Bill Nieporte, Pastor

Richmond, Virginia
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  • HOME 

    June 11, 2009, 10:56

    Bill Nieporte  // // Dr. William Michael Nieporte Sr. (Bill Nieporte) was born in Middletown, Connecticut on September 5, 1963. He became a Christ-follower…

  • Patterson Ave. Baptist 

    June 12, 2009, 01:10

     Randolph Street Baptist Church   Early in the fall of 1891, the Revered G.F. Williams from the Baptist City Missionary Society of Richmond held a series…

  • Bookstore 

    July 1, 2009, 00:12

       

  • Richmond Eateries 

    July 9, 2009, 07:03

    Here are my favorite eateries in Richmond, Virginia.  These are all my personal opinion – none of these business have paid a dime to advertise…

  • Privacy Policy 

    January 21, 2012, 13:47

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  • Site Map 

    January 6, 2012, 12:17

    This page contains the site table of contents. Use it to quickly find content on this website.


Blog Posts

  • Category: Uncategorized  (42)
    • Feasting on the Word - My favorite Bible study resource by: billnieporte

      January 7, 2012, 06:55

      The Word Feasting on the Word When it comes to feasting on the Word, we preachers have learned that there are no better guides than Barbara Brown Taylor…

    • An interview with Thomas G. Long, author of Accompany Them With Singing by: billnieporte

      January 5, 2012, 09:19

      Funeral An interview with Thomas G. Long, author of Accompany Them With Singing - The Christian Funeral Thomas G. Long, one of Americas most trusted and…

    • 2012 is Almost Here: The End of The World Is Upon Us by: billnieporte

      December 30, 2011, 10:07

      End Of The World Have you ever had a song that has been stuck in your head and you just can’t get it out of there? Sometimes it’s a commercial…

    • Confined: Christmas Sermon 2011 At Patterson Avenue Baptist, Richmond, Virginia by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2011, 07:58

      Here’s the good news for this Christmas day: “Jesus Christ, the human Son of God, is born into this world captive to all the things that bind and restrict…

    • Little Drummer Boy Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 25, 2011, 09:32

      Little Drummer Boy Last five minutes or so of ”Little Drummer Boy.” Lamb is run over and they go to see ”the kings” to save him. I always like…

    • The Trinity and You (Video w/ great music) by: billnieporte

      December 16, 2011, 07:19

      The Trinity and You.flv Words John Crowder,Professor Thomas F.Torrance,Music by A.Christopher Welch Music played half written half spontaneous , recorded in…

    • Indifference is Fatal by: billnieporte

      December 5, 2011, 23:05

      “Christians have no business thinking that the good life consists mainly in not doing bad things. We have no business thinking that to do evil in this world…

    • Cursing the Darkness by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 07:41

      The lectionary texts for this coming Second Sunday of Advent encourage us to bring a message of hopeful peace into the dark corners of our world. Isaiah…

    • Ready or Not, Here I Come - Advent 1 Audio & Video by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2011, 03:06

                Whew, what an ordeal.... Patterson Avenue Baptist Church has a new video system, allowing us to…

    • Faith and Hope by: billnieporte

      November 25, 2011, 22:34

      Throughout Advent I am sharing thoughts from Bill Coffin, author of Credo - and several other books. Bill was a prophet, pastor, and gadfly in the oinment of…

    • Guilt by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2011, 04:23

      From Bill Coffin: Our trouble with guilt is that it often seeks punishment in order to avoivd judgment; for while judgment demand a new way of life,…

    • CNN Reports: Pastor with 666 tattoo claims to be divine by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 07:15

      (editor:  I know this is an old story, from 2007 - BUT I just saw it and it made me laugh.) February 16, 2007|By John Zarrella and Patrick Oppmann…

    • Lavish Love - Audio & Video by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 08:09

      The Sunday sermon at The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church on November 20, 2011, was based on Ephesians 1:15-23.  The title of the sermon is "Lavish Love." I…

    • Apocalypse NOW by: billnieporte

      November 15, 2011, 08:15

      Apocalyptic literature in the scripture is NOT about end times - the ongoing speculation about when Jesus will return.  Such literature is not aimed at…

    • Ebook: Sales, Motivation, Even Preaching by: billnieporte

      October 10, 2011, 08:44

      Okay, this is different.  Some of you may think that it is - as the young people say - a bit sketchy.  I thought so when I read the "sales letter."  Then I…

    • Overheard Evangelistic Effort by: billnieporte

      October 1, 2011, 04:28

      Heard a guy "witnessing" today about the Gospel.  He spoke about "grace" saying it was "God's unconditional love expressed in Jesus." The other guy was…

    • Today Do Something Amazing by: billnieporte

      September 22, 2011, 23:39

      Not sure who wrote this...it might have be me, but I think I heard it sometime in the past.  In any event, I found it scribbled on a note in an old file and…

    • Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Lion by: billnieporte

      September 21, 2011, 23:23

      Read 2 Timothy 1:8-12 We all know the story of the Wizard of Oz and those three who went on a journey with Dorothy of Kansas seeking the missing ingredient…

    • Thoughts from Bonhoeffer by: billnieporte

      September 20, 2011, 23:19

      Bonhoeffer wrote: "Happy are they who have reached the end of the road we tred and who are astonished to discover that grace is costly just because it is…

    • Where Are The Clowns? by: billnieporte

      September 8, 2011, 22:00

      This post was inspired by a portion of Dr. Bill Leonard's book "Word of God Across the Ages."  I borrow from it extensively so I want to give him credit…

    • Missing the Trees Because of the Forrest by: billnieporte

      September 5, 2011, 20:20

      My friend Steve Mcvey posted this on his page and I just had to "borrow" it.  Talk about missing the tree because of the forest.  Sometimes we spend so…

    • How Did The Early Christians Even Survive? It's a mystery... by: billnieporte

      August 26, 2011, 08:32

      Made a list the other day that the early (Book of Acts) church didn’t have: Sunday School, VBS (Vacation Bible Schoool), Women's Groups, Men's Gr…

    • Quick Quote...Athanasius who died 373 ACE by: billnieporte

      August 20, 2011, 09:30

      . In his treatise On the Incarnation, Athanasius wrote the following (italics mine): Thus, taking a body like our own, because all our bodies were liable to…

    • A Funeral for a Friend by: billnieporte

      August 17, 2011, 09:39

      I found this sermon for a friend from my last church and enjoyed remembering my friend - one of the most joyful fellows I have ever known.  Just had to share…

    • Ornithology by: billnieporte

      August 15, 2011, 09:34

      I read this by a fellow named Jim Rogers.  Made me laugh.  We all need a laugh from time to time. When I was a senior in college, I had a chance to take…

    • Quick Quotes...Thomas Torrance by: billnieporte

      August 10, 2011, 09:33

      The resurrection of Jesus as act of God is a decisive event, a final judgment, which affects the entire state of human existence, the whole situation in which…

    • A New Reason and Purpose For Living by: billnieporte

      August 6, 2011, 06:24

      The Reverend Thomas Chalmers, a nineteenth-century Scottish preacher, once preached a sermon using LUKE 8:26-39 as his text.  He titled his sermon:  “The…

    • Love by: billnieporte

      July 30, 2011, 07:06

      Fred Craddock tells the story of his father, who spent years of his life hiding from the God who was seeking him out. “When the pastor used to come from…

    • Baxter Kruger on "The Shack" by: billnieporte

      June 29, 2011, 08:46

      Click here now to watch this great interview I found with Baxgter Kruger on the theology of Paul Young's "The Shack."  

    • Danger in the Water - Mark 4:35-41 by: billnieporte

      June 9, 2011, 08:10

      Four years ago I moved from the Eastern Shore of Virginia to the city of Richmond, where I now serve as pastor at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church. I had…

    • trinityTrinitarian Chorus by: billnieporte

      February 27, 2011, 08:25

      I surrender my days to the Father. I submit my will to the Son. I live my life from the Spirit above. I rest myself in God's amazing love. Copyright…

    • Individualism by: billnieporte

      February 3, 2011, 10:11

      In the book Habits of the Heart, Robert Bellah characterizes Western society as marked by rampant individualism. This characterization touches at the very…

    • The Last Transition: From Pre-Modernity by: billnieporte

      August 18, 2010, 04:37

      When speaking about paradigms, we refer to the pattern, model, or overall perspective from which the vast majority of persons in a culture gather,…

    • Chick-Fil-A Offers A Helping Hand by: billnieporte

      June 9, 2010, 03:48

      Chick-Fil-A Supports The Jones Family with a “Spirit Night” Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 5:30-8 pm Show your support by inviting all your family and…

    • The Naked Gospel by: billnieporte

      May 18, 2010, 07:20

       The Naked Gospel: Truth You May Never Hear in Church (Hey, I am dyslexic - and I write this blog on the fly, so if there are typos, please edit them out…

    • Snow Day - Fourth Sunday of Advent by: billnieporte

      December 21, 2009, 06:26

      Snow covers the ground in Richmond, VA.  The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church was unable to meet for worship this morning.  Thanks to internet, however,…

    • Can You Raise My Allowance? by: billnieporte

      December 11, 2009, 01:58

      “Dad, can you raise my allowance?” my son Michael asked. “Why do you need an increase?  What are you planning to buy?” I replied. “Well, I do…

    • The Church Is Dangerous Place To Be by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2009, 05:19

      Andrew Young, former U.N. Ambassador, Mayor of Atlanta, and close friend of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., is also an ordained minister in the United…

    • Stethoscope by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2009, 21:33

      This is a really fun video with a nice message. Please leave a comment here on the site sharing your thoughts.

    • Ugly Dog Is Returned Home by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2009, 11:27

      The ugly dog has been returned to his home.    As it turns out, he wasn’t a hairless Chiwawa, but a Chinese Crested.  Whatever the breed, there’s no…

    • Ugly Dog Found  by: billnieporte

      June 14, 2009, 04:51

      We found a dog today. It’s an ugly, hairless, Chawawa (not even sure if I am spelling that right.   Don't believe it is ugly? I am attaching a picture.  …

    • Mark Twain Said by: billnieporte

      June 12, 2009, 00:28

      If the church is merely a place where a nice respectable person stands in front of other nice, respectable people and urges them to be nicer and more…

  • Category: Book Reviews  (22)

    Reflections on some good books

  • Category: Grace Notes  (97)

    Devotional thoughts

    • The Lord is with you!  by: billnieporte

      December 23, 2011, 05:00

      You and I, just like Mary, have been favored -- blessed -- by God’s grace! “Greeting, favored one! The Lord is with you.” We are favored by God not…

    • Max Lucado: Gabriel's Questions by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 11:05

      These stories-like your favorite Christmas ornaments-come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural…

    • A Christmas Great Christmas Story by: billnieporte

      December 15, 2011, 10:43

      . The above video is from my friend, John Upton, Executive Director, Virginia Baptist Mission Board.    I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.   …

    • Aslan Is Not Safe by: billnieporte

      December 8, 2011, 10:56

      By Steve McVey (my friend from  http://gracewalk.org) In The Chronicles of Narnia , C. S. Lewis wrote in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe about an…

    • Some Guy Jumped Me At The Mall by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:32

      A few weeks back, as the Christmas shopping season began, I was jumped by a guy at the mall.  The guy did not have a knife or a gun.  His weapons were a…

    • How To Be A Success by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2011, 22:58

      From Bill Coffin: Love, and you are a success whether or not the world thinks so. The highest purpose of Christianity = which is primarily a way of life,…

    • God is NOT in the Religion Business by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 10:50

      "Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is the proclamation of the end of religion, not of a new religion, or even of the best of all religions. If the…

    • Identity - quotes from William Sloane Coffin by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 06:15

      Bill Coffin said: “So don't let money tell you who you are. Don't let power tell you who your are. Don't let enemies and -- for God's sake -- don't let…

    • Sentimental or Loving - from William Sloane Coffine by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2011, 05:25

      In his book, CREDO, Bill Coffin writes: To show compassion for an individual without showing concern for the structures of society that make him an object…

    • Loving Self - from William Sloane Coffin by: billnieporte

      November 26, 2011, 23:55

      Bill Coffin writes: If we hate ourselves, we can never love others, for love is the ngift of oneself. How will you make a gift of that which you hate? …

    • Joyless Christianity by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 07:57

      More from Bill Coffin: So why are Christians often so joyless? It is, I think, because too often Christians have enough religion to make them miserable.…

    • The Joy that is of God by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 01:52

      From Bill Coffin, in Credo The joy that is of God is not opposed to earthly pleasures.  Rather it infuses them with a foundation of meaning. Joy is the…

    • What is Faith?  by: billnieporte

      November 17, 2011, 22:53

      Bill Coffin, on FAITH - from Credo "What is faith?  Faith is being grasped by the power of love.  Faith is recognizing that what makes God is infinate…

    • William Sloan Coffin - on love by: billnieporte

      November 17, 2011, 05:10

      I first met Bill Coffin while a student in seminary.  In fact, I to introduce him at a campus event sponsored by "The Ethics Luncheon" - if I can find the…

    • Thoughts from William Barclay by: billnieporte

      September 19, 2011, 23:18

      Commenting on Ephesians 2:1-10, the world-renowned Scottish New Testament interpreter wrote: "Sometimes Christianity is presented in such a way that it…

    • Changed by Grace by: billnieporte

      August 21, 2011, 07:09

      A tremendous thrill swept through Jericho in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival.  This was nothing unusual.  An appearance by Jesus always caused some sort of…

    • Quick Quotes....T.F.Torrance by: billnieporte

      August 14, 2011, 07:38

      "Perhaps the most fundamental truth which we have to learn in the Christian Church, or rather relearn since we have suppressed it, is that the incarnation was…

    • Alive In Christ by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:31

      Here is the sermon from Patterson Avenue Baptist, dated on July 31, based on Collossians 1 & 2, with special focus on 2:6-14. The though behind this…

    • Living by Faith by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 06:16

      Living by faith means living in response to God’s continual movements of grace.   Living by faith means that we trust Jesus to save us—to unite us with…

    • I am NOT a Legalist by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 04:57

      Nobody will ever accuse my son of being a legalist... (Read the sign on the wall behind him!)  

