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Posts Tagged with Paul Thompson

Advent Devotional (Week Two)

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Introduction: Is the Christmas season more like a full-throttle, peddle-to-the-metal, the wind blowing the patio furniture into the neighbors’ backyard kind of feeling?

I have not been consistent in my life to build much of a Christmas tradition. As a pastor, I’ve unfortunately treated the Christmas season as more of an important and good interruption to a preaching series. I am not suggesting that we should pick up traditions just for the sake of picking up traditions, however, I’ve learned that the modern Protestant like me likes to protest for the fun of it. Sometimes to my shame.

Last year I received a book on the church calendar for Christmas that has been sitting on my desk in my home office. When the outside temperatures were still reaching 90 degrees, long before I normally think of eggnog and candy canes, I opened that book and began reading. I read it with caution, but with the hope of learning how the larger Christian community views holy days. I’ve learned a lot.

For example, this advent devotion is a result of reading that book. Historically, I would step out of my current preaching schedule the week before Christmas and get right back to it as soon as possible. Understand this, I like preaching expositionally, I think it’s a greater discipline for me than to preach topically. Yet there is something good for the soul to reflect with Christians around the world on the same subject at the same time.

Don’t get me wrong here. I think we are right to protest the popish shenanigans of Roman Catholicism. But I have to be reminded that there was a church before Roman Catholicism and there is a church now. The protestant reformers were aiming to reform what had gone wrong. They were not protesting the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, sit down with your family again this week and reflect on the Christ with me.

Sunday, December 8, 2024
Question: What does the name Immanuel mean?
Answer: The name Immanuel means “God with us.”
(- Read Matthew 1:23)

Find time today to talk about the morning worship service. What songs do you remember singing? Can you recall any phrases that were especially meaningful to you? Do you remember the sermon text David preached from? What was the main subject? Do you need to make some adjustments to your life?

Read: John 14:27

Monday, December 9, 2024
Webster defines PEACE as “In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.”

How are you at being free from distractions or agitation?
What keeps you from living at peace with your family, your church, or yourself?

“In the world
you have tribulation, but take courage;
I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33b)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This word “peace” assumes silence or quiet; as, peace to this troubled soul. In the Psalms, we often see the word “Selah”. This word is not fully understood in English but at best it is a type of musical notation for the singer to stop speaking for a moment, reflect upon what you just said or heard, meditate on that. We are not normally very good at being quiet. What could you fast from today? It could well be a good thing that you set aside today and obey the Holy Spirit’s instruction to “REST”

READ Psalm 46:9-11
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Read: John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (NASB)

What do you remember about the sermon on Sunday?

Join others today at 2 PM, 5:30 PM, or 7 PM to pray for our church and our community in the Thanksgiving Room of Eastside Baptist Church. We will pray for the revival of God’s church and the conversion of sinners.

Thursday, December 12, 2024
Compare Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2:14

What is the blessed hope in these Scriptures?
How should we conduct ourselves until He returns?

Friday, December 13, 2024
Sing or read: What Child Is This

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Prepare for the Lord’s Day Gathering. Do you plan in advance what you will wear to church on Sunday? Many years ago a pastor friend of mine, who is no longer living, explained to me why he always wore a tie when he preached. It had a profound impact on me. I can’t remember the last time I attended church without wearing my best clothes. Consider how you might dress if an earthly prince invited you to eat at his palace. Would you give any consideration as to how you might dress? If you say no, you likely think too highly of yourself. You are invited to the Lord’s Table on Sunday to commune with Him. Yes, it’s true, you can come to the table without your best clothes, but consider how what you wear could reflect what you think about God.

The catechism question for Sunday, December 15, is…
Question: Who is the Prince of Peace
Answer: The Prince of Peace is Christ the Lord.

  • Isaiah 9:6-7

Sunday, December 15, 2024
Plan to attend at least two (if not all) of the following opportunities to gather with each other today.
9:15 AM: Sunday School
10:30 AM: Morning Worship
5:30 PM: Membership Meeting

Advent Devotional (Week ONE)

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Introduction: I submit this for consideration for home use during December.

Advent refers to the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 and ends on December 24. Let’s discipline our minds this year to live with an anticipation of the second coming (Advent) of Christ, while at the same time, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25.

Advent has roots dating back to the third and fourth century AD. The best I can tell is that Advent began as a season when new converts would be baptized. By the 6th century AD, it was to align the heart of the Christian with the anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ. By the Middle Ages Advent was linked with Christmas to commemorate the incarnation of Christ, the first Advent, with the second Advent (return) of Christ.

