Here is a Christmas test. If you want to take it, answer the questions and give me your email address and I will send you the answer sheet.
1. Jesus was born on December 25th. (True or False)
2. Joseph was from:
a. Bethlehem
b. Jerusalem
c. Nazareth
d. Egypt
e. Minnesota
f. None of the above
3. How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
a. Camel
b. Donkey
c. Walked
d. Volkswagen
e. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
f. Who knows
4. Mary and Joseph were married when Mary became pregnant. (True or False)
5. Mary and Joseph were married when Jesus was born. (True or False)
6. Mary was a virgin when she delivered Jesus. (True or False)
7. What did the innkeeper tell Mary and Joseph?
a. There is no room in the inn.
b. I have a stable you can use.
c. Come back after the Christmas rush and I should have some room.
d. Both A and B
e. None of the above.
8. Jesus was delivered in a:
a. Stable
b. Manger
c. Cave
d. Barn
e. Unknown
9. A “manger” is a:
a. Stable for domestic animals.
b. Wooden hay storage bin.
c. Feeding trough.
d. Barn.
10. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth?
a. cows, sheep, goats.
b. cows, donkeys, sheep.
c. sheep and goats only.
d. miscellaneous barnyard animals.
e. lions, tigers, bears (oh my!).
f. None of the above.
11. Who saw the star in the east?
a. Shepherds.
b. Mary and Joseph.
c. Three kings.
d. Both A and C.
e. None of the above.
12. How many angels spoke to the shepherds?
a. One
b. Three
c. A “Multitude”
d. None of the above.
13. What “sign” did the angels tell the shepherd to look for?
a. “This way to baby Jesus.”
b. A star over Bethlehem.
c. A baby that doesn’t cry.
d. A house with pretty Christmas lights.
e. A baby in a stable.
f. None of the above.
14. What did the angels sing?
a. “Joy to the world, the Lord is Come.”
b. “Alleluia”
c. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”
d. “Glory to God in the highest,” etc.
e. “Glory to the newborn King”
f. “My sweet Lord”
15. What is a Heavenly Host?
a. An angel at the gate of Heaven.
b. The angel who invites people to Heaven.
c. An angel who serves drinks in Heaven.
d. An angelic choir.
e. An angelic army.
f. None of the above.
16. The baby Jesus cried:
a. When the doctor slapped him on his bottom.
b. When the little drummer boy started banging on his drum.
c. Just like other babies.
d. He never cried.
17. What is “frankincense”?
a. precious metal.
b. A precious fabric.
c. A precious perfume.
d. Monster money.
e. None of the above.
18. What is “myrrh”?
a. An easily shaped metal.
b. A spice used for burying people.
c. A drink.
d. Aftershave lotion.
e. None of the above.
19. How many wise men came to see Jesus? (Write in the correct number.)
20. What does “wise men” refer to?
a. Men of the educated class.
b. They were eastern Kings.
c. They were astrologers.
d. They were smart enough to follow a star.
e. They were “sages.”
21. The wise men found Jesus in a:
a. Manger
b. Stable
c. House
d. Holiday Inn
e. Good Mood
22. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem:
a. To inform Herod about Jesus.
b. To find out where Jesus was.
c. To ask about the star they saw.
d. For gas.
e. To buy presents for Jesus.
f. To give their Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
23. Where do we find the Christmas story in order to check up on all these ridiculous questions?
a. Matthew
b. Mark
c. Luke
d. John
e. All of the above
f. Only A and B
g. Only A and C
h. Only A, B and C
i. Only X, Y and Z
j. Aesops Fables
24. Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
a. The angel.
b. Mary’s mother.
c. Herod.
d. Caesar Augustus.
e. Alexander the Great.
f. They followed the star.
g. No one told them to.
25. Joseph took the baby Jesus to Egypt:
a. To show him the pyramids.
b. To teach him the wisdom of the Pharaohs.
c. To put him in a basket in the reeds by the river.
d. Because he dreamed it.
e. To be taxed.
f. Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt.
g. None of the above.
EXTRA CREDIT
There was snow that first Christmas:
a. Only in Bethlehem.
b. All over Israel.
c. Nowhere in Israel.
d. Somewhere in Israel.
e. Mary and Joseph only “dreamed” of a White Christmas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
me
I am the Pastor at Terlton’s First Baptist Church in Terlton, OK. Terlton is a community of about 90 people located in Pawnee county. I have been the Pastor of FBC since January 1, 2008. Before coming to Terlton I spent 15 years in Student Ministry working with students in Oklahoma and Texas. I also have a passion for missions, having led groups into multiple places in the US as well as taking groups into Eastern Europe and Peru. In February of 2009, I went with a group of ministers into the nation of Malawi. It was absolutely amazing. God truly poured blessing on our group as well as the people in Malawi. If you want to see pictures and music from the trip, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQtJlizc6j4. I went back to Malawi in March of 2010. Our team saw 414 people come to faith in Christ in 5 days of ministry. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CfcftDUabM to see a video from that trip. God blessed me again by sending me to Malawi in March 2011 and our team led 315 people to saving faith in Jesus. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTCwrDE4J3U to see the video of this trip. Lastly you can click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zavhL6tpHsA to view our church trip to Peru in March 2012.
