About shepherdbryan

My passion is to disciple and see men discipled in every area of their life to see the multiplication principle actually work in a 100 year generational blessing. As go men in the church, so goes the church. As go men in the nation, so goes the nation. Fortunately, because men have often not taken their spiritual role to the limit, God has raised up many godly women to carry the torch where men have laid it aside. May God rapidly raise up men for the next generation of leaders to the Fourth Generation of spiritual leaders! As men lead in a godly way, women will follow in a godly way and that people will be blessed of the Lord.

Beware of Empty Deception

Posted on April 27, 2012 by shepherdbryan

The miraculous life we saw in Colossians 2:8-10 is a reality for those who humble themselves to God’s will and His power. God is the potter and we are the clay; He will mold and make us while we are waiting, yielded and still. It’s better than any television entertainment or concert, because there is no explanation besides “it’s the Lord doing it.” I’ve seen it many times again and again.So we need to: Beware of empty deception. The key is we can’t fall back to the philosophies, empty deceit of the world or the traditions of men. They ruin any adventure with the Lord. And we need to: Let His fullness lead you against worldly powers. Jesus is fully God and true humanity in one person! God wants you to press forward in the completeness you have in Jesus Christ. Don’t let anyone tell you, if you are a Christian, that you don’t fit in the Body at Grace, or match up to His grace, or will ever get it right! You are complete in Christ and through God’s work of sanctification, you can experience that completeness on a daily basis. If you are a believer, you are complete in Christ and God fully indwells you to live a miraculous life!

This Sunday, Paul addresses the basis for how to deal with legalism. Legalism isn’t something that is as obvious today as it was 40 years ago, but it still exists. So how do we ensure legalism doesn’t press the wind out of you? How do you press forward with joy and anticipation of God’s work in your lives? I’ll tell you Sunday morning from Colossians 2:11-15! Can’t wait to see you. It’ll be a great morning!

Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Posted on April 21, 2012 by shepherdbryan

This book has a great impact on many people. It’s a simple book with thought provoking conversations between a wise older man, “Jones,” and several characters he influences on their journey in life. It is a common sense book and a very enjoyable read, but it leaves out divine reality and truth.

The main character, Jones, is a drifter sort of man who meets individuals in poverty, a failing marriage, old age, failing business and other hopeless situations. Jones helps them see a new perspective to enable them to move forward out of their dire circumstances. Jones offers simple wisdom and hope. For example, in the failing marriage episode, he shares four love languages, which mirror the five love languages that Gary Smalley teaches (Jones doesn’t mention gift giving as a fifth love language). The struggling husband accepts Jones’ advice and returns to his marriage with a fresh perspective and new start. There were several other bits of advice that seem to have a spiritual background, but there is no reference to divine solutions.

One of the penetrating questions Jones’ poses to his listeners is, “What would other people like to change about you?” In other words, what change is necessary in the listener for others to enjoy being around him more? If I am other-centered, as Scripture declares I need to be, then I should consider, reflect and ask others what it might change, so that I can be more effective at building bridges and having a greater influence on others.

Another example is not using “if’s” or “but’s” when asking for forgiveness. For example, if I were to say, “If I hurt you, please forgive me.” That statement doesn’t acknowledge at all that the offender recognizes any offense. It’s really a statement that says, “Let’s get this over with so we can get on with life. You are just very sensitive.” It’s a biblical principle to avoid “if’s” and “but’s” in asking for forgiveness, but the author does not make that connection.

In the same account, Jones asks “Henry” about his unborn child and what name his wife wants to give him. Henry mentions “Caleb” and Jones mentions that the name Caleb is from a noble man who became a ‘victorious old man’ without referring to the biblical account of the story from Joshua 14.

The author, Andy Andrews, invites the reader into realistic conversations that give hope for life. Some of the drama is slow and often the advice very simple. While there are hints of spirituality, neither Jesus Christ nor the grace of God are included as beacons of hope or assurance that God is in control. I enjoyed this casual read as I was not looking for in-depth theology, apologetics, or deep answers to life’s questions.

Book Review: Porn Nation: Conquering America’s #1 Addiction

Posted on April 21, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Porn Nation: Conquering America’s #1 Addiction by Michael Leahy

Michael Leahy was moving successfully through life, until someone with the same problem confronted him, even though he was not willing to admit the problem at first. The cloud of sin had created such a calloused soul that he didn’t think he was affecting anyone else. His double life was his double life, until the truth exposed his dark lie and his world came crashing down.

There is no question that Michael had a tough life growing up, although not greatly worse than many others. His exposure to mild pornography as a young teen was the stimulus that created a desire for more. The pornography that he fed grew to a huge gorilla in the room that he was not willing to admit until he was out of control and he destroyed his marriage and his relationship with his wonderful young boys. This is a very sad story, but real enough that it will help many others who have fallen into (dove into) the bondage of pornography.