    • Christmas In August with C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      August 4, 2011, 05:59

      In C.S. Lewis' book "The Loin, The Witch and the Wardrobe," readers are taken to the mythical land of Narnia.  When Narnia is living under the authority of…

    • Doubters and Skeptics Take Note by: billnieporte

      August 3, 2011, 05:57

      In his book, Man's Search for Meaning, Victor Frankel argued that the "loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man."  As a result of his…

    • Shepherd by: billnieporte

      August 1, 2011, 05:32

      In the gospels Jesus once referred to himself as a shepherd.  He also siad that his disciples are those who hear voice follow him.  I was not exactly sure…

    • Fear and Faith by: billnieporte

      July 31, 2011, 07:14

      We all live with fear.  At one level, that's a good thing.  It is great that we have a bit of fear when walking across several lanes of traffic at the height…

    • Love by: billnieporte

      July 30, 2011, 07:06

      Fred Craddock tells the story of his father, who spent years of his life hiding from the God who was seeking him out. “When the pastor used to come from…

    • Recover The WOW-Factor by: billnieporte

      July 28, 2011, 06:46

      Sherry was an attractive girl – very attractive.  She dressed well, had a great smile, a warm personality, and an infectious giggle.  Her favorite word was…

    • PEACE by: billnieporte

      July 27, 2011, 07:31

      For a time I worked as a Summer Youth Ministries Intern in Palatka, Florida.  The church was rather large, but Palatka was small.  It was location off Route…

    • Claim the Promise by: billnieporte

      July 25, 2011, 22:17

      We don't take Jesus seriously. Think about it!  When was the last time you did any of the things Jesus did?  When was the last time you did anything…

    • Cool by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 23:52

      This is the closing prayer...and pretty much the jest of the sermon for this coming Sunday. Father, we are tired of struggling…tired of trying… tired of…

    • The STAIN of Sin VS The CORE of Christianity by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 00:11

      Last Saturday I stained my back deck.  In the process, I also stained my sidewalk, the side of the house, and the grass in my backyard.  Oh, the trees in the…

    • C.S. Lewis on "hating the sin and loving the sinner!" by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2011, 21:55

      I remember Christian teachers telling me long ago that I must hate a bad man's actions but not hate the bad man: or, as they would say, hate the sin but not…

    • Quick Quote: Christianity is NOT a Moral Code of Conduct according to C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2011, 04:51

      I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and…

    • If you can't forgive, let Papa-God do it instead by: billnieporte

      July 19, 2011, 07:42

      Recently I found myself in the Emergency Room of a hospital here in Richmond, Virginia.  I was there to visit the family of a young child in my church who had…

    • Do You Enjoy God? by: billnieporte

      July 18, 2011, 22:45

      In today’s post I want to ask you THE question for gauging your spiritual health. Are you ready? Here's the question: Do you enjoy God? Are you…

    • What Are You Worth? by: billnieporte

      July 10, 2011, 01:55

      According to the U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, the typical human body is made up of the following chemicals: • 65% Oxygen • 18% Carbon • 10%…

    • Giving Your Best Is Not Enough by: billnieporte

      June 21, 2011, 14:03

      Read Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) There was a time when almost every child in America had at least three sets of clothing. They had school clothes, play clothes,…

    • Quick Quote: Thomas Torrance On Salvation by: billnieporte

      May 28, 2011, 03:10

      “To know this God, who both condescends to share all that we are and makes us share in all that He is in Jesus Christ, is to be lifted up in His Spirit to…

    • Divine Love Is More Than An Attribute - by Steve McVey by: billnieporte

      May 27, 2011, 08:46

      There are a couple of blogs that are "must-reads" for me.  Of this small list, Steve McVey (from GraceWalk Ministries) is at the top of the list.  You've…

    • About My Friends: Quick Quote From C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      May 27, 2011, 06:00

      Over the last few days I have been in a conference teaching listening skills, Bible-storying, and how these skills can be used to lead a church and disciple…

    • How Grace Changes You by: billnieporte

      May 19, 2011, 23:29

      A tremendous thrill swept through Jericho in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. This was nothing unusual. An appearance by Jesus always caused some sort of…

    • The most radical thing we can say: YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD by: billnieporte

      May 18, 2011, 06:15

      Read Ephesians 1:4-5; John 14:1-21, I john 4:8, and John 3:16-17 Here is some thoughts I have been scribbling down as I prepared sermons for the next two…

    • Running and Running and Running by: billnieporte

      May 12, 2011, 09:45

      As a child one of my favorite places to visit was the pet store.  In fact, I still like visiting the pet store.  I liked seeing the lineup of puppies and…

    • Be Nice To The Lady With The Chicken by: billnieporte

      April 14, 2011, 09:19

      Christian Herter was running hard for reelection as Governor of Massachusetts, and one day he arrived late at a barbecue given in his honor.  He'd had no…

    • You Want A Revolution by: billnieporte

      March 25, 2011, 22:56

      As we make our way through LENT, I have been thinking about ADVENT. That makes sense because Incarnation and Atonement are tied together - and they mean more…

    • Amazing Grace by: billnieporte

      March 25, 2011, 07:38

      Read I John 3:1; 4:7-18 He left school at age 11. He made his living on the ocean. In time, he became the captain of his own ship. He earned profit by…

    • Jack the Dog by: billnieporte

      March 22, 2011, 02:59

      Jack has been a part of our family for about 10 years. He is a dog that followed Michelle home from the bus stop when we were living in Charlotte, North…

    • Does Love Win? by: billnieporte

      March 9, 2011, 06:49

      The net is all a buzz about the forth-coming book by Rob Bell titled:  “Love Wins!”  Not just the net, however!  There have been stories broadcast by…

    • Religious Magic by: billnieporte

      March 8, 2011, 03:57

      One of greatest forms of entertainment today is provided by good magicians.  Anytime any magician performs anywhere I want to be a part of the audience.  I…

    • Have You Been Raised Right? by: billnieporte

      March 5, 2011, 12:06

      I'm Just Saying... I was recently introduced to a book by Ferrol Sams titled The Whisper of the River.  It is a story about a young boy, reared in Georgia,…

    • “Clean Shirt…New Shoes” by: billnieporte

      February 7, 2011, 05:21

      Last post I began looking at Joshua 3.  Heard the comment that if we want to move forward on journey with God, we need to leave “Shittim.”  That’s…

    • “O Goodie! It’s Time For Refreshments!” by: billnieporte

      February 4, 2011, 08:33

      So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on…

    • Making The Grade by: billnieporte

      January 26, 2011, 08:19

      Oh, the memories.  It’s mid-term exams week in area high schools, and my son, Michael, is at the dining room table.  Tomorrow’s tests are in Technology…

    • Dusty Discipleship (Audio and Text) by: billnieporte

      January 24, 2011, 04:48

      Matthew 4:12-23 – Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2011 Also available for download & streaming audio at http://www.pattersonavenuebaptist.…

    • Yes, Jesus Died For That Person by: billnieporte

      January 21, 2011, 10:21

      I was in line, ready to order a sandwich from one of my favorite eating establishments. There were several people in line in front of me. The line was slow…

    • As You Wish by: billnieporte

      January 5, 2011, 08:39

      Read Matthew 3:13-17 One of my favorite novels is called The Princess Bride.  About twenty years ago, while I was a student in seminary, the book became…

    • Is Grace Enough by: billnieporte

      January 4, 2011, 06:47

      Read: Luke 17:5-6 It was a long time ago (a very long time ago, in fact).  Still the words have stayed with me for more than a quarter-century! I was…

    • Baxter Kruger: Alternate Kingdoms by: billnieporte

      January 3, 2011, 09:30

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    • Have A Grace-Filled New Year by: billnieporte

      January 1, 2011, 09:13

      As I write these thoughts, it’s “New Year’s Eve!”  In just a few hours (5 ½ hours as I begin writing these thoughts) 2010 will be history and 2011…

    • Why Did Jesus Come? by: billnieporte

      December 27, 2010, 05:10

      From my friend Steve McVey: Jesus didn’t come into the world so that the Father would change His mind about us. Your Father has never been angry with man…

    • The Ugly Side Of Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2010, 11:51

      Read Matthew 2:16-18 - On this Sunday after Christmas – on what is one of the traditionally low attendance Sunday’s of the year, I have decided to do…

    • Adopted by: billnieporte

      December 15, 2010, 04:19

      This post is from a new friend, Jonathan Stepp, found on his wonderful blog, http://www.theadoptedlife.org Adoption is a powerful idea. It is the idea that…

    • The Rightous Branch by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2010, 10:05

      Read Isaiah 11:1-9 - Those of you who have visited our nation’s capital are aware that throughout that city, there are several statues of national and world…

    • Jesus Does Not Want To Enter Your Life by: billnieporte

      December 8, 2010, 06:09

      Steve McVey (http://gracewalk.org) posted a blog several months back that I copied and saved.  What Steve had to write is essential to having a clear…

    • Are You Ready For Christmas? by: billnieporte

      December 6, 2010, 23:38

      Read Matthew 3:1-12 - “Are you ready for Christmas?” I’ve already heard that question a half-dozen times – and Christmas is still nineteen days away…

    • You Are Free To Spend Less by: billnieporte

      December 6, 2010, 07:17

      I talked a bit about John the Baptizer this morning.  This guy gets my vote as the strangest guy in the New Testament.  Of course, that oddness is accentuated…

    • The Rededication Ferris-Wheel by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2010, 10:27

      I got off the “rededication Ferris-Wheel” several years ago.  If you have spent any time in the typical church that employs the ritual of the alter-call,…

    • What Happened At The Cross? by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2010, 06:54

      I am passionate about biblical theology.  That means I often get in trouble with some people who have heard all their lives that some doctrine they believe is…

    • When Does Worship Happen? by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2010, 14:30

      Isaiah 6:1-8 - Many worship leaders have used the Scripture passage for today’s scripture reading as a call to worship.  Certainly that is fitting,…

    • Is Church Dull?  by: billnieporte

      November 23, 2010, 06:08

      Let's start living the life we've been given to its fullest.

    • You Are Included by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 06:21

      Read John 15:9-17 - Some of the best and some of the worst moments of my life have to do with being chosen...(or not chosen--as the case may be)  I…

    • Life After Life by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 05:43

      Read John 11 - Our society is preoccupied with issues related to  “life after death.”  Books, articles and television programs have addressed the…

    • Old Johnny Is Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:10

      I once served as a volunteer in a mission for homeless men.  My job was to serve the evening meal and spend some time in fellowship with the men staying in…

    • Included - Luke 7:41-50 by: billnieporte

      November 13, 2010, 01:31

      So, this fellow invited Jesus to dinner. He was an upstanding citizen in his community and extremely loyal to his church.  Everything was going just fine,…

    • The Prodigal  by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2010, 09:13

      No description found for this item.

    • 9-11 Followup by: billnieporte

      October 13, 2010, 03:03

      "I'm Just Saying..." Recently founds some old PC files from 2001 - following the events of September 11th.  The first was a sermon preached on a Wednesday…

    • Remembering 911 by: billnieporte

      October 12, 2010, 23:11

      "I'm Just Saying..." I came across some old files recently and found two sermons preached after 9-11.  I found myself back in the moment.  They speak to…

    • Grace Not Hate by: billnieporte

      March 3, 2010, 07:10

      Westboro Baptist The Westboro Baptist Church came to Richmond, V A today. Never heard of them?  Do a web search and you'll be amazed, I (hopefully)…

    • Coming To The End Of Self-Sufficiency by: billnieporte

      January 12, 2010, 23:33

        Imagine…as the result of some sort of catastrophe, your church suddenly found itself without its building.     Discuss how the ministry of…

    • Can You Raise My Allowance? by: billnieporte

      December 11, 2009, 01:58

      “Dad, can you raise my allowance?” my son Michael asked. “Why do you need an increase?  What are you planning to buy?” I replied. “Well, I do…

    • I'd Rather Be Sailing by: billnieporte

      December 10, 2009, 09:31

      Heard this recently:  Two men who were next-door neighbors decided to go sailing while their wives went Christmas shopping. While they were out in the…

    • More Blessed to Receive Than to Give by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2009, 00:01

      All the talk among adults at Christmas is about gift-giving.  What will we buy/make/give to our friends, family, loved ones, and especially to our children,…

    • Gracious Shalom by: billnieporte

      December 8, 2009, 08:37

      Shalom (the Hebrew word most often translated "peace") is never a negative.  It never refers to the absence of something (war, crime, hatred, racism). …

    • A Wilderness Wild Man by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2009, 07:05

      The Bible (in Luke 3:1-6) says the following:  "Tiberius Caesar had been ruling for 15 years. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod was the ruler of…

    • The Instrusive Word of God by: billnieporte

      December 3, 2009, 09:37

      In her book Teaching a Stone to Talk, Annie Dillard marvels at the nonchalant way in which most Christians come the church.  We come to carpeted and…

    • We Are People Of Hope by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2009, 00:47

      Several years ago a hydroelectric dam was to be built across a valley in New England.  The people in a small town in the valley were to be relocated because…

    • Advent Hope - Never Alone by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2009, 09:45

      Leonard Sweet tells a story about a certain Native American tribe that had a unique way of training young braves. On the night of a boy’s thirteenth…

    • Sing it to me again, Daddy. Sing it again. by: billnieporte

      August 27, 2009, 02:58

        Just After Singing "Happy Birthday" To Michelle (Age One" (Read Acts 1:1-14)   Some of my most interesting theological conversations have taken…

    • Make New Life Mean Something by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2009, 23:52

      In 1951 Sam Turner, a 29 year old serving an 8-year prison term near Atlanta, Georgia, saw an opportunity and took it.  Working on a road gang, Sam notice a…

    • Does Jesus Belong To Me? by: billnieporte

      July 8, 2009, 05:13

      In his book The Call to Conversion, Jim Wallis points out that the most commonly asked question in evangelism today is, “What can Jesus do for…

    • Pioneers or Settlers by: billnieporte

      July 2, 2009, 22:43

      We’ve all heard stories about the westward expansion of the United States.  Leading the way were the pioneers.  They were the forerunners who preceded…

    • Christianity is for weak people by: billnieporte

      June 30, 2009, 22:27

      “My grace is sufficient for you!  My power is perfected in your weakness!”  Now this is really hard to swallow!  For us weakness is failure…

    • I resign, quit, surrender by: billnieporte

      June 25, 2009, 03:20

        Each one of us has a way of shutting things out, a way of shutting other people out, a way of shutting God out.  In the Hebrew Bible we read a story…

    • Yogi Berra and Interpreting the Gospel by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2009, 23:27

       “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.”  “I usually take a two-hour nap, from one o’clock to four.”  “You give a…

    • Stethoscope by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2009, 21:33

      This is a really fun video with a nice message. Please leave a comment here on the site sharing your thoughts.

