Tag Archives: Lonnie Mattingly

A MARRIAGE QUIZ

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Just below is a brief quiz I ran across that I like to give at couples retreats and conferences.  I think it is best for the Husband and Wife to sit down and each give an answer to to the questions one at a time.  I have often administered it to a group where the Husband and Wife both fill out their form.  Then I like to give them time to talk over the areas where they agree that they fall short and then to honestly and with a good spirit talk about the areas where their evaluation differs.  The goal is to honestly communicate with each other and discover areas where they were oblivious to their spouse’s difference of opinion.  Then they can discuss how to come together and improve their understanding of the other’s needs and incorporate some things that will strengthen their marriage.

Perhaps this will be a help to some couples that read this blog and to some pastors who are counseling couples.  May the dear Lord strengthen our homes with solid marriages.  I believe where there is life there is hope.

For Christ and for Souls,

Lonnie Mattingly – John 15:8

“ Is Your Marriage What You, Your Mate, And The Lord Want It To Be ? “

           Love,   Something everybody talks about.   Something everybody wants to be in on.  The majority of couples fail to find fulfillment in their marriage.  It is predicted that Two-Thirds of all marriages will end in divorce.  About Two million parents each year learn that their unmarried daughter is pregnant.  To cover this up One and One-half million babies are aborted.  One reason for this tragedy is that parents fail to give their children a healthy marriage role model.

In the following quiz you should be able to answer “yes” to all the questions.  If you cannot, there will be a need to give attention to the areas of failure.

1. IS YOUR MATE YOUR BEST FRIEND ?                                          YES____ NO____

2. ARE YOU AND YOUR MATE GOOD CONVERSATIONALISTS ? YES ____NO ____

3. DO YOU AVOID CITICIZING YOUR MATE ?                                    YES____ NO____

 4. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO DIE FOR YOUR MATE?                YES____ NO____

5. DO YOU ATTEND CHURCH WITH YOUR MATE?                           YES____NO____

6. DO YOU HAVE THE SAME PURPOSE IN LIFE ?                             YES____NO____

7. ARE YOU GROWING  SPIRITUALLY ?                                              YES____NO____

8. DO  YOU AGREE ON EARNING, SAVING, INVESTMENT,                           SPENDING AND GIVING MONEY?                                                       YES____NO____

9. DO YOU HAVE THE SAME CIRCLE OF FRIENDS ?                        YES____NO____

10. DO YOU ALWAYS STAND UP FOR YOUR  MATE ?                       YES____NO____           

11. ARE  YOU IN SEXUAL HARMONY ?                                                YES____NO____

12. ARE YOU IN HARMONY IN RAISING YOUR KIDS ?                      YES____NO____

13. DO YOU RESPECT EACH OTHER’S INDIVIDUALITY ?                YES____NO____

14. DO YOU SHOW YOUR MATE ENOUGH AFFECTION ?                YES____NO____

15. DO YOU AND YOUR MATE HAVE DEVOTIONS TOGETHER?    YES____NO____

16. DO YOU GO ON DATES ?                                                                 YES____NO____

 17. DO YOU PLAN VACATIONS BOTH WILL ENJOY ?                       YES____NO____

18. DOES YOUR MATE POSSESS ALL OF YOU ?                               YES____NO____

19. IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP GROWING                                              YES____NO____

20. DO YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR MATE ?                            YES____NO____

Pulpit Committee Work

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Several times I have been asked to help churches in their pulpit committee work.  Having only been interviewed by one pulpit committee when in the process of being called by Shawnee Baptist Church I can’t speak from a vast supply of personal experience.

I have over the years interviewed and hired a couple hundred people.  In addition I have observed numerous churches practically self destruct because they didn’t use wisdom and good procedures in selecting a pastor.  The thoughts below may be a help to you or someone you know.  Feel free to pass this post along to anyone who might profit by it.

 Pastor Search Considerations: Suggestions for Pulpit Committee Work

1.   Biblical Qualifications –  Make sure that the committee knows, understands and agrees on the Biblical qualifications of a pastor. 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9

 2.   Personal interview – A sit down Q&A session with 2 or more of the committee.  Some questions should be thought through and written down.  The candidate should also be allowed to ask questions of committee members.

