paul "the Lesser"

Book Review: "When Sinners Say I Do"

2012-01-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

Another book on marriage, really? Yes, really. If you love to learn by reading and want an exceptional book on marriage than you should read this one. Dave Harvey, Pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, a Sovereign Grace Ministries church, i.e. C.J. Mahaney and Josh Harris, has done the church a great service. Within ten chapters Pastor Harvey sets out ten biblically strong and practical topics. He begins with the foundational doctrine of sinful humanity. This may seem obvious, but this book is a light doctrinal thesis on what is sin and how it damages our lives, and especially our marriages. With amazing clarity he helps us navigate who we are before a Holy God and therefore who we are for our spouse. Without using phychological jargon and only biblical jargon he helps us inspect our lives with God's law and grace. He also deals with mercy, forgiveness, and grace as related to our marriages.

Did I like this book? YES! I am leary about marriage books, but once I got started into this one I realized I was taking it for granted and had to go back and re-read the first two chapters. It was then I realized I was hooked. Pastor Harvey gives great insight into sin, the glory of God, mercy, forgiveness, and grace and applies it appropriately to our marriages. Is this a marriage book? Yes, but only after being a well crafted book about the goodness of Jesus despite our sinfulness. I will reference this book again and again, and will probably require its reading for marriages I counsel. As a Pastor myself, I would use this book not for newlyweds, but for those one to two year marriages, who are struggling. The young marriage that realizes that their spouse and their marriage isn't all bliss. I would strongly encourage any married couple who needs a boast in the theology of their marriage to read this book.

This book was given to me by Shepherd Press as a review in exchange for my honest and realistic review.

Deep Preaching Book Review

2012-01-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

There have been many a book on preaching, but one like this has not come along in a long time. While most preaching books spend a lot time on exegetical work or why preaching is so important and why expository preaching is better than another type Dr. Edwards book goes somewhere most books do not. Few too many preaching books will only give a cursory taste of the topic that "Deep Preaching" dives so deeply into. At most a preaching book may give a chapter, Dr. Edwards devotes an entire book. What is that most under-appreciated topic, yet is so necessary? Prayer, fasting, and meditation over a text to be preached!

For four chapters "Deep Preaching" explores some reasons why preaching is important and why a need to preach deeply is mandatory. Then the book explodes in the last six chapters on this deep topic of prayer. Dr. Edwards expands on how to use the classic spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and meditation to strengthen one's sermon. He calls this aspect, "Closet Work." This is a great way to describe this necessary aspect. An aspect that goes between the exegetical work and the homoletical work.

Once the author's intent is discovered, the exegetical work, then the preacher must go and wrestle with the Lord until he comes out of that closet with that text having done devastating reformation to the preachers soul. Only then should the preacher stand before a congregation and expound the text.

Every preacher MUST read this book. We know how to parse and we know how to collect illustrations, but do we really know how to stay in the closet until we come out with a piping hot meal that Jesus would be proud to serve? I propose most preachers do not, and this book will call us back to the vital ingredient of preaching.

Uncommon Life Book Review

2012-01-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

"The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge" is a great way to start your day! Written by a classic man, who has numerous accolades from all his successes and is a solid believer in Christ Jesus. Mr. Dungy gives his readers a small dose each day of a scripture plus his own personal insights from that verse. Throughout the week each day is broken into seven themes: core, family, friends, potential, mission, influence, and faith. Core has to do with your integrity and the others are pretty self explanatory. In the introduction it reads, "The goal is not only to engage your mind, but to also challenge your heart." This is done with a challenge at the end of each devotional called an, "uncommon key."

I have enjoyed reading this book each morning because it is simple, not hard theological truths, just everyday manhood stuff. I can read one day in about 2 - 3 minutes, but to really gain from these insights one must use the "uncommon key" at the end to really engage one's life. This has been beneficial and is "the key" to really growing from Mr. Dungy's insight. My only complaint would be the opposite side of the coin that I just mentioned. The coin being the devotionals simplicity, one side being its simple truths, the other side of the coin being that some of the scriptures are not given their full theological depth. Some verses that have huge doctrinal truths behind them are treated in a simple proverbial form.