    • Surprising Places To See Jesus by: billnieporte

      June 12, 2009, 23:48

      Doug Marlette (1949-2007) was a gifted political cartoonist who worked for the Atlanta Constitution for many years.  At one point in his career, he ran a…

    • Watching The Weeds Grow by: billnieporte

      June 12, 2009, 21:39

      I’ve been watching the weeds replace my grass in the front yard at my home.  No matter what I do, I can’t seem to root up and do away with the weeds.   …

    • A "Blankety Blank" Driver by: billnieporte

      June 11, 2009, 11:48

          There has never been a time in my life when I could have competed in any sort of “extreme sporting” event.  I am not much of a Daredevil! …

  • Category: Leadership  (36)

    Info related to leadership challenges in the churchy

  • Category: Sermons  (93)

    Text of sermons

    • God of Goodness, Unfailing Love, and Faithfulness by: billnieporte

      May 12, 2012, 12:44

      God of Goodness, Unfailing Love, and Faithfulness (This sermon is based on Psalm 100:5 and is a memorial for a fellow that is a member of my church since his…

    • Objects In The Mirror May Be Closer Than They Appear - Stress Awareness Month by: billnieporte

      April 30, 2012, 03:57

      The month of April is "Stress Awareness Month." Are you aware of your stress? Are you aware WHAT stresses you? To all of you who feel worried,…

    • Sarcastic Laughter by: billnieporte

      April 16, 2012, 06:41

      The second Sunday of Easter at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia features a message titled:  "Sarcastic Laughter." The primary…

    • Easter 2012 by: billnieporte

      April 9, 2012, 06:43

      Easter 2012 at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church featured a sermon based on Mark 16:1-8, titled "A Very Large Stone." Some folks thought I was talking about…

    • Good Friday Dialouge Sermon w/ Dr. Betty Pugh Mills by: billnieporte

      April 9, 2012, 06:37

      On Good Friday at a "community worship gathering" I was honored to preached a dialouge sermon with Dr. Betty Pugh Mills, the gifted pastor of Grace Baptist…

    • Disturbing Good News by: billnieporte

      March 26, 2012, 05:56

      Sermon The sermon for March 25, 2012 at Patterson Avenue Baptist was based on John 12:20-33 - it was titled:  "Disturbing Good News" In the sermon I…

    • The Preacher King : Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Word that Moved America  by: billnieporte

      March 13, 2012, 12:48

      King The prize possession in my extensive library are the books written by (or containing the edited work of) Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a new book…

    • It's Not About The Costume Jewlery by: billnieporte

      March 12, 2012, 08:05

      Sermon   The sermon for March 11, 2012 is based on jOHN 2:11-33 - THE STORY OF JESUS CLEANSING THE TEMPLE. I have heard this story used to…

    • Living Upside Down and Inside Out by: billnieporte

      March 5, 2012, 07:49

      Upside Dowm When I was a pre-teen, my father rented a single engine plance and hired a pilot. He wanted us to see Daytona Beach, Florida (our home…

    • It's Time...(the Kingdom of God is Near) by: billnieporte

      February 27, 2012, 05:31

      It's the First Sunday of Lent (February 26, 2012) at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church. The text for the sermon on this Sunday is based on Mark…

    • Get to Steppin by: billnieporte

      February 20, 2012, 05:13

      Free The sermon at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church this AM (February 19, 2012) tells about four stooges (we called them Mo, Larry, Curly,  and Shemp) who…

    • So, You've Had A Good Day - Inspired by Scripture and a Song by Sponge Bob Square Pants by: billnieporte

      February 6, 2012, 06:49

      Sponge Bob Square Pants That's right...Sponge Bob Square Pants sings a song that inspires a dream that shows up in today's sermon. Preached on February 5,…

    • The Devil Wears Church Clothes by: billnieporte

      January 30, 2012, 07:26

      The Devil "The Devil Wears Church Clothes!" You've seen the devil, right?  You know where he hangs out!  Down in the "crack house" - or in the back alley…

    • The Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor delivers a sermon entitled ”Sacramental Sky.” by: billnieporte

      January 27, 2012, 06:03

      Barbara Brown Taylor Sunday Service - 2/28/2010 - Barbara Brown Taylor A service of worship in Duke University Chapel. The Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor…

    • James Forbes Preaching on John Jasper Day by: billnieporte

      January 24, 2012, 12:12

      Forbes GRITtv: Rev. James Forbes: What Is Our Responsibility? Rev. James Forbes talks about the responsibility of everyone to ensure that natural disasters…

    • Wearing the Team Jacket  by: billnieporte

      January 23, 2012, 07:14

      Ravens Sermon for January 22, 2012 at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church Based on Mark 1:14-20 - Sermon Title:  Wearing the Team Jacket What does my…

    • New Beginnings - What Do You Do When You Want To Quit? by: billnieporte

      January 10, 2012, 06:41

      Sermon   This sermon (preached on Janaury 8, 2012 at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church)  is based on the creation story (Genesis 1) and the story…

    • God With Us (In Our Grief) by: billnieporte

      January 4, 2012, 09:31

      God (I conducted a funeral today for one of the most pleasant woman I have ever met.  Her name is Betty Thornburg and I hope you will forgive the indulgence…

    • Confined: Christmas Sermon 2011 At Patterson Avenue Baptist, Richmond, Virginia by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2011, 07:58

      Here’s the good news for this Christmas day: “Jesus Christ, the human Son of God, is born into this world captive to all the things that bind and restrict…

    • Legacy  by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 15:10

      Every day in so many ways, we are trying to create our sense of value and worth. We engage in so many building plans to establish our Legacy. The message of…

    • The Meaning of Christmas - with help from Linus by: billnieporte

      December 18, 2011, 01:06

      Linus Christmas Monologue from Peanuts-A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus tells us ”what Christmas is all about”. Even though people around the world…

    • T'was Two Weeks Before Christmas (Video and Text) by: billnieporte

      December 12, 2011, 06:53

      Included in this blog is a link to watch the video promo for worship at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church.  I am including these as TWO file to watch.  Might…

    • A Visit From The Christ Child (a poem) by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2011, 01:28

      In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas."   In many American homes is it read on Christmas Eve.   It…

    • Light a Candle - Video Sermon by: billnieporte

      December 5, 2011, 09:26

      Do you remember the "Hee-Haw" variety show? One of my favorite scenes each week was when a couple of fellows in a field started to sing: "Gloom, despair,…

    • Some Guy Jumped Me At The Mall by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:32

      A few weeks back, as the Christmas shopping season began, I was jumped by a guy at the mall.  The guy did not have a knife or a gun.  His weapons were a…

    • Ready or Not, Here I Come - Advent 1 Audio & Video by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2011, 03:06

                Whew, what an ordeal.... Patterson Avenue Baptist Church has a new video system, allowing us to…

    • Lavish Love - Audio & Video by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 08:09

      The Sunday sermon at The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church on November 20, 2011, was based on Ephesians 1:15-23.  The title of the sermon is "Lavish Love." I…

    • Stewards of Life by: billnieporte

      November 8, 2011, 03:03

      Below is a link to the November 6, 2011 sermon preached at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church. The text was 1 Thessolonians 4:13-18. I want you to pay…

    • Do Something New by: billnieporte

      November 1, 2011, 01:11

      This is the final sermon post from the "Rooftop" series, based on Acts 10:1-11-18. The messages aims to inspire the congregation to do the NEW THING All…

    • Opportunity by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2011, 23:05

      Moments of "crisis" are dangerous times - but they are also times of great opportunity.  This fourth sermon in the "Rooftop" series (based on Acts 10:1-11-18)…

    • Rooftop Crisis by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2011, 04:57

      The church (especially in the west) is experiencing a major crisis.  This might me the end.  Or it could be an occassion for an awakening - an opportunity…

    • Going to Church by: billnieporte

      October 13, 2011, 12:05

      My friend Dennis Pethers asks an interesting, TRANCE-BUSTING question. What's more difficult, getting people outside the church interested in Jesus OR…

    • TranceFormation by: billnieporte

      October 7, 2011, 12:12

      The month of October at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church will feature a series of sermons based on Acts 10:1-11:18.  These sermons were inspired by my friend…

    • Defined By Prayer by: billnieporte

      September 8, 2011, 10:21

                    Click here now to learn how God makes it possible to lay down the burdens that weigh…

    • Alive In Christ by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:31

      Here is the sermon from Patterson Avenue Baptist, dated on July 31, based on Collossians 1 & 2, with special focus on 2:6-14. The though behind this…

    • PEACE by: billnieporte

      July 27, 2011, 07:31

      For a time I worked as a Summer Youth Ministries Intern in Palatka, Florida.  The church was rather large, but Palatka was small.  It was location off Route…

    • Claim the Promise by: billnieporte

      July 25, 2011, 22:17

      We don't take Jesus seriously. Think about it!  When was the last time you did any of the things Jesus did?  When was the last time you did anything…

    • The STAIN of Sin VS The CORE of Christianity by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 00:11

      Last Saturday I stained my back deck.  In the process, I also stained my sidewalk, the side of the house, and the grass in my backyard.  Oh, the trees in the…

    • God of "Extravagant Love" by: billnieporte

      July 11, 2011, 05:13

      The sermon preached on July 3, 2011 at Patterson Avenue Baptist is available now at the link below. As I prepared this sermon, the thought in the back of my…

    • The Menu is Not the Meal by: billnieporte

      July 5, 2011, 03:37

      This sermon might make you hungry.  Folks who heard it at Patterson Avenue Baptist felt the overwhelming urge to go out (or home) after worship and eat a…

    • Whose That, Nanny? by: billnieporte

      July 5, 2011, 03:21

      Here's the sermon preached by Rev. Nancy Moore at Patterson Avenue Baptist church a couple weeks ago.  Nancy was formerly a Student Intern and then…

    • Faith From the Inside Out by: billnieporte

      July 4, 2011, 03:44

      Read Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Do you remember the opening scene in Fiddler on the Roof? Tevye (Tev-ee-a) a Jewish milkman in Russia, begins, “A fiddler…

    • Youth Sunday - June 12, 2012 by: billnieporte

      June 26, 2011, 04:17

      The link below contains the worship audio from Patterson Avenue Baptist Church. The YOUTH designed and planned the entire service. It's brief (only about 30…

    • Giving Your Best Is Not Enough by: billnieporte

      June 21, 2011, 14:03

      Read Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) There was a time when almost every child in America had at least three sets of clothing. They had school clothes, play clothes,…

    • THE END OF THE WORLD by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2011, 22:21

      Read Mark 13:1-10 Have you ever had a song that has been stuck in your head and you just can’t get it out of there? Sometimes it’s a commercial…

    • Wanting It The Way Things USE TO BE by: billnieporte

      June 14, 2011, 20:51

      Have you ever felt nostalgic for the good old days?  Have you ever experienced a longing and yearning for the way things use to be? I remember once…

    • Loving God - the rest of last Sunday's sermon on John 14:1-21 by: billnieporte

      May 30, 2011, 06:19

      Last week I began a two-part sermon/examination of John 14:1-21.  The title for these two messages is: Loved By God – Loving God! The second part of the…

    • LOVED BY GOD - Loving God by: billnieporte

      May 23, 2011, 02:10

      Read John 14:1-21 - (Part One) May 21st and 28th I will be preaching a two-part sermon titled:  "LOVED BY GOD - LOVING GOD" (both based on an itnerpretation…

    • Running and Running - May 15, 2011, Audio from Patterson Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia by: billnieporte

      May 16, 2011, 21:52

      We spend most of our day "Running and Running and Running" with no real destination in mind.  (Or, if we are lucky, like the fellow in my picture, we are…

    • Running and Running and Running by: billnieporte

      May 12, 2011, 09:45

      As a child one of my favorite places to visit was the pet store.  In fact, I still like visiting the pet store.  I liked seeing the lineup of puppies and…

    • Gramma's Cookin, Some Real Good BBQ, Jesus' Resurrection, Mom's Embrace, and Our Home In The Life Of God by: billnieporte

      May 9, 2011, 23:03

      Took this picture several years back, while our clan was attending the "Minister's Family Retreat" sponsored by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board.  Thought…

    • Low Sunday Reboot by: billnieporte

      May 2, 2011, 04:30

      Last Sunday's sermon was titled "Reboot."  When I was composing that sermon, the computer uploaded an update, powered-down, and REBOOTED.  In essense, it…

    • REBOOT - Easter Sunday @ Patterson Avenue Baptist by: billnieporte

      April 26, 2011, 05:53

      Easter Sunday was a grand celebration for Patterson Avenue Baptist.  The orchestra sounded terrifc.  The children brought an added note of joy to an…

    • Tension - Audio Sermon About Space Between The PALMS and the PASSION by: billnieporte

      April 21, 2011, 07:25

      Sermon Audio for April 17, 2011 Was it PALM SUNDAY or PASSION Sunday? Or was it TENSION between the two liturgical feasts? I am going with TENSION -…

    • TIME by: billnieporte

      April 12, 2011, 05:34

       The sermon text for April 10 at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church was John 11.  It's the famous story about the death of Lazarus, and Jesus' act to bring…

    • LIGHT (audio sermon from 04/03/2011) by: billnieporte

      April 5, 2011, 06:30

      The audio sermon from this past Sunday is now posted at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church, based on John 9.  The title is LIGHT. You can connect directly…

    • LIGHT (continue) - But I am not blind, am I? by: billnieporte

      April 2, 2011, 09:52

      We continue to our final discussion of the man born blind (from John 9). Poor guy!  After seeing the way his neighbors, family, and church folk acted –…

    • LIGHT (continued) - With Friends Like This by: billnieporte

      April 2, 2011, 06:09

      As we continue our examination of the story of the man born blind (from John 9) we are reminded of the old saying, “With friends like this who needs…

    • LIGHT (continued) - Garbage In, Garbage Out! by: billnieporte

      April 1, 2011, 14:39

      This is the continuation from the previous post based on John 9 (the story of the man "born blind."  Jesus and the disciples pass by a man blind since…

    • LIGHT by: billnieporte

      April 1, 2011, 09:03

      John 9:1-41 tells a story about blindness and sight, darkness and light.  On the one hand, this is a story about Jesus giving sight to a man born blind –…

    • WATER - Third Sunday of Lent, 2011 by: billnieporte

      March 28, 2011, 02:03

      The sermon this morning at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church was based on John 4:5-42. The story in the text is about a Samaritain Women Jesus meets at…

    • Sermons for Lent by: billnieporte

      March 21, 2011, 07:19

         Included with this post are two audio sermons preached on the First and Second Sundays of Lent, 2011.  These sermons are taken from the Gospel…

    • Nicodemus by: billnieporte

      March 16, 2011, 12:54

      The following is a segment of the sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent, based on John 3:1-17.  The title “Pharisee” means “the separated ones.” …

    • Live At Peace With Others by: billnieporte

      March 4, 2011, 09:16

      Yesterday I posted a blog about the ONEness of God.  It spoke about the experience of relationship within the Trinity.  Today I feel inspired to write a bit…

    • An Extended Warrenty on Life by: billnieporte

      February 28, 2011, 06:16

      The 2/27/11 sermon preached at The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church is titled:  "An Extended Warranty on Life!"  It is based on Matthew 6:24-34.  I owe…

    • "Free To Be..." - Jeana Murray-Nieporte by: billnieporte

      February 22, 2011, 05:25

      On February 20th, Patterson Avenue Baptist Church celebrated "WMU Focus Sunday." The women of Patterson Avenue led worship - as they so effectively lead in all…

    • Dusty Discipleship (Audio and Text) by: billnieporte

      January 24, 2011, 04:48

      Matthew 4:12-23 – Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2011 Also available for download & streaming audio at http://www.pattersonavenuebaptist.…

