Friday, October 2, 2009
Hmmmm....
It may be time to dust this thing off and start using it again... I'll think about it and let you know.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Today in the Word...
I recieved this e-mail the other day from Moody Bible Institute and wanted to share.
Read: Psalm 119:1-88
This view of the law might work when it comes to the rules of the road, but it’s very misleading for understanding what the law means in the Bible. Although the Hebrew word Torah can refer to the law code given to Moses, Torah doesn’t mean the same thing as our word “law.” Bible scholar William Dumbrell suggests that Torah means “direction for life within the framework of a presupposed relationship.” In other words, the Bible’s view of the law focuses on how we can live life the way that God intended within the context of our relationship with Him. That’s a whole lot more comprehensive—and a better motivation—than a set of “do’s” and “dont’s”! This focus on relationship highlights that obeying God’s law flows from our knowing Him. It’s only because we’re saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus that we can obey His Word.
Psalm 119 is one long meditation on the goodness and perfection of God’s law, also described as “commands,” “decrees,” and “precepts.” Certainly these words tell us what we should and shouldn’t “do,” but, more importantly, they reveal the glorious nature of God and His perfect ways.
The psalmist was so inspired by seeing God’s perfection through His Word that he wrote 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. He starts out by showing that the way to really succeed in life is all about God’s law (v. 1, 9—11). The last part of today’s reading describes the hope that the psalmist has because of God’s Word (v. 81). Now here’s a “framework” for living!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Whoa!!!...
Seems like forever since I have posted anything. Seems like forever since I have done anything other than work to be honest. We have had a lot going on at work the past few months and I feel very grateful to be able to complain about being busy. I know in these times there are many who would love to be able to complain about the long hours at work.
Last night was an all nighter and tonight will be too and it will all conclude this Saturday night pulling another all nighter as we migrate that last of the production databases to the new data center in New Jeresey. Seems like we can just about see the light and feel very confident it's not a train coming at us. I know Dreama doesn't like it when I have to work like this but I think she is used to it by now. I have never had a job since we have been married where I worked "normal" hours. I am taking a week off the first week of November and am looking forward to that. It may not be an ideal vacation for some people since I plan to do some side work for a friend of mine at his company. I got a kid in college what can I say....lol
I missed church, both services, for the first time in many months and my prayer and reading time have really suffered. Funny how that always seems to be the first to go when things get busy yet it should be the one thing we cling to the most to keep us going during the times of craziness. It is so easy for me to get side tracked when my focus is shifted off of God.
One last note, pray for Oak Street, there is so much work that needs to be done out there both physically and spiritually and continue to pray for Dee and his health and family.
Last night was an all nighter and tonight will be too and it will all conclude this Saturday night pulling another all nighter as we migrate that last of the production databases to the new data center in New Jeresey. Seems like we can just about see the light and feel very confident it's not a train coming at us. I know Dreama doesn't like it when I have to work like this but I think she is used to it by now. I have never had a job since we have been married where I worked "normal" hours. I am taking a week off the first week of November and am looking forward to that. It may not be an ideal vacation for some people since I plan to do some side work for a friend of mine at his company. I got a kid in college what can I say....lol
I missed church, both services, for the first time in many months and my prayer and reading time have really suffered. Funny how that always seems to be the first to go when things get busy yet it should be the one thing we cling to the most to keep us going during the times of craziness. It is so easy for me to get side tracked when my focus is shifted off of God.
One last note, pray for Oak Street, there is so much work that needs to be done out there both physically and spiritually and continue to pray for Dee and his health and family.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Last Days...
You can go to any prophecy site or read any "End Times" book and they will all tell you that these are the last days and Jesus can return at any minute. They will point you to all sort of signs in the weather, economy and violence in the world. I believe the only sign we need is that Jesus rose from the grave.
I received this e-mail below in one of my daily subscriptions, and I think it describes a time we are in. If things were bad 400 years ago how much worse are they now? Do you think we are in the evilest of times? I invite you to read some of the new stories online such as a woman in Tyler, TX being arrested for encouraging her 7 and 10 year old children to engage in sexual acts for the entertainment of other adults who paid to come to their house and watch. By the way, the kids were taught these things as young as age 5.
Before God killed off all life with the exception of 8 humans and some animals, the Bible says that mans mind was continually on evil. How close are we now? Do we believe God will judge the ungodly and unrighteous as He did in the past, other than by flood of course? Some of the more charismatic brothers can scream revival is taking place all they want, but I see no hint of man humbling himself before a Holy and Just God with a broken heart and broken spirit turning to God in repentance and faith. As we pass all these people clothed in "religion", clothed in something other than the righteousness of Christ, do we care? Are we doing our part as instructed by God to tell them?
Rom 10:14 How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?
Now for the e-mail-
We should be holiest in evil times. The profaneness of the times should not slacken our zeal--but heighten it. The looser others are -- the stricter we should be. The way to hell is a well-trodden road. "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" Exodus 23:2. Dead fish swim down the stream -- living fish swim against it. Mere professors cut the garment of their religion according to the mode and fashion of the times. Let us keep up the vigor of our zeal, in degenerate times. We should by a holy contrariness -- burn hotter in a frozen age. We live in the dregs of time; sin is grown common and impudent. It is excellent to walk contrary to the world. Let us be as lilies and roses -- among the briars. Sin is never the better because it is in fashion! The impiety of the times, is a foil to set off grace all the more, and give it a greater luster. This plea will not help at the last day-"that we did as most others did." God will say, "Seeing you sinned with the multitude -- you shall go to hell with the multitude!" Oh, let us keep pure among the dregs! Let us be like fish, which retain their freshness, in salt waters. It is better to go to heaven with a few -- than to hell in the crowd! "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" Matthew 7:13-14
Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
I received this e-mail below in one of my daily subscriptions, and I think it describes a time we are in. If things were bad 400 years ago how much worse are they now? Do you think we are in the evilest of times? I invite you to read some of the new stories online such as a woman in Tyler, TX being arrested for encouraging her 7 and 10 year old children to engage in sexual acts for the entertainment of other adults who paid to come to their house and watch. By the way, the kids were taught these things as young as age 5.
Before God killed off all life with the exception of 8 humans and some animals, the Bible says that mans mind was continually on evil. How close are we now? Do we believe God will judge the ungodly and unrighteous as He did in the past, other than by flood of course? Some of the more charismatic brothers can scream revival is taking place all they want, but I see no hint of man humbling himself before a Holy and Just God with a broken heart and broken spirit turning to God in repentance and faith. As we pass all these people clothed in "religion", clothed in something other than the righteousness of Christ, do we care? Are we doing our part as instructed by God to tell them?
Rom 10:14 How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?