This would not stop me from recommending this book. It truly is a good book and deserving of any man's time. With father's day coming up in the not to distant future this would be a great book to give as a gift.

In fact Tyndale House Publishers, who provided this book to me for free in exchange for my review, has also provided a gift certificate for someone of my choice to give to. I only ask that you respond to this post with a comment why you would like a free copy of "Uncommon Life" book. Even if for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Video for "Uncommon Life"

To check out more go to:
www.coachdungy.com
www.tyndale.com

Radical is SUPER Challenging!

2012-01-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

Radical is a Keith Green song that convicts the snot out of you. Radical is a John MacArthur sermon that tells you you have been in to see the King and you left changed. Each chapter digs a little deeper into your view of the American dream and dares to challenge it against the Lord Jesus Christ. David Platt is a true prophet for our modern day.

What I liked about this book: nothing. But not a "nothing" like you think I mean. I didn't like it because it did what the Word says God's truth will do. It divides out thoughts and our intentions and reveals them for what they are. I am not comparing this book with Scripture, but Mr. Platt teaches in this book straight from the biblical text, and when that is done the truth is unavoidable.

I am considering making this book a prerequisite for my church to read with me in the hopes that it will drive all of us to a deeper place with the Lord Jesus. David Platt has done Americans a great dis-service, but for the Kingdom of our God and Savior he has done what is necessary. Shown us our idols in America. We are to repent.

"Marriage Matters" Book Review

2011-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

"Marriage Matters" is written by Winston T. Smith, is a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). The subtitle: "extraordinary change through ordinary moments" seeks to summarize that all of the small ordinary events in our marriage that can usually stall the marriage or bring its deterioration can actually fuel our marriages in to an extraordinary relationship. The opening section creates a biblical foundation for all marriages. This section is worth the price of the book itself. The second section deals with specific concerns, primarily, conflict and forgiveness. The third section is reminder to stay focused on the important aspect of marriage, how grace satisfies us, how our faith in Christ sustains us, and how our marriage is a picture of God the Son dealings with His bride.

All marriage books deal with the same issue. There really isn't anything new under the sun when it comes to marriage and the Bible truly is a great source for strengthening our marriages. This book is a good addition to the marriage book arsenal. I appreciated Mr. Smith's theological convictions that drove the lessons of his book. He truly understands the covenant aspect of theology and for that sake marriage too. The opening section discusses marriage from the viewpoint of how God loves His people and how idols destroy that relationship. Mr. Smith uses the analogy of idol worship through out the book to highlight the destructive tendencies with in each man and woman and how we use them to fuel our own appetites and simultaneously destroy our marriages.

The chapter on marriage roles interested me and I found that Mr. Smiths treatment of the subject biblically consistent. The subject is dealt with from a foundation of love. He presents the topic of authority and submission entirely from a "love" perspective. I found it very encouraging and biblically sound.

This book would be great for a marriage that is several years along. Husbands and wives will identify with the stories and relate well to the content. Pastors and teachers will find it helpful for counseling and advice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the New Growth Press book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"An Earnest Ministry" Book Review

2011-11-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

I would compare John Angell James' "An Earnest Ministry" with Richard Baxter's "Reformed Pastor." It is a strong call to ministers to be earnest in their ministry. To be earnest as Mr. James uses it is to be decidedly fixed upon your purpose, to have a resolute will, and to persevere in actions. Like "The Reformed Pastor" the reader will receive a charge of adrenaline in its words that should motivate the pastor to greater depth of ministry. Through two chapters he discusses the nature of earnestness giving us various reasons why this topic is essential. The sole pursuit of the minister is to pursue the lost mans soul and plead for its salvation. This one pursuit then allows for lesser pursuits to be more fully accomplished. In modern times, we must have a goal firmly established in our minds and to let nothing distract us from it.

