Merry Christmas from Pastor Sam, 12.25.2020

https://studio.youtube.com/video/h4y9hzhYHmE/edit

The Unhindered Gospel - 11.14.2020

Our Sovereign God & Divine Providence - November 8, 2020

If God is Sovereign how are we to respond when things happen we feel are not what God should do or allow? Adding to this, do we - as His creation - have free will in making our choices? If so, how does our doing so figure into our understanding of God's Divine Providence? 

Perhaps you have found the challenges 2020 to cause you to wonder over God and His plans.  If so, check out my video from Main Street, Eufaula Oklahoma, for some helpful insight in applying the doctrine of God's Divine Providence to life.  

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

https://www.facebook.com/samdennis/videos/10218637307150673

https://studio.youtube.com/video/1dcRRSuYMUs/edit

The Matter of our Hope - Resurrection

Paul, in writing to the church at Corinth of the gospel and hope of resurrection, writes...'If our hope in Christ is only for THIS life, then we are of all men the most to be pitied.' !st For. 15:19  

The reason? Because, then - just as now, the church needed to be reminded that being in Christ meant victory not just over the penalty of our sin but the promise of life forever with God. One which included, as it did with Christ, a resurrection of our own body unto a new heavenly body to live with Him eternally. 

A Pastor Sam 'Encouraging Word' for Oct. 13, 2020

A Word on Making Disciples / The Purpose of Christ's Church

The church is called to make disciples - pure and simple. Now with COVID, many have opined it a shame we cannot meet. Though, the truth is, in our mission of 'disciple making' we have felt little if any impact.  

In this video I share about my 'wondering over this - "how effective have we been in our past?', and the challenge i feel as I consider the church's future - whatever it looks like,  

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam

 

Where and in What is Your Hope, July 11, 2020

Mom passed from this life into life eternal on 5 July 2020. Her name is Anna Beth Sellers Dennis, born on 3 January 1931. In reflecting over this, I turn to the truth found in God's Word, for it is here that I find comfort and am reminded of where and in whom my hope lies.  

Check out my video clip below to learn why.

Blessings,

Pastor Sam

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/3091145150975795/UzpfSTE1NTc1NzA1ODc2MjY0MDQ6MzI3OTgwMzY3MjA2OTc0NQ/

A Pastor Sam Encouraging Word, "Magnificent Margins'

The prophet Jeremiah gave a word from God to the people of Israel regarding their captivity of 70 years in Babylon.  In chapter 29 we read...

'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:'

And later, in verse 11, we read...

'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[b] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

This verse 11 has often been taken out of context, but there is an application of principle worth bearing to any child of God, especially to we are His church in Christ. God's church will endure persecution in this world, but...we are to serve and see to the welfare by administering the gospel into every place and in every time in which we live. We are not to roll up or to hide, but rather - we are to thrive.  We are to accomplish the plans of God.  And, we are blessed to be a part of this wonderful work and journey. 

So check out his video, which is as an encouragement today in doing so.  

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/311900596840822/

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

Eph. 3: 20-21 

A Pastor Sam Encouraging Word for Father's Day, 2020

In these days of needing so many things to change and improve, it is easy to forget the difference that Father's can actually make one child at a time.  

My Dad was a simple man, but he taught me most of the things I know that are worth knowing.

Check this video out for a glimpse of why I might say so...

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/595135644470429/?eid=ARC38PkDni3T1jk0UTQKLqwyGjVYU65prXWwe-kMzHvseD7rmZeACXFn8EGTWIy1PVmbp3Ottk5UXE_f

God's Instruction for Justice - June 6, 2020

In a nation racked with turmoil concerning the murder of George Floyd many are crying for justice. God is just, He loves justice and He will bring it fully when He returns. In the meantime, He has left us with instruction on how to find and understand it - if... we are willing to seek after Him.

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/617406718982531/?eid=ARBKZHr_9SOHME9CAdQaz1Z1Xl68XJ09S2xYURk5C1k4jqjK8eDR4sCIm1pwBuZkvjYKrHDr1qy8rpZx

George Floyd and the Tyranny of Apathy

In Philippians 4, Paul reminds the church of having a sense of accountability regarding their prayer life, thought life and actions.  In fact, in the text Paul essentially steps up, and says, 'follow me'. However, the reason Paul could say this was because he was following Christ.

Check out my video below for a reminder of the importance of our asking the once popular question of the 80s and 90s - WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do)?  today, and always!