Now for the e-mail-
We should be holiest in evil times. The profaneness of the times should not slacken our zeal--but heighten it. The looser others are -- the stricter we should be. The way to hell is a well-trodden road. "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" Exodus 23:2. Dead fish swim down the stream -- living fish swim against it. Mere professors cut the garment of their religion according to the mode and fashion of the times. Let us keep up the vigor of our zeal, in degenerate times. We should by a holy contrariness -- burn hotter in a frozen age. We live in the dregs of time; sin is grown common and impudent. It is excellent to walk contrary to the world. Let us be as lilies and roses -- among the briars. Sin is never the better because it is in fashion! The impiety of the times, is a foil to set off grace all the more, and give it a greater luster. This plea will not help at the last day-"that we did as most others did." God will say, "Seeing you sinned with the multitude -- you shall go to hell with the multitude!" Oh, let us keep pure among the dregs! Let us be like fish, which retain their freshness, in salt waters. It is better to go to heaven with a few -- than to hell in the crowd! "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" Matthew 7:13-14
Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wating...
Well, here I sit at 3:37 AM waiting for one of three processes to complete that required human intervention due to an error the process could not recover from automatically. I love my job, I love my job......maybe if I say that enough I'll start to believe it. I do like it alot but it's far from love and I am sure I don't show proper gratitude to God for the job he has given me.....
I thought I had some some good stuff to say but it is really hard to concentrate this early in the morning. I Think I'll just stare at the light shining at me from the monitor for now. It's much easier and requires no effort. Hope you all are sleeping well!!!
I thought I had some some good stuff to say but it is really hard to concentrate this early in the morning. I Think I'll just stare at the light shining at me from the monitor for now. It's much easier and requires no effort. Hope you all are sleeping well!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Hosea..
For my morning reading I have been going through the book of Hosea. I read the first 6-7 chapters but was drawn back to chapter 1 because of the response that Hosea had toward God. It's the same response most of the men and women in the Bible had when God spoke, and that response was obedience. I said most, so don't start throwing out all those that weren't obedient as first.
The thing that jumps out to me in verse 2 of chapter 1 is what Hosea heard from God, "go and marry a prostitute who will have illegitimate children..." Remember this is the first time Hosea heard from God according to the Bible. How much questioning, thinking, praying, asking friends, pastors, small group leaders and mentors would we have to do today in trying to figure out if we had truly heard from God?? Never do I remember in the Bible anyone questioning if they had heard from God, they all knew when God spoke and they responded, some rightly others not.
That bothers me because we are given God's promise that He is the same yesterday, today and forever and I have to wonder how much I have missed out on because I sat and thought, was that God, me or the enemy?? Were these people just way more in tune with God than I am?? Did they have daily distractions and excuses for not spending more time with God??
Maybe my only response should be will this glorify God in some way then follow through with what I feel God is telling me. Could Hosea see God being glorified in marrying a prostitute? I think Hosea knew God had a plan and if this is what He wanted who was Hosea to question..
The thing that jumps out to me in verse 2 of chapter 1 is what Hosea heard from God, "go and marry a prostitute who will have illegitimate children..." Remember this is the first time Hosea heard from God according to the Bible. How much questioning, thinking, praying, asking friends, pastors, small group leaders and mentors would we have to do today in trying to figure out if we had truly heard from God?? Never do I remember in the Bible anyone questioning if they had heard from God, they all knew when God spoke and they responded, some rightly others not.
That bothers me because we are given God's promise that He is the same yesterday, today and forever and I have to wonder how much I have missed out on because I sat and thought, was that God, me or the enemy?? Were these people just way more in tune with God than I am?? Did they have daily distractions and excuses for not spending more time with God??
Maybe my only response should be will this glorify God in some way then follow through with what I feel God is telling me. Could Hosea see God being glorified in marrying a prostitute? I think Hosea knew God had a plan and if this is what He wanted who was Hosea to question..
Friday, February 29, 2008
New Identity
In case you haven't noticed I have changed the name of my blog. I felt as though I had plagiarised Kenneth's blog name and I didn't want to infringe on his rights... I kept the name simple and feel that it more accuratly refelcts who I am and what I'm about. Hope you enjoy future posts.
Monday, February 25, 2008
My Take on Missional
Okay, so I got a friendly reminder today that I haven't blogged lately and with the divorce rate among bloggers as high as it is I thought it wise to say something before I became the next victim of unlinking..... Thanks Julie. And just remember, It would never cross my mind to unlink someone.
On to the real stuff. Although the first paragraph will probably get more comments than what I type below....
I have slowly been trying to digest the whole missional and emergent thing. Actually I should clarify that statement by saying I haven't made it passed the missional stance until now I think. The emergents will have to wait for the time being.
As many know I'm not into a lot of fancy catch phrases and or tag lines. I don't really care if I'm in style or out of style, jeans/shorts and a button down shirt untucked always seem to work well. I see it like this, if I keep my current style long enough before long I will be back in style. I don't keep up with the latest trends in culture either. I drank my first Mocha Latte, ummm, about 1 year ago maybe a year and a half. I think it's about time to try something else but I feel foolish ordering some of these things I can hardly pronounce, carmel mach-ee-ah-toe?? I'll stick with mocha latte for now. I guess some would call me boring which I'm okay with but I prefer no frills or no nonesene. Nor do I want the church infiltrated with gimmicks and programs that try and put a spin on the church to make it seem not so churchy. Or bringing the worlds way's in the church to make people feel better. You know, get them in the door however you can then try to slip in some Bible here and there without trying to offend anyone.
For a while now, 3+ years, I have been hearing words like missional, community, seeker friendly, emergent etc.. all of which placed a huge knot in my stomach every time I would hear them. Of course coming out of the FIMBC, Fundamental Independent Missionary Baptist Church, I thought I was going to hell when I took off my tie and switched to the NKJV. If I walked in the local FIMBC today with my new NET Bible I would probably be stoned.
Anyway, I have been trying to better understand what this actually means. Today I have been reading a book that can be downloaded for free on the web and it has really given me a clear definition of what missional is.
My understanding of missional today is that missional is not something you decide to be. I decided to be FIMB, but missional should be a natural progression to what God wants you to be. Missional is obedience to the commands of Christ in order to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit is in turn required for living out God’s mission task in and through the church. Obeying God produces godliness, and godliness leads to further obedience. As our relationship with Christ grows through obedient godliness, we are transformed in the inner man to the point where we desire more and more to experientially identify with the
missionary character of Christ in all circumstances of our lives.
So missional in my mind is nothing more than being like Christ, growing in godliness and holiness. This made perfect sense to me as did what I posted below. Keep reading.