If you would like to listen to sermons I have preached you can click on https://vimeo.com/user10031718.
My wife Shelly and I have been married since September of 1999 and we have three daughters. Taylor Michelle was born November of 2001, Sydney Paige was born March of 2005, and Emiley Ryanne was born December of 2006. We have one dog, a Manchester Terrier named Flo, and about five cats that hang out around our home - but they don’t count because cats are worthless.
I was 16 years old when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord and followed His call in my life to serve Him in ministry about a year later. I was raised in church and knew all about God but didn’t have a meaningful relationship until then. My heartbeat and passion is for people to know that they are called to be more than average Christians. They are called to be passionate disciples of Christ. My life verse is Acts 4:13 which reads, “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.” When people see us do they notice something different about us? But more importantly do they see us as people who have been with Jesus?
God Bless,
Scott Watkins
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If you would like to listen to sermons I have preached you can click on https://vimeo.com/user10031718.
My wife Shelly and I have been married since September of 1999 and we have three daughters. Taylor Michelle was born November of 2001, Sydney Paige was born March of 2005, and Emiley Ryanne was born December of 2006. We have one dog, a Manchester Terrier named Flo, and about five cats that hang out around our home - but they don’t count because cats are worthless.
I was 16 years old when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord and followed His call in my life to serve Him in ministry about a year later. I was raised in church and knew all about God but didn’t have a meaningful relationship until then. My heartbeat and passion is for people to know that they are called to be more than average Christians. They are called to be passionate disciples of Christ. My life verse is Acts 4:13 which reads, “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.” When people see us do they notice something different about us? But more importantly do they see us as people who have been with Jesus?
God Bless,
Scott Watkins
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
congress?????
I recently read this article at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3760232. I went ahead and copy and pasted here for you to read. Check this out!
WASHINGTON -- Taking aim at a BCS system he said "consistently misfires," a member of Congress planned to introduce legislation Wednesday that would force college football to adopt a playoff to determine the national champion.
Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, didn't specify what sort of playoff he wants -- only that the BCS should go.
"In some years the sport's national championship winner was left unsettled, and at least one school was left out of the many millions of dollars in revenue that accompany the title," Barton said in a statement released ahead of the bill's introduction. "Despite repeated efforts to improve the system, the controversy rages on."
He said the bill -- being co-sponsored by Reps. Bobby Rush, an Illinois Democrat, and Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican -- "will prohibit the marketing, promotion, and advertising of a postseason game as a 'national championship' football game, unless it is the result of a playoff system. Violations of the prohibition will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice."
The BCS was created in 1998 by the six most powerful conferences. Since then, the system has been tweaked to make it easier for teams from smaller conferences to qualify for the top games. The sites for the four BCS bowls -- the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta -- take turns hosting a championship game between the top two teams in the BCS standings, which are based on two human polls and six computer ratings.
This season, Florida (12-1) and Oklahoma (12-1) will meet in the BCS title game Jan. 8 in Miami.
Barton cited Southern California in 2003 and undefeated Auburn in 2004 as examples of worthy teams left out of the BCS national championship game.
"This year, we again have two teams with one loss each playing for the 'championship,' while two undefeated teams and four additional teams with only one loss will play in bowl games, but none can become 'champion," he said.
When an Energy and Commerce subcommittee held a hearing about the BCS in 2005, lawmakers said they weren't going to pursue legislation.
"The BCS method of determining who is No. 1 consistently misfires," Barton said Wednesday. "Simply exposing the flaws and subjecting them to discussion ... hasn't led to improvement by those who run the system."
© 2008 by The Associated Press
Excuse me, but who does Congress think they are? What makes them think they can pass a law that forces these institutions to change a system for football? We are not talking about raising teacher's salaries (which needs to be done). We are not talking about making the learning environment more conducive for all students (which needs to be done). We are not even talking about helping our economy, which we would all agree needs to be done.
The job of Congress is not to regulate Collegiate Athletics but to make our nation safer and stronger for its people. I wish Congress would take care of what they need to take care of and let the institutions do their jobs. How immature we become when our team gets left out! Get over it Texas!!!!!!!!!!
WASHINGTON -- Taking aim at a BCS system he said "consistently misfires," a member of Congress planned to introduce legislation Wednesday that would force college football to adopt a playoff to determine the national champion.
Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, didn't specify what sort of playoff he wants -- only that the BCS should go.
"In some years the sport's national championship winner was left unsettled, and at least one school was left out of the many millions of dollars in revenue that accompany the title," Barton said in a statement released ahead of the bill's introduction. "Despite repeated efforts to improve the system, the controversy rages on."
He said the bill -- being co-sponsored by Reps. Bobby Rush, an Illinois Democrat, and Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican -- "will prohibit the marketing, promotion, and advertising of a postseason game as a 'national championship' football game, unless it is the result of a playoff system. Violations of the prohibition will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice."
The BCS was created in 1998 by the six most powerful conferences. Since then, the system has been tweaked to make it easier for teams from smaller conferences to qualify for the top games. The sites for the four BCS bowls -- the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta -- take turns hosting a championship game between the top two teams in the BCS standings, which are based on two human polls and six computer ratings.
This season, Florida (12-1) and Oklahoma (12-1) will meet in the BCS title game Jan. 8 in Miami.
