On the Radio

Recently I was interviewed by Jennifer James for a story about our new building. It aired some time back on nearly 500 radio stations across the country on the Klove and Air1 radio networks. If you would like to hear the whole interview just click the link below (feel free to leave your comments below if you like). It has been fun to hear from many here in this area who heard it and folks who have a connection to us in other states, even as far away as Texas. But the most startling moment for me occurred when I was cruising down I64 and not really paying attention to the radio and suddenly I hear my own voice coming out of the speakers!

More than just the novelty of it, it also reminded me of God’s grace. As I revealed to you in a sermon a couple of weeks back, I at one time considered a career in radio. The Lord obviously had other plans but what plans they have been. I am amazed that currently a small-town West Virginia boy has the wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to all of you at Bible Center but also via our weekly radio broadcast and our internet delivery methods. If God can use me in any way, He, through His grace, can use anybody. Let’s thank Him together that He can use ordinary folks you like you and me.

Radio Interview

It has been a season of weddings for me. In the last month I have officiated at three weddings, and got to be the "Father of the Bride" at a fourth! These are always special occasions not only for the bride and groom but also for the extended family and network of friends. These moments are joyous and festive, and cherished for a lifetime. One of my favorite moments of a wedding is the exchange of rings. (Julie was kind enough to remove her wedding ring, which she has worn for nearly 28 years, just long enough to get the picture of our rings above) I usually assign the best man and the maid or matron of honor to have them close at hand as it really not safe to have the ring bearer actually carry the real hardware. I then take the rings in my hands and describe the symbolism. Part of what I say at this moment includes these words: "These rings being unbroken circles are perfect symbols of unending and unbroken love between these as they publicly take each other in the bonds of matrimony.”

Unending and unbroken are not common words in our world and unfortunately they don’t apply to every marriage. But the perfect picture of marriage is the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). I am so glad that when it comes to the relationship with our God established by faith in our Savior we say with certainty that it is unending and unbroken.

Bible Center exists to enhance all relationships, between us and God, between husbands and wives, parents and children and every other relationship. As you walk with God and grow in him “unending” and “unbroken” can become more common place in all of our conversations.

Jesse Waggoner

It's Written on the Wall

On Sunday we will resume our study through the book of First Peter. Someone recently asked me how many more sermons I had in the files (meaning they suspected that I was reusing old material for this series). Some pastors do move on to a new place and reuse years worth of sermons, but that is not me. First of all, I have never been effective in re-using old stuff; and secondly, you deserve a message that is a fresh study on my part and one in which I have invested time and energy to the point that God is speaking to my heart as I trust He is yours. So Sunday, as well as this blog post, comes fresh from my heart.

1 Peter 2:2 talks about how we should desire the milk of the Word; we should as newborn babies desire milk. In fact, it dawned on me this morning that this verse is painted on a wall of level one of our Southridge Campus (see the picture above). How does a baby desire milk?

+ A baby has a single focus on milk
+ A baby is not satisfied without milk
+ A baby is completely satisfied with milk
+ A baby will grow if given milk
+ A baby is comforted by milk
+ A baby will let his or her desire be known in order to have milk

To get the point of this teaching simply substitute your name for "A baby" above and substitute "God's Word" for "milk" and you will have it. Allow some time to diagnose your desire for God's Word and take steps to work on your appetite for His truth. One more thing, when I see you Sunday...come hungry!

Jesse Waggoner

A Dog and Cat

In case you missed this last Sunday - here is an instant replay of the "Dog and Cat" Video, enjoy.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Were you ever asked this question when you were a child: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I recently asked this question to our pastoral staff and found out that they wanted to be…. a radio disk jockey, an architect, a veterinarian, a fireman, the President, a detective, and an auto mechanic. Quite a list isn’t it? If you think the list is a strange one, then ask yourself what you wanted to be. If you want to find out which desired profession goes with which pastor – you will just have to ask them.

Even though it is rare that a childhood dream becomes a reality, we often devote significant resources to prepare for an earthly occupation. The current average cost of a four-year college degree is nearly $25,000 for a public university, and more than $80,000 for a private college. The fact that we are willing to pay such prices indicates the value we place on ourselves and our families.

Regardless of our career path, God’s dream for you can become reality. He has already revealed what He wants you to be when you grow up. It is not a profession or vocation, but it is a character that matches His. The question for today is: How much are you investing in becoming what God wants you to be? Are you investing in Bible study, prayer, service, giving and living a life of obedience to God? If yes, keep it up. If no, reorder your life today. Your spiritual growth and maturity are worth the investment.

Jesse Waggoner

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

In 1707 Issac Watts wrote and published "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Of this beloved Hymn Charles Wes­ley re­port­ed­ly said he would give up all his other hymns to have writ­ten this one. The tune we use with this song today was written by Lowell Mason in 1824. Somewhere in my childhood the congregation of the Elizabeth Methodist Church introduced me to this song that has become on of my favorites. It expresses so eloquently the reality that compared to the cross of Christ all else matters little.

When I get a little bent of of shape - I need to refocus my gaze and allow my heart to meditate once more Christ's sacrifice, in so doing I am snapped back to seeing only Him and having my self-focus dissolve at the foot of the cross.

Truly..."Love so Amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life my all."

Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman have given this song a modern flavor - I hope you enjoy this "music video" version of this classic song