Many missionalist writers consistently use the word missional to basically claim that missional and biblical are synonymous terms. In truth, missional is simply an English word that needs qualification to be of value to the local church. Recognizing the grammatical function of the word missional is pivotal to our discussion on being a missional church. Grammatically, the function of the word missional is clear. Missional is the adjectival form of the word mission. According to the common rules of English grammar, the suffix al converts a noun into an adjective. Mission + al = missional. Adjectives function “to restrict, qualify or limit the meaning of other words or word groups.” Missional then, no matter what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God’s mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne (all peoples) for God’s glory and worship. If the word missional is used in a way that does not reflect the biblical meaning of God’s mission, then it fails to communicate the purpose of God’s mission to form one people for His glory and worship from among all peoples. Therefore,a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God’s mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and His ways of expanding His kingdom.
Scripture is not a linear, step-by-step plan for doing God’s mission. Instead, Scripture over road spans of time comprehensively reveals patterns and practices that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead churches to be God’s mission force in their community.
The Bible reveals God’s ways and patterns for His people to proclaim His message to non- Christian groups of people so that new, reproducing groups of believers multiply into many new churches. These patterns reflect different, but integrated practices of God’s mission. When followed, they provide local churches the best opportunities to fully experience God’s mission in His way.
Am I missional?? Is missional Biblical? In light of the definition I have posted I would have to say I haven't finished the book yet. Stay tuned.
Taken from the book Pursuing the Mission of God. Downloaded for free from
www.churchplantingvillage.net/atf/cf/%7B087EF6B4-D6E5-4BBF-BED1-7983D360F394%7D/Missional%20BookMaster_FINAL%203_07.pdf
On to the real stuff. Although the first paragraph will probably get more comments than what I type below....
I have slowly been trying to digest the whole missional and emergent thing. Actually I should clarify that statement by saying I haven't made it passed the missional stance until now I think. The emergents will have to wait for the time being.
As many know I'm not into a lot of fancy catch phrases and or tag lines. I don't really care if I'm in style or out of style, jeans/shorts and a button down shirt untucked always seem to work well. I see it like this, if I keep my current style long enough before long I will be back in style. I don't keep up with the latest trends in culture either. I drank my first Mocha Latte, ummm, about 1 year ago maybe a year and a half. I think it's about time to try something else but I feel foolish ordering some of these things I can hardly pronounce, carmel mach-ee-ah-toe?? I'll stick with mocha latte for now. I guess some would call me boring which I'm okay with but I prefer no frills or no nonesene. Nor do I want the church infiltrated with gimmicks and programs that try and put a spin on the church to make it seem not so churchy. Or bringing the worlds way's in the church to make people feel better. You know, get them in the door however you can then try to slip in some Bible here and there without trying to offend anyone.
For a while now, 3+ years, I have been hearing words like missional, community, seeker friendly, emergent etc.. all of which placed a huge knot in my stomach every time I would hear them. Of course coming out of the FIMBC, Fundamental Independent Missionary Baptist Church, I thought I was going to hell when I took off my tie and switched to the NKJV. If I walked in the local FIMBC today with my new NET Bible I would probably be stoned.
Anyway, I have been trying to better understand what this actually means. Today I have been reading a book that can be downloaded for free on the web and it has really given me a clear definition of what missional is.
My understanding of missional today is that missional is not something you decide to be. I decided to be FIMB, but missional should be a natural progression to what God wants you to be. Missional is obedience to the commands of Christ in order to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit is in turn required for living out God’s mission task in and through the church. Obeying God produces godliness, and godliness leads to further obedience. As our relationship with Christ grows through obedient godliness, we are transformed in the inner man to the point where we desire more and more to experientially identify with the
missionary character of Christ in all circumstances of our lives.
So missional in my mind is nothing more than being like Christ, growing in godliness and holiness. This made perfect sense to me as did what I posted below. Keep reading.
Many missionalist writers consistently use the word missional to basically claim that missional and biblical are synonymous terms. In truth, missional is simply an English word that needs qualification to be of value to the local church. Recognizing the grammatical function of the word missional is pivotal to our discussion on being a missional church. Grammatically, the function of the word missional is clear. Missional is the adjectival form of the word mission. According to the common rules of English grammar, the suffix al converts a noun into an adjective. Mission + al = missional. Adjectives function “to restrict, qualify or limit the meaning of other words or word groups.” Missional then, no matter what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God’s mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne (all peoples) for God’s glory and worship. If the word missional is used in a way that does not reflect the biblical meaning of God’s mission, then it fails to communicate the purpose of God’s mission to form one people for His glory and worship from among all peoples. Therefore,a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God’s mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and His ways of expanding His kingdom.
Scripture is not a linear, step-by-step plan for doing God’s mission. Instead, Scripture over road spans of time comprehensively reveals patterns and practices that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead churches to be God’s mission force in their community.
The Bible reveals God’s ways and patterns for His people to proclaim His message to non- Christian groups of people so that new, reproducing groups of believers multiply into many new churches. These patterns reflect different, but integrated practices of God’s mission. When followed, they provide local churches the best opportunities to fully experience God’s mission in His way.
Am I missional?? Is missional Biblical? In light of the definition I have posted I would have to say I haven't finished the book yet. Stay tuned.
Taken from the book Pursuing the Mission of God. Downloaded for free from
www.churchplantingvillage.net/atf/cf/%7B087EF6B4-D6E5-4BBF-BED1-7983D360F394%7D/Missional%20BookMaster_FINAL%203_07.pdf
Friday, January 11, 2008
Do you know this Jesus
I had never heard his testimony before. I can relate to where Paul was in life before he was saved. The power of God to change a life is an awesome thing if you will allow Him to.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Woe is me! . . . My eyes have seen the King
Another priceless reminder.
Read: Isaiah 6:1-7
At the conclusion of the book of Job, after all the arguments between Job and his friends, God Himself appeared and asked: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” Stunned by God’s awesome presence, Job humbly responded: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know . . . My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (see Job 38—42).
Like Job, Isaiah in today’s reading was overwhelmed. We often think of humility as a “horizontal” virtue, that is, one practiced person to person, but it properly begins as a “vertical” virtue; that is, it depends on an accurate sense of who one is before God. There’s no quicker cure for pride than to compare the mortal to the immortal, the finite to the infinite, the selfish to the loving, and the sinful to the holy! That’s what Isaiah experienced in his call and commissioning to become God’s prophet.
The vision of God was majestic (vv. 1—4). He sat high up on a throne, showing His sovereign authority over all the earth, certainly including one individual like Isaiah. His robe further symbolized His royal grandeur. He was attended by angels called “seraphs,” whose body language proclaimed His holiness and glory. To put an exclamation point on everything, awe-inspiring thunder rocked the temple where Isaiah was.
Isaiah’s response to this vision was complete humility (v. 5). He was engulfed in a sense of his own sin and unworthiness, both as an individual and as part of the community of Israel. He could not answer a call to ministry, or even receive one, until God took the initiative to purify and cleanse him from sin (vv. 6—7). The dramatic picture of a live coal touching Isaiah’s lips reminds us that God’s forgiveness is both painful and powerful.