Barton cited Southern California in 2003 and undefeated Auburn in 2004 as examples of worthy teams left out of the BCS national championship game.
"This year, we again have two teams with one loss each playing for the 'championship,' while two undefeated teams and four additional teams with only one loss will play in bowl games, but none can become 'champion," he said.
When an Energy and Commerce subcommittee held a hearing about the BCS in 2005, lawmakers said they weren't going to pursue legislation.
"The BCS method of determining who is No. 1 consistently misfires," Barton said Wednesday. "Simply exposing the flaws and subjecting them to discussion ... hasn't led to improvement by those who run the system."
© 2008 by The Associated Press
Excuse me, but who does Congress think they are? What makes them think they can pass a law that forces these institutions to change a system for football? We are not talking about raising teacher's salaries (which needs to be done). We are not talking about making the learning environment more conducive for all students (which needs to be done). We are not even talking about helping our economy, which we would all agree needs to be done.
The job of Congress is not to regulate Collegiate Athletics but to make our nation safer and stronger for its people. I wish Congress would take care of what they need to take care of and let the institutions do their jobs. How immature we become when our team gets left out! Get over it Texas!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
sore
Many of you have heard but some have not. Tuesday October 28, our family was involved in a major car accident. I had preached my uncle’s funeral and was returning from Tahlequah, where my parents live, back to Cleveland for Taylor’s soccer practice. All five of us were in the van together. As I am driving West on highway 412, I glance up to see the price of gas at a gas station right along the road. When I look back at the road I see our van traveling right toward a DHL van that had crossed over the median to go north on the other side of our lane. We smashed right into the center back of his van. The speed limit was 70 and my cruise control was set. I hit my brake as soon as I could but it was not in time.
The next thing I know our airbags deploy and our car is spinning. When our car comes to a stop I unbuckle my seatbelt as does Shelly, and we get out of the car and begin to get the girls out. Emiley has blood in her mouth and Sydney is crying as well. We yell back to Taylor in the back seat and she does not respond. After a few seconds she finally does and says her foot is hurt. All of the sudden people started showing up. An off duty police officer and off duty fireman came. Another man set up reflecting triangles on the road.
We get the girls out and an ambulance shows up and we get the girls in on gurneys. We all get in the ambulance together and they take us to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. They run multiple test and everything came back negative. No broken bones, but bruises. I did have some glass in my hand from the windshield that they had to take out and some stitches but that is it. God was so with us in the van.
I took Shelly to the ER today because we could not get into the doctor's office. She has been complaining about dizzy spells and spinning rooms. I told her it is probably the Jack Daniels (just kidding). So she went in and the doctor did some tests and told her that he thinks she has vertigo (same title as the U2 song). So he prescribed some stuff for her and she is taking it. Then we took the girls to Tulsa for a follow up visit and the doctor is very impressed with how well they are doing. It is amazing how God has taken care of us.
I can’t put into words how much I appreciate all the prayers and comments we have received. We are so blessed to have such good friends and family. We are still a bit sore but making every day at a time. Thanks for taking time to read this and God bless.
The next thing I know our airbags deploy and our car is spinning. When our car comes to a stop I unbuckle my seatbelt as does Shelly, and we get out of the car and begin to get the girls out. Emiley has blood in her mouth and Sydney is crying as well. We yell back to Taylor in the back seat and she does not respond. After a few seconds she finally does and says her foot is hurt. All of the sudden people started showing up. An off duty police officer and off duty fireman came. Another man set up reflecting triangles on the road.
We get the girls out and an ambulance shows up and we get the girls in on gurneys. We all get in the ambulance together and they take us to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. They run multiple test and everything came back negative. No broken bones, but bruises. I did have some glass in my hand from the windshield that they had to take out and some stitches but that is it. God was so with us in the van.
I took Shelly to the ER today because we could not get into the doctor's office. She has been complaining about dizzy spells and spinning rooms. I told her it is probably the Jack Daniels (just kidding). So she went in and the doctor did some tests and told her that he thinks she has vertigo (same title as the U2 song). So he prescribed some stuff for her and she is taking it. Then we took the girls to Tulsa for a follow up visit and the doctor is very impressed with how well they are doing. It is amazing how God has taken care of us.
I can’t put into words how much I appreciate all the prayers and comments we have received. We are so blessed to have such good friends and family. We are still a bit sore but making every day at a time. Thanks for taking time to read this and God bless.
Scott Watkins
Acts 4:13
Thursday, October 23, 2008
president???
http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=53636f74747c5761746b696e73
Click on the above link and see who just threw their hat in the ring.
Click on the above link and see who just threw their hat in the ring.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
pumpkins as far as the eye can see
Today we are taking kids to an Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch over in Porter. I have no idea how many kids will show up. We may have two, we may have 20. I am not sure that I have ever really been to a pumpkin patch so this is a nice new experience for me. And we are picking up the girls since they have been staying with my parents since Tuesday.
Be in prayer for me as I am preaching Revival services at First Baptist Church in Pawnee. It will begin this Sunday and go through Thursday night. I have only preached one other revival and that was for a friend. When you are in Youth Ministry as long as I was you don't get a lot of invitations to do revivals so I am really excited about this.
That is all that is in my head for today. Hope you all have a great week and weekend and God bless.
