Pastor Blog Archive

What's going on this Wednesday?

Aug 10, 2010
This Wednesday, Blackshear Place launches into fall with activities for the entire family.

The 8:08 is upon us!

Aug 04, 2010
I’m looking forward to an unbelievable day.

Jul 12, 2010
It is a blessing to be part of a growing church. You’ve probably noticed our 9:30 and 11:00 services are full, and we are looking to balance our three morning worship services by launching a newly emphasized service on August 8

Celebrate America Sunday

Jul 01, 2010
July 4 is Celebrate America Sunday, a day when we thank God for His blessings to our country.

America at the Tipping Point

Jun 07, 2010
At Blackshear Place, the Fourth of July is Celebrate America Sunday, and we look forward to welcoming Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, to speak on that great day.

Friend Day

Jun 01, 2010
Bring A Friend To Church, Bring A Friend Life

SECRET SERVING

May 11, 2010
“The things that are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

59th Annual National Day of Prayer

Apr 29, 2010
I want to personally invite you to join me at Blackshear Place as we come together for The National Day of Prayer. Pastor Robby Foster from Hopewell Baptist Church and I will be hosting this event.

Feet To Their Faith

Apr 20, 2010
Watch BPBC members put feet to their faith as they serve the community through Feeding the 5,000.

Seven Simple Words

Apr 05, 2010
It’s thrilling to hear how hundreds of our Blackshear Place members are Serving Strong — showing Christ’s Love and Telling Why. Let me encourage you to go to the servestrong.org website to read and hear ServeStrong stories. You will be so blessed and encouraged!

I Can Hardly Wait Until Easter

Apr 01, 2010
When we feel surrounded by bad news in the world, isn’t it great that we can celebrate the Good News on Easter! Pastor Jeff invites you to join us at Blackshear Place.

Thank you, Blackshear Place Family…

Mar 30, 2010
Feeding the 5,000 was a phenomenal success. Only God knows the impact that was made, as we showed the love of Christ and shared the gospel message with more than 1,200 families.

Feeding the 5,000

Mar 03, 2010
It was late. The people were tired and hungry. The disciples were whiney and unsympathetic. The Lord had been teaching for most of the day, and it was time for dinner. “Send them away” was the solution of the disciples. But He answered them and said, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37). And then, it happened. The disciples surrendered all they had — five loaves of bread and two fish. That was more than enough in the hands of the Savior. He broke it. And on that day, Jesus fed 5,000 men, not to mention the women and the children.

What does coffee have to do with servant evangelism?

Feb 23, 2010
Grady Sutton, our minister of Church Programming, recently shared a story on ServeStrong in the monthly Bible Fellowship meeting. I thought it was worth repeating here:

The ServeStrong Movement Has Begun

Feb 15, 2010
This Sunday, we launched a MOVEMENT. Webster defines the word “movement” as, “a progressive development of ideas, a series of actions or activities tending toward a particular end.” Sunday we launched the ServeStrong MOVEMENT to show the love of Christ and tell people why.

Reaching Generation Now

Feb 10, 2010
With 2010 well under way, I wanted to update you on our progress toward Reaching Generation Now. We’re praising God for giving us the property and the vision to see students’ lives changed.

Start Today: Be a “Whatever-it-Takes” Manly Man for God

Feb 01, 2010
Over 800 men and boys gathered on Sunday, January 31 for Men’s Night Out at Blackshear Place. It was great to have so many men hungry for God’s Word and passionate about becoming manly men for God’s glory. One of the characters we focused on was Shamgar. This Old Testament judge is only mentioned in two verses of our Bible, and yet, he provides an extraordinary example of what it means to be an ordinary man who God can use.

Man Up

Jan 22, 2010
American cowboys have long been symbols of toughness and independence. Many young boys, and even old boys, admire the lives of cowboys and dream of riding a rugged Western trail. Cowboys seem invincible.

Need to Know

Jan 06, 2010
In the world of military organizations and espionage, some items are classified as strictly “need-to-know.” Under “need-to-know” restrictions, an individual or agency can withhold information from someone, even if he possesses proper security clearances, in order to protect sensitive assets or data.

Reaching Generation Now Update

Jan 05, 2010
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the Reaching Generation Now vision. In the last seven weeks, $714,750 has been given, and members of the church family have indicated through their commitments that we can expect a total of $1,815,000 in the next 12 months.

December 18 Prayer Journal

Dec 18, 2009
The One Year Devotional Prayer Book would make an attractive, Christ-centered Christmas gift that can be enjoyed all year. Why not pick one up for yourself as well? They are available at Lifeway Christian Stores.