    • God Is Not A Listkeeper by: billnieporte

      January 17, 2011, 03:26

      In John 1, we discocver that when the Baptizer saw Jesus he said:  "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes way the SIN of the world!"  This sermon, preached at…

    • You Can Dance by: billnieporte

      January 10, 2011, 07:54

      "You Can Dance" was preached at http://www.pattersonavenuebaptist.com on January 8, 2011. Based on Matthew 3:13-18, the scripture story is about the "Baptism…

    • As You Wish by: billnieporte

      January 5, 2011, 08:39

      Read Matthew 3:13-17 One of my favorite novels is called The Princess Bride.  About twenty years ago, while I was a student in seminary, the book became…

    • The Thanksgiving Packrat by: billnieporte

      December 30, 2010, 13:47

      (Read Psalm 100) Have you ever seen a young child clap her hands? We have several young children at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church – and they clap…

    • The Ugly Side Of Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2010, 11:51

      Read Matthew 2:16-18 - On this Sunday after Christmas – on what is one of the traditionally low attendance Sunday’s of the year, I have decided to do…

    • Is This Any Way For A King To Behave? by: billnieporte

      December 20, 2010, 11:02

      Read  2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-38  -  King David is in a very generous mood.  He offers to build God a marvelous temple in which to live.  Maybe…

    • Adopted by: billnieporte

      December 15, 2010, 04:19

      This post is from a new friend, Jonathan Stepp, found on his wonderful blog, http://www.theadoptedlife.org Adoption is a powerful idea. It is the idea that…

    • You Are Free To Spend Less by: billnieporte

      December 6, 2010, 07:17

      I talked a bit about John the Baptizer this morning.  This guy gets my vote as the strangest guy in the New Testament.  Of course, that oddness is accentuated…

    • Who Is Jesus? by: billnieporte

      October 16, 2010, 03:28

      Who Is Jesus?  If you do an internet search of the name “Jesus,” you'll have to admit he's a popular person. One search engine produced over…

    • 9-11 Followup by: billnieporte

      October 13, 2010, 03:03

      "I'm Just Saying..." Recently founds some old PC files from 2001 - following the events of September 11th.  The first was a sermon preached on a Wednesday…

    • Remembering 911 by: billnieporte

      October 12, 2010, 23:11

      "I'm Just Saying..." I came across some old files recently and found two sermons preached after 9-11.  I found myself back in the moment.  They speak to…

    • Borders by: billnieporte

      October 8, 2010, 08:35

      Borders can be places of drama and danger.  I’m not just talking about the borders between nations and peoples.  Those places are bad enough. Usually, if…

    • Too Much Of A Good Thing  by: billnieporte

      September 24, 2010, 05:41

      Read: Luke 14:25-35 What is your favorite type of restaurant? Do you like to dine in those eateries that serve particular varieties of ethnic foods—like…

    • It's All In Your Hands by: billnieporte

      September 22, 2010, 21:56

      Lake Winona was the location of the YMCA campsite in Ormond Beach, Florida – the hometown of my childhood.  For two weeks each summer the First Baptist…

    • Preaching In The Transition Zone: Bilingual Baptist by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 06:17

        Text:  2 Kings 18:17-37  They sure were cute!  They were the children’s choir of the Colonial Beach Baptist Church.  Each member of the choir…

    • Preaching In The Transition Zone: Wheelers and Dealer by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 06:09

      SERMON TITLE:  Wheelers and Dealers? - Texts:  Matthew 25:14-30 A wealthy man goes on a  trip.  Before leaving he calls together three of his…

    • Preaching In The Transition Zone: Whose Vineyard by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 06:01

      SERMON TITLE:  Whose Vineyard? - Texts:  Matthew 21:33-46 I recently heard a story about a college student who discover a way to make a little extra…

    • Preaching In The Transition Zone: Pioneers or Settlers by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 05:53

      SERMON TITLE: Pioneers or Settlers!  - Texts:  Matthew 28:18-20 We’ve all heard stories about the westward expansion of the United States. …

    • Transforming Initiatives by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 03:37

      The philosopher Spopenhauer once wrote:  “…we are a lot like porcupines—when we move too far apart we grow cold and yearn for the warmth of other…

    • Until God Fixes Things by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 02:45

      Some of my most interesting theological conversations take place in the hot tub at the YMCA.  Kind of a strange thought, isn’t it?  Let me tell you…

    • Recovering the WOW Factor by: billnieporte

      July 8, 2010, 03:47

      Luke 10:24-37 Jesus said and did some really horrifying things throughout his ministry. You probably shutter at the very thought of that sentence,…

    • Ain't It Awful? by: billnieporte

      May 10, 2010, 04:05

      Sermon Title:  “Ain’t It Awful?”  Text:  1 Kings 19:1-20 Focal Verses 1 Kings 19:11-13 Theme:  Consider Your Call Sunday, October 3,…

    • Unlearning What We’ve Been Taught  by: billnieporte

      September 20, 2009, 03:33

      Mark 9:30-37 Let’s be honest.  Sometimes Jesus says things that we really don’t like.   It happens in today’s scripture reading – right there…

    • Danger In The Water by: billnieporte

      August 21, 2009, 04:08

      That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the…

    • A Sharp Dressed Christian (With Thanks to ZZ Top) by: billnieporte

      July 15, 2009, 04:07

       Clean shirt, new shoes And I dont know where I am goin to. Silk suit, black tie, I dont need a reason why. They come runnin just as fast as they…

    • Do Over – Mark 1:1-11 by: billnieporte

      June 22, 2009, 09:38

      I can understand why the crowds made their way the Jordon River to be baptized by John.  In many more ways than we might imagine, they were people just like…

  • Category: Random Thoughts  (15)

    Musing, reflectiona and random thoughts about the events of the day

    • A Visit From The Christ Child (a poem) by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2011, 01:28

      In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas."   In many American homes is it read on Christmas Eve.   It…

    • I'm Just Saying...I Cannot Meet Your Spiritual Need by: billnieporte

      September 12, 2011, 07:30

      "I'm just sayin..." Every pastor has heard it. I imagine that most every church leader (teacher, musician, deacon, elder, etc.) has also heard it. “Your…

    • We always are talking AT one another by: billnieporte

      August 16, 2011, 12:52

      Psychologist Jean Piaget says that when two very young children talk to each other, they do so in monologue. Put another way, they each respond to the fact…

    • Quick Quote: Christianity is NOT a Moral Code of Conduct according to C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2011, 04:51

      I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and…

    • About My Friends: Quick Quote From C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      May 27, 2011, 06:00

      Over the last few days I have been in a conference teaching listening skills, Bible-storying, and how these skills can be used to lead a church and disciple…

    • Quick Quote by: billnieporte

      May 5, 2011, 22:45

      Thanks Tom Batterson for sharing the following quote from Tom Murphy: "Much current leadership 'wisdom' in the church is little more than taking popularized…

    • Suicide and Assisted Suicide by: billnieporte

      February 17, 2011, 09:38

      Read:  I Samuel 31:1-13, Psalms 94:17, 139:15-16; Jeremiah 10:23; James 5:10-11 Reviewing my journal, I discovered that 1997 was filled with many interestin…

    • SEVEN SENSATIONAL AND SEXY TIPS TO SPICING UP YOUR MARRIAGE by: billnieporte

      January 8, 2011, 16:29

        SEVEN SENSATIONAL AND SEXY TIPS TO SPICING UP YOUR MARRIAGE by Bill Nieporte & Jeana Murray-Nieporte Congratulate us! We just celebrated 22 years…

    • They Kicked God Out… by: billnieporte

      December 30, 2010, 11:37

      “I’m just saying…” I read this sign in a restaurant earlier today:  “They kicked God out of the public schools, but He is still welcome here. …

    • The Unholy Trinity by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 10:38

      Here’s something I read today by Jonathan Stepp over at http://trinityandhumanity.wordpress.com He call's it "the unholy Trinty." "Here's the unholy…

    • Remembering 911 by: billnieporte

      October 12, 2010, 23:11

      "I'm Just Saying..." I came across some old files recently and found two sermons preached after 9-11.  I found myself back in the moment.  They speak to…

    • Am I a Liberal? by: billnieporte

      September 11, 2009, 01:09

        Am I a liberal?    I’ve been called a liberal by many people – family, colleagues, critics, and detractors.    Am I a liberal?   For…

    • Wedding Ceremony Entrance Video  by: billnieporte

      July 25, 2009, 05:25

      A bit odd - but I like it.  Not sure I could officiate it - but I do love dancing.

    • The Smorgasbord Church by: billnieporte

      July 3, 2009, 08:08

      Best Buffet In Town What is your favorite type of restaurant?  Do you like to dine in those eateries that serve particular varieties of ethnic foods—like…

    • Freedom by: billnieporte

      June 26, 2009, 13:26

        If there is one virtue in our nation, which we all would readily applaud, it would probably be freedom.  We would no doubt have some disagreements over…

  • Category: Peacemaking  (10)

    Stories and lesson about making peace with other

    • Sentimental or Loving - from William Sloane Coffine by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2011, 05:25

      In his book, CREDO, Bill Coffin writes: To show compassion for an individual without showing concern for the structures of society that make him an object…

    • What does it mean when I say I am a pacifist? by: billnieporte

      August 10, 2011, 09:24

      What does it mean to be a pacifist?  As a Christian, it means that I trust in God. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name…

    • What's Happening In The Church by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:50

      A church in my community recently fired its pastor.  It was a small number of folks who spearheaded the effort.  It’s a big church – or it was.  One…

    • Live At Peace With Others by: billnieporte

      March 4, 2011, 09:16

      Yesterday I posted a blog about the ONEness of God.  It spoke about the experience of relationship within the Trinity.  Today I feel inspired to write a bit…

    • Peace and Civility Pledge by: billnieporte

      January 13, 2011, 09:17

      The following pledge from Sojourners seems a fair and biblical statement to make, in light of the recent discourse before and after the recent masss shooting…

    • The Rightous Branch by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2010, 10:05

      Read Isaiah 11:1-9 - Those of you who have visited our nation’s capital are aware that throughout that city, there are several statues of national and world…

    • 9-11 Followup by: billnieporte

      October 13, 2010, 03:03

      "I'm Just Saying..." Recently founds some old PC files from 2001 - following the events of September 11th.  The first was a sermon preached on a Wednesday…

    • Transforming Initiatives by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 03:37

      The philosopher Spopenhauer once wrote:  “…we are a lot like porcupines—when we move too far apart we grow cold and yearn for the warmth of other…

    • The Power To Be A Peacemaker by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 02:59

      Corrie Ten Boom shares this true story in her book, The Hiding Place: It was a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had…

    • Understand Others Pain by: billnieporte

      June 27, 2009, 11:06

      Shortly after beginning my pastoral ministry in my first congregation, Jean, the chair of the Search Committee who had brought me to that church approached…

  • Category: Evangelism  (19)
    • Pastoring Is Rocket Science by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2011, 11:45

      Five years ago we began Brand New Church with hope and anticipation. My desire was to be a part of work that changed lives, inspired the seeking, fed the…

    • Courage For the Small Church Pastor by: billnieporte

      November 25, 2011, 01:29

      Here's the truth - at least as I'm living it right now.  We had 58 people in church last Sunday and we were thrilled!  We had a great worship experience.…

    • Challenging Days by: billnieporte

      November 6, 2011, 10:04

      Challenges require faith, hope, commitment, and tremendous levels of courageous faith.  If these qualities are brought to the table, challenges can be met and…

    • Do Something New by: billnieporte

      November 1, 2011, 01:11

      This is the final sermon post from the "Rooftop" series, based on Acts 10:1-11-18. The messages aims to inspire the congregation to do the NEW THING All…

    • Rooftop Crisis by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2011, 04:57

      The church (especially in the west) is experiencing a major crisis.  This might me the end.  Or it could be an occassion for an awakening - an opportunity…

    • TranceFormation by: billnieporte

      October 7, 2011, 12:12

      The month of October at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church will feature a series of sermons based on Acts 10:1-11:18.  These sermons were inspired by my friend…

    • What's Happening In The Church by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:50

      A church in my community recently fired its pastor.  It was a small number of folks who spearheaded the effort.  It’s a big church – or it was.  One…

    • Christmas In August with C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      August 4, 2011, 05:59

      In C.S. Lewis' book "The Loin, The Witch and the Wardrobe," readers are taken to the mythical land of Narnia.  When Narnia is living under the authority of…

    • Recover The WOW-Factor by: billnieporte

      July 28, 2011, 06:46

      Sherry was an attractive girl – very attractive.  She dressed well, had a great smile, a warm personality, and an infectious giggle.  Her favorite word was…

    • If you can't forgive, let Papa-God do it instead by: billnieporte

      July 19, 2011, 07:42

      Recently I found myself in the Emergency Room of a hospital here in Richmond, Virginia.  I was there to visit the family of a young child in my church who had…

    • Review of Rob Bell's "Love Wins" by: billnieporte

      March 17, 2011, 05:06

      “I have written this book for all those, everywhere, who have heard some version of the Jesus story that caused their pulse rate to rise, their…

    • Your God Isn’t Angry With You by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2010, 09:21

      In a recent post (What Happened At The Cross? -  http://nieporte.name/?p=1017) I stated my conviction that the “penal substitution” view of atonement was…

    • Life After Life by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 05:43

      Read John 11 - Our society is preoccupied with issues related to  “life after death.”  Books, articles and television programs have addressed the…

    • Penn Teller Gets A Bible by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2010, 05:57

      No description found for this item.

    • Who Is Jesus? by: billnieporte

      October 16, 2010, 03:28

      Who Is Jesus?  If you do an internet search of the name “Jesus,” you'll have to admit he's a popular person. One search engine produced over…

    • Incestuous Relationships in the Church by: billnieporte

      July 30, 2010, 02:50

      Incestuous Relationships in the Church by Paul Donnan (This and other blogs by Paul can be found at http://well-beings.blogspot.com/) Sound like a…

    • Could This Be Evangelism? by: billnieporte

      August 19, 2009, 04:20

      Watch this video.  I don't know who did it - but I hope it was a church.