In Christ Alone,
Scott
Acts 4:13
Be in prayer for me as I am preaching Revival services at First Baptist Church in Pawnee. It will begin this Sunday and go through Thursday night. I have only preached one other revival and that was for a friend. When you are in Youth Ministry as long as I was you don't get a lot of invitations to do revivals so I am really excited about this.
That is all that is in my head for today. Hope you all have a great week and weekend and God bless.
In Christ Alone,
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
malawi
It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I hope no one’s life lies in the balance based on whether I post or not. There has been a lot happening and we have been incredibly busy.
I am extremely excited to share with you some information. I am going to Malawi February 19–28, 2009. Where is Malawi you ask? Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi and you can read all about it. As you will be able to see when you click on the link, Malawi is in Africa. This
tiny nation is desperately in need of the Gospel. The team I am going with consists of ministers from Oklahoma. In order to baptize people in Malawi their churches require you to be an ordained minister (got that covered in December of 1999). In order to be a leader in the church (as a deacon, elder, or whatever) you must be baptized. There are approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people in Malawi waiting to be baptized. They just don’t have enough ordained ministers. A pastor friend of mine is organizing this trip and we will be baptizing and ministering to the people. There are about 8 of us going and we will line up and baptize about 10, then the next person will baptize 10, then the next. The group leader said we will baptize anywhere between 500–700 people. WOW!This will be the first overseas mission trip I have attended since 2004. I have really missed doing this. I have had a burden for this type of ministry for quite some time. I am asking everyone to be in prayer for me and this team as we prepare for this endeavor. It will be amazing.
Also be in prayer for me as I raise the money to go. The cost of the trip with airfare, lodging, on the ground travel, food, basically everything I need is around $3,000. I am confident that God is going to provide for this trip (www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2050:10;&version=77;). He always has for my trips and He will for this one. But please keep me in your prayers as I step out on this exciting opportunity.
Hope you all are having a great week and please feel free to post comments. Thanks and God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDlMMgV2GkM
Click on the above link and see the new video I posted. Take care.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Click on the above link and see the new video I posted. Take care.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, September 19, 2008
yesterday
Well, yesterday was mine and Shelly's 9 year wedding anniversary. It is amazing how fast time flyes when your having ........ well you know. Actually we have had a wonderful marriage. God has blessed us with three beautiful girls, a great church to serve in, and all the things we need in this life. I am not sure why God takes such good care of us but I do know He sure does..jpg)
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Tonight (Friday) my parents are coming in and I am taking Shelly to Tulsa. We have gift cards to Outback and Cheesecake Factory. Also we are going to spend the night at a nice hotel and I rather not tell you because I know people (David Fensler and Jordan Sauceda) who would come and bother us. But we are excited about getting away and just spending some time together.
It has been a great nine years and I am looking forward to the next 41 or however many there are. You all have a great day and we will blog at you later.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
ahhh
I really hate being sick. I hate it even more when my girls are. The past couple 
of nights in the Watkins house have been interesting to say the least. Monday night I was not feeling too spiffy. And Taylor was a bit puney too. She woke up in the middle of the night and starting throwing up (but as she likes to say, she was pukin'). Then around 4:00 in the morning Sydney wakes up ralphing as well, all in her hair and such. So I clean her up and give her a bath and all I can think about is the puke in her hair. Then I start yelling at the porcelain pony. What a glorious time. But now we are all feeling much better. Taylor stayed home from school yesterday and today and Sydney (goes to pre-school on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays) did not got today.
of nights in the Watkins house have been interesting to say the least. Monday night I was not feeling too spiffy. And Taylor was a bit puney too. She woke up in the middle of the night and starting throwing up (but as she likes to say, she was pukin'). Then around 4:00 in the morning Sydney wakes up ralphing as well, all in her hair and such. So I clean her up and give her a bath and all I can think about is the puke in her hair. Then I start yelling at the porcelain pony. What a glorious time. But now we are all feeling much better. Taylor stayed home from school yesterday and today and Sydney (goes to pre-school on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays) did not got today.It is a lot better around our house. Thanks for those who prayed for us and for those who did not because I am sure most of you had no idea what was happening. Anyway, have a great day and watch out for this stomach bug. It will slap you pretty hard!
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
just a vapor
Have you ever noticed that things happen at super speed? I am not referring to Superman, but I suppose we can reference him here. I am referring to the fact that everything around us is moving faster. I heard this as a kid and not sure if I believed it back then or not, but the older you get the faster time seems to move. I have been pastoring this church in Terlton now for a little over 8 months and it seems like three months. Time is moving so fast.
I recently attended the funeral of Dr. Tom Woodson. He was the Pastor of Keystone H
ills Baptist Church in Sand Springs, OK. For those of you outside of Oklahoma, that is just west of Tulsa. He was only 47 years old when he died. From what I am told he had a massive heart attack and a blood clot that went to his brain and then a stroke. All this happened while he had been watering his grass. I know that Tom did not wake up that morning and know it would be his last. He probably thought he would live for another 30 years or so. He left behind his wife and three daughters. The daughters are all in Youth age at the church.
