A Tribute to Bill Sherrill

Bill and Beth Sherrill

My friend and mentor, Bill Sherrill, finished his journey on this earth and went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, this week.

Bill and Me in 2015

I first met Bill back in 2007 when I first arrived back to the US after serving with the IMB for a decade.

2013 KBA Staff Pic

A lot of what I have to say about Bill, I wrote in a tribute to him when he retired two years ago because of the effects of a brain tumor and its treatment.

Here is that tribute:

For the past 9 ½ years, you have been my pastoral mentor. You have invested in my life to help me be a better pastor; a better man.

You have walked with me through some very difficult times in ministry and in my personal life and celebrated with me when all seemed to be right in the world.

Bill, you are an example of a godly man. You are generous and loving. I know you to be righteous and zealous for the Lord. In the face of difficult circumstances, your motto has been, “I’m just trusting the Lord; He knows best.”

When Sally and I first returned from the mission field, you spent hours with me helping to determine what God had next for us. You spent an entire day driving me around to all the pastorless churches in our Association and prayed with me at each church for God’s direction.

Over countless meals, we’ve discussed theology, missiology, eschatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and every other kind of ology you can think of.  And sometimes, just talked about the weather, because that’s what friends do.

We have laughed together; cried together; traveled together; worked together; and even schemed together.

Through all of this I have come to know several things that are patently obvious:

You love the Lord with all your heart.

You love Beth and married WAY above your station.

You love your family: your kids and grandkids.

You love this Association.

You love people and want to see lost people saved and God’s kingdom increased.

I also know that you care about me.

[And if you know Bill at all, you know he cares about you, too.]

As you write this next chapter of your life, I want to remember that God isn’t finished with you yet. You don’t get to fully retire from ministry until you hear “well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to encourage you to find a place of service. As long as you are breathing, you are important in God’s Kingdom.

I want to thank you, Bill, because you’ve made a difference in my life.

Addressing the pastors of the Muskogee Baptist Association in 2010

We are going to bury Bill's earthly tabernacle today. But, as fellow believers in Jesus Christ, we will see him again. I'm going to miss my friend.

When Tolerance is Hate

"Live and let live" - in other words, don't judge. In other words, take care of yourself and let other people worry about themselves.

If we take this to its logical conclusion, it is a message of hate.

These words have been spewed at me whenever I quote the Bible about righteousness, specifically morality, even more specifically, homosexuality.  People say things like, "if you don't want to marry a person of your same sex, then don't do it, but don't tell others they can't." (Live and let live)

On the surface, this is a message of tolerance. But actually, it is a message of hate.  When we apply it to the problem of so-called gay marriage, it is tolerance. If it is applied to the different problem of hunger or poverty or taking care of AIDS patients, the same message would end up sounding like, "live and let die." In other words, I didn't get them into that mess, why should I care about them at all?

I know what you're thinking and my answer is, "Oh yes it IS the same!"

What if we applied the "live and let live" philosophy to children? "Oh, let them play in the street after dark!" "So what if they want to play with a loaded shotgun?" "Live and let live" right?

Certainly not! In those cases, it WOULD be "live and let die!"

Well, what if, as little children, people didn't know right from wrong? What if, by telling them what God has to say about righteousness, morality and sin, they gain insight and perhaps conviction that what they are doing goes against what God has to say about it? What if, by warning them of the consequences of their actions you are actually demonstrating love?

It is my opinion that to remain silent about sin is to show hate. I have friends and relatives who practice homosexuality. I love them enough to tell them what God doesn't approve. It should make no difference at all whether or not I approve; it isn't really about me.

But if I really believe that there are eternal consequences for actions on earth, then out of love I am going to at least mention that fact.

If I didn't care at all, I'd "Live and Let Live."

But, I'm called to love, not just tolerate.