December 15 Prayer Journal

Dec 15, 2009
Jesus, You are the greatest gift I have ever received. Thank You for making me Your child. As I begin this new day,, may I live with deep gratitude for the privilege of being in Your family. Amen.

December 11 Prayer Book

Dec 11, 2009
Jesus, thank You for allowing me to begin this new day with Good News — the Good News of the gospel. Your death on the cross and Your triumph over the grave have profoundly changed my life. Amen.

Dec. 8 Prayer Book

Dec 08, 2009
I was asked to contribute to this book, along with Dr. Johnny Hunt, Rev. Junior Hill, Dr. Mac Brunson, Dr. Ed Young and many others.

Dec 4 Prayer Book

Dec 04, 2009
For the beginning of December, this blog will give a sneak peek into the One Year Devotional Prayer Book, a collection of daily devotions.

One Year Devotional

Dec 01, 2009
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

What an Opportunity!

Nov 23, 2009
“In the midst of this unprecedented opportunity all over the world, we find ourselves ... paring back our missionary force because of a lack of funding.”

The Character of the Good Shepherd

Nov 11, 2009
I've started a new series on Sunday morning called "Refresh." The series is a journey through the "John 3:16" of the Old Testament-Psalm 23.

Next Steps

Nov 02, 2009
We took a step of faith. We began this Sunday on a journey to reach this generation. Hundreds of families pledged to give thousands of dollars and said, “We claim this generation for Christ!” The journey toward Reaching Generation Now began on Sunday, and this journey has only just begun.

Making a Sacrifice

Oct 26, 2009
On Sunday, November 1st, we all have an opportunity to make a sacrifice. Someone has said that sacrifice is giving up something you love to someone or something you love more.

An Amazing Opportunity

Oct 19, 2009
Students represent an amazing opportunity. More so than many previous generations, members of this generation have an opportunity to see the Great Commission fulfilled in their lifetime. They can be the ones who God can use to literally take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Faith or Unbelief

Oct 12, 2009
We’re on a journey. Blackshear Place started this trip more than 54 years ago with just 4 acres. The journey has continued year after year. It has been handed down to each successive generation. This journey is a journey of faith.

CAPTURED

Oct 05, 2009
Are you captured? On Sunday, October 4th, I shared a vision with the church family at Blackshear Place. It’s a vision from God. It’s a vision for His glory. It’s a vision to reach this generation. Our key verse for this vision is Psalm 145:4, “One generation shall proclaim Your greatness to another…”

Capturing Technology for the Cause of Christ

Sep 02, 2009
I am a pastor who always wants to be “anchored to the Rock” and relevant to the times. In his teaching ministry, Jesus communicated complex ideas through analogies that the people understood. For example, he described the Christian life as being like a child’s life and related evangelism to fishing for men. Paul also used things like the armor of a Roman soldier or illustrations from the world of sports to communicate spiritual truths. They decided to use relevant subjects as a tool to bring as many as they could into a personal relationship with the Father (1 Cor. 9:22).

FOCUS

Jul 27, 2009
Growing in our families and growing in our faith has been the focus of ministry at Blackshear Place for 2009. During the summer, our attention has centered on rest and relaxation, fun and family, vacations and visiting relatives. We’ve all needed this time. And, in the middle of summer fun, God has continued to bless His church through VBS, Student Camp, and our Summer Road Trip. As summer winds down, the realities of school, work, and the daily routine swing back to the forefront. It’s time to FOCUS.

The Road Trip Continues

Jul 09, 2009
We are well on our way on the Summer Road Trip. The Choir and Orchestra helped us celebrate America with patriotic flair. Gerald Harris called us to rebuild the foundations personally and as a nation in need of a Savior. I have heard nothing but praise from both kickoff activities. The Road Trip drives on with Rick Coram, Charles Billingsley, Herb Reavis, and Karen Peck & New River. You won’t want to miss any of these special nights.

Soul-Shriveling Summer: Don’t Take a Vacation from Jesus!

May 17, 2009
The summer is upon us. And if you are like me, you’re looking forward to the break. Kids are out of school. There are hot dogs that need to be grilled, watermelon that needs to be eaten, and pools and beaches that need to be visited. I love the summer time.

