Dean Inserra

I will be taking a little blog break for the next week. See you Monday, August 9th!

NOPE.

Albert Mohler:

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Apostle Paul commands that Christians must “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” This command reaches far beyond marriage, but it certainly includes the covenant of marriage within its span. Paul’s principle is clear: The Christian’s commitment to Christ is determinative of his or her other commitments. A believer must not marry an unbeliever, for this violates the very logic of the Gospel and the believer’s union with Christ.

The believer in Christ acknowledges him as Savior and Lord, with an allegiance that exceeds any earthly commitment. When two believers are married, they share this mutual commitment and are commonly dedicated to the Lordship of Christ. Their worldviews and allegiances merge into the strength of mutual discipleship, and the big questions of life are answered by their common faith in Christ.

In contrast, the mixed-faith marriage lacks this mutuality of faith and commitment. Worldview divergences and issues of contrasting beliefs are almost surely to hit where they matter most — in relation to the most significant questions of life.

I LOVED that we called last night a “night of worship,” and did not do any singing, have a band, etc. It was kind of like the usage of the word “worship” in the New Testament. Hmmmm.

It was a great night for us. We came together, socialized, saw the new facility, and had people pray very specific prayers for our August 22nd launch and beyond. I really think that God has positioned us to see amazing things happen. If it stays about the Gospel and Mission, we will continue to see his hand on our local Church.

Shout out to Luke Loucks for coming on crutches. Fear not hoops fans, he gets his cast off next week.

We are headed to Dane Holihan’s rehearsal today. Big wedding tomorrow. I am the minister, my brother Todd is the best man, and Tommy is the ring-bearer. We are hoping he doesn’t choke and fall apart like he did at Sal’s wedding. We shall see.

Regardless of how one views the law, the outright lies and misrepresentation of the content of the Arizona law (now suspended) is absolutely mind-blowing. From The President to the media, it is crazy.

I read a very insightful article this past week about being intentional when it comes to who you are trying to communicate with when preaching. The writer said that some of the best sermons have been preached to the wrong audience. While this should not alter the truth one is preaching, it truly is crucial to know the hearer. If truth is spoken from Scripture, the message will apply to everyone regardless of age, background, etc. There are approaches, examples, personal stories, etc, that can allow you to connect with who you are trying to reach.

Buster Posey is awesome. 21 game hitting streak as a rookie called up in the middle of the season. Are you kidding? I think within the next 3 years he is second to Joe Mauer among catchers in the game.

I wish Tallahassee had a minor league baseball team. Summer would be wonderful.

Happy Random Thursdays!

Lead it, rather than fight it.

Check it out.

You better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone. ~Dylan

I just got home from preaching in a prison. Around 75 inmates, some serving life sentences. It was a unique experience for sure.

I often talk of how it is important for believers to regularly remind themselves of the Gospel. Here was mine tonight:

There are people who have never committed a crime in their lives who are worse off than these prisoners. Because of Jesus, they have been brought from darkness into light. It really is that simple. These men who are believers have a greater future in prison, than those without criminal records who are chained to the desires and gods of this World.

While these inmates might never experience freedom from prison (and rightfully so), these men know of true freedom that is found in Christ. Their chains are gone!