When Michael found porn on the internet, his valley became deeper than he could imagine and his callused soul was willing to do anything to keep feeding his desire. This volume will help many who have succumbed to pornography, yet it doesn’t spend enough time giving biblical solutions.

He grew up in a Catholic home and it seems like he switched to another church, North Point Community Church and he references his pastor, Andy Stanley. I would have desired him to explain what he followed to break his life dominating sin, rather than just mention the 12 step program that he joined. There was so much time spent on the sordid details of his life until the exposure of his sin and relatively little spent on a biblical solution. I rejoice that he is in a growing marital relationship and that this volume will help many other men identify the potential crossing lines that get a man (or woman) into trouble.

Walk Rooted in Christ

Posted on April 19, 2012 by shepherdbryan

“Walk rooted in Christ” can only be done if you are confident of your relationship with Him and you are pursuing that relationship through dependency on the Holy Spirit in the Word. God will strengthen that root as you humble yourself and assimilate His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit and then God will build you up and cause you to be established in discipleship. The result will be you springing forth, abounding in thanksgiving. Your pure gratefulness to God for all that He has done and continues to do by His mercy is utterly astounding as you walk rooted in Christ!

Are you stretching in your faith? Are you taking the risk? From the human perspective, it seems like a risk to pray in public or serve in a leadership position, but that is what God wants to do in our lives, so we can worship Him in greater ways as a collective church, the Bride of Christ! Keep pressing ahead, so you don’t have to pay for the same ground twice. There is so little time before Jesus comes back!

This Sunday, we’ll press the objective to the last portion of this first topic of Paul in Colossians 2 – “Living a miraculous life.” It’s Christ, not empty philosophy. I’ve heard too many people question whether God can use them or wonder because they have messed up so many times if God still loves them. I have GOOD NEWS for you this Sunday. I trust I’ll see you there.

The deacons are heading up the work day on Saturday and many hands make light work. I hope you’ll help us make it a short morning starting at 8am, so we can rejoice together at what God will accomplish!

Book Review: Has the Church Replaced Israel?

Posted on April 17, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Has the Church Replaced Israel? By Michael J. Vlach

The relationship between Israel and the Church has been a controversial subject all through Church History, the Church Age. Some will say that Israel was absorbed into the Church. They will say there is only one united people of God in history. This is often called Replacement Theology or “supersessionism.” Some will say, no, there is the Church begun on the Day of Pentecost and while everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ today is part of the Church, the Bride of Christ, including Jews, that Israel is still a people that God will use to fulfill His kingdom purposes by the fulfillment of the Covenants at the Second Advent.
Michael Vlach demonstrates an astute theological understanding and explanation by showing that those who believe the Church replaced Israel have a weak and inadequate case. He adroitly addresses the Bible, theology and history to reveal supersessionism, Replacement Theology, does not reflect biblical truth. Some, who believe the Church replaced Israel, also believe that there will be a national restoration of Israel, but only as a nation and without a distinct purpose God has called Israel to fulfill.
Supersessionism is dangerous theology, because it questions the character of God. If God made an unconditional covenant with Israel that one day they would return to the land, have a Son of David rule on a throne in Israel and bless the world around them, but didn’t really mean that it would happen, then it brings into question the integrity of God. This false interpretation can only result because of symbolic form of interpretation and imposition of typology on the whole of the Old Testament that requires the New Testament for explanation. In other words, the Old Testament cannot stand on its own for promises made to Israel.
One of the arguments that the Church replaced Israel is called “Punitive Supersessionism,” which states basically the Church replaced Israel because God was punishing Israel (Vlach also addresses economic and structural supersessionism adeptly). God certainly removed Israel from His blessing for a time, but the Covenants God made with Israel were unconditional and will be literally fulfilled at the Second Advent.
His discussion on the hermeneutics of supersessionism is thorough and objective. Many have argued that Dispensationalists are not really literalists in interpretation, but arguments are usually pointing at literal interpretation of poetry and eschatological passages that use symbols and have been explained in other parts of Scripture. Replacement Theology does not use a consistent literal hermeneutic, because it foists a system on Scripture rather than letting Scripture speak for itself. This book is a must read to properly grasp the big picture of understanding the Church does not replace Israel in God’s decree.

It’s Faith that Matters

Posted on April 12, 2012 by shepherdbryan

It was great fun having the children on Sunday. They were so alert and Vickie and Debbie did a wonderful job in preparing and leading the children. I’m glad you invited friends and family members to see the children and come to our Resurrection Sunday service.

“When you believe, you will see spiritual” was the message I saw in the passage and first Mary, then the Disciples and finally Thomas were able to see the Lord. Then the penetrating words the Lord spoke, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” God wants us to depend solely by faith on Him. It’s not our senses, our feelings, our experiences, our intelligence that matters nearly as much as faith.

I love the last stanza of “It is Well with My Soul,” which goes:

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend

“Even so” – it is well with my soul.