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/1186549078362755/

Memorial Day, 2020 - "Stones of Remembrance"

Memorial Weekend represents a time that we as a nation remember those who have died serving our country insuring the freedoms we stand for and hold dear.  It is a special day for us.  But, it should also be a reminder of the importance of 'remembering' altogether - of telling our stories to our children and our children's children so that they might never forget what God has done.

https://www.facebook.com/Sam-Dennis-Ministries-1557570587626404/?eid=ARAnh8Lzy8J2q_cSGD8RnN-I29qr3Etap_i0rGCamyToGbRMPjMztCJjimPtxY2YKEio94I6ZMudfxa2

Going Back to Church?

The decision of 'when' to go back to church, or 'when' to return to the church 'meeting house' post COVID-19, has increasingly become a question that many are asking.

But, being caught up with 'when?' may not be nearly as important as 'how?''

Check out this week's 'Encouraging Word' Video from Pastor Sam Dennis that might help.

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/232812744681410/UzpfSTE0Mzc0ODY0NTA6MTAyMTcyODc0MDAxNjM4NDI/

Mother's Day / Women's Day, 2020

Here is an "Encouraging Word' for a day often fraught with many differing emotions - some good, some sad and... some which may even be bitter.

https://www.facebook.com/Sam-Dennis-Ministries-1557570587626404/

"O Death Where is Your Sting"

A Pastor Sam Encouraging Word on Week 8 of COVID-19


https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/1658778034253863/

'Not foolish, but fearless' - A Christian response following COVID-19

https://youtu.be/6S8PFATVTe0

A Holy Week Reminder during COVID-19,

https://youtu.be/iAc6xAXGGnM

Frank Denton - This Pastor's Mentor and Friend

I first met him in 1993 when he and Dottie visited the church, which was still meeting in Brinker Elementary School.  Perhaps it was after they'd heard me preach and learned of our new mission through my time of interim pulpit supply at First Baptist Church of Lewisville, Texas. Or, perhaps it was through Frank's work with the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation -a strategic partner with us - or through other friends at the BGCT (Now Texas Baptist). Or likely because his daughter, Laura Denton Hill, was attending seminary with me and learned of our mission and encouraged them to attend. Either way, when he and Dottie walked in - the oldest couple ever to visit who were not also someone's parents or grands - we wondered and were curious. Then came my follow up visit in their home.  There he and Dottie were perfect. Genuinely interested. I kept asking about them and he kept asking about the church. Dottie sat quietly, but with a wry and knowing smile (which I later learned was her pose anytime Frank spoke) and Frank - well, he was abuzz wanting to hear all about our story, desire and vision to plant a community church in this burgeoning, fast-growing area of newly formed West Plano. And so they came. Again and again. And before long Frank and Dottie Denton joined bringing a world of experience, wisdom and more - bringing kindness, grace and the soft wielding way of love.

In the early days of our first building Frank was busy, often supplying at pulpits across Texas where he would tell the Cooperative Program Giving story at any setting he might. As well, Frank was representing the Baptist Mission Foundation - an organization responsible for so much of what we have been able to do as Texas Baptists. For far more than most will ever know, it has been the means whereby Texas Churches like ParkwayHills are in existence today. Through the gifts of faithful people across this state - most of whom would never want others to know of their ways - churches have been begun and causes have been supported that have reached thousands of people with the gospel - all to the glory of God.

Dottie died from cancer in 1995, and hers was the first funeral held in our church building. Frank loved her so, and was heartbroken over losing the love of his life. But, his faith in Christ, his hope set squarely on the gospel, caught my attention - even then, and I learned one of my first of many lessons watching him. I learned a pastor must know, preach and never fail in telling all that, in Christ, there is no sting in death.

As the years wore on Frank continued to faithfully attend.  He was always telling me about someone he'd met.  Someone who needed help. Someone who needed prayer.  Someone with whom he'd just shared the gospel and needed a church, a job, or a friend. I wondered over him - now in his late 70s - and would tease after he'd been by, saying to those standing near, 'well, that's me in 25 years or so!'

One day Frank came to my office and told me he'd written a poem. One he wanted to share. The poem was good. Actually, quite good. Making a simple but needed point. And, after that, the poems kept coming. Next came the guitar. Frank would play a new song for me and I would listen. And, once again, after he left I would smile and say to those standing nearby, 'well, you know, I suspect that will be me in 25 years.' 

Frank never said anything to me that was critical. He was always complimentary and encouraging.  But now that I look back I realize that it was through these compliments and encouragement that Frank had his way of gently leading me to be more. More faithful. More compassionate. More real. This was Frank's way. He didn't tell you what was wrong, just what was right - leaving you with the notion that doing more of what was right would be the key to moving on.