As we know, confession of sin is a needed spiritual habit in our lives (1 John 1:9). Too often, though, we approach confession the same way we approach petitions, reading a “laundry list” and checking off each item. Today, we suggest having a different kind of time of confession, one done with the attitude of Isaiah. Pray in the “woe is me” spirit that recognizes the chasm between a perfectly holy God and ourselves, and thus cries out for the forgiveness and cleansing only He can give.
Courtesy of Moody Bible Institute
• www.todayintheword.org
Read: Isaiah 6:1-7
At the conclusion of the book of Job, after all the arguments between Job and his friends, God Himself appeared and asked: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” Stunned by God’s awesome presence, Job humbly responded: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know . . . My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (see Job 38—42).
Like Job, Isaiah in today’s reading was overwhelmed. We often think of humility as a “horizontal” virtue, that is, one practiced person to person, but it properly begins as a “vertical” virtue; that is, it depends on an accurate sense of who one is before God. There’s no quicker cure for pride than to compare the mortal to the immortal, the finite to the infinite, the selfish to the loving, and the sinful to the holy! That’s what Isaiah experienced in his call and commissioning to become God’s prophet.
The vision of God was majestic (vv. 1—4). He sat high up on a throne, showing His sovereign authority over all the earth, certainly including one individual like Isaiah. His robe further symbolized His royal grandeur. He was attended by angels called “seraphs,” whose body language proclaimed His holiness and glory. To put an exclamation point on everything, awe-inspiring thunder rocked the temple where Isaiah was.
Isaiah’s response to this vision was complete humility (v. 5). He was engulfed in a sense of his own sin and unworthiness, both as an individual and as part of the community of Israel. He could not answer a call to ministry, or even receive one, until God took the initiative to purify and cleanse him from sin (vv. 6—7). The dramatic picture of a live coal touching Isaiah’s lips reminds us that God’s forgiveness is both painful and powerful.
As we know, confession of sin is a needed spiritual habit in our lives (1 John 1:9). Too often, though, we approach confession the same way we approach petitions, reading a “laundry list” and checking off each item. Today, we suggest having a different kind of time of confession, one done with the attitude of Isaiah. Pray in the “woe is me” spirit that recognizes the chasm between a perfectly holy God and ourselves, and thus cries out for the forgiveness and cleansing only He can give.
Courtesy of Moody Bible Institute
• www.todayintheword.org
Thursday, December 27, 2007
In the world but not of the world...
I don't think we can be reminded enough of the danger of placing ourselves in a position to sin. When sin does come don't be too quick to point the finger at others or at the enemy. The Bible tells us in James that sin comes when we succumb to our own lust. The below comes from an e-mail group I'm on from Moody Bible Institute.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Reflecting on the strict family rules such as limitations on television viewing, early bedtimes, and no dessert without finishing dinner, a daughter complained to her father, “But the Johnson girls don’t have to follow these kinds of rules!” The father paused for a moment and then responded: “True, but the Johnson girls aren’t part of our family, and following the household rules is part of what it means to be my daughter.”
As Scripture has shown this month, God repeatedly expresses Himself in terms of parental imagery and boldly calls us His children. Many benefits come from this relationship with God, but sometimes we also need to be reminded that there are family responsibilities as well.
Today’s reading reminds us precisely of this truth by urging us to be separate from sin and from that which may cause us to sin. A string of reasons are given, each a balance of contrasts: there is no agreement between righteousness and wickedness, between light and dark, or between Christ and Belial.
Then, Scripture draws upon two further images as an underlying explanation for the believer’s need for separation from sin. First, the church is reminded that “we are the temple of the living God” (6:16). Because God has promised to live among us and be our God (cf. Lev. 26:12), we are made holy and must reflect that holiness in our lives.
Second, we are reminded of our familial relationship: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (6:18; cf. 2 Sam. 7:14). “Since,” as Scriptures declares, “we have these promises” (7:1), we have an obligation to live a certain way. It means something to be a child of God, not just in terms of the benefits we receive, but also in terms of the way we live in the world. We are part of a new family, and with that reality comes responsibility to pursue holiness and avoid sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Every Christian generation is faced with temptation to idolatry and disobedience. While we should make use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, Scripture, and participation in the services and ordinances of the church, today’s passage also offers an easily overlooked weapon against sin: separa-tion from the opportunity for sin (6:17). Do not intentionally put yourself in a position to be tempted. Ask God today for the strength to separate yourself from opportunities for temptation, that you might live “in reverence for” Him.
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Reflecting on the strict family rules such as limitations on television viewing, early bedtimes, and no dessert without finishing dinner, a daughter complained to her father, “But the Johnson girls don’t have to follow these kinds of rules!” The father paused for a moment and then responded: “True, but the Johnson girls aren’t part of our family, and following the household rules is part of what it means to be my daughter.”
As Scripture has shown this month, God repeatedly expresses Himself in terms of parental imagery and boldly calls us His children. Many benefits come from this relationship with God, but sometimes we also need to be reminded that there are family responsibilities as well.
Today’s reading reminds us precisely of this truth by urging us to be separate from sin and from that which may cause us to sin. A string of reasons are given, each a balance of contrasts: there is no agreement between righteousness and wickedness, between light and dark, or between Christ and Belial.
Then, Scripture draws upon two further images as an underlying explanation for the believer’s need for separation from sin. First, the church is reminded that “we are the temple of the living God” (6:16). Because God has promised to live among us and be our God (cf. Lev. 26:12), we are made holy and must reflect that holiness in our lives.
Second, we are reminded of our familial relationship: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (6:18; cf. 2 Sam. 7:14). “Since,” as Scriptures declares, “we have these promises” (7:1), we have an obligation to live a certain way. It means something to be a child of God, not just in terms of the benefits we receive, but also in terms of the way we live in the world. We are part of a new family, and with that reality comes responsibility to pursue holiness and avoid sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Every Christian generation is faced with temptation to idolatry and disobedience. While we should make use of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, Scripture, and participation in the services and ordinances of the church, today’s passage also offers an easily overlooked weapon against sin: separa-tion from the opportunity for sin (6:17). Do not intentionally put yourself in a position to be tempted. Ask God today for the strength to separate yourself from opportunities for temptation, that you might live “in reverence for” Him.
Friday, December 14, 2007
You Will Know Them by Their Fruit
Hmmm, October 24th since my last post? Well, no need to rush into anything I guess.
Michael sent this to me the other day and I thought it was relevant to the world today and in our own family recently. Should we question? I think we watch, probe and correct wrong thinking. I personally, I'm sure there are many who disagree with me on this, never take someone at their word when they profess to being a believer. Usually it only takes a few simple non-offensive, we have to be PC...lol, questions to see where someone truly is in their relationship with Christ. Don't forget according to the latest stats, 85% of Americans are professing Christians, yet we kill more babies than any other civilized or third world country in the world. We also have this battle raging on the definition of marriage. Which again, no other civilized or third world country has even considered because not even animals in the wild mate with their own kind. I would think that would be simple if America was filled with that many believers. Anyway, I could get way off the topic heading in this direction.