Dad's Obituary

Robert (Bob) Boyne

Sunday, January 06, 1935 ---- Friday, August 23, 2013

Robert P. “Bob” Boyne was born January 6, 1935, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to Harold William “Bud” and Charlotte Lottie (Quintar) Boyne. He died Friday, August 23, 2013, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at the age of 78 years, surrounded by his wife and family. Bob was reared and educated in Sapulpa and graduated with the Sapulpa High School Class of 1953. He continued his education attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Affectionately known at “Big Daddy” to his family, he spent much of his working life as a salesman with Consolidated Freightways, and was recognized as Outstanding District Salesman. He was married December 21, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Audrey Jo Saylors. Big Daddy was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Navigator and Grandmaster. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including golf, hunting, fishing, bird watching, feeding deer, and playing Santa. He had served as a board member with the Cherokee Rural Water District #1 and also was Past President of the Ranger Creek Yacht Club. He and his wife enjoyed hosting a Small Faith Group Bible study for more than 10 years. Loving family members include: His wife; Jo, of the home Son; Michael Boyne, of Inola, Oklahoma Son; Patrick Boyne and wife Debbi, of Tulsa Son; Rick Boyne and wife Sally, of Wagoner, Oklahoma Daughter; Pam Goodell and husband David, of Owasso, Oklahoma Son; Brandon Childress and wife Elizabeth, of Fayetteville, Arkansas Seven grandchildren Seven great grandchildren Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Brother; Don Boyne and wife Mary Louise, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Nancy Boyne Settle. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00, Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Muskogee with Rosary service beginning at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Richard Bradley, Father Bryan Brooks and Father Michael Knipe officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Patrick Walker, Alan Zbabital, Carlisle Witherell, Charles Munch, Sandy Todd, and Thomas Greuel. Graveside services will be held 2:30 Wednesday afternoon at Green Hill Cemetery in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 962. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.

Abortion vs Guns

Something very strange is happening in America. People are simply ignoring a crisis of biblical proportions.

Each and every day, an average of 3700 people are MURDERED by doctors; robbed right out of their mother's wombs.

Yet, the public outcry is not against abortion; it is about gun control.

Each day, on average, there are 37 homicides related to firearms.

Looks like we're looking for murder in all the wrong places...

Sad Day for America

I watched with tears this morning, as President Obama signed the law that repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

It wasn't tears of joy.

He started off by saying "It's a good day for America."

I beg to differ, Mr. President.

It is definitely NOT a good day for America.  In fact, I would hazard a guess that it is the worse day since January 22, 1973.

Like that day, today our government has made legal what is inherently offensive to God.

What struck me about it was the applause and cheers from those witnessing the stomach turning event.

Romans 1 has a lot to say about this.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

(Romans 1:20-32 NASB)

The last part of the last verse is pertinent: "but also give hearty approval".

I am simply not able to adequately articulate my thoughts and feelings about what Obama and his consorts have done. 

I do know it contradicts God's word and is therefore wrong AND offensive to God.

I know that I will be accused of being "homophobic" or of using "hate-speech".  I am not afraid of homosexuals nor do I hate them.  It is a convenient straw-man argument used by people trying to distract from the fact that God hates homosexuality.  But He doesn't hate homosexuals.

I know that God sees homosexuality the same way He sees murder, adultery, lying, and yes, even gossip.  He sees it as sin.

And the wages of sin is death.

But He sent Jesus to be our sacrifice so that those of us who sin, can be forgiven if we put our trust in Him.

May God have mercy on us as our government continues to take our country to Hell in a hand basket.

Lessons from a Dead Squirrel

Sunday morning, we noticed that there was the foul stench of death as we entered the church building, albeit very, very faint.  I used some Febreeze and it seemed to cover it up pretty good.  Since the weather was nice, we kept the lobby door open.  Even by the evening service, it wasn't bad.

Tuesday was a whole other story.  There was no getting around it; we had a dead animal somewhere in the attic of the foyer.

I honestly figured someone would do something about it, but no one did.

By the time Wednesday evening came around, the odor was nearly unbearable.  One woman held her nose; one man had the dry heaves.

Our normal Wednesday evening service is in the fellowship hall, which is just off the foyer.  I suggested that we move to the sanctuary, where we were safe from the smell.

We've been studying Philippians and were up to chapter 2 verses 14-18.  So many people camp out on verse 14, "do all things without grumbling or disputing", but verse 15 is what we took a longer look at:

...prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

As we were discussing about being "lights in the world", someone mentioned that "lights don't appear to shine as bright in the light, but when you bring light into the darkness, that's when it really shows up!"

We all thought that insight was profound.  We talked about how we, as believers, instead of shining bright, often "turn off" our lights so we don't stand out.  We talked about how those who are in the darkness, never want to return to the dark, but once we are in the light, we seem to miss the darkness and want to go back there.

I mentioned that as crazy as that sounds, it is even worse.  As the light represents life, the dark represents death.

We talked about how a dead animal, probably a squirrel, which is quite small, moved a group of human adults away from its decaying body.  We talked about how small it was, but how it influenced all of us that night.  We talked about how if we could smell sin, it would smell so much worse than the dead animal.  We were repulsed by the stench of death, but we embrace our favorite sin as "not so bad."