I found "An Earnest Ministry" to be a passionate plea of a by-gone era. That is not a criticism, opening its pages allowed me to look into the past at the affections of a great minister and how ministry was viewed through his eyes. Pastors need good role models and I found Mr. James to be a great one. Like our modern day blogs and facebook pages where we "like" anothers post or article, Mr. James included whole sections of sermons and writings from his contemporaries that illustrated his point. While this was interesting and helped to fulfill his point, at times it was laborious to read those sermons. Why? Because they written over 150 years ago. The language is powerful and full, unlike todays modern day writing. I will have to admit there were times when I got a little bored. But, that may just be me, because I got bored with Baxter's work at times also.

My favorite quote of the book: This is earnestness in preaching: when it is evident to the hearer that the preacher feels the truths he discusses; when it is manifest to all that he believes what he says, in affirming that his hearers are sinking into perdition and that he is to persuade them to forsake their evil courses: when his sermons are full of close, pointed, personal addresses; when, in short, through whole discourse, he is seen moving onward from the understanding to a closer and closer approximation to the heart in the conclusion, and the hearer feels at length his hand seizing him with a mysterious and resistless power, and bearing him away almost whether he will or no, to Christ, salvation and heaven.

Every Pastor should read this book as it is another fine tool for his ministerial arsenal. This book was given to me free of charge from Banner of Truth Publishers in return for my honest and unbiased review.

God's Will

2011-10-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

All of us seek to know what God would have of us. Yet, too often we mistake God's will with believing we can know the future. We want to know who to marry, what job to take, what school to attend.

God is not in the prediction business with man anymore. He gave his prophets of old that calling and it usually meant death, destruction, and mayhem!

God's Word is adequate for our knowing His will. We just don't bother to take the time to read it. Admit it, how many new TV shows did you watch this week? Compare that to your Bible reading. Sucks doesn't it!

The little book of James towards the end of your New Testament is the Proverbs of the New Testament. In chapters three and four he gives us tremendous help in knowing God's will.

Specifically, at chapter three and verse thirteen James asks his readers who among you is wise? Isn't that what we truly want when we say we want to know God's will? We want God's mind, God's knowledge of what we should do. And you know we are secretly blaming God for our failures because we think, "Well God, you weren't clear on my marching orders."

God doesn't care so much about you doing the right things as He does with you obeying Him in that instant!

James answers his own question by saying, He (you) should show his (your) works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness. He goes on to say that we are NOT to have any envy or selfish ambition in our heart. Does the decision you need to make stem from envy or selfish ambition. That is an honest question we must ask ourselves. Next, James tells us, but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.

Pure.
Does your desire come from innocent motives? Is there a secret agenda that fulfills some selfish lust?

Peace-loving.
Will the choice you make bring peace? Peace to your soul? your families souls? your spouse's soul? We are to pursue peace with all men, even our enemies. Will your choice bring a win for everyone involved?

Gentle
Like a mother gently holds and supports her newborn infant will your choice gently hold and support you? Will the people involved support you?

Compliant
Could you see Jesus making this decision? This wisdom from above will not be out of Jesus' nature. If you can see Him doing this then you should or can. Remember, though, to answer this question you must have a solid understanding of Scripture and how God acts. We don't like to think of God as dangerous, but He does do some pretty amazing things throughout Old Testament history!

Full of mercy
What is mercy? It is NOT recieving punishment that we deserve. We should see our decision/God's will as merciful. You should be amazed that God would give you another option that keeps you from making a bad one. If you have two options on the table you should be amazed that one of them is full of mercy.

Good fruit
What will be the result of your choice one year down the road, five years down the road, twenty years down the road?

God's will isn't really that hard to figure out. It simply takes knowing His Word, which is His mind.

Anniversary of OK Corral

2011-10-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 130th anniversary of the shoot out at the OK Corral.