    • The Cat And Dog Test by: billnieporte

      August 12, 2009, 03:40

      When speaking about being a Christian witness, Chinese missionary Hudson Taylor used to suggest what he called “the cat and dog test.”    Taylor…

    • Name It by: billnieporte

      July 29, 2009, 06:07

      Heard a great story the other day as told by Evangelist Billy Graham. Rev. Graham was in another country, in a region without much in the way of mass…

  • Category: Videos  (32)
  • Category: Missional Grace  (58)
    • Legacy  by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 15:10

      Every day in so many ways, we are trying to create our sense of value and worth. We engage in so many building plans to establish our Legacy. The message of…

    • Max Lucado: Gabriel's Questions by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 11:05

      These stories-like your favorite Christmas ornaments-come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural…

    • Sunday Sanctuary by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2011, 05:58

        Mark Rodel is City Centre Pioneer Minister for the Diocese of Portsmouth and Associate Priest in the parish of St Luke, Southsea. He looks at what has…

    • (Media) Messy Nativity Sheep Trail in Liverpool by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:31

      Fresh Expressions is a movement from England that has "crossed the pond" and they say, taking up residence in the United States in an effort being spearheaded…

    • Christmas Kindness by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:18

      Joseph Tkach is a fine theologian and leader, whose writings I greatly enjoy.  Here is a recent note that I greatly appreciated and am happy to share with my…

    • Fuzz Kitto's Church of England miracle by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 11:45

      International youth worker, minister, writer and consultant Fuzz Kitto sees Fresh Expressions as a prophetic movement, helping to achieve a 'miracle' in the…

    • God is NOT in the Religion Business by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 10:50

      "Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is the proclamation of the end of religion, not of a new religion, or even of the best of all religions. If the…

    • 4 Ways to Ruin Your Thanksgiving by: billnieporte

      November 25, 2011, 11:49

      Thanksgiving is a great holiday. I find that this holiday provides a great time to refresh and recharge for the final push of the year.  I must admit that I…

    • What I Learned About Marketing In My Seminary Preaching Class!  by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2011, 12:30

      by Dr. Bill Nieporte The distinguished professor of preaching stood before the class of young "preacher-boys" (and a few "preacher-girls") and began his…

    • (Reader) New monasticism and fresh expressions of church by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2011, 07:29

      Today's changing culture calls for a huge diversity and range of fresh expressions of church. Graham Cray explores one particular flavour of fresh expression…

    • Advent tweets by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2011, 06:26

      Every day of advent, Fresh Expressions will be sharing reflections on the coming of Christ and the meaning of Christmas. Please join us on the journey! Follo…

    • Mall Walking by Carol B. by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 23:57

      For five years now I have been walking for exercise twice or more times a week in our local malls. I have been so wonderfully blessed in these walks these past…

    • Unlimited Church by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 16:01

      James Grier explains how the Unlimited youth church begins to be seen in a new light as it becomes a BMO. I was first appointed by the Diocese of Exeter to…

    • Surf's up for Jesus Longboard Classic at Tubestation by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 04:23

      Tubestation, the fresh expression of church on the beach at Polzeath, recently hosted the 5th Jesus Longboard Classic surfing competition. The Christian…

    • Moot by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 01:31

      The Moot monastic community (featured on expressions: the dvd - 2) offers hospitality and welcome in the heart of the City of London to 'questers' or…

    • Visions and Transcendence by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 13:29

      Sue Wallace reports on the development of Transcendence, an Ancient-Future mass in York Minster. Going to Transcendence has been compared to stepping into…

    • Contemplative Fire by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 05:12

      The vision and call of Contemplative Fire is revealed in the phrase 'Creating a Community of Christ at the Edge'. Founded as a networked…

    • Rooftop Crisis by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2011, 04:57

      The church (especially in the west) is experiencing a major crisis.  This might me the end.  Or it could be an occassion for an awakening - an opportunity…

    • TranceFormation by: billnieporte

      October 7, 2011, 12:12

      The month of October at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church will feature a series of sermons based on Acts 10:1-11:18.  These sermons were inspired by my friend…

    • What's Happening In The Church by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:50

      A church in my community recently fired its pastor.  It was a small number of folks who spearheaded the effort.  It’s a big church – or it was.  One…

    • Alive In Christ by: billnieporte

      August 9, 2011, 00:31

      Here is the sermon from Patterson Avenue Baptist, dated on July 31, based on Collossians 1 & 2, with special focus on 2:6-14. The though behind this…

    • Living by Faith by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 06:16

      Living by faith means living in response to God’s continual movements of grace.   Living by faith means that we trust Jesus to save us—to unite us with…

    • Claim the Promise by: billnieporte

      July 25, 2011, 22:17

      We don't take Jesus seriously. Think about it!  When was the last time you did any of the things Jesus did?  When was the last time you did anything…

    • Cool by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 23:52

      This is the closing prayer...and pretty much the jest of the sermon for this coming Sunday. Father, we are tired of struggling…tired of trying… tired of…

    • The STAIN of Sin VS The CORE of Christianity by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 00:11

      Last Saturday I stained my back deck.  In the process, I also stained my sidewalk, the side of the house, and the grass in my backyard.  Oh, the trees in the…

    • If you can't forgive, let Papa-God do it instead by: billnieporte

      July 19, 2011, 07:42

      Recently I found myself in the Emergency Room of a hospital here in Richmond, Virginia.  I was there to visit the family of a young child in my church who had…

    • A Pushy Prayer From People At Wits End by: billnieporte

      July 13, 2011, 22:43

      There are a lot of people waxing prophetic about the end of the good old USA, our way of life, the struggling economy - the entire globe, in fact, is (to…

    • What is Your Weakspot? by: billnieporte

      July 12, 2011, 11:01

      What is your weak spot?  Perhaps you have some sort of physical disability.  Maybe your ears can’t hear so well.  Maybe you feet don’t work as they…

    • Traveling First Class by: billnieporte

      July 8, 2011, 07:28

      I read an interesting bit of information recently that reminded me of certain attitudes and habits among us that need to be challenged by the vision of reality…

    • How Does Your Church See Itself? by: billnieporte

      July 7, 2011, 10:41

      One Sabbath, while traveling through Philippi, Paul happened upon several women who were worshipping God near a river.  One of them, a woman named Lydia,…

    • Jesus Came Back On May 21st - I Saw Him by: billnieporte

      May 23, 2011, 03:51

      Yesterday the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church conducted a "free swap marketing" at our location. The idea came to us from an initiative from Imago Dei,…

    • How Grace Changes You by: billnieporte

      May 19, 2011, 23:29

      A tremendous thrill swept through Jericho in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. This was nothing unusual. An appearance by Jesus always caused some sort of…

    • Running and Running and Running by: billnieporte

      May 12, 2011, 09:45

      As a child one of my favorite places to visit was the pet store.  In fact, I still like visiting the pet store.  I liked seeing the lineup of puppies and…

    • This Is Discipleship by: billnieporte

      May 6, 2011, 10:05

      Read   John 10: 1-30 Nearly all of the teachings and actions of Jesus found in chapters 5-10 of John’s gospel are somehow related to one of the many…

    • Quick Quote by: billnieporte

      May 5, 2011, 22:45

      Thanks Tom Batterson for sharing the following quote from Tom Murphy: "Much current leadership 'wisdom' in the church is little more than taking popularized…

    • Easter Gift: Freedom by: billnieporte

      April 22, 2011, 03:20

      Read John 8: 14-36  In John 8:14-36, we are reminded of the fact that as human beings apart from grace, we are enslaved to sin.  We will also learn that…

    • Almighty God Is Singing To You Right Now: "Take A Chance On Me!" by: billnieporte

      April 15, 2011, 07:04

      "I'm just saying..." I heard an old song on the radio today.  It got me thinking.  The lyrics contained a line:  "Take a chance on me!" I imagined the…

    • This Christianity Thing Is Beyond Belief by: billnieporte

      April 3, 2011, 03:27

      Oswald Chambers wrote:  “There is a difference between devotion to principles and devotion to a person.  Hundreds of people today are devoting themselves…

    • "Free To Be..." - Jeana Murray-Nieporte by: billnieporte

      February 22, 2011, 05:25

      On February 20th, Patterson Avenue Baptist Church celebrated "WMU Focus Sunday." The women of Patterson Avenue led worship - as they so effectively lead in all…

    • Intellectually Bankrupt by: billnieporte

      February 11, 2011, 07:16

      Read 1 John 5:1 – 12  It has always fascinated me that so many in the church spend a great deal of their time attempting to find scientific and historical…

    • Engage by: billnieporte

      February 11, 2011, 02:41

      I began commenting on Joshua 3 a few blogs ago with some discussion about the iconic show, “Star Trek.”  I said that the journey into the Promised Land…

    • Vinyls, Eight-tracks, Cassettes, CDs, Ipods by: billnieporte

      February 7, 2011, 23:37

      We are continuing the theme from two recent blogs (learning lessons from Joshua 3).  We know that the people of Israel are on a journey with God.  We’ve…

    • Leaving “Shittim” by: billnieporte

      February 6, 2011, 03:35

      Read Joshua 3 "Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the star ship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek…

    • What Does It Mean To Be Missional? by: billnieporte

      January 31, 2011, 10:14

      Do you remember that fellow who was possessed by demons?  He was called "legion."  (You can read about him here: Luke 8:26-39).  I think I met him what i…

    • The Rightous Branch by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2010, 10:05

      Read Isaiah 11:1-9 - Those of you who have visited our nation’s capital are aware that throughout that city, there are several statues of national and world…

    • When Does Worship Happen? by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2010, 14:30

      Isaiah 6:1-8 - Many worship leaders have used the Scripture passage for today’s scripture reading as a call to worship.  Certainly that is fitting,…

    • The Incarnation Means You Are Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:20

      The First Letter of John was written for many reasons.  John states three of those reasons in the text.  He says he wrote to satisfy his joy (1:4), to warn…

    • Old Johnny Is Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:10

      I once served as a volunteer in a mission for homeless men.  My job was to serve the evening meal and spend some time in fellowship with the men staying in…

    • Included - Luke 7:41-50 by: billnieporte

      November 13, 2010, 01:31

      So, this fellow invited Jesus to dinner. He was an upstanding citizen in his community and extremely loyal to his church.  Everything was going just fine,…

    • Leadership Makes A Difference by: billnieporte

      November 12, 2010, 04:44

      In his book Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell defines a leader as a person of influence.  When a leader speaks, people listen.  When a leader…

    • Penn Teller Gets A Bible by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2010, 05:57

      No description found for this item.

    • Tony Campolo's Party For Whores by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2010, 05:32

      No description found for this item.

    • Star Trek and the state of our churches by: billnieporte

      September 22, 2010, 06:35

      Refuse to Compromise - Daniel 1:3-5, 8-16 Star Trek:  First Contact, was one of the hit movies of the franchise.  It pitted Captain Jean-Luc Picard…

    • Missional Grace: What Is A Missional Church by: billnieporte

      June 14, 2010, 08:29

      Found this terrific video online describing what it means to be a "missional church."  Sound remarkably like what the Bible describes as "the church," but…

    • Missional Grace: Transformed by: billnieporte

      June 13, 2010, 01:23

      Missional Grace:  Transformed Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and…

    • Missional Grace: Finding Purpose by: billnieporte

      June 11, 2010, 03:20

      Missional Grace:  Finding Purpose  “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given…

    • Missional Grace: The Exchanged Life by: billnieporte

      June 11, 2010, 00:50

      Missional Grace:  The Exchanged Life  Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not…

    • Missional Grace: Living FROM Not FOR God by: billnieporte

      June 10, 2010, 10:24

      Missional Grace:  Living FROM Not FOR God  Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given…

  • Category: Transition Zone  (26)
  • Category: "I'm Just Saying..."  (68)

    Short “point of view” statements and observations about life, politics, and society.

    • Wearing the Team Jacket  by: billnieporte

      January 23, 2012, 07:14

      Ravens Sermon for January 22, 2012 at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church Based on Mark 1:14-20 - Sermon Title:  Wearing the Team Jacket What does my…

    • Selection from MLK Letter from the Birmingham Jail by: billnieporte

      January 17, 2012, 07:14

      When We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed…

    • The Internet Marketers Newbie Guide by: billnieporte

      January 9, 2012, 12:18

      Newbie I'm mad as HECK and I am not going to take it anymore? :) Yes, this is different from the standard fair of this blog.  Bare with me.  We'll be…

    • A Visit From The Christ Child (a poem) by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2011, 01:28

      In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas."   In many American homes is it read on Christmas Eve.   It…

    • God is NOT in the Religion Business by: billnieporte

      November 30, 2011, 10:50

      "Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is the proclamation of the end of religion, not of a new religion, or even of the best of all religions. If the…

    • Hope VS Hopelessness by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 22:57

      From Bill Coffin Hope criticizes what is, hopelessness rationalizes. Hope resists, hopelessness adapts.

    • Joyless Christianity by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 07:57

      More from Bill Coffin: So why are Christians often so joyless? It is, I think, because too often Christians have enough religion to make them miserable.…

    • The Founder of the "Occupy" Movement by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 04:02

      I heard about a fellow who was the originator of the "Occupy" movement we hear so much about. He started his occupation on a proverbial soapbox not far…

    • Opinion: Christ the King by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 01:31

      (ABP) -- According to the Christian calendar we are coming to the end of another year. In just a couple of short weeks we will begin a new chapter…

    • Hamrick announces retirement from CBF by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 01:31

      ATLANTA – Terry Hamrick, coordinator of missional visioning at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, announced he will retire effective June 30, 2012, after…

    • New Baptist Covenant speakers proclaim 'release' to captives by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 13:29

      ATLANTA (ABP) – Baptists must view prison ministry as more than prayer meetings and Bible studies if they are to follow Jesus’ Luke 4 mandate to…

    • Coordinating Council deliberates 2012 Task Force preliminary report by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 13:29

      ATLANTA – At the October meeting of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinating Council, members of the 2012 Task Force offered a preliminary report and…

    • Jimmy Carter notes progress in building Baptist unity by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 05:12

      ATLANTA (ABP) – Former President Jimmy Carter told veteran journalist Bob Abernethy that he’s seen progress in areas that prompted him to convene a…

    • 2011 GOCN Forum on Missional Hermeneutics by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 05:12

      The annual GOCN forum on missional hermeneutics will be held in San Francisco at the annual meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature and the…

    • CBF executive coordinator search committee named by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 05:11

      ATLANTA – The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship officers have named a nine-member search committee to find a replacement for Executive Coordinator…

    • The Joy that is of God by: billnieporte

      November 20, 2011, 01:52

      From Bill Coffin, in Credo The joy that is of God is not opposed to earthly pleasures.  Rather it infuses them with a foundation of meaning. Joy is the…

    • Dangers of an Individualistic Spirituality  by: billnieporte

      November 18, 2011, 22:01

      From Bill Coffin, in Credo We must guard against being too individualistic and elitist in our understanding of spirituality. Somw Cfristians talk endlessly…

    • What is Faith?  by: billnieporte

      November 17, 2011, 22:53

      Bill Coffin, on FAITH - from Credo "What is faith?  Faith is being grasped by the power of love.  Faith is recognizing that what makes God is infinate…

    • William Sloan Coffin - on love by: billnieporte

      November 17, 2011, 05:10

      I first met Bill Coffin while a student in seminary.  In fact, I to introduce him at a campus event sponsored by "The Ethics Luncheon" - if I can find the…

    • Challenging Days by: billnieporte

      November 6, 2011, 10:04

      Challenges require faith, hope, commitment, and tremendous levels of courageous faith.  If these qualities are brought to the table, challenges can be met and…