In 2000 ParkwayHills buried a time capsule out by the monument sign facing the Tollway. We were dedicating the new millennium and, so, in a morning worship service, with cameras rolling, we carried the capsule through the entirety of the church - from preschool, to kids, to youth and adults - class by class - placing things inside.  As the capsule came into the sanctuary it was finally handed to Frank, who then, as one of our oldest members, carried the capsule outside to be buried. As he did we, who were still inside, watched Frank via a video feed shown on the church screen. Many of us began to cry as we watched this man we'd come to love. For we realized that Frank, now nearly 75, would likely not be alive when it was to be opened 25 years into our future. By now Frank had become our churches unofficial patriarch. Sitting each Sunday at his post along the east side wall, looking for those who were visiting to make them feel welcome. Bringing guests week after week, and sensing - always sensing - who among the audience might be the most needy, displaced or uncomfortable.  I would watch Frank from my pulpit post and could often be heard by those standing close, 'well, you know, I suspect that will be me in 25 years.' 

Before my last Sunday as Senior Pastor of ParkwayHills, Frank called me on the phone. In his 90s, now, he was living with his children in San Antonio. His voice was weaker but his words were still the same. He complimented me on a job well done, and then - of course - encouraged me on the days ahead, that I make the most of them and not waste my talents, gifts and call. As we talked he called me pastor as tears began to well in my eyes. Hearing him call me such was humbling, an honor that I have never been sure I deserved. After we hung up I sat in my offie and thought of this man. This one I had pastored for so many years, all the while with him really pastoring me. Then I said softly, this time only to myself, 'well, you know, I suspect that will be my in 25 years.'  And I bowed my head and prayed to God that such might be so!

Thank you, Frank -

Pastor Sam
1 Timothy 4: 1-8

Of things I thought I'd feel at 2020, these were NOT those!

I remember being 19 in January, 1970 - and turning the page to this new decade I find it amazing at how fast the time has passed from then to now. To myself and friends I'm often caught saying- 'I never thought I'd be this young when I got this old." And, if you're a Boomer, you'll understand what I mean.

But, it could be worse - and I see evidence of this every day. Friends who are ill. Others who are broke. And many more who are worse simply because they've quit! Quit caring, quit trying, quit producing, and quit - and this is the saddest - just quit loving and giving.

I've felt for a long time - or perhaps just observed it - that what's most true of us seems only to exaggerate as we age. If stingy, we get more stingy.  If generous, more generous.  If sentimental, mushy. And, if mean, we just get more mean. Though I could be wrong because I never was a kid to kick a dog, and still don't - though my petting of one remains sparse.

Regardless, today I awakened to the decade of 2020 and wondered how in tarnation I got here with most of my hair, albeit white, still on my head. I checked some college football scores to make sure I wasn't dreaming, then put on my workout clothes to head to the newest fashionable gym of West Plano. The one where all the pretty people (or those who want to be) are.  I greeted the employees - the youngsters with perfect bodies who work there and politely act as if we (the members) aren't old, just in need of some toning up. And I privately wondered whether they - in all their perfection - would be any better off than me when they get... (nope, I just can't say it - see my first paragraph).

But... of all the things I thought I'd feel back in 1970 regarding the day I made it to 2020. three things were not in the mix. First, I felt hope. Not hope as in 'wishful', but hope as in what is - my 'riches in God'.  I thought of how the early church was hopeful, too, and visualized their conditions as compared to mine. How they responded to culture, calamity, persecution, poverty and even wealth. Paul wrote to Timothy to 'charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ... to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.' (1 Timothy 6:17ff). And to those who grieving - even over death - not to do so as 'others without hope' for their hope, in Christ, was as certain as Jesus' resurrection - and could be counted on. (cf 1 Corinthians 15)

Then, there is a second thought or 'feeling' - the thought of counting. Meaning, a desire to make my days on this earth count. To count for what matters. To bear diligence in the things that will make an impact in the Kingdom of God. For diligence is most noble when put to things other than self, and I want to be diligent in these.

Finally, there was a third thought -  the idea of 'thought' itself.  I awakened determined to put my mind to - as Paul wrote - whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8) 

For, yes, at 19 I suspected that turning 69 would mean the end of things. How silly and 'millennial' of me (tsk, tsk). For this has not been so at all. And, if anything, I've learned this - that it's not about ME but HIM.  He is -,and because He is this gives me hope. He compels me to live a life that counts. And, He, my LORD and my GOD, must remain the maker and master of my thoughts if the year 2020 and beyond is to be anything worth seeing.

So...
Yours for hope, for counting, and... for many, many good thoughts yet to come! 

Happy New Year, indeed!

Pastor Sam