3.   Service style, music, ETC – Answer questions concerning Bible Translations, Traditional or contemporary services, Music…

4.   Listen to several recorded sermons – Don’t simply depend on a sugar stick message.

5.   Call references – Check all references given. Call former employers, even those not given as references.  Ask  references about Doctrine, Conflict Resolution, Work Ethic, ETC.

6.   Get references from references – Go another level deep.  Example, Don’t just call the deacon whose name was given to you. Ask that deacon for the names and numbers of      other deacons or church leaders.

7.   Wife & Children at home – Make sure you meet the whole family. In interviews with        references, ask specific questions about the family also.

8.   Doctrine & standards coincide w/church – Make sure these things are discussed and that you are on the same page with the same Biblical goals and beliefs.

9.   Dress, Appearance and Lifestyle – Don’t call someone who will discredit the church.

10. Personal credit check

11. Criminal background check

12. Unity of pulpit committee
Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.  Don’t expect perfection.  Consider one candidate at a time.  Don’t make this a popularity contest.   Talk about compensation.  Let the serious candidate know about any problems brewing in the church.  SCHEDULE PRAYER SEASONS BEGGING GOD FOR HIS WILL.

My prayers are with you in this process.  If I can be of further help in any way, don’t hesitate to call.

Lonnie Mattingly                                                                                                                                                              l                                                                         (502) 386-5521

A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST

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In the army of the Lord we need to be good soldiers and we need to train good soldiers.  I see today many who are looking for the comfort zone.  Many are on continual R & R.  They never confront the enemy.  They never rescue the perishing.  They take the path of political correctness and safety.

I do believe there is a Master’s Minority in all our churches that would rise up, put on the armor of God and get in the battle for righteousness.  They would look to the to our Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ.  They would have His passion for the lost.

Below are a few thoughts on some Bible characteristics of a good soldier.  I’m sure there are many more that could be added.  Let’s get busy doing the work of a good soldier of Jesus Christ and then recruiting additional soldiers for the spiritual warfare we are in.

1. A GOOD SOLDIER HAS LEARNED TO ENDURE HARDNESS – (2 Timothy 2:3)  “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”   Christian Life is not simply a Sunday School picnic  (1 Samuel 17:29)  “And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?”

2. HE AVOIDS DISTRACTING ENTANGLEMENTS – (2 Timothy 2:4a) “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;…” that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

3. A GOOD SOLDIER DESIRES TO PLEASE HIS SUPERIOR – (2 Timothy 2:4b-5)  “… that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

4. A GOOD SOLDIER REALIZES SOME BATTLES ARE WORTH FIGHTING – (1 Timothy 6:12)  “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”

5. A GOOD SOLDIER IS READY TO DIE – (2 Timothy 4:6)  “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

6. A GOOD SOLDIER HAS A FIGHTING FINISHING FAITH  –  (2 Timothy 4:7)  “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

7. A GOOD SOLDIER WILL BE REWARDED – (2 Timothy 4:8) “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

S. M. Lockeridge – KING JESUS

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The following was sent to an IFB preachers e-mail group I enjoy being part of by Bro. Roy Cardle.  Dr. Lockeridge exalts our Saviour.  Take a couple of minutes and read it.  It will stir you.Bro. Lonnie – John 15:8

“JESUS – THE KING”

During this season of the Christian calendar our thoughts are on our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  In this brief study we will look at His Kingship.  In the Old Testament three great offices were created by God to meet the spiritual and material needs of his chosen people.  These offices are:  the prophet, the priest and the king.  In the New Testament Jesus fulfilled all three offices.  Jesus fulfilled the ministry of prophet beginning at the River Jordan and ended at Calvary.  He fulfills the ministry of priest.  This began at the Cross and will end at His Second Coming.  He will fulfill the office of the King. 

Here are some thoughts of a famous preacher, S. M. Lockridge.  I heard him preach this on one of his trips to Alabama to preach to the Pastor’s Conference. 

The Bible says that my King is a seven way King.

He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.

He’s the King of Righteousness.

He’s the King of the nations – that’s an international King.

He’s the King of the ages.

He’s the King of Heaven.

He’s the King of Glory.

He’s the King of kings and He’s Lord of lords.

That’s My King.  Do you know Him?

 

David says that the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. 

My King is a Sovereign King. 

No means of measure can define His limitless love.

No far seeing telescope can bring in the visibility of the coastline of His shoreless supplies.

No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.