    • Political Hate Speech by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2011, 01:24

      I am just saying... One of the things that the world teaches us is that when we have an enemy we must demonize them. We make them a monolithic evil…

    • I'm Just Saying...I Cannot Meet Your Spiritual Need by: billnieporte

      September 12, 2011, 07:30

      "I'm just sayin..." Every pastor has heard it. I imagine that most every church leader (teacher, musician, deacon, elder, etc.) has also heard it. “Your…

    • We always are talking AT one another by: billnieporte

      August 16, 2011, 12:52

      Psychologist Jean Piaget says that when two very young children talk to each other, they do so in monologue. Put another way, they each respond to the fact…

    • What does it mean when I say I am a pacifist? by: billnieporte

      August 10, 2011, 09:24

      What does it mean to be a pacifist?  As a Christian, it means that I trust in God. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name…

    • Shocking Love by Baxter Kruger by: billnieporte

      August 2, 2011, 05:36

      Shocking Love By C. Baxter Kruger Sometimes the simplest thoughts cascade into revolutions. What if it was not the wrath of God that Jesus suffered on the…

    • Risk by: billnieporte

      July 29, 2011, 06:34

      Many years ago I because interest in how the stock market worked.  It became a self-study project – an attempt on my part to learn everything I could about…

    • Recover The WOW-Factor by: billnieporte

      July 28, 2011, 06:46

      Sherry was an attractive girl – very attractive.  She dressed well, had a great smile, a warm personality, and an infectious giggle.  Her favorite word was…

    • Fundamentalism by: billnieporte

      July 28, 2011, 00:18

      "I'm just saying..." A recent Facebook post has been stirring the pot recently on my board.  Here's what I wrote: "Norway is one of the wealthiest (per…

    • Whooohooo - My Ship Has Finally Come IN by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 10:56

      I got a terrific letter in the mail: "Dear Dr. William M. Nieporte: Results are in and final.  I am proud to announce that you are our newest winner with…

    • C.S. Lewis on "hating the sin and loving the sinner!" by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2011, 21:55

      I remember Christian teachers telling me long ago that I must hate a bad man's actions but not hate the bad man: or, as they would say, hate the sin but not…

    • Quick Quote: Christianity is NOT a Moral Code of Conduct according to C.S. Lewis by: billnieporte

      July 21, 2011, 04:51

      I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and…

    • Position Available by: billnieporte

      July 19, 2011, 01:28

      Position Available After 48 years playing the organ & piano in several different congregations - with about 20 of them being at Patterson Avenue Baptist…

    • Who I Sense God The Spirit Is Making Me Into... by: billnieporte

      July 11, 2011, 22:52

      Motto: “Inspire Hope!” Personal Philosophy I want everything I say, think, and do, to make a positive difference in the world, therefore I commit…

    • What Are You Worth? by: billnieporte

      July 10, 2011, 01:55

      According to the U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, the typical human body is made up of the following chemicals: • 65% Oxygen • 18% Carbon • 10%…

    • Traveling First Class by: billnieporte

      July 8, 2011, 07:28

      I read an interesting bit of information recently that reminded me of certain attitudes and habits among us that need to be challenged by the vision of reality…

    • Quick Quote from Robert Capon by: billnieporte

      June 3, 2011, 23:16

      Robert Caponw challenges us to: "Trust Him! "And when you have done that, you are living the life of grace. No matter what happens to you in the course…

    • Jesus Came Back On May 21st - I Saw Him by: billnieporte

      May 23, 2011, 03:51

      Yesterday the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church conducted a "free swap marketing" at our location. The idea came to us from an initiative from Imago Dei,…

    • The most radical thing we can say: YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD by: billnieporte

      May 18, 2011, 06:15

      Read Ephesians 1:4-5; John 14:1-21, I john 4:8, and John 3:16-17 Here is some thoughts I have been scribbling down as I prepared sermons for the next two…

    • Quick Quote by: billnieporte

      May 5, 2011, 22:45

      Thanks Tom Batterson for sharing the following quote from Tom Murphy: "Much current leadership 'wisdom' in the church is little more than taking popularized…

    • Almighty God Is Singing To You Right Now: "Take A Chance On Me!" by: billnieporte

      April 15, 2011, 07:04

      "I'm just saying..." I heard an old song on the radio today.  It got me thinking.  The lyrics contained a line:  "Take a chance on me!" I imagined the…

    • LIGHT (continue) - But I am not blind, am I? by: billnieporte

      April 2, 2011, 09:52

      We continue to our final discussion of the man born blind (from John 9). Poor guy!  After seeing the way his neighbors, family, and church folk acted –…

    • I'm Just Saying...SEX, SEX, SEX by: billnieporte

      March 10, 2011, 09:39

      Read Song of Songs 2:3-17; 4:1-7; 5:10-16; 7:11-13 "I'm Just Saying... SEX" Okay, now that I have your attention. My last post was about Rob Bell's…

    • Does Love Win? by: billnieporte

      March 9, 2011, 06:49

      The net is all a buzz about the forth-coming book by Rob Bell titled:  “Love Wins!”  Not just the net, however!  There have been stories broadcast by…

    • Have You Been Raised Right? by: billnieporte

      March 5, 2011, 12:06

      I'm Just Saying... I was recently introduced to a book by Ferrol Sams titled The Whisper of the River.  It is a story about a young boy, reared in Georgia,…

    • The Nature of Love by: billnieporte

      February 18, 2011, 09:52

      I've just begun reading a book titled, "The Nature of Love: A Theology" by Thomas Jay Oord.  I am really on a few pages in, but I think I am going to love…

    • James Torrance by: billnieporte

      February 1, 2011, 07:48

      In his book Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace, theologian James Torrance  offers an insightful evaluation of much of what we call worship.  He…

    • Peace and Civility Pledge by: billnieporte

      January 13, 2011, 09:17

      The following pledge from Sojourners seems a fair and biblical statement to make, in light of the recent discourse before and after the recent masss shooting…

    • SEVEN SENSATIONAL AND SEXY TIPS TO SPICING UP YOUR MARRIAGE by: billnieporte

      January 8, 2011, 16:29

        SEVEN SENSATIONAL AND SEXY TIPS TO SPICING UP YOUR MARRIAGE by Bill Nieporte & Jeana Murray-Nieporte Congratulate us! We just celebrated 22 years…

    • They Kicked God Out… by: billnieporte

      December 30, 2010, 11:37

      “I’m just saying…” I read this sign in a restaurant earlier today:  “They kicked God out of the public schools, but He is still welcome here. …

    • The Rededication Ferris-Wheel by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2010, 10:27

      I got off the “rededication Ferris-Wheel” several years ago.  If you have spent any time in the typical church that employs the ritual of the alter-call,…

    • What Happened At The Cross? by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2010, 06:54

      I am passionate about biblical theology.  That means I often get in trouble with some people who have heard all their lives that some doctrine they believe is…

    • Is Church Dull?  by: billnieporte

      November 23, 2010, 06:08

      Let's start living the life we've been given to its fullest.

    • The Unholy Trinity by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 10:38

      Here’s something I read today by Jonathan Stepp over at http://trinityandhumanity.wordpress.com He call's it "the unholy Trinty." "Here's the unholy…

    • Old Johnny Is Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:10

      I once served as a volunteer in a mission for homeless men.  My job was to serve the evening meal and spend some time in fellowship with the men staying in…

    • Penn Teller Gets A Bible by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2010, 05:57

      No description found for this item.

    • Tony Campolo's Party For Whores by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2010, 05:32

      No description found for this item.

    • Great FREE Book By Eddie Hammett by: billnieporte

      October 21, 2010, 04:30

    • You Just Might Be A Pharisee by: billnieporte

      October 19, 2010, 02:59

      "I'm Just Saying..." I was speaking to friend who lives in another community recently.  My friend was lamenting about the preaching of his pastor.  He…

    • 9-11 Followup by: billnieporte

      October 13, 2010, 03:03

      "I'm Just Saying..." Recently founds some old PC files from 2001 - following the events of September 11th.  The first was a sermon preached on a Wednesday…

    • Remembering 911 by: billnieporte

      October 12, 2010, 23:11

      "I'm Just Saying..." I came across some old files recently and found two sermons preached after 9-11.  I found myself back in the moment.  They speak to…

    • Our Socialist Pledge?... by: billnieporte

      September 29, 2010, 23:12

      “I’m Just Saying… For two years in a row there has been a battle in school systems as to whether to allow students to hear a “back to school”…

    • John the Baptizer Bugs Me by: billnieporte

      September 29, 2010, 09:15

      "I'm just saying...John the Baptizer Bugs Me" I started looking ahead toward Advent this afternoon – planning my preaching, teaching, and leadership…

    • Said It Before - I'll Say It Again by: billnieporte

      September 24, 2010, 08:45

      "I'm Just Saying...A theology that makes you feel bitter and allows you to speak and act with mean arrogance - all the while feeling justified in so doing…

    • Liberalism is God? by: billnieporte

      September 22, 2010, 05:08

      "I'm Just Saying..."  Conservative religious leader Gary Bauer has said: "For those that do not have a religion, liberalism usually becomes their religion."…

    • Jesus Is Not Generic by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 02:29

      "I'm Just Saying..." Is there anything better than the phrase "God LOVES You?" YES! Here's the deal:  we make LOVE so theological &…

    • USA Government Burns Bibles by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 02:16

      "I'm Just Saying..." There is a report out that the US Military burned Bibles translated in Iraqi dialects which were sent to soldiers for distribution…

    • Strange Understanding Of Atonement by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 02:01

      "I'm Just Saying..." Some people have a really strange understanding of atonement. Got this note recently from a FACEBOOK "friend." "The Gospel is…

    • Christians Burning Bibles by: billnieporte

      September 17, 2010, 01:55

      ?"Im Just Saying..." So, a church threatened to burn the Qu'ran. That's crazy...Yet, last year on Holloween, five or so Christian churches in the USA…

  • Category: Bible Studies  (89)
    • Feasting on the Word - My favorite Bible study resource by: billnieporte

      January 7, 2012, 06:55

      The Word Feasting on the Word When it comes to feasting on the Word, we preachers have learned that there are no better guides than Barbara Brown Taylor…

    • Legacy  by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 15:10

      Every day in so many ways, we are trying to create our sense of value and worth. We engage in so many building plans to establish our Legacy. The message of…

    • Some Guy Jumped Me At The Mall by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:32

      A few weeks back, as the Christmas shopping season began, I was jumped by a guy at the mall.  The guy did not have a knife or a gun.  His weapons were a…

    • What Are You Worth? by: billnieporte

      November 27, 2011, 06:43

      by Joseph Tkach Two years ago, a lock of Elvis  Presley’s hair that had been preserved by a fan was sold at auction for fifteen  thousand dollars. And…

    • Abraham by: billnieporte

      November 26, 2011, 07:23

      by Mike Feazell As a boy I heard the story of Abraham recounted at least once a week, and it usually went something like this: “God told Abraham to…

    • The Founder of the "Occupy" Movement by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 04:02

      I heard about a fellow who was the originator of the "Occupy" movement we hear so much about. He started his occupation on a proverbial soapbox not far…

    • Thoughts from William Barclay by: billnieporte

      September 19, 2011, 23:18

      Commenting on Ephesians 2:1-10, the world-renowned Scottish New Testament interpreter wrote: "Sometimes Christianity is presented in such a way that it…

    • Have You Ever Been Tired? by: billnieporte

      September 7, 2011, 21:54

      Do you remember the movie, El Cid?  Charlton Heston, in the title role, led a Spanish army in a series of battles against the invading Moors.  Just before…

    • A New Reason and Purpose For Living by: billnieporte

      August 6, 2011, 06:24

      The Reverend Thomas Chalmers, a nineteenth-century Scottish preacher, once preached a sermon using LUKE 8:26-39 as his text.  He titled his sermon:  “The…

    • Doubters and Skeptics Take Note by: billnieporte

      August 3, 2011, 05:57

      In his book, Man's Search for Meaning, Victor Frankel argued that the "loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man."  As a result of his…

    • Shepherd by: billnieporte

      August 1, 2011, 05:32

      In the gospels Jesus once referred to himself as a shepherd.  He also siad that his disciples are those who hear voice follow him.  I was not exactly sure…

    • Fear and Faith by: billnieporte

      July 31, 2011, 07:14

      We all live with fear.  At one level, that's a good thing.  It is great that we have a bit of fear when walking across several lanes of traffic at the height…

    • Whooohooo - My Ship Has Finally Come IN by: billnieporte

      July 22, 2011, 10:56

      I got a terrific letter in the mail: "Dear Dr. William M. Nieporte: Results are in and final.  I am proud to announce that you are our newest winner with…

    • 21 Day Challenge by: billnieporte

      July 20, 2011, 10:51

      Read John 14:12-14 Jesus said that we would do "greater things" than he did.  Wow!  What a promise! Ready to claim it?  Here are a few steps,…

    • Getting Unstuck by: billnieporte

      July 16, 2011, 08:35

      The Story:  Ascension Through Pentecost The disciple’s have been peppering Jesus with questions about when Israel might be freed and its kingdom…

    • A Pushy Prayer From People At Wits End by: billnieporte

      July 13, 2011, 22:43

      There are a lot of people waxing prophetic about the end of the good old USA, our way of life, the struggling economy - the entire globe, in fact, is (to…

    • Giving Your Best Is Not Enough by: billnieporte

      June 21, 2011, 14:03

      Read Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) There was a time when almost every child in America had at least three sets of clothing. They had school clothes, play clothes,…

    • THE END OF THE WORLD by: billnieporte

      June 16, 2011, 22:21

      Read Mark 13:1-10 Have you ever had a song that has been stuck in your head and you just can’t get it out of there? Sometimes it’s a commercial…

    • Wanting It The Way Things USE TO BE by: billnieporte

      June 14, 2011, 20:51

      Have you ever felt nostalgic for the good old days?  Have you ever experienced a longing and yearning for the way things use to be? I remember once…

    • What Is Jesus Really Looking For From Us? by: billnieporte

      May 23, 2011, 23:16

      Read Luke 17:11-17 Why did only one cleansed leper return to thank Jesus?  The following are nine suggested reasons why the nine did not return: One…

    • How Grace Changes You by: billnieporte

      May 19, 2011, 23:29

      A tremendous thrill swept through Jericho in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. This was nothing unusual. An appearance by Jesus always caused some sort of…

    • Jesus IS Everlasting Life by: billnieporte

      May 13, 2011, 15:18

      I preached about Lazarus during Lent, as the lectionary suggests.  But I have always felt that this text deserves some attention during the Easter…

    • Running and Running and Running by: billnieporte

      May 12, 2011, 09:45

      As a child one of my favorite places to visit was the pet store.  In fact, I still like visiting the pet store.  I liked seeing the lineup of puppies and…

