pastor before graduation from Seminary at Rock Crossing Baptist Church which was physically on the 520,000 acre Waggoner Ranch south of Vernon, Texas. He also works as a lifeguard at the YMCA in Dripping Springs just a few days a week. He and his wife started lifeguarding because of a need for guards and because they have extensive experience as Divers and lovers of the water. Jerry has a lot of hobbies including fitness, fishing, hunting, skiing and will try just anything once.Meet your Neighbors! Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis meet the most interesting people, and discover the places and events that make Dripping Springs, Texas, a Hill Country oasis. Learn why every year, hundreds of people move to this small town just outside of Austin. Every episode features a local resident who's talent and past will make you want to know more about what draws so many unique people to this historical town. From ranchers to engineers, cowboys to entrepreneurs, bankers to bull riders. New episodes weekly!Support the Show. Sponsor: The Real Estate Pro's at The Mallett Integrity Team. Real Estate Done Right! Call them at 512-627-7018. Sponsor: The Lending Pros at Capital Farm Credit. Lending in Texas for over 100 years. Call them at 512-892-4425. Sponsor: M. Elliott Design. Tailored experience. Design as an investment. They can help you design for renovations, new construction or with the right furniture. Call Montana at 512-781-0224. Sponsor: Nomic Power Solutions your trusted partner in Austin for turnkey generator installation, service, and maintenance. Backup generators for your home. Call Cody and Dillon at 512-387-4232 Thanks for listening! Please follow us & leave a review. Apple PodcastsOur Website - Sign up for latest updates.mallettandmichelle@gmail.com
Buckle up and hold on to this F1RST2KNOW- Events, Recreation, Dining, Deals >>>Guy Roginson and Jim Dewey Brown discuss all the events going on next week for The World's Oldest Rodeo—parades, Dances, Cowboy Church, and of Course RODEO Showings.F1RST2KNOW is part of the CAST11 Podcast Network of Prescott. Check out the podcast network website with ALL the shows at: https://CAST11.com
Welcome to a new episode of Flourish-Meant! I'm your host, Tina Yeager, and today we're diving into a unique blend of adventure, faith, and life principles with special guests Chad and James Hampton, the stars of Twin Factor TV. Recorded amidst the bustling backdrop of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, this episode explores how hunting principles can apply to success and faith. The Hampton twins share their journey from avid hunters to founders of "Hunting the Truth Ministries," using the outdoors as a powerful metaphor to teach spiritual lessons. They'll discuss their book, "Secrets of the Hunt," practical tips for connecting with God, and their impactful outreach to hunters and fatherless youth. Plus, don't miss out on their most memorable escapades, including an unforgettable hog hunt in Florida! Tune in to discover how you can hunt for a higher purpose in your life. Chad and James Hampton are the co-founders of Huntin' The Truth Ministries and co-hosts of the Twin Factor outdoor reality show, and are as unique a set of characters as you would expect twin God-hunters to be. Despite the bustling background, we were blessed to have an insightful conversation with the dynamic twin brothers Chad and James Hampton, stars of the adventure-packed Twin Factor TV. **Episode Highlight: Hunting Principles for Success and Faith** In this episode, Chad and James explore how the lessons learned from hunting can transcend into guiding principles for our faith and life success. They beautifully tie the patience, dedication, and precision required in hunting to the spiritual pursuit of God's plan for our lives. ### Key Takeaways: - **Finding Purpose:** Just as hunters seek to understand their quarry, we must seek to understand God's purpose for our lives. The Hamptons remind us that knowing our purpose is the foundation of a fulfilling life. - **Putting in the Time:** Just as hunting a prized buck can take countless hours, cultivating a relationship with God requires dedicated time in prayer and scripture. - **Battling the Elements:** Life's trials and tribulations are akin to adverse weather conditions while hunting. Perseverance and faith help us endure to see God's blessings. ### Watch TwinFactorTV Curious to see Chad and James in action? Check out TwinFactorTV on YouTube! Currently, in its fourth season, their show is also available on Hunt Channel and Cease Fire cable network in South Alabama, Mississippi, and Northern Florida. Visit [twinfactortv.com](http://twinfactortv.com) for more