Something else that I thought about while typing this is the fact that we used candles and air fresheners to cover up the stench, it wasn't until we actually removed the dead squirrel from the ceiling that the smell went away.  No matter how we try to hide our sin, cover it up, or ignore it, it doesn't go away until it is completely removed.  And only Jesus can do that.

Oh that we could actually smell sin!  How we would be repulsed by it!  How we would flee from it!  How we would do anything to avoid it!

Are YOU being light in the darkness?  Does YOUR light shine?  Are YOU trying to hide, cover-up or ignore your sin? 

Chinese pastor, wife slain at church served by Lottie Moon

I had the privilege of meeting pastor Qin back in 2004.  He was a gracious and Godly man.

 Rick and Pastor Qin in the Old Lottie Moon Church as described in the Baptist Press article below

I'm sorry, but I've cut and pasted the Baptist Press story into my blog.  I have attached the original link to the headlines below:

Chinese pastor, wife slain at church served by Lottie Moon

Posted on Sep 3, 2010 | by Staff

PENGLAI, China (BP)--A Chinese pastor and his wife were slain Aug. 31 at Penglai Christian Church, where Lottie Moon, an icon of Southern Baptist mission work, served in the early 1900s in Penglai, China.

Pastor Qin Jia Ye and his wife Hong En He, both in their 80s, were killed in the church's office on Wednesday.

The suspect -- a 40-year-old former church member -- was arrested within an hour of the early morning incident.

The couple's violent death is a shock to many, both in China and the United States. The church was closed for 49 years after communists came to power at the end of World War II, reopening in 1988 with only 20 people.

Qin reported 300 baptisms several years in a row. Today, there are 3,600 members.

Chinese newspaper accounts state that the suspect entered the church office carrying an axe and struck the pastor and his wife, killing them both.

The church eventually outgrew Moon's original structure and built a modern 1,500-seat sanctuary next to it with the help of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga.

"From the moment I met Pastor Qin, I could sense a Christ-like spirit," said Bryant Wright, Johnson Ferry senior pastor and current Southern Baptist Convention president. "We are incredibly saddened by this tragic event, but we know one of the Lord's faithful servants is with Him forever in Heaven."

Qin graciously acted as tour guide for a large number of Southern Baptist leaders passing through Penglai who wanted to connect with the community where Moon served.

Wanda S. Lee, executive director-treasurer of Woman's Missionary Union, visited the church during a 1997 China tour. In spite of numerous church responsibilities, Qin and his wife welcomed the group warmly, Lee said, and it was obvious they were well-loved and respected.

"We are deeply grieved at the news of [the] death" of Qin and his wife, Lee said. "It is a great loss to the Christian community."

Candace McIntosh, executive director of Alabama WMU, took seven college students to China in 2008 to experience firsthand the history and work of Southern Baptists. Penglai Christian Church was a stop on the tour.

McIntosh remembers admiring Qin's humble and quiet strength as he prepared for worship, as well as his ability to state the message clearly for all to understand. After the service, Qin spent a great deal of time talking with the team of young women about Moon's legacy.

"He was so encouraged that younger women were there, learning about the history of Lottie Moon and the Chinese church," McIntosh recalled. "I know the legacy of Lottie Moon will live on, but one of its greatest communicators is no longer with us. I know Qin's legacy will live on, too."
--30--

Video of Grassy Knoll

Here is a short video of the area around where President Kennedy was shot.

The Grassy Knoll

Saturday morning, before the wedding, I took Sally to Downtown Dallas to see where JFK was assassinated.  Neither of us had ever seen it, but both wanted to.

The "Grassy Knoll"

Texas School Book Depository with shooter's window highlighted

Plaque on the building

(click to enlarge to read)

Location of second shot marked on the street

View of Elm Street looking away from the School Book Depository

Sally and I standing just above the "grassy knoll" with shooter's window visible between our heads.

Haiti Death Toll Estimated at "Up to 200K"

I found this staggering chart this morning.

If you haven't contributed to Haiti Earthquake Relief, have you at least prayed for them and the efforts?

Oral Roberts - Dead but not gone

Tulsa TV evangelist and university founder, Oral Roberts, died yesterday with complications from pneumonia. He was 91.

I have incredibly mixed emotions about Oral Roberts. Personally, I think he was a fake and his "healing" ministry was a sham. I am sickened by his "health, wealth, and prosperity" fake gospel. Unfortunately, that will be his legacy.

The "gospel" he preached claimed that God didn't want you to be sick or poor. SHOW ME IN THE BIBLE WHERE GOD EVER SAID THAT!!!!!