    • This Is Discipleship by: billnieporte

      May 6, 2011, 10:05

      Read   John 10: 1-30 Nearly all of the teachings and actions of Jesus found in chapters 5-10 of John’s gospel are somehow related to one of the many…

    • Osama Bin Laden, Abortion, Guns, Lust, Wars, Pro-Life - all in one essay that is rather disjuntive and free flowing, sort of like this title by: billnieporte

      May 3, 2011, 08:11

       READ Genesis 1:27, Matthew 5:13-45 In a recent conversation among friends, one person remarked:  “I am opposed to abortion, but I am not a single issue…

    • Easter Gift: The Ability To SEE What God Is Really Like by: billnieporte

      April 23, 2011, 22:25

      Read John 9: 1-41  The theme for my last post was Jesus’ claim to be the “light of the world” (8:12).  As the events of chapter 9 unfold, we see…

    • Easter Gift: Freedom by: billnieporte

      April 22, 2011, 03:20

      Read John 8: 14-36  In John 8:14-36, we are reminded of the fact that as human beings apart from grace, we are enslaved to sin.  We will also learn that…

    • Almighty God Is Singing To You Right Now: "Take A Chance On Me!" by: billnieporte

      April 15, 2011, 07:04

      "I'm just saying..." I heard an old song on the radio today.  It got me thinking.  The lyrics contained a line:  "Take a chance on me!" I imagined the…

    • Freed From Guilt by: billnieporte

      April 5, 2011, 06:19

      Imagine the scene.  Jesus and His disciples are at a dinner party in the home of a prominent Pharisee.  Everyone is talking theology and politics.  The…

    • This Christianity Thing Is Beyond Belief by: billnieporte

      April 3, 2011, 03:27

      Oswald Chambers wrote:  “There is a difference between devotion to principles and devotion to a person.  Hundreds of people today are devoting themselves…

    • LIGHT (continued) - Garbage In, Garbage Out! by: billnieporte

      April 1, 2011, 14:39

      This is the continuation from the previous post based on John 9 (the story of the man "born blind."  Jesus and the disciples pass by a man blind since…

    • LIGHT by: billnieporte

      April 1, 2011, 09:03

      John 9:1-41 tells a story about blindness and sight, darkness and light.  On the one hand, this is a story about Jesus giving sight to a man born blind –…

    • You Want A Revolution by: billnieporte

      March 25, 2011, 22:56

      As we make our way through LENT, I have been thinking about ADVENT. That makes sense because Incarnation and Atonement are tied together - and they mean more…

    • Amazing Grace by: billnieporte

      March 25, 2011, 07:38

      Read I John 3:1; 4:7-18 He left school at age 11. He made his living on the ocean. In time, he became the captain of his own ship. He earned profit by…

    • Confessional Prayer by: billnieporte

      March 24, 2011, 08:44

      Read Daniel 9 I am privileged to serve the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Situated in an established Richmond neighborhood, the…

    • Nicodemus by: billnieporte

      March 16, 2011, 12:54

      The following is a segment of the sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent, based on John 3:1-17.  The title “Pharisee” means “the separated ones.” …

    • LOVE by: billnieporte

      March 12, 2011, 09:54

      Read I Corinthians 12:31 – 13:13 Recently, I received a wonderful compliment about my church. A person, who has been a guest in our worship services told…

    • Friendship by: billnieporte

      March 11, 2011, 11:19

      Read I Samuel 20:1-42 “Real men don’t cry at movies!” I got this sagely admonition from an adult male when I was a teenager. I’ve tried to live…

    • I'm Just Saying...SEX, SEX, SEX by: billnieporte

      March 10, 2011, 09:39

      Read Song of Songs 2:3-17; 4:1-7; 5:10-16; 7:11-13 "I'm Just Saying... SEX" Okay, now that I have your attention. My last post was about Rob Bell's…

    • Religious Magic by: billnieporte

      March 8, 2011, 03:57

      One of greatest forms of entertainment today is provided by good magicians.  Anytime any magician performs anywhere I want to be a part of the audience.  I…

    • The ONEness of God by: billnieporte

      March 3, 2011, 00:23

      Read Ephesians 4:3-6  (This is an old document that I dusted off from many years ago!  I am sure that some of the thoughts and references are not original,…

    • Sexual Abuse by: billnieporte

      February 25, 2011, 07:53

      Read  II Samuel 13:1-2, 6-15, 19-22 In my ministry, I have encountered dozens of individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse.  I’ve met young men…

    • Life by: billnieporte

      February 25, 2011, 04:53

       Read:  Genesis 1:26-31; Psalm 8:1-9; Matthew 12:9-14 Oh boy, I am afraid it is going to hit the fan now – especially with my more progressive or…

    • Suicide and Assisted Suicide by: billnieporte

      February 17, 2011, 09:38

      Read:  I Samuel 31:1-13, Psalms 94:17, 139:15-16; Jeremiah 10:23; James 5:10-11 Reviewing my journal, I discovered that 1997 was filled with many interestin…

    • Intellectually Bankrupt by: billnieporte

      February 11, 2011, 07:16

      Read 1 John 5:1 – 12  It has always fascinated me that so many in the church spend a great deal of their time attempting to find scientific and historical…

    • Engage by: billnieporte

      February 11, 2011, 02:41

      I began commenting on Joshua 3 a few blogs ago with some discussion about the iconic show, “Star Trek.”  I said that the journey into the Promised Land…

    • Vinyls, Eight-tracks, Cassettes, CDs, Ipods by: billnieporte

      February 7, 2011, 23:37

      We are continuing the theme from two recent blogs (learning lessons from Joshua 3).  We know that the people of Israel are on a journey with God.  We’ve…

    • “Clean Shirt…New Shoes” by: billnieporte

      February 7, 2011, 05:21

      Last post I began looking at Joshua 3.  Heard the comment that if we want to move forward on journey with God, we need to leave “Shittim.”  That’s…

    • Leaving “Shittim” by: billnieporte

      February 6, 2011, 03:35

      Read Joshua 3 "Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the star ship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek…

    • “O Goodie! It’s Time For Refreshments!” by: billnieporte

      February 4, 2011, 08:33

      So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on…

    • What Does It Mean To Be Missional? by: billnieporte

      January 31, 2011, 10:14

      Do you remember that fellow who was possessed by demons?  He was called "legion."  (You can read about him here: Luke 8:26-39).  I think I met him what i…

    • Making The Grade by: billnieporte

      January 26, 2011, 08:19

      Oh, the memories.  It’s mid-term exams week in area high schools, and my son, Michael, is at the dining room table.  Tomorrow’s tests are in Technology…

    • Are You A “Poop Machine?” by: billnieporte

      January 15, 2011, 03:16

      Frightened by the clamor of thunder in the night, a little child cried out.  Holding her securely in his arms, her father explained that she needn’t…

    • Is Grace Enough by: billnieporte

      January 4, 2011, 06:47

      Read: Luke 17:5-6 It was a long time ago (a very long time ago, in fact).  Still the words have stayed with me for more than a quarter-century! I was…

    • Have A Grace-Filled New Year by: billnieporte

      January 1, 2011, 09:13

      As I write these thoughts, it’s “New Year’s Eve!”  In just a few hours (5 ½ hours as I begin writing these thoughts) 2010 will be history and 2011…

    • The Ugly Side Of Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2010, 11:51

      Read Matthew 2:16-18 - On this Sunday after Christmas – on what is one of the traditionally low attendance Sunday’s of the year, I have decided to do…

    • Is This Any Way For A King To Behave? by: billnieporte

      December 20, 2010, 11:02

      Read  2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-38  -  King David is in a very generous mood.  He offers to build God a marvelous temple in which to live.  Maybe…

    • Have One Hell Of A Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 17, 2010, 06:17

      I wonder why so many of my fellow preachers seem more interested in scaring the hell out of people rather than telling them about the good news about the life…

    • Adopted by: billnieporte

      December 15, 2010, 04:19

      This post is from a new friend, Jonathan Stepp, found on his wonderful blog, http://www.theadoptedlife.org Adoption is a powerful idea. It is the idea that…

    • The Servant by: billnieporte

      December 12, 2010, 03:02

      Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, won a strategic battle with comparative ease and little loss of life. When asked for an explanation of his victory over…

    • The Wonderful Child Of Hope by: billnieporte

      December 10, 2010, 06:42

      Read Isaiah 7:10-12, 14; 9:2-7 - In a Peanuts comic strip, we see Lucy seated under her sign that reads, “Psychiatrist – Advice: 5 cents.”  Charlie…

    • The Rightous Branch by: billnieporte

      December 9, 2010, 10:05

      Read Isaiah 11:1-9 - Those of you who have visited our nation’s capital are aware that throughout that city, there are several statues of national and world…

    • Jesus Does Not Want To Enter Your Life by: billnieporte

      December 8, 2010, 06:09

      Steve McVey (http://gracewalk.org) posted a blog several months back that I copied and saved.  What Steve had to write is essential to having a clear…

    • Are You Ready For Christmas? by: billnieporte

      December 6, 2010, 23:38

      Read Matthew 3:1-12 - “Are you ready for Christmas?” I’ve already heard that question a half-dozen times – and Christmas is still nineteen days away…

    • You Are Free To Spend Less by: billnieporte

      December 6, 2010, 07:17

      I talked a bit about John the Baptizer this morning.  This guy gets my vote as the strangest guy in the New Testament.  Of course, that oddness is accentuated…

    • Some Reflections On The Cross & Incarnation by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2010, 14:15

      “The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1 Do you remember the Chilean miners who were trapped back in August under 700,000 tons of collapsed…

    • Your God Isn’t Angry With You by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2010, 09:21

      In a recent post (What Happened At The Cross? -  http://nieporte.name/?p=1017) I stated my conviction that the “penal substitution” view of atonement was…

    • What Happened At The Cross? by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2010, 06:54

      I am passionate about biblical theology.  That means I often get in trouble with some people who have heard all their lives that some doctrine they believe is…

    • Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully by: billnieporte

      November 29, 2010, 04:55

      Read Matthew 24:1-15.  It’s right there, a message of hope found smack in the middle of a passage devoted to the pain and sorrow found inhuman sin and…

    • Top Ten List Of Gratitude by: billnieporte

      November 25, 2010, 06:20

      Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

    • When Does Worship Happen? by: billnieporte

      November 24, 2010, 14:30

      Isaiah 6:1-8 - Many worship leaders have used the Scripture passage for today’s scripture reading as a call to worship.  Certainly that is fitting,…

    • Incredible Shrinking Hope Restored by: billnieporte

      November 19, 2010, 09:12

      We feel like we are at the end of our rope. We are afraid that the hopeless despair of our society will eventually overwhelm and defeat us.

    • You Are Included by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 06:21

      Read John 15:9-17 - Some of the best and some of the worst moments of my life have to do with being chosen...(or not chosen--as the case may be)  I…

    • Life After Life by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 05:43

      Read John 11 - Our society is preoccupied with issues related to  “life after death.”  Books, articles and television programs have addressed the…

    • The Incarnation Means You Are Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:20

      The First Letter of John was written for many reasons.  John states three of those reasons in the text.  He says he wrote to satisfy his joy (1:4), to warn…

    • Old Johnny Is Included by: billnieporte

      November 14, 2010, 01:10

      I once served as a volunteer in a mission for homeless men.  My job was to serve the evening meal and spend some time in fellowship with the men staying in…

    • Included - Luke 7:41-50 by: billnieporte

      November 13, 2010, 01:31

      So, this fellow invited Jesus to dinner. He was an upstanding citizen in his community and extremely loyal to his church.  Everything was going just fine,…

    • Leaders Must Cope With Opposition by: billnieporte

      November 12, 2010, 09:29

      While living in Louisville, Kentucky (while attending seminary many more years ago than I would like to admit) I was briefly employed as a youth minister…

    • Leadership Makes A Difference by: billnieporte

      November 12, 2010, 04:44

      In his book Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell defines a leader as a person of influence.  When a leader speaks, people listen.  When a leader…

    • Make the Hard Choices by: billnieporte

      November 11, 2010, 07:45

       Ezra 9:1-10:18 (Focal Passage:  Ezra 9:1-3, 10:9-14)  I don’t like this passage of scripture.  That’s probably not what you expect to read from a…

    • Celebrating the Achievement - Ezra 6:14-22 by: billnieporte

      November 4, 2010, 08:27

      Kaufmann Kohler states in the Jewish Encyclopedia that no language has as many words for “joy” and “rejoicing” as does Hebrew.  In the Old Testament,…

    • Invitation - Isaiah 55:1-2, 6-12 by: billnieporte

      November 2, 2010, 04:14

      In 539 B. C.E., under the leadership of King Cyrus, Persia became the dominant power in the world by defeating the Babylonian empire. After coming to power,…

    • The Prodigal  by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2010, 09:13

      No description found for this item.

    • Who Is Jesus? by: billnieporte

      October 16, 2010, 03:28

      Who Is Jesus?  If you do an internet search of the name “Jesus,” you'll have to admit he's a popular person. One search engine produced over…

    • Have You Ever Met These People by: billnieporte

      October 16, 2010, 02:56

      The Bible StudySermonspice.comSee Details Buy Now

    • Why Hope? Isaiah 40:-11, 25-31  by: billnieporte

      October 14, 2010, 04:06

      In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankel argued that the “loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on a man.”  As a result of his…

    • Stand By Faith - Daniel 3:14, 16-25 by: billnieporte

      October 14, 2010, 03:45

      “I believe in the ‘golden rule,’” a man told me.  “The one who has the gold rules.”  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not have agreed. …

    • Drunk With Power - Daniel 5:1-7, 25-28 by: billnieporte

      October 4, 2010, 03:15

      Vern McLellan has written:  “Drinking is something that makes one lose inhibitions and give exhibitions.”  This was certainly true of King Belshazzar…

    • Star Trek and the state of our churches by: billnieporte

      September 22, 2010, 06:35

      Refuse to Compromise - Daniel 1:3-5, 8-16 Star Trek:  First Contact, was one of the hit movies of the franchise.  It pitted Captain Jean-Luc Picard…

  • Category: Prayer & Share Clusters  (8)
  • Category: Who Is Jesus?  (17)
    • Confined: Christmas Sermon 2011 At Patterson Avenue Baptist, Richmond, Virginia by: billnieporte

      December 26, 2011, 07:58

      Here’s the good news for this Christmas day: “Jesus Christ, the human Son of God, is born into this world captive to all the things that bind and restrict…

    • Legacy  by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 15:10

      Every day in so many ways, we are trying to create our sense of value and worth. We engage in so many building plans to establish our Legacy. The message of…

    • Max Lucado: Gabriel's Questions by: billnieporte

      December 19, 2011, 11:05

      These stories-like your favorite Christmas ornaments-come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural…

    • The Meaning of Christmas - with help from Linus by: billnieporte

      December 18, 2011, 01:06

      Linus Christmas Monologue from Peanuts-A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus tells us ”what Christmas is all about”. Even though people around the world…

    • A Christmas Great Christmas Story by: billnieporte

      December 15, 2011, 10:43

      . The above video is from my friend, John Upton, Executive Director, Virginia Baptist Mission Board.    I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.   …

    • T'was Two Weeks Before Christmas (Video and Text) by: billnieporte

      December 12, 2011, 06:53

      Included in this blog is a link to watch the video promo for worship at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church.  I am including these as TWO file to watch.  Might…

    • A Visit From The Christ Child (a poem) by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2011, 01:28

      In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas."   In many American homes is it read on Christmas Eve.   It…

    • The Faith of Christ, by C. Baxter Kruger by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2011, 17:35

      The following article was brought to my attention by Steve McVey on his blog site.   It addresses well an issue in biblical interpretation which, when…

    • Do You Enjoy God? by: billnieporte

      July 18, 2011, 22:45

      In today’s post I want to ask you THE question for gauging your spiritual health. Are you ready? Here's the question: Do you enjoy God? Are you…

    • Easter Gift: The Ability To SEE What God Is Really Like by: billnieporte

      April 23, 2011, 22:25

      Read John 9: 1-41  The theme for my last post was Jesus’ claim to be the “light of the world” (8:12).  As the events of chapter 9 unfold, we see…

    • Does Love Win? by: billnieporte

      March 9, 2011, 06:49

      The net is all a buzz about the forth-coming book by Rob Bell titled:  “Love Wins!”  Not just the net, however!  There have been stories broadcast by…

    • Baxter Kruger on Sharing Jesus' Life by: billnieporte

      February 19, 2011, 07:34

      Today's post is from a theologian whose books have greatly influenced my thinking. You can find his books at my "Bookstore" link.