The Bible is very specific when it reads in Psalm 144:4, “Man is like a breath (or a vapor); his days are like a passing shadow.” Our lives are quick. You are here today and can be gone tomorrow. Nothing is guaranteed! Just a minute. I made a mistake. If you place your life in Christ He guarantees He will take you to Heaven when you die. Right now Tom Woodson is in Heaven with Christ, enjoying the fullness of who Christ is. But unless you know Christ as your Savior you are guaranteed eternal death in hell. Have you made the choice to allow Christ to be your Lord and Savior? If not, just remember Tom Woodson. He had no idea his life would end that day. But he knew his life was in the hands of the One who saved him while he was in college.
If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me. I would love to help you. You can read about my decision to follow Christ by clicking on http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109. God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
I recently attended the funeral of Dr. Tom Woodson. He was the Pastor of Keystone H
ills Baptist Church in Sand Springs, OK. For those of you outside of Oklahoma, that is just west of Tulsa. He was only 47 years old when he died. From what I am told he had a massive heart attack and a blood clot that went to his brain and then a stroke. All this happened while he had been watering his grass. I know that Tom did not wake up that morning and know it would be his last. He probably thought he would live for another 30 years or so. He left behind his wife and three daughters. The daughters are all in Youth age at the church.The Bible is very specific when it reads in Psalm 144:4, “Man is like a breath (or a vapor); his days are like a passing shadow.” Our lives are quick. You are here today and can be gone tomorrow. Nothing is guaranteed! Just a minute. I made a mistake. If you place your life in Christ He guarantees He will take you to Heaven when you die. Right now Tom Woodson is in Heaven with Christ, enjoying the fullness of who Christ is. But unless you know Christ as your Savior you are guaranteed eternal death in hell. Have you made the choice to allow Christ to be your Lord and Savior? If not, just remember Tom Woodson. He had no idea his life would end that day. But he knew his life was in the hands of the One who saved him while he was in college.
If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me. I would love to help you. You can read about my decision to follow Christ by clicking on http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109. God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 29, 2008
deliverance
For the last year (to date) my mind has been swimming in an ocean of wonder. Wondering what has happened. I am not going to go into detail about what happened on this date last year to make this my D-Day, but I can say with certainty that God has taken care of my family and my self even during the midst of confusion and wonder. God has made His presence known to me even when struggles with anger and frustration creep into my mind.
Many have asked why things happen the way they do. Why would my circumstance happen? If God truly loves and wants to take care of us why would He allow this to take place? In my opinion the only answer is He DOES love me. He loves me enough to allow me to go through hard times so that He can show me just how much He wants to take care of me. If we only had joyful and happy times we could never see God’s awesome presence through the bad times. It is during those bad times that we appreciate Him even more.
I can’t tell you what a joy it has been over the past eight months to be where we are. And looking back what a joy it is to not be where we were. We made some amazing friends (Ryan, Mindi, Jamie, Julie, Debbie, Rick, the Anderson’s, the Chavez’s, and countless others) and we will always be friends with them (love you guys. Sorry to leave people out but I don’t have time to type everyone’s names). But God has shown me so much through the time we were “no where.” I actually substituted in a kindergarten class (5 times). I EVEN subbed in Pre-K. Now that was nuts. Even though I subbed in those classes and many others in those 4 months it was a time where God was preparing me for Big–T, Terlton that is. He prepared my heart for pastoring the best church in the world, and I don’t say that flippantly.
Why do bad things happen to people who do nothing wrong? So that God can show you just how awesome He is. He never promised an easy road, but He did promise that He would be there with you and take you to places only He has for you. What a great God He is!!!
In the blood of Christ,
Scott Watkins
Acts 4:13
Many have asked why things happen the way they do. Why would my circumstance happen? If God truly loves and wants to take care of us why would He allow this to take place? In my opinion the only answer is He DOES love me. He loves me enough to allow me to go through hard times so that He can show me just how much He wants to take care of me. If we only had joyful and happy times we could never see God’s awesome presence through the bad times. It is during those bad times that we appreciate Him even more.
I can’t tell you what a joy it has been over the past eight months to be where we are. And looking back what a joy it is to not be where we were. We made some amazing friends (Ryan, Mindi, Jamie, Julie, Debbie, Rick, the Anderson’s, the Chavez’s, and countless others) and we will always be friends with them (love you guys. Sorry to leave people out but I don’t have time to type everyone’s names). But God has shown me so much through the time we were “no where.” I actually substituted in a kindergarten class (5 times). I EVEN subbed in Pre-K. Now that was nuts. Even though I subbed in those classes and many others in those 4 months it was a time where God was preparing me for Big–T, Terlton that is. He prepared my heart for pastoring the best church in the world, and I don’t say that flippantly.
Why do bad things happen to people who do nothing wrong? So that God can show you just how awesome He is. He never promised an easy road, but He did promise that He would be there with you and take you to places only He has for you. What a great God He is!!!
In the blood of Christ,
Scott Watkins
Acts 4:13
Monday, August 25, 2008
the gospel according to superman; part 1
As many of you know I am a Superman geek. I have a Superman lunch box in my office that I had when I was in grade school. It was one of the old vintage metal ones. It has Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Jackie Cooper on it. Such a classic. I also have about 4 Superman t-shirts, a Superman cap, and other Superman memorabilia in my office. To me, Superman is the embodiment of all that is good, other than Christ of course. But Superman is a symbol known around the world as someone good and full of justice.