I heard a story from one of my older church members that goes like this:

"Back in the 1950's I went to get a haircut in Tulsa. The barber asked me if I had ever heard of Oral Roberts. We talked about him for a while and he admitted that he was Oral's father-in-law. We had a nice chat. Later that same week, I was watching Oral Roberts on TV from a crusade in Florida. A man so crippled that he could hardly walk came to the front. Oral exclaimed, "my beloved father-in-law! What has brought you to this pitiful circumstance?" At that, he seized hold of his father-in-law and "healed" him. He left the arena no longer limping or walking with a crutch."

My member told me that once he saw "that baloney" on TV, he knew Oral Roberts was a fake.

I know that there are multitudes who love him and his ministry. I know that there are countless people who have been saved through his ministry and praise God for that. I know that many people attribute healing from God through Oral Roberts. I sympathize with those who will miss him; any loss is a true loss. However, I just wish his false doctrine would have died with him.

Worst Terrorist Attack in US Since 9/11 - Ft. Hood

I wasn't the first to say it, but I do agree with it.

Here is Lt. Col. Raph Peters on The O'Reilly Factor had to say:



[HT: jonjhunter]

Ft. Hood Shootings and Domestic Terrorism

My heart goes out to the families of the soldiers and civilian police officer killed by Nidal Hasan yesterday at Fort Hood, Texas. We should be in prayer for their families and the others who were wounded.

It came out this morning that Hasan was not killed as previously reported.

According to news reports, Nidal Malik Hasan has recently been under investigation for extremist Islamic views and has been reported to have been happy when an American soldier was recently killed on a military base in Arkansas. He had reportedly said that "suicide bombers were like a soldier that threw themselves on a grenade to save their comrades" and that "maybe people should strap bombs to themselves and go to Times Square."

What is alarming to me is that very quickly after the shootings began, the FBI declared that the shootings weren't terrorist related.

Let's see...a Muslim in a military uniform with extreme Islamic views killing American soldiers on American soil. How can they call it ANYTHING but terrorist related?

I've read some tweets from some bleeding-hearts who are sad that this "will turn into an Islam thing instead of being a mental health thing that it is." Gimme a break! We have got to wake up and quit being so politically correct! We must understand that Islam IS NOT a religion of peace. We are allowing our enemies to quietly infiltrate our country and even our military and perhaps even our government. We are handing it to them on a silver platter all under the pretense of trying to not offend them. How preposterous!

AND, quite frankly, many are scared to say anything about it because of the new "rules" of our own government. They are afraid to criticize Islam for fear of "hate speech." They are afraid to criticize our government or the FBI for fear of being on some sort of "domestic terrorist watch-list".

Well, baloney! I'm tired of being afraid in my own country! I lived under oppressive regimes overseas where I couldn't say anything. Well, this is my own country. I pay my taxes. I stand up and place my hand over my heart when I SING the National Anthem. I vote. I do not break the law. I am a responsible member of society and do not condone violence in any way (except, of course, in protecting your family). I support our government and our policies, for the most part. We pray for our elected officials at church every Wednesday evening. I don't hate anyone. I certainly don't hate Muslims. Many are good folk (and good Americans) and deplore the violence.

However, I'm tired of politically correct liberals telling me that I can't speak out against the things I oppose. Uh, did they not ever hear of a little something we like to call the First Amendment!?!

I know that some of you who read this are going to disagree with me. That is completely Okay! We are in America. You have the right to your opinion. I have the right to mine. That is one thing that makes America great. Some of you will think that my views divide and separate us from Muslims. Sorry to tell you, but we are already there. Some of you will think I am a closed minded bigot. You have the right to think that of me, even if you are wrong.

However, if we don't stop the tide of Islamic extremism right here in the homeland, we may soon lose the right to even have our own opinion.

Scripture Abuse

Do you abuse Scripture? Think about it. I would describe or define Scripture abuse as "using or twisting Scripture to meet your own needs or justify sin."

Some Scripture abuse happens innocently or even accidentally. Unintentional Scripture abuse comes from not knowing or understanding the Word of God. Think of Psalm 119:11 which says, "Your word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You." (NASB) To first treasure something in your heart you must first HAVE it in your heart. Merriam-Webster defines the verb "treasure" as:

1 : to collect and store up (something of value) for future use
2 : to hold or keep as precious : cherish, prize.

I like both definitions of treasure for God's word. If you don't know God's word well enough, you can be deceived by anyone, anywhere, anytime. In fact, I think Scripture abuse is a by-product of the end times. Matthew 24:11 says "Many false prophets will arise and mislead many." One of the ways they will mislead is to twist Scripture.