Looking forward to hearing what people think on this.
Should We Question Professions of Faith? Quoting Mark Dever . . .
"Sometimes I get the feeling that people think there's something wrong with questioning the reality of a profession of faith. It's legalistic, or judging, or holier than thou. Or something. But if evangelists want to see lost sinners saved, and if evangelists know that we sinners can deceive ourselves, then it's not surprising that we want to try to make sure (with all appropriate qualifications about our limitedness) that conversions professed are conversions possessed. Or is it just sour-faced theologians who think about such things? Are preachers who think about such things unevangelistic?
Here's what one preacher said, reflecting on Jesus' parable of the sower and the soils.
"There are so many stony ground hearers, who receive the Word with joy, that I have determined to suspend my judgment till I know the tree by its fruits. I cannot believe they are converts until I see fruit brought back; it will never do a sincere soul any harm."
Does such a determination seem uncharitable or unevangelistic? What preacher would say such a thing? That was George Whitefield. I don't think George Whitefield was unevangelistic for wanting to know a tree by its fruit, and neither are we today. In fact, I think such a concern would actually help our churches to do more real evangelism. And besides, as Whitefield says, such caution "will never do a sincere soul any harm."
What should we do? Encourage the new believer in all things good. Remind them of the gospel. After some appropriate time (which would vary much from case to case) they should be baptized and join a church. They should regularly hear the preaching of the Word, commune, fellowship, pray and obey the Word. They should be building relationships in order to do that. And they should be told to hope in Christ alone for their salvation. Our desire is to find every professor getting safely home to heaven.
And then what about counting converts?
The final tally will be made by God in due time. And that's the only tally that matters. "
Michael sent this to me the other day and I thought it was relevant to the world today and in our own family recently. Should we question? I think we watch, probe and correct wrong thinking. I personally, I'm sure there are many who disagree with me on this, never take someone at their word when they profess to being a believer. Usually it only takes a few simple non-offensive, we have to be PC...lol, questions to see where someone truly is in their relationship with Christ. Don't forget according to the latest stats, 85% of Americans are professing Christians, yet we kill more babies than any other civilized or third world country in the world. We also have this battle raging on the definition of marriage. Which again, no other civilized or third world country has even considered because not even animals in the wild mate with their own kind. I would think that would be simple if America was filled with that many believers. Anyway, I could get way off the topic heading in this direction.
Looking forward to hearing what people think on this.
Should We Question Professions of Faith? Quoting Mark Dever . . .
"Sometimes I get the feeling that people think there's something wrong with questioning the reality of a profession of faith. It's legalistic, or judging, or holier than thou. Or something. But if evangelists want to see lost sinners saved, and if evangelists know that we sinners can deceive ourselves, then it's not surprising that we want to try to make sure (with all appropriate qualifications about our limitedness) that conversions professed are conversions possessed. Or is it just sour-faced theologians who think about such things? Are preachers who think about such things unevangelistic?
Here's what one preacher said, reflecting on Jesus' parable of the sower and the soils.
"There are so many stony ground hearers, who receive the Word with joy, that I have determined to suspend my judgment till I know the tree by its fruits. I cannot believe they are converts until I see fruit brought back; it will never do a sincere soul any harm."
Does such a determination seem uncharitable or unevangelistic? What preacher would say such a thing? That was George Whitefield. I don't think George Whitefield was unevangelistic for wanting to know a tree by its fruit, and neither are we today. In fact, I think such a concern would actually help our churches to do more real evangelism. And besides, as Whitefield says, such caution "will never do a sincere soul any harm."
What should we do? Encourage the new believer in all things good. Remind them of the gospel. After some appropriate time (which would vary much from case to case) they should be baptized and join a church. They should regularly hear the preaching of the Word, commune, fellowship, pray and obey the Word. They should be building relationships in order to do that. And they should be told to hope in Christ alone for their salvation. Our desire is to find every professor getting safely home to heaven.
And then what about counting converts?
The final tally will be made by God in due time. And that's the only tally that matters. "
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Parable of the Sower
God is so great. I was reading an article the other day and God showed me something I had overlooked so many times I was almost embarrassed to admit it. We have all read the parable of the sower I'm sure, but just in case you can't remember it I have posted it below;
Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.
(Mar 4:3-8)
I have used these verses so many times to illustrate a false convert and that false conversions are possible. Although a person can look and act the part of a Christian for a while in the end their true nature will prevail. The amazing thing about this parable is the fact that is has nothing to do with the false convert and everything to do with the sower. I feel that would be a fantastic reason for these verses to be labeled the parable of the sower.
So many times in American evangelism the attempt is made to try and coerce someone into believing or getting them to shake their head in agreement at the right time while reading certain verses with them as fast as you can so you can move on to the next person and get them to shake their heads. Our part in evangelism is not to get anyone to agree with anything we say and it's certainly not to play God or try and bring conviction, that is the part of the Holy Spirit. Our part in evangelism is simply to do as this parable instructs and sow seeds of the gospel. This sower didn't care what kind of ground the seed landed on he was only doing what he was commanded to do and that is to sow seed to every living creature. Sow the seeds and let God give the increase.
I hear people all the time say, I'm not sure what God's will is for my life. Or, I really want to do something for the Lord but I just don't what to do. May I suggest while your doing whatever it is you do to find God's will you start slinging as much seed out there as you can. Reach into your bag and start throwing seed and let it fall on whatever ground it will and let God be God.
How can crops grow unless a seed is planted, how can someone else water unless a seed is planted, how can God give the increase unless a seed is planted.
Be faithful, and fear not what man can do to you, but fear God. Jesus said the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Happy sowing.....
Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.
(Mar 4:3-8)
I have used these verses so many times to illustrate a false convert and that false conversions are possible. Although a person can look and act the part of a Christian for a while in the end their true nature will prevail. The amazing thing about this parable is the fact that is has nothing to do with the false convert and everything to do with the sower. I feel that would be a fantastic reason for these verses to be labeled the parable of the sower.
So many times in American evangelism the attempt is made to try and coerce someone into believing or getting them to shake their head in agreement at the right time while reading certain verses with them as fast as you can so you can move on to the next person and get them to shake their heads. Our part in evangelism is not to get anyone to agree with anything we say and it's certainly not to play God or try and bring conviction, that is the part of the Holy Spirit. Our part in evangelism is simply to do as this parable instructs and sow seeds of the gospel. This sower didn't care what kind of ground the seed landed on he was only doing what he was commanded to do and that is to sow seed to every living creature. Sow the seeds and let God give the increase.