Of course being a Superman fan I purchased the DVD of Superman Returns (2006) when it first hit the stores. I received Superman 1–4 staring Christopher Reeve from my sister for Christmas. Yesterday I took some time to watch Superman Returns and enjoyed watching my favorite super hero. the movie not receive stellar reviews but watching it for about the 5th time I now have really enjoyed it. But as I watch it I pick up on some interesting things mentioned in this film.
In once scene Superman takes Lois on a private flight into the sky. Lois has won a Pulitzer Prize for an article she wrote entitled, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” The dialogue goes like this:
Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Of course being a Superman fan I purchased the DVD of Superman Returns (2006) when it first hit the stores. I received Superman 1–4 staring Christopher Reeve from my sister for Christmas. Yesterday I took some time to watch Superman Returns and enjoyed watching my favorite super hero. the movie not receive stellar reviews but watching it for about the 5th time I now have really enjoyed it. But as I watch it I pick up on some interesting things mentioned in this film.
In once scene Superman takes Lois on a private flight into the sky. Lois has won a Pulitzer Prize for an article she wrote entitled, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” The dialogue goes like this:
Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Lois Lane: Nothing.
Superman: I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.
It seems like there are so many people in our world who believe they don’t need a Savior and they try to accomplish things on their own. But aren’t you glad that God hears everything. He hears the cries of people. You may not realize it but there are people all around the world crying out to God. They may not say it vocally but their very lives tell it. We as Christians can become like Lois. We get so caught up in our own lives and tune people out and forget they need to know about Him.
What are we doing to share the Gospel? It is imperative that we become attentive to the cries of those needing Christ. Make it a commitment to live your life sharing the only thing that can truly save mankind. Not the man in the blue tights but the Man who defeated sin. The ultimate superman – Jesus Christ.
It seems like there are so many people in our world who believe they don’t need a Savior and they try to accomplish things on their own. But aren’t you glad that God hears everything. He hears the cries of people. You may not realize it but there are people all around the world crying out to God. They may not say it vocally but their very lives tell it. We as Christians can become like Lois. We get so caught up in our own lives and tune people out and forget they need to know about Him.
What are we doing to share the Gospel? It is imperative that we become attentive to the cries of those needing Christ. Make it a commitment to live your life sharing the only thing that can truly save mankind. Not the man in the blue tights but the Man who defeated sin. The ultimate superman – Jesus Christ.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
it's coming soon!!!
D–Day will be here soon. Only 10 days away. Make sure you check out this blog then and maybe a couple of times before then too.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
what is most important to you?
When I was growing up, my parents always took us to church. When we woke up on Sunday morning we never asked the question, “Are we going to church today?” We just got up, put on “church” clothes and went. BTW, if I ever DID ask my parents would have slapped my face and told me to get dressed. My dad was our Music Minister and my mom was as faithful as anyone else in the church.
When I was five (5) I began to ask questions about Jesus, mostly because some of my friends were and they were getting baptized and I wanted to be baptized. So I learned the answers and I knelt down by my mom & dad’s bed and my dad led me through a sinner’s prayer. I got baptized and thought it was cool.
When I was nine (9) the cool thing was to be saved AGAIN, and as most people know nine year olds know exactly what “cool” is. (You cannot be saved more than one time. Read John 10:28-30). So at a Vacation Bible School at Calvary Church in Hominy, OK, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. But my prayer was not sincere. Again I was baptized and felt good about myself.
At the age of 16, I was at a crusade in Bartlesville, OK. It was August 28, 1990, and I don’t think I heard a word the preacher was saying. All I remember was that if I did not get saved that night I was going to go to hell. Well, I didn’t want to go to hell. So I went forward at the invitation. A friend of mine saw me and began to talk to me about salvation. He thought I was already saved because I was one of the most active students in our Ministry. He began to talk to me about Scriptures and when he would start on, like Romans 3:23, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” I would finish it for him, every verse. I knew it in my head but not in my heart. I had even led a boy to Christ when I was in 7th grade without even knowing Christ myself.
That night in Bartlesville, I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have had no doubts since then. Since then God has called me to serve Him in ministry and I have been doing that for 15 years. God is so good to me even when I am not good to Him (2 Timothy 2:13 reads, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself”).
If you are reading this and have questions about a relationship with God, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to talk to you about the most important decision of your life.
http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109
thank You for the cross Lord
thank You for the price You paid
bearing all my sin and shame
in love You came and gave amazing grace
thank You for this love Lord
thank You for the nail pierced hands
washed me in Your cleansing flow
now all i knowYour forgiveness and embrace
worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne
crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
high and lifted up Jesus Son of God
the Darling of Heaven crucified
worthy is the Lamb
worthy is the Lamb
In Christ,
Scott
Acts 4:13
When I was five (5) I began to ask questions about Jesus, mostly because some of my friends were and they were getting baptized and I wanted to be baptized. So I learned the answers and I knelt down by my mom & dad’s bed and my dad led me through a sinner’s prayer. I got baptized and thought it was cool.
When I was nine (9) the cool thing was to be saved AGAIN, and as most people know nine year olds know exactly what “cool” is. (You cannot be saved more than one time. Read John 10:28-30). So at a Vacation Bible School at Calvary Church in Hominy, OK, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. But my prayer was not sincere. Again I was baptized and felt good about myself.
