Pastor Tony's Blog

Lessons from the NBA

Tony Buchanan — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:12:18 +0000

I love basketball, but I'm not a huge NBA fan. I prefer the college game. However, I get interested in the NBA during the playoffs. I watched the end of last night's semi-final game between the Thunder and the Mavs. The Thunder controlled and even dominated most of the game. It really wasn't even close. Then at the end of the game, they completely fell apart and ended up blowing a big lead. They ended up going to overtime and lost the game. I couldn't believe they had played so well, but finished so poorly. What a great spiritual lesson. It is important to finish well. Paul said at the end of his life, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim 4:7) May we have the same testimony when we come to the end of our lives. Let's finish the race!

Urgent Prayer

Tony Buchanan — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:27:21 +0000

I would like for you all to join me in praying for those who have been devastated by the tornadoes around the south. The town I grew up in (Ringgold, GA) has been leveled. I have contacted my family and they are all OK, but have damage to their property. Others will be mourning, the death of loved ones and the loss of all their homes. It will take much time to put the pieces back together.

At this point, we will pray. We may want to send some help to various places in Arkansas and even other states in the days to come. Please pray!

Red Letter Day

Tony Buchanan — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:23:49 +0000

What an amazing day yesterday! We unveiled the new stage design, but that was not the reason that yesterday was a read letter day. We shared the Lord's Supper together and had a wonderful time of reflecting on the death of our Savior, but that was not the reason that yesterday was a red letter day. The reason yesterday was a red letter day, happened during the evening service. God laid it on my heart to "Call out the Called" and so I preached a message calling out those that God has set aside specifically for ministry. The response overwhelmed me. Joe and Bev Hall responded by publicly announcing their move to Texas as Joe re-enters the ministry from retirement. Matt and Cara Smithson announced publicly that God is calling them to me missionaries. Cody Sing came, with his wife Olivia, broken, knowing that God was calling him to ministry. Two others came to me privately, acknowledging that God was calling them and that they were not yet ready to make a public announcement. This truly was a red-letter day for FBL. Honestly, I had no idea that any would respond. I praise the Lord for His powerful move last night. I really believe that this is just the beginning. My prayer is that FBL will be training ground for sending preachers and missionaries around the world with the saving message of the gospel.

Bible Conference and New Series

Tony Buchanan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:04:49 +0000

Well, the Bible Conference is over and I really enjoyed it. God used each of our speakers to minister and challenge us. Chris Hodges spoke to us about what it means to be "in Christ." Dr. Eric Thomas preached a powerful message encouraging us to invite others to the banquet table of God. Herb Hodges challenged us to make disciples of the nations by teaching us about the "seed." Finally, Dr. Fred Luter brought the house down with a moving message of God delivering His people through trouble. Three Bridges did a wonderful job of leading us in music each night.

Now, we shift our attention to Calvary. For the next few weeks, I will preach a series of messages entitled, "The Road to Calvary." We will look at the last days of Jesus life on earth, His crucifixion, and His glorious resurrection. Join us each week and invite your friends.

A Call to Prayer

Tony Buchanan — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:45:10 +0000

I've been debating about whether to post this blog now or next week, but I feel now is the time. Sunday I will preach a message calling our church to prayer. God has been moving in my own personal prayer life and usually when He moves in me privately, He is leading me to proclaim something publicly. So, Sunday morning we will study prayer, but Sunday night we are going to pray. We are going to simply get before the Lord and pray!

Which word best describes your prayer life: fervent or famine. I am convinced the body of Christ as a whole is experiencing a prayer famine. God has called us and is preparing us for an enormous task. There is no way to accomplish our assignment without an renewed sense of prayer. Therefore, I am calling our church to prayer. We must get on our face before God and pray. Pray as we have never prayed before. See you Sunday.

The Move of God

Tony Buchanan — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:07:54 +0000

I am currently reading all the stories of The Chronicles of Narnia. Certainly the most recognized of the stories is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I'm sure many of you have seen the movie. One of the great lines in the book is from Mr. Beaver, when he said "But now that Aslan is on the move..." I've been thinking of that line all week as I have sensed God is on the move here at FBL. I have seen God move before, but this is different from anything I have personally observed. God is moving us from our seats to the streets. God is stretching us, empowering us, and directing us to reach our neighbors and nations. It is my prayer that all of us will be part of it. Some of you will go. Some of you will send. All of us should pray. May Jesus Christ be glorified!

Merry Christmas

Tony Buchanan — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:14:14 +0000

Merry Christmas First Baptist Lavaca! I love you all.

Perfect Weekend

Tony Buchanan — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:25:45 +0000

This was simply a great weekend. Though it was difficult to walk my daughter down the aisle and give her away, I know it was right. We are happy for both Kristen and that boy (just kidding, Jeremiah). The wedding was sweet and my daughter (and my wife) could not have looked more beautiful.

It was also great to have John and Jenny Mclamb with us. I knew you guys would love them and you did! God spoke and moved powerfully during both the morning and evening services. I love that John called out the called.

Sorry for the short post. I could go on and on, but I've got to recuperate. Love you all!

Thanks Veterans

Tony Buchanan — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:50:13 +0000

I want to take a moment and express my sincere thanks for all of you who have served our country in the United States Military. Thank you for your sacrifice, commitment, honor, and selflessness. You are true American heroes. Among many other freedoms, your service enables me to preach, without fear of reprisal, the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ. Have a great Veteran's Day, you deserve it!

Really Excited!!

Tony Buchanan — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:55:02 +0000

I am really excited about several things and just wanted to blog about them:

1. I am really excited about our Family Matters series that just ended. I have received many comments and testimonies about how God spoke to families last month. It was such a fun month! I have been praying and believe that I will incorporate this into my annual plan. Next October will also be Family Matters Month.

2. I am really excited that Josh and Jennifer Teague (and kids) are heading back to FBL. Josh will do an awesome job with our music ministries!

3. I am really excited about our Harvest Day offering on November 21. We have four different goals. The first $50,000 will go to Haiti to feed the orphans that our team spent time with for a year. Then we have a goal for a bus, stage design, and for a storage facility. Please pray about what you can give.

4. I am really excited the upcoming holidays.

5. I am really excited about the "Open House" at our house on December 5 after church. The whole church is invited over to our house. More info coming (I'm not excited about all the cleaning Edie will have me doing though)

6. I am really excited for Kristen and Jeremiah's upcoming wedding. (As hard as it is for me to say... It is a great thing)

7. I am really excited that John and Jenny McLamb will be with us on December 19 for our Missions Day. John and Jenny (and 4 kids) International Missionaries and are home on furlough from Peru. You will love them. Josh will preach both services on December 19.

8. I am really excited about First Baptist Lavaca!!!! Love you all.