That infamous gun fight to end all gun fights, which spawned a million movies and tall-tales of gun slingers and cowboys. The OK Corral gun fight created hundreds of heroes based on Wyatt Earp and the Doc Holiday. What nostalgia, what wonder, what excitement! Four heroes subduing a gang of thugs and not one taking a serious hit.

Makes me wanna watch "Wyatt Earp" with Kevin Costner!

Book Review: Unveiling the Kings of Israel

2011-10-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

This easy to read book covers the major stories of the Old Testament reporting on the narrative as it is told in the Bible. Interspersed in each chapter are archeological finds of recent history and also conclusive evidence demonstrating that the facts of the Bible are true. Some of the major events and people discussed are Abraham, Moses, the Exodus, King David, Israel and Judahs history with Assyria the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. There are tables in the appendix's detailing the patriarchs, chronological table and a table of weights and measurements.

When I saw the word archeology associated with this book I expected a little more detailed work on the archeology of the biblical narratives. At first I was very disappointed in the book because of several reasons. For one, each chapter goes into great detail retelling the biblical stories, which I found very redundant. They were almost word for word retelling's. I immediately thought, "I know this story why I am reading it as if I were reading it directly out of the Bible?" Then the archeological facts were not much to write home about. The author, David Downs, relates how while he was researching the exodus he decided to get in his car and drive along the Red Sea to see where the crossing could have taken place. I became worried and thought this is the extent of his archeological research? As I read more Mr. Downs used primary texts and recorded data of other archeologists to come to his conclusions. Needless to say, I felt like this book was a pre-teens Bible story book with some "some-what" interesting facts thrown in.

Then it hit me. Maybe this book was written for the age category of eleven to eighteen. If that was its intended market I can understand why it was written the way it was. If this was a serious investigation of biblical facts then it fell woefully short. This book was long on re-telling the Old Testament narrative, short of archeology and questionable on its findings. Even the pictures, which this book is full of, are like looking at someone's summer trip to the Holy Land. I just could not take this book seriously.

My conclusion has been that it will rest on my son's book shelf and be used as a reference book for them as they become teenagers. Any adult wanting an easy to read book, with lots of pictures, and a modern telling of the biblical story for their teen this would be a good book.

I received this book free from New Leaf Publishers through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Book of Man by William Bennett - A Review

2011-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

"The Book of Man" is written similarly to Bennett's "The Book of Values" and "The Moral Compass." It is chocked full of small stories, poems, excerpts from other great books, and articles all surrounding the topic of manhood. The book is broken into six major topics:

Man in War
Man at Work
Man in Play, Sports, and Leisure
Man in the Polis (city)
Man with Women and Children
Man in Prayer and Reflection

One new aspect of this work not seen in Bennett's other works are the personal profile's scattered throughout the book. In each profile we are introduced to modern day men who fulfill the aspects of that particular topic. For example we read of Alvin York (Sargeant York) from WWI fame.

I love this book. It has become a staple of mine and my boys reading times. I am excited to introduce them to men of all ages and walks of life who display manly characteristics and devoted lives to God, their families, and their country. This is a wonderful book!

It has caused me to want to read more about President Theodore Roosevelt. There are several excerpts from his life in this book and those alone has caused me to devour another book about him and I have begun an in-depth treatment of his life and legacy. I think my response is what Dr. Bennett would want. He understands that men need heroes and that we crave adventure and daring challenges. "The Book of Man" has done that for me. It has created in me a hunger for understanding the great men of all times.

Great book! Get it today! Get it for your sons!

Book Review: Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century

2011-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

"Planting, Watering, Growing" is a consortium of writers from a Presbyterian/Reformed background discussing pertinent topics related to planting a church. Part one discusses the "why" of planting a confessionally reformed church. Part two goes into methods. Part three digs into the work of planting dealing with the heart of a church planter, strengthening the worship service, and making membership important. Part four gets into the topic of making the church relevant to culture without losing its roots. It begins in the theological and biblical context, moves towards methodology, and finishes with the details and specifics.