details. ### Special Episodes to Watch: - **Kayaking with Alligators:** Experience the adrenaline rush as Chad and James kayak through the alligator-infested Myakka River. It's their most-watched episode and certainly an adventure you don't want to miss! - **Hog Hunting in Florida:** Witness the twin competition as they take on wild hog hunting in Florida's orange groves. ### Upcoming Events: - **Sunday Morning Camo Church Services:** Join the Hampton brothers at fresh-air worship sessions aimed at inviting more outdoor enthusiasts into the fold. - **Hunter's Gatherings:** Participate in evangelistic events filled with food, music, and, of course, hunting tales and tips. ### Get Connected: Stay updated with their thrilling hunts and inspiring messages by following their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@twinfactortv7275 and visiting their website at http://twinfactortv.com. **Final Thought:** Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone seeking a deeper relationship with God, this episode offers valuable insights that resonate beyond the hunt. We hope they inspire you to seek your purpose and cultivate a rich spiritual life. May you be blessed and keep flourishing! Please subscribe and share Flourish-Meant with others who could benefit from expert insights to live their best! To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! Get inspired now and get Tina Yeager's newest release, Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose! The book is available on Amazon, Bold Vision Books, or wherever books are sold. Visit Tina's website for craft videos and more at https://www.tinayeager.com/upcycled/ Follow Tina on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Yeager-M.A./e/B06Y4T4TMG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager
God changes men's hearts all the time and yet as Christians, we often see someone that seems to have everything in place in their lives and we question if they could make a choice to follow Jesus. Today's guest seemed to have it all: Great job, owner of a great company, freedom to do whatever he wanted to do. Yet, he had a hole in his life. Then one day, he heard about a man named Jesus who allowed Himself to be hung on the cross just for him. Today, that same outdoorsman who seemed to have everything, left it all behind and went to work sharing the gospel at a Cowboy Church in the cattle country of South Texas. Enjoy!
The Sheridan County Commissioners met for the first time since Christi Haswell's DUI arrest. Only one member of the public spoke up. After the meeting I had some questions for her. As you might expect she wasn't feeling to chatty. A few Sundays ago, Peter Vodenka gave a presentation to the Cowboy Church of the Bighorns about his escape from communist Czechoslovakia in the 1980's.
Pastor Stan Formby shares a lifetime of lessons from pastoral ministry, including how to persevere when things grow and when they don't grow. He also highlights his newest venture, Cowboy Church, and how God is using it to reach people in his rural context. Tune in! As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com
This week we welcome Phaedra Marze Clemmons! Phaedra Marze Clemmons was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and has been singing all her life. She began singing on Ark-La_tex shows, jamborees, festivals and fairs as well as the famous Louisiana Hayride. She has won numerous talent contests, recorded several albums and has appeared on the Jimmy Snow Grand Ole Opry Gospel Show, Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree, Nashville Palace, Jim Ed Brown's Night Life Theater, and others shows across the county. She moved to Nashville, Tn and worked on music and recorded for eight years. She has opened for Tracy Lawrence, Mike Reid, Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Headhunters, Ronnie Millsap, Joe Diffy, and John Anderson. Phadrea and her husband, who is a Firefighter in Springdale, Arkansas, now live in Huntsville, Arkansas and they have three kids, 17, 19, 20. She has been performing in Branson for the past 12 years. She now currently sings in "The Hits" Show at the Copeland Theatre on Wednesday and Friday at 2:00 pm, which has been nominated for “New Show of the Year”, “New Matinee Show of the Year”, and “Female Vocalist of the Year” from the 2023 Branson Show Awards. She has also been nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” from the 2023 Branson Terry Awards. Phaedra also sings at Cowboy Church the first Sunday of every month at God and Country Theater. You can find Phadrea and her talented cast at the Copeland Theater. For tickets and information, call 417- 332-5338; or visit CopleandTheater.com.
