This past weekend, I published my 100th post on this blog. Happy anniversary hblogcharlesjr!!! I don’t think this has any deep significance or anything like that. In fact, I only noticed it in passing as I was signing on to the “dashboard” of my blog. But if TV shows can throw a big party after 100 episodes, I can at least note the fact that I have been at this for 100 posts. My first post was on August 15, last year. I simply called it, “I’m a Blogger Now!” It was really just a test post to see if I really know how to work the site. And here we are, seven months and 100 posts later.

Why did you start this blog? I had been reading and reading about blogs for time. I was first introduced to the term during some of the hotly-contested political battles of the past years. These so-called “bloggers” were being given credit for influencing elections, policies, and opinions by the things they wrote in their blogs. So I started checking some of them out. They seemed to me to be mostly written by people who wanted to be journalist, but couldn’t get their foot in the door in mainstream publishing. Then, blogs suddenly began to pop up everywhere. And they were being written by all kinds of people on various different subjects. The first pastor with a blog that caught my attention was Dr. Ray Pritchard. He would write on all kinds of subjects, from updates on the life of his church to how many miles he rode on his bicycle to a new fast food joint he had found. I immediately became hooked, and began to check his site daily to keep up with him. But I never thought that I would or could do something like that. But one day I was a reading a magazine article about blogs and how to set them up. This blogger site was mentioned. So I checked it out. It seemed pretty easy to do. So I decided to get it a try. And I have been going at it since then.

What do you expect to accomplish with this blog? At this point, I just kind of write what I write when I write it. I can tell you that, initially, I had no thought that I would be writing about such personal things. I thought I would write articles and comment on current events. I didn’t expect to be talking about why personal, family, and work. But at some point, my writing really does become a “online diary,” of sorts. Now, I would like to make sure that I write on some serious subject each week. I also want to respond to more biblical questions and doctrinal issues, at times.

specifically, I hope to this blog does two basic things. First, I hope that it will sharpen my writing skills. I don’t know if that’s actually happening. But I do know that writing these posts have made me more comfortable with writing and crafting my ideas into words. That’s a good thing. I’m a frustrated writer trying to break free. This blog is helping me to slowly chisel my way out. Likewise, I want my posts to encourage someone. And I believe that this blogs does that. But in many unexpected ways. There are many people who comment about something I have written that has been helpful to them in some specific way. And, usually, I’m surprised. Sometimes they have been encouraged by a post where I was just kind of venting about something. But praise God that the Lord is using my thoughts to help or encourage someone. I pray that this continues and increases.

What do your family and friends think about your blog? I don’t know. I don’t think my wife regularly keeps up with my blog. Occasionally, she will mention something that she read. But that’s not often. Sometimes, I am talking to friends and they are talking to me about something that has happened in my life. And while they are talking to me, I am wondering, “How did he know that?” Often, it takes me a minute to figure out that they read something I wrong on this blog. So I have some friends who keep up with me through this blog. In fact, some complain that reading my blog is sometimes the only way to catch up with me. That’s sad, but true. I am quite a reclusive, who spends most of my time in study during the day, and with my family during the evening, as much as possible. I am not sure what my church leaders and members think of the site. I don’t know how many of them read it. I don’t think I have publicly made mention of it in any of our corporate settings. And I only occasionally get personal comments about it. I think the jury is still out. I’m not sure. One thing I can say with absolute certainty. My dog, Lido, totally agrees with everything I write on this blog!

Do you read the comments? Absolutely. I have a link to my personal email that alerts me every time comment is posted to my site. I have a “smartphone” that enables me to check my emails wherever I am. And I most often read the comments on my phone, when I am not able to respond to them. And by the time I get back to my computer, I simply forget. But please feel free to comment. There are some days I do not write anything. Sometimes it’s because I’m busy. But more often it’s because I don’t have anything that comes to mind to write about. Really, my life is not that interesting to be detailing much of what goes on with me. I am a rather simple man. I have a pretty quiet home life. And much of my ministry work is nothing spectacular. It’s the normal church work of any other pastor-teacher. So feel free to comment with your questions, opinions, or other thoughts. We may be able to get a conversation going. That would be cool. I would love to hear from you. And, by the way, thanks for reading.