I hear people all the time say, I'm not sure what God's will is for my life. Or, I really want to do something for the Lord but I just don't what to do. May I suggest while your doing whatever it is you do to find God's will you start slinging as much seed out there as you can. Reach into your bag and start throwing seed and let it fall on whatever ground it will and let God be God.
How can crops grow unless a seed is planted, how can someone else water unless a seed is planted, how can God give the increase unless a seed is planted.
Be faithful, and fear not what man can do to you, but fear God. Jesus said the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Happy sowing.....
Saturday, October 13, 2007
State Fair of Texas
I know this is a little late but to be honest I haven't logged on to blogger in quite some time. I would like to share a little of what God allowed me to be a part of last Saturday at the State Fair.
Four of us decided to go out to the fair to hand out tracts and witness as the Lord led. Between four of us we were able to hand out right at 600 gospel tracts. I know that is only a tiny fraction of the total number of people at the fair but I trust God that he had some of those people prepared to receive His word. I got to witness one on one with several people and or groups as well as preach to a group of about 8 college age girls sitting on a curb drunk as we were leaving. Most of them of course wanted nothing to do with what I had to say and thought I must be mistaken by talking about an Old Testament God that would pour out His wrath on the ungodly and unrighteous of the world. There was one girl however that I remember listening and shaking her head in agreement as I spoke. I pray God either opened her eyes to a life that may not be pleasing to God or that He revealed himself to her that her heart might be turned toward Him and He save her.
It has been a while since I have been out like this talking to people sharing my faith. I realized how much I missed it and how much it is needed. So many people out there believing they are saved because they have prayed a prayer or because a preacher or evangelist has told them they were saved yet their lives show no signs of repentance. So many people out there just waiting for someone to open their mouths and share the gospel with them. What a blessing it was to be used of God last Saturday to speak the truth to a few precious souls.
I want to encourage anyone reading this, don't be ashamed of the gospel. Don't fear what man can do to you. Don't fear what people will say to you or about you. Don't fear not having all the answers. When we fully lean on God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit He will bring to remembrance everything we need for that encounter. Don't preach or speak outside of the knowledge you have, be faithful with the truth you now have hidden in your heart.
Maybe you aren't comfortable or sure how to share your faith. If you live in the Cedar Creek Lake area I want to invite you to join me at Oak Street outreach in Eustace Tuesday's at 7:30 beginning on the 16th to learn the methods that Jesus used when talking with people. It is the same principals I use anytime I witness to someone. The address is 308 Oak Street in Eustace.
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:20 that no flesh is justified by the deeds of the Law. But that through the Law is the knowledge of sin. Galatians 3:24 says that the Law is our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Why has modern day evangelism employed alternative methods of pointing people to the Savior when the Bible says it's by the law a man see his need to be saved. Paul in Romans 7:7 said I would not have known covetousness was a sin unless the Law said thou shalt not covet. How did we go from the Law to an evangel cube???
Anyway, I could go on and on but I'll not at this time. I hope you will come join us as we learn to effectively share our faith. If you are already comfortable in your evangelism methods I pray you will redeem the time and share your faith with as many people as you can.
Four of us decided to go out to the fair to hand out tracts and witness as the Lord led. Between four of us we were able to hand out right at 600 gospel tracts. I know that is only a tiny fraction of the total number of people at the fair but I trust God that he had some of those people prepared to receive His word. I got to witness one on one with several people and or groups as well as preach to a group of about 8 college age girls sitting on a curb drunk as we were leaving. Most of them of course wanted nothing to do with what I had to say and thought I must be mistaken by talking about an Old Testament God that would pour out His wrath on the ungodly and unrighteous of the world. There was one girl however that I remember listening and shaking her head in agreement as I spoke. I pray God either opened her eyes to a life that may not be pleasing to God or that He revealed himself to her that her heart might be turned toward Him and He save her.
It has been a while since I have been out like this talking to people sharing my faith. I realized how much I missed it and how much it is needed. So many people out there believing they are saved because they have prayed a prayer or because a preacher or evangelist has told them they were saved yet their lives show no signs of repentance. So many people out there just waiting for someone to open their mouths and share the gospel with them. What a blessing it was to be used of God last Saturday to speak the truth to a few precious souls.
I want to encourage anyone reading this, don't be ashamed of the gospel. Don't fear what man can do to you. Don't fear what people will say to you or about you. Don't fear not having all the answers. When we fully lean on God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit He will bring to remembrance everything we need for that encounter. Don't preach or speak outside of the knowledge you have, be faithful with the truth you now have hidden in your heart.
Maybe you aren't comfortable or sure how to share your faith. If you live in the Cedar Creek Lake area I want to invite you to join me at Oak Street outreach in Eustace Tuesday's at 7:30 beginning on the 16th to learn the methods that Jesus used when talking with people. It is the same principals I use anytime I witness to someone. The address is 308 Oak Street in Eustace.
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:20 that no flesh is justified by the deeds of the Law. But that through the Law is the knowledge of sin. Galatians 3:24 says that the Law is our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Why has modern day evangelism employed alternative methods of pointing people to the Savior when the Bible says it's by the law a man see his need to be saved. Paul in Romans 7:7 said I would not have known covetousness was a sin unless the Law said thou shalt not covet. How did we go from the Law to an evangel cube???
Anyway, I could go on and on but I'll not at this time. I hope you will come join us as we learn to effectively share our faith. If you are already comfortable in your evangelism methods I pray you will redeem the time and share your faith with as many people as you can.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Things that make you go Hmm...
I have Way of the Master Minute set as my homepage and that's the reason I post a lot of their material. Today's message is so true of many in the church and if it is true in your own life, simply thank God for bringing it to mind, repent and do something about it. Time is so short, speaking of which, happy birthday to me....lol...
Truthfully though our life is but a vapor according to James and that includes the lost. If you aren't comfortable sharing your faith I would encourage to check out http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ you can learn to share the gospel as Jesus did. Remember this, the only thing we will take to heaven are the souls we point to Christ. If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are perishing.
Charles Spurgeon said, "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that." He continued, "The saving of souls, if a man has once gained love to perishing sinners and his blessed Master, will be an all-absorbing passion to him. It will so carry him away, that he will almost forget himself in the saving of others. He will be like the brave fireman, who cares not for the scorch or the heat, so that he may rescue the poor creature on whom true humanity has set its heart. If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
We must have a burden for the lost, how can a Christian of all people be selfish and not warn others of the wrath to come?
September 19, 2007 Mere Lip Service from WOTM
Listen to what Nobel prize-winning American physicist Steven Weinberg said in a recent PBS interview regarding religion:
"I have very good friends who belong to religious denominations whose teaching is that since I don't accept their teaching, I am damned for all eternity. And you would think that these friends would try to convert me. But they never do. Now, you could explain this in various ways. It may be that they really don't like me very much and are just as glad to see me damned for all eternity-that's a possible explanation. But another explanation which I tend to think is more likely is that although they know what their church teaches, they give lip service to it."