Christians around the world have seen many changes to how Advent is observed. Historically I would take a type of hands-off approach to observing Advent. However, recently, I have become more open to using the Advent season to focus our attention on the return of Christ while commemorating His first coming.

We will begin Advent on December 1, with Christians around the world to attempt to honor Christ. I have asked John Martinez and David Thompson to share in the preaching over the next few weeks. Each of us addressing subjects related to Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

I have written short devotions for each week to help cause us to meditate on the word of God in our homes. You may already have an advent schedule planned, I’m thankful. Use this as a household devotion supplement instead. I’ve included questions to help generate thoughts about Christ. Adapt this to the ages of any children in the home. As always, I’m convinced children can think beautiful thoughts from the word of God.

May we never quit anticipating the return of Christ our glorious Savior.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Question: What does the word Incarnation mean?
Answer: The word Incarnation means the act of being made flesh; Jesus took on human nature like ours. 

(- Read John 1:14)

Monday, December 2, 2024

Read:   “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.  (Hebrews 9:27-28 NASB)

Can you identify the two “Advents” of Christ in this Scripture?

What did Christ do in the first “Advent”?
What will He do in the second “Advent”?

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

In his sermon, The Two Advents of Christ, Charles Spurgeon says, “The two comings of Christ have some degree of likeness”. 

First, what are the differences between the first and second advent?
Second, what are the similarities between the first and second advent?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Read Titus 2:11-14 (NASB)

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” 

Like on Monday, can you identify the two “Advents” of Christ in this Scripture?

John Gill said before Christ appeared, “salvation was like a candle”. Now that the “grace of God who brings salvation has appeared to all,” this light is no longer like a candle, it is like the light of the sun.

Join others today at 2 PM, 5:30 PM, or 7 PM to pray for our church and our community in the Thanksgiving Room of Eastside Baptist Church. We will pray for the revival of God’s church and the conversion of sinners.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Compare Titus 2:13-14 with 1 Peter 1:17-19 

Titus 2:13-14

“…looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

——-

1 Peter 1:17-19

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

What is the blessed hope in these Scriptures?
How should we conduct ourselves until He returns?

Friday, December 6, 2024

Sing or read the December “Fighter Song”, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Prepare for the Lord’s Day Gathering. Like looking forward to the 2nd Advent of Christ we should be prepared for the Lord’s Day every day. Building like he may not come for another 2,000 years and zealous for good deeds because we have inherited eternal life by the “precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 

The catechism question for Sunday, December 8, is…

Question: What does the name Immanuel mean?
Answer: The name Immanuel means “God with Us”.  

– Matthew 1:23

There is a shared meal planned for Sunday, December 8. Plan something as a family to share with the brothers and sisters in Christ. Sit with a family you don’t usually sit with at the meal.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Plan to attend at least three (if not all) of the following opportunities to gather with each other today.

9:15 AM: Sunday School
10:30 AM: Morning Worship
Noon: Shared Meal
5:30 PM: Evening gathering

Holidays Are Made for Good Storytelling

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The art of crafting a great story that captures the mind, engages the soul, and encourages the imagination is a beautiful thing. John Bunyan has been a regular influencer on my “best storyteller” list.

Below, I’ll link to a few resources I frequently refer to for a dose of enriching allegorical reading (listening). John Bunyan is many times relegated to children’s literature, and for good reason, but as a seasoned grandfather, I find his allegories a healthy challenge to my soul and mind.

Most will know John Bunyan for his epic allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress. I’m on a lifelong mission to expose people to his lesser-known (but in my opinion, better) allegory, the Holy War.

John Bunyan’s literature has been in print since the mid to late 1600s. He has been published in many languages and updated in modern English many times over. If you enjoy reading to yourself or reading as a family, I recommend starting with modern English and even an abridged version of Pilgrim’s Progress or the Holy War (The War for Mansoul). You can find copies of these books in any public library or consider buying a copy for your home library.

(Bunyan also wrote many other books that are good to read. I have benefited from his theological discourses.)

A special treat is to sometimes listen to an audio version as a family for special family events. I will link to audio resources of both Pilgrim’s Progress and The War for Mansoul (The Holy War) below.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church has posted the best audio versions I’ve ever come across. Share this with others and encourage friends and family members to consider special story nights at home over the next few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Audio of War for Mansoul, part 1, part 2

Pilgrim’s Progress, part 1, part 2, part 3

When you read or listen to John Bunyan you might want to ask your children two leading questions before and after each time.