I am at Disneyland with Crystal and the kids. I am typing this post on my phone (a first for me). Crystal kept the kids out of school today so that we could spend some time together. Last year, we bought annual passes, so we are able to come to the park without it costing us a kidney each time. I have much work to do this weekend. But I probably would not be able to get much of it done without spending some quality/quantity time with Crystal, H.B., and Natalie. I love them. I miss them. And I am glad to be home with them… momentarily.

Thanks for your prayers. The Lord blessed me to preach both messages yesterday. And he sustained me both physically and spiritually. The host pastors and attending church members were very prayerful, kind, and encouraging. I am very grateful for the privilege of participating in this meeting. I recognize these men could have asked anyone to come to their city to preach to their congregations. I am thankful that the Lord placed me on their hearts and led them to extend this invitation to me for the second time. The citywide meeting officially ends tonight, with a youth emphasis service. I do not know the pastor who will bring the closing message tonight. But I am heading home in a couple of hours. I usually only preach three-day meetings. So these four days feel like an eternity to me. I an looking for to getting home to see my wife and kids. I don’t have any meetings today. So, if the Lord allows me to get home safely, I intend to hang out with my family today, before I get ready for another long weekend. Tony Bennett famously left his heart in San Francisco. Oh, well. My heart is with my wife, children, and congregation in Los Angeles. May the Lord bless me to get to them safely.

Please pray for me today. I am preaching in the citywide revival in San Francisco. I am the day speaker. The evening speaker is Dr. Marvin E. Wiley of the great Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood, Illinois. There was a schedule conflict. And Dr. Wiley had to leave this morning to make it to another meeting. So I will be preaching both the day and evening session today. I have been struggling with voice/throat problems all week long. Last year, I caught a really bad cold here. This time, my voice has just left me. I don’t know if I am allergic to San Francisco, or what. But please pray for me today that the Lord will give me both physical strength and spiritual empowerment to preach today. Pray for Dr. Marvin Wiley’s travel today to his next preaching assignment. And pray that God will be glorified, the lost will be saved, and the saints will be edified in the worship meetings today.

I am coming off a long and busy week right into another one. Last Wednesday through Friday, I preached at the St. Paul Baptist Church in Sacramento, where Dr. Ephraim Williams is the pastor. The congregation was warm, prayerful and encouraging. And it was a blessing to spend time with Pastor Williams, who has so much pastoral wisdom to share. Saturday morning, I flew home, changed clothes, and headed to Mt. Sinai to lead a funeral service for a dear and longtime member of the church. Afterward, I was pretty wiped out. I took a really long nap, and then hung out with Crystal and the kids.

Sunday morning, I took questions in my Sunday School class. As always, they were very good questions. Most of them were about handling anger and our responsibility to help other people in times of need. In our worship service, I continued my series on the Ten Commandments. I preached the seventh commandment, recorded in Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.” We also had an afternoon service to attend. We joined the Mary Magdalene Baptist Church in celebrating the eighth anniversary of its pastor, Melvin King. I also brought the message in that service.

Yesterday, Crystal took me to the airport about 6 AM. I was scheduled to be on an early flight to San Francisco. But when I tried to check in, I discovered that my flight had been cancelled. I was then booked on a later flight. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to sit in LAX for several extra hours. It was absolutely exhausting. When I arrived in San Francisco, I went straight to the church to preach. I am the noonday speaker. So I had to get there and preach in my jeans and sneakers, to make sure I didn’t miss the meeting. After service, I went to my room and took some cold medicine and went to sleep. The last time I was here, I got really sick. This time, I am armed with my medicine, overcoat, and everything else I need to prevent getting sick again. Please pray for me.

The evening speaker for the week is Pastor Marvin Wiley, who leads the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood, Illinois. Pastor Wiley is a good preacher. When Crystal and I get home in time from midweek service on Wednesday nights, we watch Pastor Wiley on the Word Network. But as good as his TV broadcasts are, they don’t do his preaching any justice. Last night, Pastor Wiley preached the house down. Having gone through his own flight mishaps, he was tired. But it sure didn’t show up his preaching. He help nothing back. And the Lord really used him to challenge and encourage the saints. It was a good start to the meeting. Please pray for the remainder of this meeting. I have four more messages to preach before I head home Friday morning. Pray that God will give me strength to preach his word. And pray for Pastor Wiley. Also, pray for the pastoral leaders of this citywide effort. And pray that this community of churches will be better and stronger after this week of meeting together.

