The Faughn Family of Four

“Greater Things” Thursday #13 – Those Giant TVs

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Adam Faughn • 1 Comment

Our theme for 2011 at Lebanon Road is “Greater Things.” For an introduction and video for this theme, click here. Each Thursday, we are emphasizing an area in which we are trying to improve so we can do greater things for the Lord.

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One of our emphases for this year is technology. We are not trying to “do everything” with technology, but we are striving to lay the infrastructure for growth in this area. While some are reticent of any technological change, we feel that the simple things we are doing are helping our congregation.

One of the changes we have made is adding two large TVs in different parts of our building. These TVs are not for viewing shows and games, however, they are helping us with different areas of ministry.

First, we placed one in our downstairs nursery. For several years, there has been an audio feed into that room, so the ladies who help out with our children during services could listen to the worship. However, with this video feed, they can watch. We have been told many times already by those who are down there that they feel much more like they are part of the worship. Amazingly, after one week with the TV in the room, the chairs they use to rock babies were lined up in front of the TV to watch, and have remained that way ever since!

The other TV (a large, flat-screen) was placed in our fellowship hall. Again, it can be used to show the services live. The thinking here was for future growth. If (or, as I like to say WHEN) we grow to the point where we overflow our auditorium, the TV will serve as a temporary way for folks to still be part of the service. This television also has a secondary use in our fellowship program, as we have shown short videos on it during meals and fun times, and some groups have used it for ways to watch a movie or show during a get-together. It will further be used in the Fall when we have a grief class (taught partially via video) that will meet in that room.

Adding two TVs may seem like a small thing, but we really feel they are there with purpose, and that they are helping us lay the groundwork for great ministry possibilities in the future.

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For “greater things” to occur, we simply need to remember the purpose for this addition to our building. These TVs are not there to make us look “cool” or just to have fun. They are there to help some (in the nursery) as they worship, and to provide us a backup for future growth. Let’s pray that they are always used for those purposes.

Filed Under: Greater Things Thursdays

Why Leah and I Have Devotionals

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Adam Faughn • 2 Comments

For several years, Leah and I were “hit and miss” (at best) at having devotional time together. Sure, we prayed at meals and other times, and we talked about things. We were not good, however, at having a “set time” for the two of us to think about our relationship with God and with each other.

That all changed about 2 years ago. We decided that we both like to read, so why not read together? (Novel concept, I know!) We chose to focus on marriage and parenting for the most part. Each Wednesday night, after the kids are in bed, we sit together and read and discuss a book on these issues. At other times, we have listened to some material.

Obviously, we might change “topics” in the future, but it is so easy to let our kids be the “center” of our home instead of putting things in the proper order: God, spouse, then kids. Reading and being together for these few minutes (our devotionals are usually about 30 minutes) have helped us work on that perspective.

In case you were wondering, we have read the following books together so far:

1. You’re Singing My Song (Glenn and Cindy Colley). We chose this book first because we had both read it before and were familiar with it. This is the book I always give to couples that I counsel before their marriage. Basic in concepts, Glenn and Cindy give several blunt but practical tips for couples.

2. Marriage and the Christian Home (Dr. Ted Burleson). This book, designed for classroom study, was helpful because of its deeply-rooted Biblical basis. While certain chapters might have not “fit” us at the time, reading it helped us ground ourselves in Scripture.

3. Successful Christian Parenting (John MacAurthur). After the first 1/3 of this book, it got good. MacArthur’s Calvinistic slant came through in this book far too much, but, once that section of the book was done, there were some helpful pointers. (Note: the book has also been published under the title What the Bible Says about Parenting.)

4. Sheet Music (Dr. Kevin Lehman). A helpful book from a Christian perspective on sexuality in marriage. Lehman is able to keep the book helpful and serious, while saying some things that are lighthearted. I really feel this is a must-read, as it causes couples to discuss this area of marriage that is far too often never talked about.

5. The 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman). We just finished this book, and it has really helped us. While there were no real surprises as to what each other’s “language” was, reading about them was very informative. I would recommend this book to pre-married couples, too.

Additionally, we have listened to a few podcasts from FamilyLife Today as well as a series on the Song of Solomon from Denton Bible Church (find this 6-part series on iTunes by searching for “Denton Bible Church Love Songs” and thank me later!).

These nights have become part of the “culture” of our house, and I am so thankful. I really believe they have helped our marriage, and I pray they will continue to help us grow closer together in the future. Why not pick a night each week, put the kids to bed, and start learning and growing together. You’ll be glad you did!

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How do you and your spouse have your devotional times? What tips would you give for other “studies” (besides family issues) for a couple to undertake?

Filed Under: Family

Why Read Leviticus?

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Adam Faughn • 2 Comments

If there is any book in the Bible that I get asked, “Why is that there?” the most about, it has to be Leviticus. Starting with just the second verse, Leviticus launches into command after command, all given in great detail, and contains very few “stories” as do other Old Testament books. Many just skip this book, because it can get quite repetitive and even boring (to them) in certain places.

So why read this book? Let me offer 4 general reasons.

1. We learn that God is a God of detail. If we learn nothing else from Leviticus, it becomes very clear that God does care about details. Yes, God is a God of grace, but that does not excuse us from seeking His ways of doing things and following them.