I am a Southern Baptist by choice, we own the market on church planting. To a Southern Baptist, there is nothing more important than this! I am not a church planter, but I am Pastor of a small church re-start. So although I have not read alot of church planting material, you don't have to go to far in Southern Baptist life to be thoroughly exposed to it. It is in everything we SB's publish.

As I read Hyde and Lems (editors) book I did not read anything new. I read a complete discourse on how to start a church as an Orthodox Presbyterian minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) or the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), or as a member of the North American Presbyterian and Refomed Council (NAPARC). This should not discount your reading this fine book. They cover every known topic that a church planter would need to know, but it must be remembered that it does so from a Presbyterian/Reformed viewpoint.

This is not a knock against my Reformed and Presbyterian brothers. I learned alot from this book. I have come to have an even greater depth of appreciation of corporate worship. SB's could learn alot from Micheal Horton, one of the contributors and a fine theologian! His chapter, "No Church, No Problem," was worth it alone! The chapter on public worship made me embarrassed as a SB. SB's have put such weight on pragmatism, that our denomination would do well to read this chapter and its implications for us today. Two chapters towards the end of the book on culture and contextualization again sounded the alarm in my ear to the danger of contextualization becoming the dominant force in church life.

Although this book presented no new details for me to institute in my own church, it did a very reasonable job of pointing me back to the Book and the roots of the Christian faith. For this I give a hearty thanks to Daniel R. Hyde and Shane Lems for producing it.

I received this book free from the publisher through a book review/bloggers agreement. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>
: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Book Review: Future Men by Douglas Wilson

2011-10-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have sons, how do I prepare them?

Future Men is an excellent read for knowing the basic principles that a father should under-gird his son with. It touches numerous topics such as girls, fighting, work, money, and laziness. The author, Douglas Wilson, begins by defining the obstacles that prevent boys from becoming Godly men, then enlists the fathers to take up the responsibility God has given them in the raising of a son, and finishes with several chapters on key topics, as mentioned above.

I found this book to be principly sober. This book was short and concise, consisting mostly of biblical principles that sons must know and fathers must teach. Biblically, this book, was aligned correctly with the Word of God. I found all of Mr. Wilson's points to be exegetically correct and applied aply to any and all issues of our sons. Each chapter was short and carefully outlined in such a way that referencing it in the future for quick review on a certain issue is helpful. The book began and ended by establishing the truth that men are to be obedient to God. In fact, every chapter alluded to this very basic and absolutely essential truth - men are called to be obedient to God.

If you are looking for a book with very practical applications to it, this is not the book. The principles outlined on each topic allow for personal digestion and personal application. For instance, Mr. Wilson does not advocate a certain type of education for our sons over another, i.e. homeschooling is better than public. He lays out the truth of what our sons need and then rightly applies the implications - fathers are to make sure their sons know the proper truth as future men.

My favorite moment in the book was in the chapter on Christian Liberty. He carefully laid out the truth that Christian liberty is for the service of another, not our own personal self-will. We do have the liberty with certain practices, as mature adults distinguishing between good and evil. We are to train our sons to be able to distinguish the same and not give into their appetites for their own glutoness passions. As he closes out the chapter he tells the reader that wine makes a heart glad and that a father is to train his son to enjoy a glass of wine responsibly. He is not hypocritical in his position, just balanced and led by the truths of Scripture.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any father who needs a basic primer on the principles that are necessary for the training of our future men.

Shackleton's Way

2011-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Shackleton's Way is a short book detailing the extraordinary events of Ernest Shackleton who sought to explore the Antartic at the turn of the 19th century. Using the events of the tragic voyage the authors incorporate leadership principles in to their story.

Shackleton's ship the Endurance never made its final destination. It was trapped in the ice floes of the Antartic forcing the 28 men on board to travel across the frozen floating ice floes, onto the open ocean, and finally to a small whaling station. It is a powerful story of one man who in the most pressing circumstances brought all of his crew home alive.