I am in Sacramento. Tonight was the first of three nights I am preaching for Dr. Ephraim Williams and the St. Paul Baptist Church. These three nights are the pre-celebration of the church’s 58th anniversary. Dr. Williams is a remarkable pastor and St. Paul is a remarkable church. This afternoon, I was given a tour of the church campus. I can’t describe what a faith building experience that was. The auditorium holds about 2,800. There are more than 40 classrooms and an admistrative wing. There is a large dining hall, a wedding chapel, and much more. And when my tour-guide finished showing me the main campus, he showed me their new family life center, which is about a month or so from completion. It will house a gym with 4-6 basketball rims, conference area, administrative wing, day care center, arobics area, youth recreational area, stage, weight room, racket ball court, stage, bookstore, and classrooms. I am not easily impressed. But I couldn’t hide how impressed I was with what the Lord has blessed this congregation to accomplish.

Dr. Williams is truly a visionary leader. He is a very kind, godly, and humble man. Being around him is so refreshing and encouraging. In May, he will celebrate 35 years as the pastor of St. Paul. And his passion for ministry is still strong. This congregation is truly a lighthouse in the Sacramento area. I am so honored to have been invited here to speak. I hope and pray that God will use the ministry of the word to be a blessing to this congregation this week.

Last week, someone asked this question in the comment section of my blog: “Do you believe in Acts 2:38?” In the English Standard Version, that verse reads: “And Peter said, to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” If this person asked me this question in person, I would ask, “Could you ask that another way?” I am not sure what the specific question about this verse is. So answering it is kind of like shooting in the dark. But I’ll take a shot at it anyway.

1. Yes, I believe all scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). So I trust every verse of the Bible to be the infallible word of the living God.

2. Yes, I believe that repentance is a part of saving faith (Acts 20:21).

3. Yes, I believe that baptism is the identifying mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). No, I do not believe baptism saves. God saves sinners by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9).

4. Yes, I believe that every person automatically and fully receives the gift of the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion. No, I do not believe that believers receive the Holy Spirit in any way after conversion (Rom. 8:9). In the course of your Christian journey, the Spirit should get more and more of you (Eph. 5:18). But you don’t get more of the Spirit.

I hope this helps.

This Wednesday, we will continue our Guest Lecture Series at MSMBC. Irvin Busenitz, Vice President for Academic Administration and Professor of Bible Exposition and Old Testamfrom at The Master’s Seminary, is teaching on “A Biblical Approach to Christian Parenting.” His opening lecture, last Wednesday, was a great blessing. On the many helpful, challenging, and encouraging things he said, there is one statement that I have been chewing on every since last Wednesday: “A strong family can survice a weak church. But a strong church cannot survive weak families.”

Over the past week or two, I have received emails that reported the (alleged) scandalous sin of a high-profile pastor/Gospel Music artist (or is that Gospel Music artist/pastor?). Then, other emails began to come in, retracting the news reports. I have not searched out to the matter to see which story is true – the report or the retractions. And I don’t intend to. But there is a larger lesson that I think we, as Christians, should consider as a result of this incident. Christian leaders (I’m not sure if that ought to be in quotation marks, in this case) are public figures. However, as brothers in Christ, we have a responsibility to handle news about them in Christian love. If these reports about this brother are false, then his reputation has been injured greatly and many people have been unnecessarily hurt by lies. And, of course, if this news is false, there will not be the same energy put into publishing the retraction that is was in putting out the lies. I believe Christ is dishonored and that our fellowship with one another is despised by such actions. And, even if it is true (and I pray that it is not), I don’t understand how it would edify anyone to receive the emails that link people to such news. I don’t have a alternative to recommend about how to handle news about public Christian figures. But spreading reports of their downfall across the internet doesn’t seem to be the way. Christians should not be doing “tabloid” journalism.