    • God Is Not A Listkeeper by: billnieporte

      January 17, 2011, 03:26

      In John 1, we discocver that when the Baptizer saw Jesus he said:  "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes way the SIN of the world!"  This sermon, preached at…

    • Why Did Jesus Come? by: billnieporte

      December 27, 2010, 05:10

      From my friend Steve McVey: Jesus didn’t come into the world so that the Father would change His mind about us. Your Father has never been angry with man…

    • What Happened At The Cross? by: billnieporte

      December 1, 2010, 06:54

      I am passionate about biblical theology.  That means I often get in trouble with some people who have heard all their lives that some doctrine they believe is…

    • The Unholy Trinity by: billnieporte

      November 16, 2010, 10:38

      Here’s something I read today by Jonathan Stepp over at http://trinityandhumanity.wordpress.com He call's it "the unholy Trinty." "Here's the unholy…

    • Who Is Jesus? by: billnieporte

      October 16, 2010, 03:28

      Who Is Jesus?  If you do an internet search of the name “Jesus,” you'll have to admit he's a popular person. One search engine produced over…

  • Category: Trinitarian Theology  (45)
    • Trinity or Radical Monotheism—Human Liberty Hangs in Ballance by: billnieporte

      May 5, 2012, 11:14

      Found this article in my search for information on the doctrine of the Trinity and found it very provocative. Trinity Versus Tyranny—Final Battle Over…

    • Trinitarian Resources by: billnieporte

      May 1, 2012, 08:00

                              Those who follow this blog know of…

    • End of the World, Again... by: billnieporte

      March 5, 2012, 07:27

      I  find it incredible how some preachers manage to distort the Gospel. The word Gospel means ”Good News” and good news is supposed to make you feel…

    • The Spirit of Truth by: billnieporte

      February 13, 2012, 10:23

      Holy Spirit The night Jesus was arrested, one of the things he talked about with his disciples was the Holy Spirit. He referred to the Holy Spirit with a…

    • Self Portrait of God by: billnieporte

      February 13, 2012, 10:15

      God What might be a self-portrait of Rembrandt has been discovered hidden under another one of the Dutch master’s paintings. By using advanced scanning…

    • Contagious Love by: billnieporte

      January 17, 2012, 07:07

      Love During Jesus’ ministry, he often upset the religious establishment of the day by extending love to people considered “unlovable.” As in all…

    • David Torrance: You Are Already Forgiven by: billnieporte

      January 14, 2012, 13:34

      Torrance Rev. David Torrance: Already Forgiven Rev. David Torrance talks about how to approach our sin, personally and in the pulpit. (29 minutes) Watch…

    • No Fear by: billnieporte

      January 8, 2012, 06:35

      God is so high you can't get over Him; So wide you can't get around Him;So low you can't get under Him.

    • Images by: billnieporte

      December 31, 2011, 06:59

      God What do you see when you  look in the mirror? The apostle Paul tells us that what we see in the mirror is  not what we really are – we see only a poor…

    • Christmas for Sinners by: billnieporte

      December 30, 2011, 09:47

      When the Magi finally met Jesus, the King of the Jews, after being led to him by a special star; they did not find him in a king’s palace. They found Mary,…

    • The Meaning of Christmas - with help from Linus by: billnieporte

      December 18, 2011, 01:06

      Linus Christmas Monologue from Peanuts-A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus tells us ”what Christmas is all about”. Even though people around the world…

    • Elmer Colyer: Theology or the Bible? by: billnieporte

      December 17, 2011, 04:44

      (Editor:  Those who follow this blog know of my convictions about trinitarian theology.  Sometimes people say (when the word THEOLOGY is brought up that they…

    • The Trinity and You (Video w/ great music) by: billnieporte

      December 16, 2011, 07:19

      The Trinity and You.flv Words John Crowder,Professor Thomas F.Torrance,Music by A.Christopher Welch Music played half written half spontaneous , recorded in…

    • Invitation to Mission, by Joseph Tkach by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2011, 06:34

      The subject of mission and outreach has sometimes been a source of passionate disagreement among Christian believers. Some Christians believe that they …

    • Some Guy Jumped Me At The Mall by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:32

      A few weeks back, as the Christmas shopping season began, I was jumped by a guy at the mall.  The guy did not have a knife or a gun.  His weapons were a…

    • Christmas Kindness by: billnieporte

      December 2, 2011, 06:18

      Joseph Tkach is a fine theologian and leader, whose writings I greatly enjoy.  Here is a recent note that I greatly appreciated and am happy to share with my…

    • What Are You Worth? by: billnieporte

      November 27, 2011, 06:43

      by Joseph Tkach Two years ago, a lock of Elvis  Presley’s hair that had been preserved by a fan was sold at auction for fifteen  thousand dollars. And…

    • Abraham by: billnieporte

      November 26, 2011, 07:23

      by Mike Feazell As a boy I heard the story of Abraham recounted at least once a week, and it usually went something like this: “God told Abraham to…

    • Interview w/Paul Molnar: The Giver and the Gift by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 23:40

      Introduction: Welcome to this unique interview series  devoted to practical implications of Trinitarian Theology. Our guest today is  Dr. Paul Molnar. Mike…

    • A New Thing by: billnieporte

      November 22, 2011, 17:02

      At least once a week, Christians meet together for worship. We gather at particular places, at particular times, and we worship in particular ways. But…

    • Thanksgiving by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 04:28

      Most Americans have begun preparations for this year’s  Thanksgiving holiday, looking forward to this special time with family and  friends over good food.…

    • The Faith of Christ, by C. Baxter Kruger by: billnieporte

      October 26, 2011, 17:35

      The following article was brought to my attention by Steve McVey on his blog site.   It addresses well an issue in biblical interpretation which, when…

    • Knowing God As Trinity by: billnieporte

      October 20, 2011, 14:18

      Know God as Trinity “means that God is not some remote, unknowable Deity, a prisoner in his aloofness or shut up in his solitariness, but on the contrary,…

    • Quick Quotes....T.F.Torrance by: billnieporte

      August 14, 2011, 07:38

      "Perhaps the most fundamental truth which we have to learn in the Christian Church, or rather relearn since we have suppressed it, is that the incarnation was…

    • Shocking Love by Baxter Kruger by: billnieporte

      August 2, 2011, 05:36

      Shocking Love By C. Baxter Kruger Sometimes the simplest thoughts cascade into revolutions. What if it was not the wrath of God that Jesus suffered on the…

    • Baxter Kruger on The New Covenant by: billnieporte

      July 19, 2011, 10:16

      The new covenant is the new relationship established in Jesus’ own experience between the blessed Trinity and broken, sinful humanity. In Jesus the Father,…

    • Do You Enjoy God? by: billnieporte

      July 18, 2011, 22:45

      In today’s post I want to ask you THE question for gauging your spiritual health. Are you ready? Here's the question: Do you enjoy God? Are you…

    • What Are You Worth? by: billnieporte

      July 10, 2011, 01:55

      According to the U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, the typical human body is made up of the following chemicals: • 65% Oxygen • 18% Carbon • 10%…

    • Baxter Kruger on "The Shack" by: billnieporte

      June 29, 2011, 08:46

      Click here now to watch this great interview I found with Baxgter Kruger on the theology of Paul Young's "The Shack."  

    • Quick Quote: Thomas Torrance On Salvation by: billnieporte

      May 28, 2011, 03:10

      “To know this God, who both condescends to share all that we are and makes us share in all that He is in Jesus Christ, is to be lifted up in His Spirit to…

    • The most radical thing we can say: YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD by: billnieporte

      May 18, 2011, 06:15

      Read Ephesians 1:4-5; John 14:1-21, I john 4:8, and John 3:16-17 Here is some thoughts I have been scribbling down as I prepared sermons for the next two…

    • Easter Gift: The Ability To SEE What God Is Really Like by: billnieporte

      April 23, 2011, 22:25

      Read John 9: 1-41  The theme for my last post was Jesus’ claim to be the “light of the world” (8:12).  As the events of chapter 9 unfold, we see…

    • Live At Peace With Others by: billnieporte

      March 4, 2011, 09:16

      Yesterday I posted a blog about the ONEness of God.  It spoke about the experience of relationship within the Trinity.  Today I feel inspired to write a bit…

    • The ONEness of God by: billnieporte

      March 3, 2011, 00:23

      Read Ephesians 4:3-6  (This is an old document that I dusted off from many years ago!  I am sure that some of the thoughts and references are not original,…

    • Baxter Kruger on Sharing Jesus' Life by: billnieporte

      February 19, 2011, 07:34

      Today's post is from a theologian whose books have greatly influenced my thinking. You can find his books at my "Bookstore" link.

    • Trinitarian Worship by: billnieporte

      February 1, 2011, 15:01

      One more quote from James Torrance: The Trinitarian view of worship is that it is the gift of participating through the Spirit in the incarnate Son’s…

    • James Torrance by: billnieporte

      February 1, 2011, 07:48

      In his book Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace, theologian James Torrance  offers an insightful evaluation of much of what we call worship.  He…

    • God Is Not A Listkeeper by: billnieporte

      January 17, 2011, 03:26

      In John 1, we discocver that when the Baptizer saw Jesus he said:  "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes way the SIN of the world!"  This sermon, preached at…

    • Are You A “Poop Machine?” by: billnieporte

      January 15, 2011, 03:16

      Frightened by the clamor of thunder in the night, a little child cried out.  Holding her securely in his arms, her father explained that she needn’t…

    • As You Wish by: billnieporte

      January 5, 2011, 08:39

      Read Matthew 3:13-17 One of my favorite novels is called The Princess Bride.  About twenty years ago, while I was a student in seminary, the book became…

    • Why Did Jesus Come? by: billnieporte

      December 27, 2010, 05:10

      From my friend Steve McVey: Jesus didn’t come into the world so that the Father would change His mind about us. Your Father has never been angry with man…

    • Have One Hell Of A Christmas by: billnieporte

      December 17, 2010, 06:17

      I wonder why so many of my fellow preachers seem more interested in scaring the hell out of people rather than telling them about the good news about the life…

    • The Servant by: billnieporte

      December 12, 2010, 03:02

      Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, won a strategic battle with comparative ease and little loss of life. When asked for an explanation of his victory over…

    • Untwisting The Gospel by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2010, 06:08

      No description found for this item.

    • Some Reflections On The Cross & Incarnation by: billnieporte

      December 4, 2010, 14:15

      “The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1 Do you remember the Chilean miners who were trapped back in August under 700,000 tons of collapsed…

  • Category: Denominational  (2)
  • Category: Pictures  (3)
    • Do you have a song... by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 05:14

      There is nothing sadder than having a song in your heart that you never let yourself sing; or a craft in your thoughts that is never produced by your hands; or…

    • I am NOT a Legalist by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 04:57

      Nobody will ever accuse my son of being a legalist... (Read the sign on the wall behind him!)  

    • Grow Where You Are Planted by: billnieporte

      August 5, 2011, 04:52

      You never know what might get in your way or try to hinder your ability to move forward!  Whatever you are facing, however, learn the lesson of this tree from…

  • Category: Worship  (10)
    • The Meaning of Christmas - with help from Linus by: billnieporte

      December 18, 2011, 01:06

      Linus Christmas Monologue from Peanuts-A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus tells us ”what Christmas is all about”. Even though people around the world…

    • A Visit From The Christ Child (a poem) by: billnieporte

      December 7, 2011, 01:28

      In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas."   In many American homes is it read on Christmas Eve.   It…

    • Claiming Our Freedom by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 23:39

      Image © Moe Photography | Flickr | Used under Creative Commons license. Americans Shane Bauer, Joshua Fattal, and Sarah Shourd were hiking the Iraqi…

    • Blessing Discovery by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 23:33

      A few years ago, an older friend lost his wife to a sudden, unexpected illness and death. He was overwhelmed with grief and wondered how he would go on…

    • Christmas is Not Your Birthday: Sermon Series by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 21:35

      I stood before our congregation in the fall of 2004 and said, “I want you to have a slim Christmas this year . . . and whatever you spend on your family,…

    • Moment of Decision by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 12:44

      Did Mary Want to Be Mary? Thirteen-year-old Mary, standing by the spring of Nazareth and listening to the sound of water bubbling forth from the rock, heard…

    • Weekend Headlines and Links by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 11:43

      News Headlines Egyptian Coptics Attacked, Dozens Slightly Injured - CNN St. Paul's Still Suffering Huge Losses Because of Protest Camp - Telegraph Church…

    • 5 Things Your Church Must Do at Christmas by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 10:41

      A Road Retraveled set up by the Basilica of St Francis by Eusebius at Commons by Mark Gstohl by cmatulewicz by Liverpool Design Festival Earlier…

    • Lavish Love - Audio & Video by: billnieporte

      November 21, 2011, 08:09

      The Sunday sermon at The Patterson Avenue Baptist Church on November 20, 2011, was based on Ephesians 1:15-23.  The title of the sermon is "Lavish Love." I…

    • Torrance on Worship by: billnieporte

      November 2, 2011, 13:46

      No description found for this item.

  • Category: Religious Liberty  (1)
  • Category: Quotes  (7)
  • Category: Preaching Instruction  (3)

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