The authors, Morrell and Capparell, do a fine job of listing out the principles of leadership that Shackleton displayed and placing them in a modern day context. Each chapter ends with these principles easily listed for future reference and followed by a real life business story that encapsulates these same principles.

I love this story of the Endurance and I loved how the authors extracted timeless principles of leadership from this historic achievement. Ernest, himself, is captured on the pages as the capable leader he is. I have read other accounts that Ernest Shackleton was a hard man, bent on explosive moments. This book did not capture that side of him and probably for the better. Although, this book is a historic account it seeks to mainly extract the principles of successful leadership.

I would encourage anyone who loves history and good books on leadership to pick this one up!

A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards

2011-09-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George M. Marsden as reviewed by Paul Simpson. Mr. Marsden does give a concise account of Jonathan Edwards in eight simple chapters. He does not dwell on a lot of details but gives a very epic picture of this profound man although he lived a relatively short life. Each section of Edwards life is crisscrossed with the lives of many contemporaries of that day.

As we journey along Mr. Edwards life we are met along the path by several men of renown - Benjamin Franklin, Increase Mather, George Whitefield, David Brainerd and many others. We aren’t just told that Johnathan met these famous men, but we are given a glimpse of how his life intersected with theirs. Quite often we are taken down a quick side trail describing this persons pedigree and their most notable contributions to Christianity and humanity.

Of most prominence is Benjamin Franklin. The author interweaves Franklin and Edwards life throughout the book. This does two things: first, we are given a time line that most students of American history are familiar with but will help those less familiar with history and secondly, the author describes the two men as polar opposities. Both men could not have been more opposite when it came to biblical Christianity - Edwards who was clearly born again and a minister of Jesus Christ and Franklin, a good and moral man, a deist by all accounts, but not born again. The juxtaposed views of these men, one with a heavenly viewpoint and the other with a human viewpoint paints a vivid picture of America at that time. He notes that although Ben Franklin was his contemporary and one of the architects of America’s national awakening Edwards was the prime mover in New Englands spiritual awakening.

I actually did not read this book but listened to it on audio CD. The narrator Grover Gardner has a wonderful English accent which only enhances the listening.I received it as a gift from The Shepherds Fellowship, a Pastor’s conference held each year in Sun Valley, CA and hosted by Pastor John MacArthur and Grace Bible Church.

If one wants to know more about the life of Jonathan Edwards I believe A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George M. Marsden would make an excellent start.

180 Movie

2011-09-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

You need to watch this powerful movie! It is created by "The Way of the Master" team, ie Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron.

They do a powerful job of changing the minds of people on the issue of abortion.

The images aren't too painful. But, dare we look away from this holocaust we've allowed in America?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI

Reading Proverbs

2011-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

When it comes to reading the book of Proverbs there are some clues that will help you.
Clue #1: Common sense is required. We all know the modern adage, “Look before you leap.” What if you leap once with out looking and do not get hurt? Does that mean this modern day proverb is not true? This saying is useful for indicating what is generally true. Each proverb is an individually packed observable truth.
Clue #2: They are always ultimately true. Look at Prv 16:7, "When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." But what about Jesus? His enemies were hardly at peace with Him. We know that ultimately His enemies will be brought down.
Clue #3: They are normally true now. The purpose of a proverb is not to exhaust a topic but to teach a lesson in a way that is memorable. “Look before you leap” puts a truth in your mind that is normally true. Again, using Prv 16:7, we learn that if we seek to please the Lord, He normally will make us be at peace with even people we don’t get along with. Yet, He still uses our enemies to discipline us and refine us.
Clue #4: They employ poetic imagery. Look at Prv 16:17, "The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life." Of course this is not refering to a literal highway, it refers to how the righteous live their lives.
Clue #5: They are partial in themselves. Read Prv 17:8, "A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds." This sounds like a bribe is a good thing. But, Prv 17:23 condemns bribery. Verse 8 is a sardonic observation about real life. We cannot clip individual proverbs like coupons to be applied as we wish. Each proverb typically attempts to capture one basic idea.
Clue #6: They are sometimes obscure. Some proverbs will be obscure because of their time and cultural differences. For instance when you read Prv 25:28, "A man who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down." We don’t have walls anymore around our towns, so how do we apply this to our modern day? By using common sense we can deduce that a city with downed walls can be broken into, stormed, and taken over. Similarily a person with anger issues will lose friends, be ruined, and overwhelmed with despair.
Clue #7: As a whole, the proverbs are religious. It is a book about our lives before God. There are two people in Proverbs: the wise and fool. One will fear the Lord and trust Him and live. The other will disdain discipline and wisdom, trusting only in themselves, and their end will be disasterous. We know that "Wisdom" was with God in the beginning to set the foundations of our world and our existence and we can see from the 1 Corinthians chapter one that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.
I hope this helps a little. Thanks to Mark Dever's book The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made which helped me to put this outline together.