At the age of 16, I was at a crusade in Bartlesville, OK. It was August 28, 1990, and I don’t think I heard a word the preacher was saying. All I remember was that if I did not get saved that night I was going to go to hell. Well, I didn’t want to go to hell. So I went forward at the invitation. A friend of mine saw me and began to talk to me about salvation. He thought I was already saved because I was one of the most active students in our Ministry. He began to talk to me about Scriptures and when he would start on, like Romans 3:23, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” I would finish it for him, every verse. I knew it in my head but not in my heart. I had even led a boy to Christ when I was in 7th grade without even knowing Christ myself.
That night in Bartlesville, I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have had no doubts since then. Since then God has called me to serve Him in ministry and I have been doing that for 15 years. God is so good to me even when I am not good to Him (2 Timothy 2:13 reads, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself”).
If you are reading this and have questions about a relationship with God, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to talk to you about the most important decision of your life.
http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109
thank You for the cross Lord
thank You for the price You paid
bearing all my sin and shame
in love You came and gave amazing grace
thank You for this love Lord
thank You for the nail pierced hands
washed me in Your cleansing flow
now all i knowYour forgiveness and embrace
worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne
crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
high and lifted up Jesus Son of God
the Darling of Heaven crucified
worthy is the Lamb
worthy is the Lamb
In Christ,
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 8, 2008
what the heck are we doing?
In all honesty I never saw myself being the Pastor of a traditional Baptist church. I believed I would continue in Student Ministry for a few more years (5–8) and then move into a Minister of Missions or even student evangelism. I love proclaiming the Word to students and adults and I love missions; not just going but helping others go as well. So when my Student Ministry days ended abruptly, my thoughts and desires began to change as well.
I saw my friends endure different trials and deacon’s meetings while they served as the Pastor or their churches. Who wants to put themselves through that garbage? I know I didn’t. I was always under the impression that church was a place where people loved the Lord and loved each other and loved sinners to salvation. I guess I was just too naive. I had no idea that the church was a place where grown men and women belly-ached and complained when they thought the color of the carpet should have been brick and not burgundy. (For those of you not familiar, brick and burgundy are EXTREMELY similar.) When people complain because the Pastor is talking about going to one restaurant but forgets to mention that he went to another where a church member really enjoys THEIR tacos instead. Regardless, “church” has become a four-letter word to many people, even though it has six letters (actually it has four because “c” and “h” are repeated.) I sit back and think why would anyone, if they knew how Christians really were, would want to come here?
That is where my calling has come into play. Because of God’s great mercy, and probably His humor, He has allowed me to become a Pastor. I believe He has called me to help lead the church to be different than it has been. To be focused on what really matters. You may ask, “Scott, what really matters?” I’m glad you asked. Sinners coming to a place of repentance and salvation. That is what really matters! The color of carpet and the restaurant you go to have nothing to do with eternity. BUT, our petty differences in God’s church can make the difference between someone spending an eternity in Heaven or spending a life damned in hell. The church must wake up and realize that what we are doing is hurting Christ. Let’s be real men and women and dismiss our petty differences and strive forward to win the lost to Jesus. Are you with me? I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!! Are you with ME?!?!?!
Scott
Acts 4:13
I saw my friends endure different trials and deacon’s meetings while they served as the Pastor or their churches. Who wants to put themselves through that garbage? I know I didn’t. I was always under the impression that church was a place where people loved the Lord and loved each other and loved sinners to salvation. I guess I was just too naive. I had no idea that the church was a place where grown men and women belly-ached and complained when they thought the color of the carpet should have been brick and not burgundy. (For those of you not familiar, brick and burgundy are EXTREMELY similar.) When people complain because the Pastor is talking about going to one restaurant but forgets to mention that he went to another where a church member really enjoys THEIR tacos instead. Regardless, “church” has become a four-letter word to many people, even though it has six letters (actually it has four because “c” and “h” are repeated.) I sit back and think why would anyone, if they knew how Christians really were, would want to come here?
That is where my calling has come into play. Because of God’s great mercy, and probably His humor, He has allowed me to become a Pastor. I believe He has called me to help lead the church to be different than it has been. To be focused on what really matters. You may ask, “Scott, what really matters?” I’m glad you asked. Sinners coming to a place of repentance and salvation. That is what really matters! The color of carpet and the restaurant you go to have nothing to do with eternity. BUT, our petty differences in God’s church can make the difference between someone spending an eternity in Heaven or spending a life damned in hell. The church must wake up and realize that what we are doing is hurting Christ. Let’s be real men and women and dismiss our petty differences and strive forward to win the lost to Jesus. Are you with me? I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!! Are you with ME?!?!?!
Scott
Acts 4:13
Thursday, August 7, 2008
building clean up
As many of you know our church is joining with our community to clean up the old school facility that is lying in ruins across the street. A few years ago the school lost funding and since all the students would funnel into Cleveland High School, Cleveland Public Schools decided to close it down. From there it became a target for vandalism. Kids were shooting out
windows and creating a bigger problem. Pawnee County came in and decided to demolish the building but left it looking like the picture on the side.