Our unconcern for the lost shows that we merely give God's threat of Hell mere lip service. Shame on us. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.
Truthfully though our life is but a vapor according to James and that includes the lost. If you aren't comfortable sharing your faith I would encourage to check out http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ you can learn to share the gospel as Jesus did. Remember this, the only thing we will take to heaven are the souls we point to Christ. If our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are perishing.
Charles Spurgeon said, "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that." He continued, "The saving of souls, if a man has once gained love to perishing sinners and his blessed Master, will be an all-absorbing passion to him. It will so carry him away, that he will almost forget himself in the saving of others. He will be like the brave fireman, who cares not for the scorch or the heat, so that he may rescue the poor creature on whom true humanity has set its heart. If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
We must have a burden for the lost, how can a Christian of all people be selfish and not warn others of the wrath to come?
September 19, 2007 Mere Lip Service from WOTM
Listen to what Nobel prize-winning American physicist Steven Weinberg said in a recent PBS interview regarding religion:
"I have very good friends who belong to religious denominations whose teaching is that since I don't accept their teaching, I am damned for all eternity. And you would think that these friends would try to convert me. But they never do. Now, you could explain this in various ways. It may be that they really don't like me very much and are just as glad to see me damned for all eternity-that's a possible explanation. But another explanation which I tend to think is more likely is that although they know what their church teaches, they give lip service to it."
Our unconcern for the lost shows that we merely give God's threat of Hell mere lip service. Shame on us. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Lazy Man's Way to Blog
Okay I'll admit I'm lazy. It has been so long since my last post I think this must be how Kenneth feels over at thoughts from a mind.
I have a really good excuse at the moment since I am having a severe allergy attack. I thought it was such a nice day the other day when the front blew through that I opened up the house to let the fresh air in. Little did I know all the Canadians from whence this fresh air originated sent all of their allergens along with the nice breeze. It took maybe 30 minutes of fresh air for me to begin sneezing and snorting like you wouldn't believe. Anyway, I sit here with a beet red nose and eyes to match wishing I didn't have to work tomorrow and thought I better post something.
I figure the quickest way to blog is copy and paste. It's very convienient and takes very little thought or effort, hope you enjoy. Courtesy of Way of the Master Minute.
By the way I'll be going to see Ray Comfort and the gang from Way of the Master this Saturday at Prestonwood in Carrollton. Kenneth, if you read this I'll be more than glad to take you with me since I slammed you earlier...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
God’s Tolerance
The world doesn't understand that God sees their thought-life. The Bible says, "The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."(1 Samuel 16:6-7)
The world also makes the mistake of thinking that God's moral standards are the same as ours. They presume that He tolerates lying and stealing, and that He isn't too concerned about murder and adultery.
This is why we must use God's Law to bring the knowledge of sin and show it to be exceedingly sinful. We do that by opening it up to show its spiritual nature-that God requires truth in the inward parts-that He considers lust to be adultery, and hatred to be murder.
That knowledge helps to drive sinners toward the mercy of God in Christ. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.
I have a really good excuse at the moment since I am having a severe allergy attack. I thought it was such a nice day the other day when the front blew through that I opened up the house to let the fresh air in. Little did I know all the Canadians from whence this fresh air originated sent all of their allergens along with the nice breeze. It took maybe 30 minutes of fresh air for me to begin sneezing and snorting like you wouldn't believe. Anyway, I sit here with a beet red nose and eyes to match wishing I didn't have to work tomorrow and thought I better post something.
I figure the quickest way to blog is copy and paste. It's very convienient and takes very little thought or effort, hope you enjoy. Courtesy of Way of the Master Minute.
By the way I'll be going to see Ray Comfort and the gang from Way of the Master this Saturday at Prestonwood in Carrollton. Kenneth, if you read this I'll be more than glad to take you with me since I slammed you earlier...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
God’s Tolerance
The world doesn't understand that God sees their thought-life. The Bible says, "The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."(1 Samuel 16:6-7)
The world also makes the mistake of thinking that God's moral standards are the same as ours. They presume that He tolerates lying and stealing, and that He isn't too concerned about murder and adultery.
This is why we must use God's Law to bring the knowledge of sin and show it to be exceedingly sinful. We do that by opening it up to show its spiritual nature-that God requires truth in the inward parts-that He considers lust to be adultery, and hatred to be murder.
That knowledge helps to drive sinners toward the mercy of God in Christ. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The True Gospel
I took this excerpt from a Mark Cahill newsletter I receive. Why do we feel we need to add something more to the truth God has already given?
Question for you: if you had twenty minutes to talk to someone on death row, what would you talk about? Do you think you would share the Prosperity Gospel with them? 'Come to Jesus and all your dreams will be met.' I was in a prison one time where a guy kept telling the inmates about his airplanes and the landing strip he got after he got saved, and I was wondering how much that would help the Lifers in that Federal Prison? They might be able to use a helicopter to get out, but a plane wasn't going to be much help! We see all of this prosperity preaching on TV, and in some of the major Christian books out there, but would it work on death row to these inmates? You can't serve both God and mammon, so which one should we really preach? As one preacher said, the Prosperity Gospel only preaches in America. What an amazing statement. You can't preach that in prison. How do you preach the Prosperity Gospel to the rich young ruler? How can you preach the Prosperity Gospel to Donald Trump when he seemingly has everything (in a worldly sense)? You can't preach that in the slums of Haiti. You can't preach that in the desert region of Africa. That might be the American Dream, but it can turn into a huge nightmare without the right heart to handle the wealth that can come your way.
The sad thing is that it will preach here in America, but it won't preach elsewhere. Maybe there is a good reason for that.
The true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ should preach anywhere you will preach it. Here is a good model to use when speaking for the Lord: If It Doesn't Preach On Death Row, It Doesn't Preach. If what you want to say about Jesus won't work on death row, it probably doesn't truly work anyway.
I read where someone said they walk up to people and say, "If I have three minutes to live and then I will be dead, what must I do to be right with God?" I like that. I have used it a couple of times. It is still stunning to me how some people talk about good works when they are witnessing. How many good works can you do in three minutes?! What would you tell someone if they asked you that question?
Quoting from a friend's newsletter, a leader of a denomination said,
It seems the American church says to those who pass through the doors, You're a good person, and the church can give you added value to the temporal life. And it will. But this is not the primary reason the church exists. The church exists to get people ready for eternity, not for tomorrow. It is not a temporal gospel; it is an eternal gospel, and at the heart of that gospel is the Cross and true repentance.
I think this leader is on to something.
John the Baptist was put into prison by Herod. What would you have said to John the Baptist if you would have had the chance? Look what happened a few verses later:
"And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison," Mark 6:27.