The Story of Wolverton Part 2

2011-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

As time went by the Major did what most Mayors do, he kept the roads free from holes, kept the village square nice and neat, made sure the village events were wonderful and fun for all. But, he also seemed to be a little nosey. He occasionally could be seen reprimanding some of the younger folks in town about their actions and ways. But, he also frequented the residents homes and genuinely expressed love towards the people of Wolverton. And soon the attacks began on the Mayor and his family. Small things at first, his horse being scared out of the barn, chickens killed, but then it got a little more serious when the Mayor's wife was attached in broad daylight behind the city hall. All of the attacks were clearly committed by werewolves.

One thing about werewolves you must know is that they eventually will reveal themselves. For they are sloppy beasts and although usually lurking in the shadows they do like to be seen by men. The wolves of Wolverton did not attack and kill for the draw of blood, but of something else. They liked the power they could sway over the other residents of Wolverton. If two neighbors had a disagreement, the one who had his home attacked would always back down from the disagreement the next day. Like I said, everyone knew there were werewolves. They were neighbors, co-worders, and for some even family members.

Well, the Mayor went on the offensive and began confronting these man-wolves. Most would deny it, but many began to be found guilty. Things were changing in Wolverton and this did not sit well with the Old Man of the village.

The day came when the Mayor went to the Old Man's home and confronted him on some glaring events that pointed to the Old Man being a werewolf. Well, the Old Man blew into a rage and threw the Mayor out of his home. The Mayor, knowing he had stirred up a hornets nest, went home to prepare for the attacks that were sure to come.

That night the Old Man came lurking to the Mayor's home in his werewolf form. He planned to put that Mayor in his place and show him who really ran Wolverton. Unbeknowst to the Old Werewolf the Mayor had two other men in his home whom he had taught the vital weapon so needed to stop the werewolves. When the Old Werewolf attacked the men used the weapon wounding him.

The next morning as the villagers began to emerge from their homes and begin their daily business they found quite a sight. There in the town square was the Mayor, his two comrades, and the Old Man morphing back and forth between his shape as a man and as a wolf. The Old Werewolf would growl and snap his fangs at the Mayor, but he had been wounded. The Mayor and his men sat gently nearby talking to the Werewolf and the people of Wolverton saw the Old Man for who he really was. It did not take long for them to gather their courage and drive the Old Man out of Wolverton, even out of their county!

The people were thrilled that the Mayor had been successful in vanquishing the worst werewolf Wolverton had ever known. As the days passed the other wolves began to move on quietly and stop their harassments. Some even learned to squelch there wolf instincts all together. You see the Mayor had a weapon so powerful, that it drew the villagers together in unity and purpose. They saw that this weapon displayed in their Mayor’s life was so much more powerful than any fear or intimidation that the wolves had ever used. This weapon the Mayor used? It is the power of love. Self-sacrificing, honoring one another, putting others first L-O-V-E! The Mayor taught the villagers that love is to serve one another and honor one another. Before, if someone didn't like you or your idea they would bully you into submission with their wolf tactics. But, with everyone serving and honoring each other, there was no reason to bully. The village did begin to thrive like never before. People came from all over because homes were safe, the economy was strong, and they knew they were safe from wolves.