I pray that your Day of Resurrection was reflective about the Lord’s inscrutable gift of salvation. We’ll get back into Colossians this coming Sunday looking at “How do you become deeply rooted in Christ?” And we’ll need to consider, what are the consequences of not becoming deeply rooted in Him?

Hope you can make the Youth Spaghetti dinner tomorrow night. Justin is going to be the auctioneer and rally some fun for all of us.

Book Review: How do you kill 11 Million People? by

Posted on April 5, 2012 by shepherdbryan

How do you kill 11 Million People? By Andy Andrews

This is a strange title, but an excellent book. It’s a short read, but helpful for those who understand “normalcy bias.” Normalcy bias is the principle that people move deeper into danger, because they do not realize how current events are becoming worse and worse. It happened in the 1930s, when the Jews were mentally manipulated by Hitler’s regime to think “it won’t get any worse” and the government said, “We’re doing this for your protection.” The “new normal” was merely another step to the destruction of the Jews by means of the death camps. Some Jews fled Germany and Holland in the 30s, but those who did not were sent to camps. The Normalcy Bias is thinking, “Things can’t get any worse from this state of being.” Andy Andrews shows how Germany killed over 11 million people – Lie to them. It has happened in other regimes as it did in Germany. People believe the government. They believe because they want it to be true. They believe to their death. People are sheep and will listen to the voice that tells them what they want to hear. What should the United States learn from this? Ask the question, “What is the truth?” Truth is being removed from the United States everyday and yet we are still trusting the government. Andrews does not write this, but the reason is because the truth – Jesus Christ – is forgotten in our world. As He is removed from society, the sheeple (sheep – people) will believe what they want to hear. Will we realize it before it’s too late?

Book Review: Living the Cross Centered Life

Posted on April 5, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

What keeps the Christian’s perspective on target for eternity? The cross. The cross-centered life is the one paradigm that will keep Christians focused on the freedom that exists in this bondage-wrecking world. The very essence of faith is the cross of Christ. It sets us free from bondage of a normal life to living a supernatural life, even one living on earth. Several times he addresses three things that rob the Christian from joy: Subjectivism; Legalism and Condemnation. Each of these pulls the Christian from the cross and takes His joy away. He writes, “We never move on from the cross, only into a more profound understanding of the cross.” I also appreciate his discussion on “feelings.” He writes, “We allow our feelings to guide our thinking, and we shouldn’t…that should be left to God’s Word alone.” This direct, easy to read volume will get you back on track to a simple pure devotion to Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).

Divine Eyesight

Posted on April 4, 2012 by shepherdbryan

I love that word church. It’s the Bride of Christ. It’s God’s people He is using to build His kingdom. It’s you who have placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and spiritually thirst for Him.

Sunday, we looked at Divine Eyesight and how important it is to slow down and put on“Jesus-glasses” to see what is really going on with people. I love that scene on the DVD we saw where the main character bumps into the big guy while rushing out of the coffee shop. “Hey, watch out!” the big guy grumbles, but what the main character sees is “He needs a hug.” When we look at the outside we might see gruffness, but when we look at the heart, as God sees, we see the need. How are you doing about slowing down to really see and then build a bridge, so that you can reach the real need? We can through Christ who strengthens us become the church, the Bride, God wants us to be. We need to believe.

I hope you’ve had some time with family this week. I’d love for you to join us Good Friday night to reflect on our Savior’s death. I’ve invited several people myself; I hope they come to slow down and reflect. The Eggstravaganza will be at 11amthis year and that’s always a lot of fun to see the children so wide-eyed gathering the treats AFTER they hear the gospel message. And Resurrection Sunday will be a great day to consider how awesome our God is. What does Thomas say when he puts his hands on the Lord? “My Lord and my God!”

Book Review: The Amazing Story of Creation from Science and the Bible by Duane Gish

Posted on April 1, 2012 by shepherdbryan

The Amazing Story of Creation from Science and the Bible by Duane T. Gish

This is an incredible book giving a bird’s eye view of God’s biblical account of creation. Eight short chapters give factual information on why evolution is not compatible with reality and why the Biblical account is the only possible explanation. He begins with the immensity of our solar system and universe. He explains succinctly that there could not be a big bang, because explosions always result in disorder, not the order of God’s creation. He aptly explains the need for a divine Creator in the protection of the earth, the earth’s 23.5 degree tilt on its axis and in the creation of plants and animals. This volume is simply written so a child could understand it and so an adult would be challenged by the details presented. His treatment of evolution answers questions related to why evolution could not have happened. I especially appreciated his presentation for why it would be impossible for animals to evolve from sea to land and air animals. His explanation for the existence of dinosaurs is short, but clear on God’s creation of them. He offers several explanations for their extinction. His description of whether man came from Adam or from an ape deals with the foolish “discoveries” that were actually hoaxes. And finally the story of the bombardier beetle will give every Creationist confidence that evolution is impossible. Use this book to help someone dealing with the biblical creation account. It’s very faithful to Scripture.

Shepherding Truth

Renewing Truth, Rightly Divided

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