There is still playground equipment that can be used but because of the rubble it is too dangerous for kids to play on it. So we want to do something about it. Shelly’s parents are the College Directors for the Monterey Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX. Their students want to be part of missions so they decided to come up to Terlton and help us clean up this mess. Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, we are going to have a Community Project to clean up the school. We will be clearing out bricks, wood, and doing whatever we can to get that place ready for a park. Some will be cleaning off the bricks so they can be sold. Others will be helping with water and other refreshments while others will be doing whatever else is needed. This will be a HUGE project.
windows and creating a bigger problem. Pawnee County came in and decided to demolish the building but left it looking like the picture on the side.
There is still playground equipment that can be used but because of the rubble it is too dangerous for kids to play on it. So we want to do something about it. Shelly’s parents are the College Directors for the Monterey Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX. Their students want to be part of missions so they decided to come up to Terlton and help us clean up this mess. Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, we are going to have a Community Project to clean up the school. We will be clearing out bricks, wood, and doing whatever we can to get that place ready for a park. Some will be cleaning off the bricks so they can be sold. Others will be helping with water and other refreshments while others will be doing whatever else is needed. This will be a HUGE project.
It has been said to me that in any small town the school is the hub for everything that happens in that community. When there is no school someone MUST step up and take that place of the hub. If the church does not take it someone else will. I want this church to be that hub. This church needs to make an IMPACT in the lives of these people and this project can help us begin to do just that. If you can come help us on either day, please do so. If all you can do is pray (that sounds tacky) then please do so. Prayer is so much more powerful than we think. God desires each of us to do something for Him that is significant. Please help us reach people for Christ and see His Kingdom advanced.
In Christ Alone,
Scott
Acts 4:13
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Scott
Acts 4:13
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
have you ever?
Maybe it is just me, but have you ever just wanted to strangle your children, at least those of you who have children. Today we had a little excursion to Hominy (GO BUCKS) to get our hair cut. Yes we all go together to the same person on the same day. I am an old married guy with three girls. Anyway, the whole time we are in the place they are psychos. I don’t mean the cute cuddly psychos. I mean the ones who won’t stop grabbing hairspray bottles and putting them in their mouths (that was mostly Emiley who is 19 mos.). I decide to take them on a walk through the metropolis known as Hominy and I am pushing Emiley in the stroller and Sydney and Taylor are walking with me. About ¼ of mile into it Taylor is sooooo tired and wanting a break. I am trying to tell her that I need to get back to get my hair cut and she is dragging her feet and Sydney is not keeping up. When we finally get there and get done we go eat.They actually weren’t too bad in there. So we get in the van and drive to Tulsa because a girl in our church just had a baby yesterday and we are going to see them. They fight and argue the entire way. So I finally told them that no one else is to talk. So we finally get to Southcrest Hospital and go see the baby. Cute kid. Then back in the van and that is when it got crazy.
We stop for gas and they HAVE to have a drink. So I get Taylor some water and she shares it with her sisters. Then Emiley is yelling, “MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM!” and won’t stop because she wants more water. Then Sydney is mimicking her. Why in the world did God give them voices before they were 12?
I am really praying that I be the dad these girls need me to be. In 3 John 1:4 it reads, “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What an awesome thought. Even though my beautiful daughters may drive me into an insane asylum, I want them so much to love God with all their hearts. No great joy will I ever have than to know that they are walking with the Lord. God bless.
SDW
Acts 4:13
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
in my head
To be honest I am not really sure why I am starting this. It seems a bit arrogant to think that people would actually want to read what I think. I am by no means a deep theologian. I have a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University but have never been to seminary. And I really don't plan on going to seminary.
I have been the Lead Pastor now for a little over 7 months. Before this I was in Student Ministry for about 15 years. There is a part of me that misses Student Ministry but at the same time I really enjoy the pastoring. Probably the hardest thing I have experienced while being THE GUY is the loss of connectedness with students. When we went to Falls Creek it was so weird because in the past I would spend so much time investing in students through the year and then see my time and efforts grow while at camp. This year I found my self not knowing the kids that well at all. I suppose it will just have to be an adjustment I will make.
I am so blessed to be here at Terlton's First Baptist Church. God is blessing us and we are having a great time. For those of you bored enough to read this I would like to invite you to our Terlton Community Project. We are cleaning up the old school grounds. It is quite an undertaking. But we hope that the people of Terlton and our church can create a bond that will allow us to reach out more to them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Have a wonderful day and God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
I have been the Lead Pastor now for a little over 7 months. Before this I was in Student Ministry for about 15 years. There is a part of me that misses Student Ministry but at the same time I really enjoy the pastoring. Probably the hardest thing I have experienced while being THE GUY is the loss of connectedness with students. When we went to Falls Creek it was so weird because in the past I would spend so much time investing in students through the year and then see my time and efforts grow while at camp. This year I found my self not knowing the kids that well at all. I suppose it will just have to be an adjustment I will make.
I am so blessed to be here at Terlton's First Baptist Church. God is blessing us and we are having a great time. For those of you bored enough to read this I would like to invite you to our Terlton Community Project. We are cleaning up the old school grounds. It is quite an undertaking. But we hope that the people of Terlton and our church can create a bond that will allow us to reach out more to them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Have a wonderful day and God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
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