  • What primary Bible passages come to your mind as you listen?
  • To what degree does the story accurately depict Bible teaching?
Vintage engraving of a scene from John Bunyan’s The Holy War. Diabolus, address to Mansoul

Psalm Singing

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And they will sing of the ways of the Lord,
For great is the glory of the Lord.

Psalm 138:5 (NASB)

For several years Eastside Baptist in Twin Falls, ID has included Psalm Singing in our mid-week prayer gathering and in recent years we now begin our Lord’s Day corporate worship service with a Psalm. There is really a recovery or revival of Psalm singing in the modern Baptist church.

Beginning on May 5, 2024, we will devote the first Sunday evening of each month to Psalm singing. I hope you will consider joining us for this gathering. Psalm singing can be complicated and simple. Complicated for the generations who have not been trained in Psalm singing and simple because many times the Psalms can be sung to familiar tunes.

Why sing the Psalms?

First, it is Biblical. Think of it. It’s a book in the bible with a collection of songs. They were collected through the years of God’s people and considered a sacred collection of words inspired by the Lord God Almighty, Himself. We are even commanded by God to sing the Psalms; both Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 instruct the church to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…

When the church sings the Psalms she is singing what the historic church has been singing and has been singing throughout the world. Christians is other epics of time and who speak other languages and of all ages are tied together with similar songs.

These Psalms are Biblical, common property of the church, and of all songs sung in churches, these songs are always theologically accurate. This is among the most comforting reasons to sing the Psalms. They stir the body, mind, and soul while glorifying God.

If you are in the Magic Valley on the first Sunday night of the month and your church is not meeting, join us at 5:30 p.m. to sing the Psalms at our monthly Psalm Sing. May the church rejoice!

Eastside Baptist Church
204 Eastland Drive North
Twin Falls, ID 83301

Liturgy for April 14

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Sunday, April 14, in the Year of our Lord – 2024
10:30AM

Pastor: Read Psalm 133 (STAND) 

Congregation: SING: Like Dew of Hermon (STAND)
(Based on Psalm 133)

PRAYER: (SIT or KNEEL)
Prayer of Confession
Pastoral prayer

(STAND)
Responsive: Romans 15:5-7 (STANDING)
Pastor: “Now may the God Who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another,”
Congregation: “just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” AMEN

SING: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise  (STAND)
SING: Praise for the Fountain Opened (STAND)
(There is a Fountain Filled with Blood)

CHILDREN CATECHISM
Q. Are there more Gods than one?
A. No, there is only one (Deut. 6:4), the living and true God (Jer. 10:10).

SCRIPTURE READING:  Acts 6:1-15    (STAND)

Preacher: “Stand with me for the reading of the word.”
Congregation: “Give us the Book!”     

The preacher will read Acts 6:1-15 (remain standing)

Preacher: “This is the word of God.”
Congregation: “And we believe it!”

PRAYER: (STAND)

SERMON: Instructions Concerning Deacons
PRAYER: (SIT or KNEEL)

EXHORTATION: (SIT) Believing men exhort the congregation related to the sermon. (microphones are located on both sides of the auditorium. Speak directly into the mic.)

Covenant Renewal: The pastor will instruct and invite believers to come to the LORD’s Table.

SING: Come Thou Fount  (STAND)
(April Fighter Song)

Benediction:
SING: Law/Gospel/Doxology (STAND)

Responsive: Romans 15:5-7 (STANDING)
Pastor: “Now may the God Who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another,”
Congregation: “just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” AMEN


Your Local Drug Store

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Walgreens and CVS are the new Planned Parenthood. Even if your state has strict protections for the preborn, these two pharmaceutical giants are willing to join their names to those who have no fear of God and no respect for their neighbor. They cannot be trusted with your health.

If they are willing to supply the nation with drugs that murder babies in the womb, what else are they willing to inject into the human body?

In Twin Falls, Planned Parenthood is no longer providing induced abortions. This is a blessing from God, but it will not be long before there will be many more locations and more acceptable locations for babies to be murdered. The murder mill industry has pivoted from the clinic to the pharmacy to the living room.

Here are some phone numbers for local Walgreens and CVS drug stores. They need to hear from us. They need to know that this is not acceptable.