Recorded 7/15/23Dan and Matt chat with fiction writer J.L. Mackey about his gritty novella "The Cowboy Church," the literary magazine he recently helped revive "The Double Dealer," and taking the Southern Gothic tradition back from the crawdad carpetbaggers.J.L. TwitterDan TwitterMatt Twitter
7-19-2023See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a cowboy church? Is it unbiblical to style/organize a church according to a particular subculture?
Welcome to the audio digest of this week's issue of The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper. Each episode features news headlines and feature stories read by TAB Media Group staff and volunteers. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesday mornings. Articles of Interest: Mobile area teacher leads his students to help change lives around the world (4:07) Charles Jones explores 200-year-old church grounds in GA's Cherokee Nation (8:02) Cowboy Church pastor adjusts to changing landscape in Texas (12:17) Visit TAB Media HERE Subscribe on iTunes HERE Visit Reliable Signs HERE
Ezra Ballinger, protagonist of The Cowboy Church, would appreciate me keepin' this short. So I will. is an author, poaster, and all around DisLit staple. He's hilarious, to-the-point, and embodies the criteria for a new, based kind of Southern Gothic, something we attempt to define on the pod.His cinematic latest novella The Cowboy Church tracks Ballinger, a simple bar owner beset by chronic and crushing arthritis, as he faces off against a private equity type mogul. I'd highly recommend the read. Like most DisLit standouts (Automaton by and Nutcrankr by come to mind), The Cowboy Church isn't a political work. It's based only in that it seeks its own beauty, meaning, and truth outside the pollution of ideology.J.L. Mackey on Twitter Buy The Cowboy ChurchThe Carousel is a reader-supported publication. Get full access to The Carousel at thecarousel.substack.com/subscribe
Join RodeoKids team Leader, Madison Hoard as she talks with Julia Judah, a Godly woman who leads Cowboy Church at the Michigan High School Rodeos and mother of eight children, who still manages to find time to ride herself! During this episode, Julia shares her story on how she got into rodeo, her faith and her family tree farm. She also shares how rodeo has played a role in their family as a foster parent and in adopting two beautiful children.
Today Archie visits with Jack Blease and Joe Geoffrey from The Old Trail Boss Podcast. Through classic Western storytelling Jack, Joe, and their team discuss concepts of grace, pride, dealing with change, and more. You can find episodes of The Old Trail Boss on your favorite podcast provider or at TheOldTrailBoss.comJoin the online Cowboy Church Services each Sunday at 11:00 Central Standard Time via the Trail Boss Ministries Facebook Page.To learn more about Trail Boss Ministry, check out their website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.To find their Facebook group, search Cowboy Church “Live”A list of audiobooks narratede by Joe Geoffrey can be found at Audible. That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. Questions or comments? Email us at info@agrihealth.net.
Join RodeoKids Team Leader, Conner Essick as he talks with Doug Dall, leader of the Cowboy Church services for the Iowa High School Rodeo Association. Doug shares about focusing on faith instead of fear and how God us a plan and a purpose for each of us. He also shares about when his faith was tested and how we should let Jesus take the reins! Learn more at RodeoKids.com. If you would like to reach out to Doug yourself, you can find him on Facebook by searching "Doug Dall."
Original Airdate: 11/27/22
Original Airdate: 11/20/22
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With over 26 historic recordings to her name, a thriving ministry that she and her late husband, Dr. Harry Yates, started in Nashville, TN. Joanne Cash has plenty to offer to country music fans and patrons across the globe! Back in April, I was able to sit down with Ms. Joanne before the Nashville Cowboy Church service got underway. When I say this lady is a living legend, I mean it! Not only has she written and recorded music for over 5 decades, but she is also a writer and has some amazing books that you should stick your nose in to! A woman of faith, mixed with the legendary Cash Family Heritage, equals a stellar podcast episode for you all! Come "Be a Dreamcatcher" with Jessie Lynn® and Ms. Joanne Cash! P.S. You will hear some music in the background as we conducted this interview during rehearsals for the upcoming Nashville Cowboy Church Service!
