When a mentor and dear friend dies: Brother Larry Rutledge (1941-2018)

I never understood why at baby dedications, they would say "stand if you promise to help raise this baby and guide them in the Word and in good works". The reason that made me question this practice? It was due to only the parents are in the homes and they are the ones who raise children, not this big group of people who are standing and will possibly never talk to that baby as they grow up.


That is up until Brother Larry Rutledge died Tuesday 2/30/18 at the age of 72. As much as any person can know about another*, I believe he was a born-again Christian.The Bible says we will know them by their fruits. Well, Mister Rutledge was fruitful.


                The misunderstanding of the baby dedication, changed for me right then.

                           I then realized that Larry Rutledge had helped raised me.

As soon as I read on Facebook at 5am Wednesday morning, that  I realized something quite spectacular about a great number of people who are also members of the local church.

During grade school at church, Larry Rutledge was one of the RA teachers taught me about missions, the Bible, and the missionary David Livingstone.  For as long as I can remember Larry Rutledge would talk to me in kindness and truth.  Finally Brother Larry Rutledge lived worthy of the Gospel and in all ways above reproach. In a way that all who knew him noticed.

Just like the people who stand and vow at baby dedications, Mr. Larry helped raised me in the faith. He wasn’t sinless but I full heartedly believe that my dear friend did repent and believe in the Sinless one!

If Larry were still alive today he would agree and proclaim that, God created man in good relationship with God and sin marred that for all of us through Adam's fall. Then Larry would remind us, I believe that while hell is for all who sin, God made a way to avoid Hell and be most importantly have a restored relationship with God. For God so loved the world, that Jesus became sin on the Cross, that while we are still sinners Christ died for us. While death came through Adam how much more so would many be saved through the only Way, Jesus Himself. Who said that in order to be truly born-again Christians, individuals must Repent and Believe the Gospel.

*No one can know for absolute certain if someone is a Christian, and we should never do God's work, in declaring someone saved. It is always between the individual in need of grace and God, the giver of Grace whether or not someone is a believer.  

Carolyn Anderson, my dear Grandmother's birthday (video:17:47)

Great advice, wisdom, and discussion between two of my dear family members. 

“Be like the Bereans” Acts 17:11 Breakfast at NCB Church Oct, 21st 2017

My sister graciously filmed most of the sermon on her iPhone, 

You can watch the video by clicking here.

I was recently invited to speak at the "Breakfast day" at New Center Baptist Church. I spoke on the theme verse for all of the book studies we do at the Bible study I co-teach at. It is imperative for the discerning believer in Christ to be cautious when listening, reading, or studying any and all sources that say something about God, man, or anything that falls within the bounds of worldviews. It was a humbling blessing to be invited or even able by God to talk about Him and His Word. Just as it is every time I have the privilege to teach and preach solely on the authority of God's Word enabled by the Holy Spirit. I have a great passion for preaching and hope to do so in some capacity full-time someday, but only if the Lord Jesus Christ has decided that be my lot in life.

Below is the message notes that go along with the sermon.

"fill-in-the-blank Sermon Notes" 

Brotherhood Breakfast at New Center Baptist Church Oct, 21st 2017

“Be like the Bereans”

Guest Speaker: Zack Anderson

Acts 17:11

One point sermon: Study the Bible.

Four applications for every single one of us…

    Know God______________________.

How can one know God?*

    Read the ________ of God for yourself daily.
    Obey the Word __________________.

    Spread the Word_________________.

Fundamental Truths about the Bible

·         It is Inspired by God: -2 Tim. 3:16-17

·         It is Absolute truth: Psalm 119:151

·          It is forever unchanging: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”- Isaiah 40:8

·         It is Complete Revelation: Deuteronomy 4:2

·         It is all about Jesus: Luke 24:44-49; Ephesians 2:19-20

·         It is preached to make faith, repentance, and Salvation possible: -Rom. 10:14-17; Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21

·         It is alive and judges our actions: -Hebrews. 4:12.

*How can a sinner know God? Romans 10:9,13-15

God Calls, Convicts, and Converts sinners into saints.

 Sinners must repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

                                  Mark 1:15; John 3:16-17

"A true disciple inquires not whether a fact is agreeable to his own reason, but whether it is in The Book." -Adoniram Judson, Baptist missionary, who served in the country of Burma for almost forty years.



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Other quotes on the supremacy and importance of Scripture: 

“Whatever the Bible says, God says”- Dr. Benjamin Warfield

"When God has spoken, that settles the matter. No room is left for debating or reasoning. It is vain for us to discuss and dispute. Our duty is to submit. The Word itself must regulate our worship and service, as well as everything else. Human opinions, human traditions, custom, convenience, have nothing to do with it. Divine revelation is our only Court of Appeal."~ Arthur Pink, "Gleanings in Exodus"

[Talking to a room of pastors]

"Their greatest need is not tips from you. Their greatest need is Truth from God!!"-IMB President. David Platt