 

He’s enduringly strong.

He’s entirely sincere.

He’s eternally steadfast.

He’s immortally graceful.

He’s imperially powerful.

And He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

 

He’s the greatest phenomena that has ever crossed the horizon of the world.

He’s God’s Son.

He’s a sinner’s Saviour.

He’s the centerpiece of civilization.

He stands in the solitude of Himself.

He’s august and unique.

He’s unparalleled.

He’s unprecedented.

He is the loftiest idea in Literature.

He’s the highest personality in Philosophy.

He’s the supreme problem in Higher Criticism.

He’s the fundamental doctrine of true Theology.

He’s the core, the necessity of spiritual Religion.

He’s the Miracle of the ages.

He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.

He’s the only One qualified to be an All-sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him?

 

He supplies strength for the weak.

He is available for the tempted and the tried.

He sympathizes and He saves.

He strengthens and sustains.

He guards and He guides.

He heals the sick.

He cleansed the lepers.

He forgives the sinners.

He discharges the debtors.

He delivers the captives.

He defends the feeble.

He blesses the young.

He serves the unfortunate.

He regards the aged.

He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?  This is my king.

 

Well, He’s the key to knowledge.

He’s the wellspring of wisdom.

He’s the doorway of deliverance.

He’s the pathway of peace.

He’s the roadway of righteousness.

He’s the highway of holiness.

He’s the gateway of glory.

 

His office is manifold.

His promise is sure.

His life is matchless.

His goodness is limitless.

His mercy is everlasting.

His love never changes.

His Word is enough.

His grace is sufficient.

His reign is righteous.

And His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

 

He’s indescribable, He’s indescribable, He’s indescribable.

He’s incomprehensible.

He’s invincible.

He’s irresistible.

You can’t get Him out of your mind.

You can’t get Him off your hands.

 

You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.

 

The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.

 

Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.

The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.

Herod couldn’t kill Him.

Death couldn’t handle Him.

And the grave couldn’t hold Him.

That’s My King.  That’s My King.

 

And thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever, and ever, and ever,….How long is that?  And ever and ever.

 

And when you get through with all the forevers, then AMEN.

 

GOD AND GREAT ALMIGHTY.

 

AMEN AND AMEN.

 

SOUL-WINNING AND STEWARDSHIP

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Pastor Richard Oldham

GLENDALE AND DR. RICHARD P. OLDHAM 

What an amazing weekend we had. It was a real privilege and honor to be with Pastor Richard Oldham and the people of Glendale Baptist Church.  It was a soul winning training weekend.  I had the privilege to teach and preach five (5) sessions.

Glendale has been a soul winning church for the 50+ years that Dr. Oldham has been pastor.  He is from the old school (the Bible school). You could call it church the way it used to be.  Church the way it ought to be.

This is the church where I first served the Lord in full time Christian service.  The church where Dr. R. G. Lee preached my ordination service.  I count it a joy to make an investment there training and motivating a new generation of Soul Winners.  God gave us a great meeting with dozens of folks committing themselves to share their faith in Christ with others.

The SOUL WINNING COURSE workbook was a real blessing.  I will be glad to send one to any pastor who would like one with the answer keys if any one would like.  The course is based on the evangelism course I taught on several occasions at Shawnee Baptist College.

RAISING FUNDS TEACHING STEWARDSHIP AT LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH

 PASTOR NATHAN LANG  put together a great weekend.  Beginning with a Sweetheart Banquet where Dr. Ed and Mrs. Sheila Snider brought their famous skit and lecture

Dr. Ed Snider & Sheila

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING” teaching the difference in the way men and women think.  It was followed by a brief but pointed and helpful message by Bro. ED.

Sunday was a great stewardship emphasis day speaking on Joyful Giving, Commitment and 4 Reasons Not To Give. When the day ended and Bro. Lang took the commitments we were all amazed that they had gone over their victory goal in money given that night.  Then there was the 2 year commitments that would bring in additional thousands of dollars of funds.  More pledges and commitments will be taken over the next week or so.  I commend Bro. Nathan Lang and his dear wife Jenny along with many good helpers in the church for a job well done that included many weeks of pre-planning and hard work.

Pray for Pastor Lang and Lighthouse Baptist Church.  This young church has seen amazing growth and need a permanent facility to meet in.  They will be using the funds raised to help in this project.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.