Marks of a Healthy Church Mark One: Expositional Preaching by William Klock We just confessed in the Creed that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These are historically known as the “marks” of the Church. Despite our various differences and schisms, the Church is one. Whether Anglican or Mennonite or Coptic or Baptist, we're all part of the one Church. It's holy. Jesus has called us, set us apart, washed us clean, and filled us with the Spirit. It's catholic. It is universal and it is complete in and of itself. And it's apostolic in that it continues in the teaching, in the gospel, that was given to us by the apostles. These identifying marks of the Church have served us well since the Fourth Century—and it's not like they were new ideas when they were written into the Nicene Creed back then. But they are fairly abstract—in the sense that these things describe the Church in the broadest sense. So how do we identify the church at the local level? When you look at a local congregation, what sorts of things should define it? Or we could ask what makes a local church a church as opposed to a social club or a group of do-gooders or even a cult? Or we might ask what makes for a healthy church? These issues became of paramount importance at the time of the Protestant Reformation. If the Church is “broken”—as the Reformers observed—what needs to happen to set it right? For the Reformers, whether German or Swiss, French or English or Scottish, the identify marks of a true local church, of a church faithful to Jesus and the teaching of the apostles, distilled down to two things: the preaching of God's word and the administration of God's sacraments. This principle was written, in one way or another, into all of the Protestant confessions of faith, but here's how it comes to us in ours, in Article XIX of our Articles of Religion: The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. Anglican and Lutherans, Baptists and Presbyterians, we have our differences, but we are united in these two core marks of a church: we preach the word and we administer the sacraments. Faithfulness to these two things—and whether or not we do these things with deliberate faithfulness to Scripture—is what determines the health of a church. Not attendance and numbers, not programs, not activities, not vibrant fellowship, but faithfulness to preaching God's word and administering his sacraments. All those other things can be good—and sometimes they come out of faithfulness to word and sacrament, but it's the word and the sacraments that create this community called the church. We can build community around all sorts of other things—and churches often do. We build community around programmes. We build communities around styles of worship, whether a grand pipe organ and a choir or a rock band and fog machine. We even build community around celebrity preachers. But those things should not and do not define a church—let alone a healthy church. Faithfulness to word and sacrament do. We visited this topic almost thirteen years ago and it's my plan to revisit it again between now and Advent. My own views have evolved and refined a bit in the last decade, but I think the key principles I preached back then are still basically the same. So I want to start these first several weeks with that first mark, faithful preaching of the word. The first four principles derive from our preaching. From there we'll move onto the principles that are connected to or derived from our administration of the sacraments. So a faithful church, a healthy church is a word-centred church. Such church should be characterised by people who take God's word seriously and who understand that it speaks with authority. We should expect such a church's members to be committed to reading and studying the Bible for themselves. We should expect that they will probably gather in groups to read and study the Bible together. But at the centre of all of this should be a pulpit ministry devoted to and centred on the Bible. Virtually every church includes some kind of sermon in its worship, but not every sermon is Bible-centred. So we need to be very explicit about this. The first mark of a faithful and healthy church is not just preaching, but what's usually called expositional or expository preaching. Now, what is expositional preaching? Expositional preaching is what I do virtually every Sunday. Expositional preaching takes a text from the Bible—maybe given by the lectionary or maybe as we work through a book of the Bible verse by verse or chapter by chapter—expositional preaching takes that text, explains what it means, and applies it to the congregation—it tells you what to do about it. In contrast there's topical preaching. That's what I almost never do—but I am doing it right now. In a topical sermon, the preacher preaches not about a Biblical text, but about subject—and hopefully what the Bible has to say about that subject, whether it's prayer or justice or holiness or expositional preaching. There can be some crossover. A topical sermon can be expositional as it explains what a certain text has to say about a certain topic. But a steady diet of topic preaching isn't healthy for a church, because it's not driven by the word. Topical preaching is driven by the preacher. And if a congregation only ever hear what their preacher wants to preach about, they'll never grow beyond where their preacher is at. And he won't grow either, because