2. We learn that worship does have patterns. While we are not under the laws laid out in Leviticus today, the book makes it abundantly clear that God has regulations for worship. Quite possibly the most well-known story in the book is that of Nadab and Abihu, who offered “strange” (literally, “unauthorized”) fire before the Lord, and were killed for their disobedience (10:1-3). When we worship, we must follow the regulations found in the New Testament, or God is not pleased.

3. We learn that priests were to be working. New Testament Christians are priests, no matter their lineage. Under the Law of Moses, priests worked extremely hard and made sure all they did was as God requires. Since we are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), we need to work as well.

4. We learn that God cares about each area of our lives. Rules and regulations are scattered throughout this book that deal with cleanliness, sexuality, citizenship, and various other areas of life. God cares how we worship, but He also cares how we live from day-to-day.

While Leviticus can be hard for some to “wade through,” I hope these four reasons give you more clarity as to some general reasons why this book is helpful. It is part of God’s Word, so let’s make sure we read and learn from it.

Filed Under: Church Life

Friday Links Roundup: The End of Year 3 (Times 2) Edition

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Adam Faughn • 1 Comment

Today is the last day for me to have a 3-year-old son. My buddy, Turner, turns four tomorrow. God has granted us the privilege of raising this boy, and we pray often that we honor the Lord in our decisions. Our prayer is that Turner grows up to be a preacher. No, he doesn’t have to stand in the pulpit each Sunday, but we pray that he will “preach” the glory of God with his life.

Also, we are nearing the end of our third year at Lebanon Road. On March 31, we’ll end three years with a great congregation. It is a daily prayer of ours that the work we do helps this congregation and that we do all things to God’s glory.

God is so good to us. While three years may not seem like a “major” anniversary, we’re grateful for these years!

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On to the links for this week:

1. One of the interesting things about this year is that it is the 400th anniversary of the printing of the King James (or Authorized) Version of the Bible. This volume is often made fun of now, due to its “outdated” language. Tim Pyles reminds us of the amazing place this book has in history in a great post. Enjoy “Happy Birthday Unto Thee!”

2. A website that I am been gaining great encouragement from lately is Baptism365. The site simply reports baptisms from around the world from members of the Lord’s Church. Thankfully, it is updated very regularly!!! Here is a recent post. I hope, if you have a baptism at your congregation, you’ll let them know, so others can gain encouragement from the best news of all.

3. I’m linking to this next post for two reasons. One is to tell you that Robbie MacKenzie went to Las Vegas and, thus, needs our prayers!!! (Just kidding.) The other, serious reason is that he brought back a great story and taught a great lesson from it. (I guess what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas in the blogging age!) Enjoy his article “Finding Balance.”

4. A news item this week. As a dad of a little girl, I am very interested in how fashion develops. One of the most appalling problems with many fashions is that the clothes make our little girls try to look older, and even sexualize little girls. FoxNews.com ran a story about Abercrombie & Fitch’s latest offering for girls as young as eight years old. What is it? How about a bikini with padded tops! This is truly sad. Here is the story.

5. Scott McCown tells a story that you will have a hard time believing. It is a true story, though, and one that preachers need to file away for their next sermon on marriage. Here is his post “Marriage Matters.”

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We hope you have a great weekend. Our youth group is going on their Spring Retreat this weekend, so pray for them, that they might learn more of God’s Word and grow closer together on this trip.

We hope for another wonderful day at Lebanon Road on Sunday! No matter where you are, don’t forget the Lord on His Day!

Filed Under: Links Roundups

“Greater Things” Thursday #12 – Ministry for Single Christians

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Adam Faughn • 1 Comment

Lebanon Road’s theme for 2011 is “Greater Things.” For an introduction to our theme, including a video, click here. Each Thursday, we write about a program or work that we want to do even better at in this year.

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One of our newest ministries at Lebanon Road is our ministry for single Christians. One of our members came to our elders a few months ago with a proposal of not just “starting” a program, but researching and making it the best it could be right from the start. We have many members here who are unmarried, and the ministry is doing a great job encouraging and teaching these members.

While still new, the ministry has held classes, had social functions, and enjoyed other periods of fellowship. They are also leading certain areas within the congregation (including something we will discuss in the “Greater Things” Thursday in about 2 weeks).

One of the great things done in preparation and in getting this ministry started was going to other congregations to learn how they have been successful, but also to allow for more interaction in different functions in the future.

We have also given a small space in our bulletin to this ministry for the past few weeks. The leader of this work does a good job of putting short, but very encouraging, notes that help us all understand more about the ministry.

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To strive for greater things, I have just two suggestions. First, I want to see our congregation praying more for this ministry. Not only is it helpful, but it is new. It is hard to get a new ministry off the ground. Even if we don’t pray for “the ministry,” I hope we will pray more for those who are single.

Also, we need more involvement. We do not have a large number of single adults, but we have a significant number. I pray more will see the good that is being done by this group, and will want to learn more.

Filed Under: Greater Things Thursdays

Monthly Archives: March 2011

“Greater Things” Thursday #13 – Those Giant TVs

Why Leah and I Have Devotionals

Why Read Leviticus?

Friday Links Roundup: The End of Year 3 (Times 2) Edition

“Greater Things” Thursday #12 – Ministry for Single Christians