Right now it is not politically correct to speak out against sin that has been considered acceptable by our society. This includes homosexuality, so-called "same-sex marriage", abortion, divorce, adultery, drunkenness, idolatry, sorcery, fornication, and the list goes on. However, the Bible is clear that these things are indeed sin and will be rewarded with the wages that sin brings: DEATH.

It isn't popular to condemn what society approves. You are labeled everything from "fundamentalist" to "hate-monger". Lets be very clear about this; I am not preaching hate. I am preaching, however, that God hates sin and cannot/will not tolerate it. When folks think that they are "getting by" with something and God doesn't care, they don't realize that they really will have to pay for their sins one day.

I thank God that He has chosen to reveal to me the wonders of grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. I am no better than anyone, but the blood of Christ makes me holy and acceptable to God. This free gift of God is available to all who will accept it. But make no mistake; He will not tolerate your sin. He will show it to you and He will give you strength to change. But repentance must be done.

Know Scripture. Know God. Know true peace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

100 Years Ago Today

Doll Boy in about 1925 at about 16 years old.

100 years ago today, my grandfather, W.C. Saylors, was born in Paris, TX. My mother started calling him "Doll Boy" when she was 4 or 5 years old; no one is quite sure why. But Doll Boy stuck and that's what we all called him.

Doll Boy lighting the candles on my birthday cake in about 1971 or so

He died back in 1975, some 34 years ago. I can't believe he's been gone that long. I was his first grandson; like me, he had only daughters. I'm told he brought me a baseball glove and bat when I was still in the hospital, just after I was born. I'm beginning to understand the sentiment.

Doll Boy's foot marker in Sapulpa, OK.

I consider him to be among my "cloud of witnesses" and one day I'll see him again in Heaven, because he obtained the forgiveness of God by believing in and accepting Jesus has his Savior. I occasionally dream about my grandpa; not nearly often enough. I sure would like to go fishing with him, one more time...

Happy Birthday, Doll Boy. I miss you.

Old Friends - Sad News

I have really enjoyed getting reacquainted with friends from elementary school over Facebook! It has been great to see what folks are up to.

I was browsing some of my new "old" friends' profiles and saw comments from others, that have lead to new connections. I have been wondering about one of my old friends, Everett Archie, for a very long time and finally saw his little sister on FB. I wrote and asked about him only to find out that he had died in 1988!

I haven't seen my friend since eighth grade (1978) and he has been gone 21 years already. But the news hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so hoping to get back in touch with him through FB, but that shall never be.

It is so hard to think about my peers being dead. Everett and I were in Cub Scouts together and I always invited him to my birthday parties. Just knowing he's gone is really hard. I find myself overwhelmed with emotion today; a day of remembrance.

Uncle Zeb News Video

This video comes from KTUL-TV Channel 8 in Tulsa.

"Uncle Zeb" dead at 78

To those outside of NE OK, this story won't mean much to you, but Carl "Zeb" Bartholomew passed away this week. He was 78.

For 10 years, Uncle Zeb thrilled pre-school and elementary school aged children on KTUL-TV Channel 8, the local ABC affiliate, with "Uncle Zeb's Cartoon Camp". Uncle Zeb was supposedly the uncle of the show's precursor, "Mr. Zing and Tuffy". He was loved by children and I still have fond memories of watching his show.

My sister met Mr. Bartholomew many years ago when she was working for the March of Dimes. She said that she walked in his office and lost her professional demeanor when she realized who he was. She said, "Hey! You're Uncle Zeb!" (or something like that)

We'll be lookin' for ya, Uncle Zeb!

Long Awaited Post on Michael Jackson

There has been so much media hype surrounding the death of Michael Jackson, that I really didn't want to weigh in on the subject, just to add to it, but I can wait no longer.

He was a man. He lived. He died. Now he will face judgment, just like everyone else. If, indeed, he did accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior a week before he passed into eternity, then he is covered by the blood of Jesus and will live with God forever in Heaven.

If he did not (of which I am not his judge) then he will face judgment without an advocate and will spend eternity out of the presence of God in a real place called Hell.

His money, his fame, his earthly success mean nothing at the judgment seat of God.

What about you? If you were to die today, would YOU be covered by the blood of Jesus, or are you planning on your earthly deeds to "get you through"?

You can have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Click on the tap at the top right "Do You Know Jesus" for more information, or email me.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah lost her battle with cancer. She was 62.

I had the (in)famous swimsuit poster in my room when I was but a lad. I even had a t-shirt with that picture on it. (I don't have it anymore; Sally made me take it down)