he's always digging into the Bible to find support for his ideas. In contrast, expositional preaching is driven by the word. The Bible's agenda becomes the preacher's agenda—and he's therefore always learning and often surprised by what he finds—and the congregation grows by hearing God's word. Brother and Sisters, my ideas—no preacher's ideas or pet topics—will not transform you into the people God intends you to be. Only his word will do that. Expositional preaching also requires and builds a commitment to God's word. Many of us came from the Anglican Church of Canada. How did a church go so badly awry, how did it stray so far from orthodoxy, and how did so many people just sit and let it happen? It happened because the church lost her commitment to the word. Her pulpit ministry failed. The great expositional sermons preached in Anglicn pulpits from the Reformation through the 19th Century were replaced by ten or fifteen minute homilies—often topical, but typically paying only lip-service to God's word. And that created a people with no passion for the word and that, in turn, created a people with little knowledge of the word—people ready to be carried about by every wind of doctrine. Brothers and Sisters, God's word creates God's people. Many of us have seen what happens when you take it away or water it down. God's people become lax in faith and lax in discipline. Instead of conforming to the word, they conform to the culture around them. And eventually they simply stop being God's people altogether—they apostatise. And it's not just “liberal” churches. Evangelicals at large are facing their own crisis, because so many of our churches are failing to preach the word. Our preachers are preaching pop-psychology or they're preaching topically and preaching their own ideas—and even as they affirm the authority or inerrancy of Scripture, their churches are often looking less and less like the people of God and more like the culture around us. Dear Friends, our churches must, first and foremost, by centred on God's word and that begins with our pulpit ministry. If we look at the history of the Church we see a lot of ebb and flow, high points and low points, and one thing we see consistently is that the high points in Church history always align with those times and places where her people and especially her preachers were committed to preaching God's word. People like to say that the great revivals of history were brought about by prayer. That's only half the story. Those periods of great prayer were brought about by periods of great biblical preaching. Again, God's word creates God's people. It won't happen any other way. Let's go back to the very beginning of the story. Genesis 1. What was God's agent of creation? “God said…” He spoke and the cosmos and everything in it came into being. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were cast from his presence, but the word of the Lord remained. He spoke, cursing the serpent and giving them hope in a promise of restoration. When all humanity had lost the knowledge of God, he spoke again, this time calling Abraham out of Ur and leading him to the promised land. And when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, the word of the Lord came again to Moses, and through him to the whole people—even to Pharaoh. By his word he brought down a pagan king and created a people for himself. At Sinai he spoke again, establishing a covenant with his people and giving his life—the means of life in his presence. God's word creates and gives life. Over and over the Lord spoke to his people. That phrase “the word of the Lord came” or something similar occurs more than 3,800 times. By his word he created a people and by his word he sustained them. By his word he made himself known. By his word he created faith amongst them. I was reading an article this week about literacy in ancient Israel. Hardly anyone in the ancient world knew how to read and write—just a tiny handful of scribes. But in ancient Israel and Judah the literacy rate may have been as high as fifteen or twenty per cent.[1] Why? Because they were a people of the word, particularly as the ancient oral traditions were recorded and became scripture. They knew that God's word is life. Think of Ezekiel's vivid vision of the valley of dry bones. This is one of my favourite passages in all of Scripture because it so often gives me hope as a preacher. The Lord took Ezekiel to a valley full of dead, dry bones. The Lord asked him how those bones could live again. Ezekiel had no idea. It looked hopeless. Here's Ezekiel 37:4-6: Then [the Lord] said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” And look at what happened when Ezekiel began preaching God's Word to those bones: So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. (Ezekiel 37:7-10) The Lord explains to Ezekiel that the bones are Israel—her hope is gone. But he will not leave his people dry and hopeless. He promised in verse 14, “I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live.” What's the Lord's means of giving life—of imparting his Spirit—to his people? As in the beginning, his word, this time spoken through the prophet. It's an amazing thing. As a preacher it gives me hope. Israel was dead. Lots of people had lots of ideas about how to bring her back to life. The nation certainly wasn't interested in listening to Ezekiel. But preaching was the Lord's solution. If he could speak into the pre-creation chaos and bring life, he can certainly speak to a lost, sinful, rebellious, and hopeless people and bring them back to life—giving them faith anew. Brothers and Sisters, that's why the Church exists: a people created by the word and called to preach that word to the world. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to Ezekiel. The Lord promised to speak to Israel and to give her his Spirit. Through the prophet he promised, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26) And the Lord did just that. Think of the opening verses of John's Gospel: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. (John 1:1-4) The word incarnate. God's creative power, there in the beginning, now incarnate, one of his own people, that he might bring the dry bones to life. And what did the word incarnate do? He preached, of course.. His was the ministry of a prophet, the word of the Lord proclaiming the word of the Lord—announcing judgement, but also calling Israel to repentance so that when he died for the sins of his people and rose from the grave, they would understand this fresh and mighty work of God and believe. And when it was accomplished, what did he do? He ordained apostles to proclaim this word to Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the whole world. We cannot know this God, we cannot know this Saviour, we cannot know this gospel apart from the word and without its proclamation. It was like this for Israel and it is like this for the Church. There's a reason, again, why Christianity and Christian missions have promoted high literacy rates—why missionaries spend years learning the languages of pre-literate peoples, developing alphabets and grammars for them, so that they can then translate the Bible—the written word—so that those peoples can have it in their own languages. There are folks today who think that preaching—a monologue by a single man at the front—is passé, but it has been the norm for both Jews and Christians from the beginning, because we are a people committed to the word of God, knowing that it is the only source of true life. We cannot know God apart from his self-revelation of himself. We see this in Genesis as things go from bad to worse in those first chapters, as fallen humanity loses all knowledge of God. They grasped for heaven at Babel, but did so in an act of unbelief. Humanity was utterly lost. But then, in his grace, the Lord spoke and called Abraham and faith sparked to life in the darkness of the world—because God spoke, because a man heard the word of the Lord, believed, and obeyed. As St. Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word”—and specifically he adds—“the word of Christ.” There are all sorts of philosophies of church growth today. People argue for building churches around programmes. People argue that you've got to find your niche and build it around that. When I was visiting my parents I saw that someone had started the “Cowboy Church” not far from where they live. When I was first ordained in the REC a friend gave me a manual for traditional Anglican church planting. It was all about building contacts with anglophiles by getting involved in clubs and societies centred on all things English. Other people build churches around a worship experience or a youth programme. It's not that God can't or won't use some of those things, but Brothers and Sisters, a healthy church will always be built around the proclamation of the word of God, modelled in the pulpit and lived by the people. Nothing else will last. Someone once asked Martin Luther about his accomplishments. He answered saying, “I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing….The Word did it all.”[2] That's the mindset the Church needs. But the word does more than create. The word also sustains and sanctifies. It is the water that causes us to grow and we will not grow without it. When he was tempted by the devil Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Or think of the Words of the Psalmist, who wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Without the word we will lose our way and starve. We only have to look at Israel to see this. Go back to King Josiah's day in 2 Chronicles 34. After years of neglect, Josiah ordered a renovation of the temple and during that renovation the book of the law was found. The word of the Lord had been lost—buried in a pile somewhere in the temple and forgotten for generations. Josiah recognised the significance of that find. He tore his clothes in grief and repentance and then gathered the priests and the elders of the people. In their presence, he the King, read out the Lord's word and led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony. God's word sanctifies his people. Jesus prayed this for us in his high priestly prayer in John 17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” And St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25b-26). Brothers and Sisters, without immersing ourselves in God's word we will not hear him. There are no shortcuts. Only his word gives life and only his word sanctifies. This is why topical preaching—where the preacher drives the agenda—cannot be our main diet. Occasionally a topical sermon it's necessary, but it cannot be our staple food. This is why regular personal reading and study of the Bible is necessary. We must be confronted by word to know God and to grow into the people he has called us to be. And, of course, it