America is in a Mess: A Call to be a Part of the National Day of Prayer

Apr 29, 2009
I don’t know if you noticed it or not, but we are in a mess; not just a homegrown mess of American greed, but a global mess that includes all aspects of society. In a recent editorial, Ronald Cooke, author and economist, describes the crisis this way:

Power of Hope

Mar 16, 2009
In Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul pens these words: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” The word “HOPE” is not found in this passage, but the great theologian had it in mind. Romans chapter eight, in fact, speaks of our suffering. In order for us to be what God wants us to be, we will have to experience trials and sufferings. How will we endure? When the world slaps us down in the dirt and stomps on us, how will we keep from giving up on God and throw away our fragile Christianity? Paul says, “Here’s what you do…” and he lists at least six different ways that you can keep on hoping in Jesus in the midst of great pain. The “Power of Hope” for Paul climaxes in knowing that all things are working for God’s glory and ultimately our good.

Essential Family Conference

Feb 25, 2009
DAD, Your Family Needs You…

…to attend the Essential Family Conference!

I wanted to take an opportunity to talk to our dads and granddads about something important that’s happening. Men, weare losing our families. We are losing our children. We are losing our homes. Everyday, young people walk away from God and never return. I’m talking about children and teens that have grown up in church all their lives, walking away from God and the things of God to live just like the rest of the world. The problem is epidemic in our American culture, especially in the Bible-belt South. According to the latest research, between 60-80% of young adults 18-22 years of age that attend protestant, evangelical churches will dropout of church.

Challenging Each Other to Lift Him Up

Feb 20, 2009
Have you ever taken a dare? For young boys, it is a part of growing up. It is a passage of manhood to look another boy in the eye after he’s dared you to do something stupid and to say, “Oh, I can do that.” You may almost kill yourself trying, but there is something in you that won’t let you back down.

On the Road to Financial Peace

Feb 01, 2009
Did you know?

· According to USA Today, the number one cause for divorce in America is money problems.

· Our families are being torn apart. 70% of American homes are in financial bondage, living paycheck to paycheck.

· Consumer debt in America is now at $2.7 trillion.

· This is no surprise to God. He put in His Word over 800 scriptures that speak on the subject of money.

God has a plan for how to handle money. The problem is that we often don’t take the time to show people biblically what God’s plan is. In fact, a recent study by Lifeway found that only 6% of Southern Baptist Churches had offered a small group study on financial stewardship, money management or debt reduction.

Growth is Essential

Jan 01, 2009
We Celebrate 2008 – The Year of Connection with over 600 new members that connected to our church family. The beautiful new facility that God blessed us with has attracted several hundred first-time guests and from the first day of construction to the present we have experienced a 28% increase in our Sunday Worship attendance! What an amazing year of the favor of God and supernatural growth. We will always look back at 2008 as a spectacular year in the life and ministry of Blackshear Place…Jesus be praised!

The Two Sides of Christmas

Dec 04, 2008
What is the meaning of Christmas? This has been the source of countless Christmas cartoons, movies, stories, and poems. Researchers tell us that increasingly Christmas has less to do with Jesus and more to do with holiday stuff. For many years now, more people have set up Christmas trees, than attend church services in celebration of Christmas. Penne Restad, a historian at the University of Texas, has pointed out that “…Christmas has become as much a celebration of community as it has a celebration of religion.”

316 Missions Offering

Nov 21, 2008
We begin the Christmas Season at Blackshear Place with a special emphasis on evangelism and missions. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7th. Dr. Emir Caner will be our Special Guest and we will be challenged to give generously toward our 316 Missions Offering. Keep reading to learn more about the 316 offering and our special speaker.

Are You Running on Empty?

Oct 21, 2008
So many people today are empty. They are searching for something down roads that lead to nowhere. They are looking in empty rooms for happiness that doesn’t exist. We are a nation of empty people, heading to empty places. And as sad as that is, the devastating reality is that so many don’t know what they are searching for.

America at the Crossroads

Oct 06, 2008
America is at a crossroads. For over 200 years, the people have voted for the leaders that would govern this great land. Some of our national leaders have ushered in the blessings of God. Others have allowed the decaying effects of sin to take root. With just a few days left until election, I want to encourage each of you to take some time to ask the Lord Jesus what he would have you do concerning the 2008 election.

Be Blessed Sunday

Sep 23, 2008
Dear Blackshear Place Member,
I want to encourage you to join others in our Blackshear Place Family on Sunday, October 5th and bring a tithe (10% of your earnings) and a generous offering.

God’s “Favorites” or Living a God-Blessed Life

Aug 28, 2008

Does God have “favorites”? How else could you explain the blessings He obviously pours out on some people? For example, take this excerpt from an article that ran in Forbes Magazine...

It's Your Turn

Aug 05, 2008
What about you; do you need to experience a 180? If God can take a murderous zealot and produce a flaming evangelist, then He can do a 180with you. This total transformation starts on the road of repentance. Join us over the next few Sundays as we look at the Apostle Paul’s life and see the power of a 180º transformation.