Twin Falls:

Burley:

Walgreens and CVS announced last week that they will begin providing mifepristone (abortion pills). You will be told that the pill is not available in Idaho because of the strict abortion laws. This is true (for now) but these stores are part of a national attack on the most innocent neighbors we have. These local pharmacists need to hear from us now.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/01/health/cvs-walgreens-to-dispense-abortion-pill-mifepristone/index.html

Joshua Kohl for Idaho Senate, District 25

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My name is Paul Thompson, I have been the pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls since 2001. While serving as the pastor of this church, I have been actively involved in my community. I have written for the Times News Pastors’ Corner, I have been a contract chaplain for local hospitals, and I am on Pastors’ Roundtable every Thursday morning discussing how politics and morality are inseparable. I believe it is crucial that citizens engage in the culture war by not only voting but by serving in government as well.

Josh Kohl is the man to do just that. Josh is running for Idaho Senate District 25 and is the best choice for that position. Josh is a committed follower of Christ and a true patriot. He is a defender of liberty and will defend the Idaho Constitution with vigor. I wholeheartedly endorse Josh and encourage the citizens in Twin Falls, District 25, to take advantage of this opportunity to vote for a principled man of integrity. I am convenience Josh understands the proper role of government, he will be a valiant defender of life, liberty, and happiness, and the citizens in District 25 will rejoice to have this man in the Senate.

Paul Thompson
Twin Falls, ID

Follow Josh here>>> https://kohl4idaho.com/

Pastoral Prayer 11.12.23

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I’ve been writing on this blog page for nearly 18 years. In dog years that’s 126 years (that dog is no longer alive.) I don’t know of a blog year calculator but my observation of how fast the internet world advances, this blogging practice of mine is of the ancient world. The purpose of my writing is to put words to thoughts. To practice a discipline. To encourage my church. To dialog with my brother pastor friends. During these years of journaling there are some years where I have written more and other years I have written less.

I had someone once tell me, as they were preparing to tell me they could not stay at Eastside Baptist any longer, that they wished I would preach the way I write. I still don’t know what bread of insult that really was. Because I’m a self-publishing blogger without an editorial staff to work out my grammatical head-scratching run-a-long sentences and second-grade spelling (no offense to second-graders) I’m not so sure I understand their statement at all.

Anyway, that was years ago. I’ve not written with the same kind of regularity in recent years as I have in other years. But here we go again.

May the reader understand. This discipline of writing is born in my life from a friend who once told me… “If you want to be a communicator, you need to become a writer.”

I’ve been writing my opening prayer for the past few months to give careful and intentional words when I address God, a discipline I have benefited from if none others have. And for that, I’m thankful to God. May the practice bless the Lord’s church and encourage pastors to give attention to this discipline.

I will publish these prayers here for now.

My pastoral prayer from November 12, 2023

Our God and Father, Yahweh, draw near to us by your spirit and
may these few moments we have together today be full of joy in
our shared experience, free from resentment, frustration, and
malice. Because of your Glom may we escape the trappings of
the trivial and the temporal trappings of vanity. May our eyes be
pleased to look upon your beauty. We confess we do not find it
easy to rid ourselves of distracting thoughts. Remind us we have
weapons to take upon these misleading thoughts. We are far too
easily distracted. May we have success to chase away all that
distracts us, whether it be pleasure or pain. either strength or
weakness that which takes up residence in our minds to keep
us from your service.

Give us a church of saints. Give husbands joy in their duty to
lead, and help wives to support & stand by. Raise parents to the
place to joyfully disciple their children. Bless these little ones
among us to be content and full of joy in you.

All of the true Church worships you O God. Every heart
renewed by grace takes delight in you and is not
disappointed. Bless your people with resolve to stand.
Those in safe Places and those in dangerous places. help
us not grow apathetic or filled with the fear of men.

We bring our wounded & sick before you – The greater our
sickness, bruises, sores, diseases, we are aware of the depravity
of our nature, of the deep-seated corruption of our hearts. The
more we know that we are the sort of beings you call to
abandon of flesh and look unto you!

In Jesus name, we pray, amen.

Stop Electing Republicans Who Vote Like Democrats

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Election day is November 8, 2022. There is one thing many in my area know, and that is, we must stop electing Republicans who vote like democrats before it’s too late.

I have run against both of these Republicans. One is the chairman of the House Education Committee, the other does whatever (some of) her constituents tell her to do, or whatever (some of) the lobbyist convinced her is best for Idaho according to those who want to destroy Idaho.

https://idahobe.org/legislative-scorecard/?fbclid=IwAR3vzy7wew0AdOlfZgS1scp-6RY2Afq1AnB-j6FYsT8uIzmmiD1rvgXVBF8

Wake up, friends. In District 25, the city of Twin Falls, a vote for a Republican on November 8 is a vote for a Republican who votes like a Democrat.

www.VotePaulThompson.com
www.VotePaulThompson.com
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