goes without saying that we don't hear merely to hear or merely to read, but we immerse ourselves in God's word, we hear him speak, so that we can submit to his will and his ways. And there's the Spirit at work, renewing our hearts and making fertile soil for the word to take root. A healthy church not only proclaims God's word, but listens and is daily remade and sanctified by it. Timothy was St. Paul's young protégé. When Paul wrote to him to give him advice as to how to shepherd the flock, it's worth noting that he gave him none of the advice that is common today. He didn't advise Timothy to start a new program, to buy a fog machine, to hire a paid choir, to take a poll to find out what people want to hear. He didn't do any of that. He wrote to Timothy and said emphatically, “Preach the Word!” (2 Timothy 4:2). Or think of the early Jerusalem Church. When the apostles were struggling to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of the church, they ordained deacons to carry on that ministry and declared, “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). They knew that God's word is life. One day we will see God face to face and know him perfectly, but until that day we live, not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from his mouth. As a church named “Living Word” my prayer is that we will be a people known in our community for our commitment to the life-giving and sanctifying word of God. That we will be a people who value and love God's word, who put it at the centre of our ministry and of our lives, and who not only recognise its authority, but who are also seeking to submit to it and to be transformed. I pray that we will be a people so full of God's word—this water of life—that as in John's vision of the New Jerusalem, it will overflow from us to carry God's life—the good news about Jesus—to the world around us. Let's pray: Heavenly Father, you have sent your word, incarnate in Jesus, to deliver us from our bondage to sin and death, and you have given your word written through the inspiration of your Spirit. Remind us always that without your word there is no life. As we go about the work of your kingdom, let us keep your word at the centre, that we might be always shaped by it and declaring it's life-giving power to the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord, the word incarnate. Amen. [1] https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78416/more-people-were-literate-ancient-judah-we-knew [2] Luther's Works (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1959), 51:77.
Dan talks about spending the night on Reba McEntire's horse farm, talks about a Florida bill, and answers your questions.
Pastor Lynn Holmes rides into town to talk about the newest Cowboy Church congregation, Houston Levee Cowboy Church, an outreach of Calvary Church. Cowboy Church began in America in 1972. In 1972 Glenn Smith, a professional rodeo clown, sold everything and entered full time ministry along with his wife following God's call to bring the gospel to the rodeo and bull riding circuits. In 1990, Harry Yates and Joanne Cash (Johnny Cash's daughter) started a Nashville Cowboy Church in the seat of country music. It is believed that today there are some 5,000 cowboy churches nation wide.
Sue Duffield sits down with Christian Country artist, LIsa Daggs, for a personal and reflective conversation about how she struggled through the challenges and temptations of an entertainer's lifestyle. She worked to rediscover the inner peace she had lost. “I was full of self-will, running my own show, and believing I knew what was best for my life,” she recalls. Lisa forced her way through the process of overcoming the severe consequences caused by her previous lifestyle, but then turned her life over to the complete care of God, trusting Him for strength and guidance. Sue's gem of a new friend, Lisa, courageously shares her own story of loss, redemption, and hope - to inspire everyone she meets. As a vocal performance artist Lisa has been honored with numerous awards including The Gospel Voice Diamond Award for Country Artist of the Year (other nominees included Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Raybon and Lee Ann Rimes), CCMA's Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year, and as “the brightest newcomer to the scene” by the Christian Country Research Bulletin. She is also a Gaither Homecoming Artist, and has traveled the world sharing her music and story. For more about LIsa Daggs, www.lisadaggs.net www.sueduffield.com
2 Corinthians 4:18 2 Samuel 22:20 2 Corinthians 5:7 Jeremiah 29:11-13 Hebrews 11:1, 6
Where Love Is Lived Out
Tracy Wilson wasn't always the pastor of a church, but he has always been into rodeos. Now, as pastor of the Three Trees Cowboy Church in Wynne, Arkansas, Tracy and his congregation reach their community through a dedication to God's word, service to their community, and regular family rodeos.When asked how their church began, Tracy said, “It's a God thing.” From sharing space with a campground to outgrowing their space year after year, the church has steadily grown. The congregation is made of farmers, cowboys, rodeo fans, and city slickers. You can find out more about their church on Facebook by searching Three Trees Cowboy Church and Three Trees Cowboy Church Arena Ministry. That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. Questions or comments? Email us at info@agrihealth.net.