John never made it out of prison. It wouldn't have made much sense to preach to him the Prosperity Gospel. He was going to a big feast, but it was just his head that was going to arrive there!
Don't forget: If It Doesn't Preach On Death Row, It Doesn't Preach.
Question for you: if you had twenty minutes to talk to someone on death row, what would you talk about? Do you think you would share the Prosperity Gospel with them? 'Come to Jesus and all your dreams will be met.' I was in a prison one time where a guy kept telling the inmates about his airplanes and the landing strip he got after he got saved, and I was wondering how much that would help the Lifers in that Federal Prison? They might be able to use a helicopter to get out, but a plane wasn't going to be much help! We see all of this prosperity preaching on TV, and in some of the major Christian books out there, but would it work on death row to these inmates? You can't serve both God and mammon, so which one should we really preach? As one preacher said, the Prosperity Gospel only preaches in America. What an amazing statement. You can't preach that in prison. How do you preach the Prosperity Gospel to the rich young ruler? How can you preach the Prosperity Gospel to Donald Trump when he seemingly has everything (in a worldly sense)? You can't preach that in the slums of Haiti. You can't preach that in the desert region of Africa. That might be the American Dream, but it can turn into a huge nightmare without the right heart to handle the wealth that can come your way.
The sad thing is that it will preach here in America, but it won't preach elsewhere. Maybe there is a good reason for that.
The true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ should preach anywhere you will preach it. Here is a good model to use when speaking for the Lord: If It Doesn't Preach On Death Row, It Doesn't Preach. If what you want to say about Jesus won't work on death row, it probably doesn't truly work anyway.
I read where someone said they walk up to people and say, "If I have three minutes to live and then I will be dead, what must I do to be right with God?" I like that. I have used it a couple of times. It is still stunning to me how some people talk about good works when they are witnessing. How many good works can you do in three minutes?! What would you tell someone if they asked you that question?
Quoting from a friend's newsletter, a leader of a denomination said,
It seems the American church says to those who pass through the doors, You're a good person, and the church can give you added value to the temporal life. And it will. But this is not the primary reason the church exists. The church exists to get people ready for eternity, not for tomorrow. It is not a temporal gospel; it is an eternal gospel, and at the heart of that gospel is the Cross and true repentance.
I think this leader is on to something.
John the Baptist was put into prison by Herod. What would you have said to John the Baptist if you would have had the chance? Look what happened a few verses later:
"And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison," Mark 6:27.
John never made it out of prison. It wouldn't have made much sense to preach to him the Prosperity Gospel. He was going to a big feast, but it was just his head that was going to arrive there!
Don't forget: If It Doesn't Preach On Death Row, It Doesn't Preach.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Michael to GFA
Well the day finally arrived for Michael to head off to GFA and I think everyone did very well. I can speak for myself anyway. I'm sure Dreama will blog on this same subject and I'll let her speak for herself.
Michael has been waiting for this day since the day he felt God calling him to go to GFA. I remember that day myself, it was a Saturday in February. Dreama and I were in Jefferson having much needed R&R and Michael was home alone, for the first time I believe. Dreama and I were riding around looking at old houses and Michael called me with so much excitement in his voice it almost brought tears to my eyes, if you can believe that. He had gone out with Robert to the bus station in Dallas that Friday night then they met up with some other friends and headed to GFA for an all night prayer meeting GFA holds once a month. Michael told me he had never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit like he did that night/morning. People praying for one another, someone sharing a Pslam or a song. He told me over the phone that day that was the place he needed to be. I had no clue what GFA was and after we, or I should say after he, talked I told him we would check into it when I got home.
Sometimes younger people get caught up in the moment as do some adults and the fire fizzles after a bit and things return to the way they were. GFA was different for Michael, he was still in high school unsure of what he needed to do but GFA kept surfacing. We and all his band directors knew he could get a music scholarship to just about any univeristy he wanted to attend but he told me he was unsure how he could glorify God in it. He applied to Criswell and GFA at the same time. I think much to his dismay he was accepted to both. I have never asked him, but I think he thought if he was not accepted to Criswell that would be the sign for him to go to GFA. Either way my only advice to Michael was to seek God and he would show him where he needed to be. GFA was it, he called Criswell and they were more than happy to delay his entry without reapplying for two years so he could attend GFA.
One decision while home alone on a Friday night in a small town as an 18 year old has and will continue to change Michael's life forever. He could have made one phone call to any number of friends and been some place else other than passing out tracts in downtown Dallas which in turn would mean he would have missed GFA, yet he chose to honor God and I believe God is honoring his obedience. To that I say thank you Lord for all you have done so far in him.
I realize he is only in Carrollton less than 2 hours from home but when it comes to your kids unless thay are within arms reach they just as well be around the world some place. God is about to start a work in Michael I think few of us will ever be able to experience and one that I'm truly envious of.
May God bless you and keep you son as you begin your journey in serving our King....
Michael has been waiting for this day since the day he felt God calling him to go to GFA. I remember that day myself, it was a Saturday in February. Dreama and I were in Jefferson having much needed R&R and Michael was home alone, for the first time I believe. Dreama and I were riding around looking at old houses and Michael called me with so much excitement in his voice it almost brought tears to my eyes, if you can believe that. He had gone out with Robert to the bus station in Dallas that Friday night then they met up with some other friends and headed to GFA for an all night prayer meeting GFA holds once a month. Michael told me he had never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit like he did that night/morning. People praying for one another, someone sharing a Pslam or a song. He told me over the phone that day that was the place he needed to be. I had no clue what GFA was and after we, or I should say after he, talked I told him we would check into it when I got home.
Sometimes younger people get caught up in the moment as do some adults and the fire fizzles after a bit and things return to the way they were. GFA was different for Michael, he was still in high school unsure of what he needed to do but GFA kept surfacing. We and all his band directors knew he could get a music scholarship to just about any univeristy he wanted to attend but he told me he was unsure how he could glorify God in it. He applied to Criswell and GFA at the same time. I think much to his dismay he was accepted to both. I have never asked him, but I think he thought if he was not accepted to Criswell that would be the sign for him to go to GFA. Either way my only advice to Michael was to seek God and he would show him where he needed to be. GFA was it, he called Criswell and they were more than happy to delay his entry without reapplying for two years so he could attend GFA.
One decision while home alone on a Friday night in a small town as an 18 year old has and will continue to change Michael's life forever. He could have made one phone call to any number of friends and been some place else other than passing out tracts in downtown Dallas which in turn would mean he would have missed GFA, yet he chose to honor God and I believe God is honoring his obedience. To that I say thank you Lord for all you have done so far in him.
I realize he is only in Carrollton less than 2 hours from home but when it comes to your kids unless thay are within arms reach they just as well be around the world some place. God is about to start a work in Michael I think few of us will ever be able to experience and one that I'm truly envious of.
May God bless you and keep you son as you begin your journey in serving our King....
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