And while I’m on this rant, let me beg us one again: stop making celebrities out of Christian leaders. We are called to be famous celebrities. We are called to be servant-leaders. We are to lead with willing hearts, humble spirits, and God-glorifying motives. The Lord has not called us to make us famous! We who preach, teach, write, sing, lead, etc. should resist any attempt to put too much attention on us and what we do. If people are really blessed by what you do, it’s not because of you. It’s because we are trophies of God’s amazing grace. Give the glory to God. Stop “plagiarism against the Holy Spirit” (I got this phrase from Manuel Scott, Jr.), taking credit for things that only the Lord can perform. And those of you who are blessed by the ministries of others, thank God for the, encourage them, and pray for them. But don’t treat them like celebrities. The fact that I am called to preach does not make me inherently more special than the rest of the saints in the church. We are humans. We are sinners. And we are all unworthy vessels that God sovereignly chooses to use for his glory. So stop treating men and women in the church like we are more than we are. This way, we the news of one’s failures come to light, it won’t be so devestating to people’s faith and the mission of the church. In Christ there is no failure. Let’s make sure that he is the only celebrity in the church (Col. 1:18)!

Lately, several people have made statements to me about the fact that we upload my weekly messages onto our website for free. The concern is that we ought to be selling those messages, rather than letting people listen to them for nothing. Why do you we it? Well, let me be clear that we do not do it because I feel that I am such an outstanding preaching. I am an average preacher who is striving to get better. I have some good weeks and some bad weeks, like every other preacher. Honestly, it is somewhat difficult to have my messages put out there each week. Sometimes I leave the pulpit and I feel really good about the message I just preached. Other weeks I leave the pulpit wishing that I would have been too sick to preach that day! Either way, the message is placed on the sight unedited. In fact, some weeks when I finish shaking hands and head toward my study, I pass by George’s office and he is already uploading the sermon. It’s a little unnerving. But it keeps me on my game. So why do we do it? We do it because we want to use every method possible to publish the word of God. And the technology of this age we are blessed to live in allows us to go into all the world without actually going anywhere. What a blessing! Our motives are as simple as that. Please, pray for us that we will take advantage of even more strategic opportunities to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I bring this seemingly irrelevant subject up to make a point: It’s not about the dollar! I hope that people will find it refreshing to have access to our ministry resources without having a price attached to everything. I must admit, it bothers me that it seems everything in the church today is connected to money. I’m a fairly active web surfer. And it disappoints me that so many churches and preachers put connect everything they do to money. Unfortunately, this seems to be especially true among high-profile ministries that are predominantly African-American. Last week, I attended the Shepherds’ Conference here in Los Angeles, hosted by Dr. John MacArthur and the Grace Community Church. There were some 3,500 people in attendance. And they gave all of the registered attendees some 20 different books from major authors and publishers. Now, I don’t go to many other the big conferences. But of the ones I have been to, this is something totally foreign to me. Each week, as I have studied Psalm 119, I have benefited from the audio messages of Steve Lawson that I have been able to download onto my iPod. And also benefit from reading the sermon manuscripts of men like John Piper, Ray Pritchard, who place the manuscripts on the web for free. And consider that much of these men’s preaching becomes the material from which they write their books. You would think that this would be a good reason not to post their material. Apparently, it’s not. In fact, John Piper’s Desiring God Ministries encourages you to make copies of Piper’s messages, only asking that you do not make more than 1,000 copies at a time. And they even have a “whatever you can afford” policy, which allows you to get their resources even if you don’t have anything to pay.

Now, I am not suggesting that churches and ministries should give away all of their material for free. And I don’t think we should expect that or desire that. We ought to be willing to share and make an investment into the ministries that God uses to bless us. But I don’t like that so much of emphasis is placed on money. Now, we are in the works to make some of our material for sale on our site. But we will not be a church that has great big pictures of me on every thing we do. And we will not be a church that puts a price tag on everything. And we will not be a church that causes people to ask, “What is it going to cost me?” before we minister to them. I want us to be a church that is known for what we give, not for what we sell. And I hope that more preachers and churches will remember that we are to glorify God, preach Christ, and reach people. It’s not about the dollar!