Where Love Is Lived Out
scriptures: psalm 121 Matthew 26:31-35 John 21:15-25 John 10:10 1 Corinthians 13:10 psalm 51:5
John 21:1-14 Ecclesiastes 10:18 Psalm 27:14 Luke 5 Ephesians 3:20-21 Luke 24 Malachi 3:10
In February 2022, Bill & Roger got the opportunity to lead revival services at Riverside Cowboy Church in Nevada, Missouri. We invite you to join us over the next 5 weeks as Roger Morris explains how NOW is your time to run your race and fulfill the kingdom assignment that God has given you. Revival at Riverside Cowboy Church concludes with Roger explaining how it is our job to occupy and advance the Kingdom of God while we are here on earth. Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Join in the conversation through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Roger-Ministries-152331358164535
In February 2022, Bill & Roger got the opportunity to lead revival services at Riverside Cowboy Church in Nevada, Missouri. We invite you to join us over the next 5 weeks as Roger Morris explains how NOW is your time to run your race and fulfill the kingdom assignment that God has given you. In this episode Bill speaks on conquering fear and Roger explains how we need to administrate well what God has placed in our hands. Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Join in the conversation through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Roger-Ministries-152331358164535
Where Love Is Lived Out
In February 2022, Bill & Roger got the opportunity to lead revival services at Riverside Cowboy Church in Nevada, Missouri. We invite you to join us over the next 5 weeks as Roger Morris explains how NOW is your time to run your race and fulfill the kingdom assignment that God has given you. In this episode Roger explains how we are ambassadors of the kingdom of God and how our lives need to reflect the joy peace, and righteousness that comes with being an ambassador. God has created and designed us with a unique and specific purpose. All we need to do is say yes. Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Join in the conversation through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Roger-Ministries-152331358164535
In February 2022, Bill & Roger got the opportunity to lead revival services at Riverside Cowboy Church in Nevada, Missouri. We invite you to join us over the next 5 weeks as Roger Morris explains how NOW is your time to run your race and fulfill the kingdom assignment that God has given you. In this episode Roger explains how God has called us to fulfill a specific kingdom assignment and purpse in our lives and how we need to get rid of any sin that would hinder or stop us from completing that assignment. Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Join in the conversation through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bill-Roger-Ministries-152331358164535
In February 2022, Bill & Roger got the opportunity to lead revival services at Riverside Cowboy Church in Nevada, Missouri. We invite you to join us over the next 5 weeks as Roger Morris explains how NOW is your time to run your race and fulfill the kingdom assignment that God has given you. In this first episode Roger explains the signs of the times we are living in and how we are called to run our race, setting aside everything that would hinder or stop us from completing our assignment here on earth.
Original Airdate: 04/03/22
Original Airdate: 03/27/22
We discuss Cowboy Churches and how Bryant Lane Cowboy Church came to be, the similarities between Christian values and Cowboy ethics, and tell a few good stories! You can check out Bryant Lane Cowboy Church on Facebook at https://facebook.com/BryantLaneCowboyChurch/ or give them a call at (662) 519-1784 This episode is sponsored by Panther Creek Ranch. Note: please forgive the cell phone vibration at the beginning of the episode! We're learning and growing as we go.