Are there wolves in your village? If not now, there will be someday, I promise. And will you be ready to fight for your village and confront those who would seek to devour your loved ones with their fear and threats? The only weapon you have is love. You must love your village more than yourself and love them so much you would be willing to fight off the wolves.

The Story of Wolverton

2011-07-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a simple little village called Wolverton. It was a seemingly normal village frequented by many travelers on its highly busy road. The village was comprised of long standing citizens but most villagers only stayed for a short while in Wolverton before moving on. For you see Wolverton had its problems, but not ordinary problems. Wolverton was full of werewolves.
These wolves weren’t extremely dangerous, there had only been two humans killed in the last decade! Most werewolf events involved scaring children at night, the killing of a family pet or disturbing the livestock. Luckily for the villagers the two people who had been killed were the Wolverton’s Mayors. Needless to say this was not a job anyone in the village wanted. When the last Mayor vacated this position the village had to seek a new Mayor from far away.
A new Mayor they did find. He was a fine family man from a distant village that had become rather healthy under his leadership. He even knew about wolves and had rid his last village of a few. He told the citizens of Wolverton that he knew of a weapon long forgotten by most which could stop the wolves attacks. The newer villagers had never heard of such a weapon and older villagers had simply ignored the weapon until it was lost from their knowledge.
The villagers knew who were and who were not werewolves for the most part. There were some who were obvious and others not so much. The most obvious werewolf was the Old Man. He had lived in Wolverton since, well...since anyone could remember. Most people speculated that he had been the murderer of the two dead Mayors years ago. He was very friendly to all, but could always command respect out of any crowd. For the most part people avoided him out of fear, yet held him in high regard.
As time went by the Major did what most Mayors do, he kept the roads free from holes, kept the village square nice and neat, made sure the village events were wonderful and fun for all. But, he also seemed to be a little nosey. He occasionally could be seen reprimanding some of the younger folks in town about their actions and ways. But, he also frequented the residents homes and genuinely expressed love towards the people of Wolverton. And soon the attacks began on the Mayor and his family.

End of Part One

Denominations are of the Devil!

2011-06-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Do you agree with my title of this blog? I've known many people who do. I have heard preachers say this very thing.

But, what is so bad about denominations? The one arguement that the above defenders would say is that the modern church is divided and not acting as one. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. So either I must be sinning, or every church is sinning by having their church over there, while I have this perfectly good one right here!

This arguement sounds good on the surface, I used to be a proponent of it. There are several "one another's" throughout the New Testament, so why can't we get along?

Just as there are millions of people and we all have similiar, yet different personality traits, so too does a church. People's preferences are as wide as the Grand Canyon. I really don't think Jesus is upset that we have Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Catholics, or Pentecostal denominations.

The book of Acts tells us of only four events the early church partook of: teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. There were elders appointed in each church per Paul's instructions to Titus and similarly to Timothy. Beyond that the look and feel of a church is pretty much up for grabs. Now, understand that alot of churches are doing it right and alot are doing it wrong, just look at the first seven churches listed in Revelations. This blog isn't about right and wrong practices, at least, not today. This blog is about denominations not being sinful.

Some prefer small and quaint, some like big and loud, some like traditional, some like rock shows, some like preaching, some like singing.

I hope you don't get bent out of shape about denominations.

Do We Really Love?

2011-05-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

Do Christians really love like they are supposed to?

When Jesus says we are to love our enemies and then says if they slap us on the cheek we are to turn to them the other cheek, is He just being facitious? Or, does He really mean it?

Luke records Jesus' words in Chapter six, verses 32-36, saying that the unconverted person will only love those who love them back. Jesus says that this is no credit to His people if that is all we reciprocate. If we only love those who will love us back and do good to those who do good to us and only lend to those with whom we expect to recieve back then we have fallen short.

Jesus really raises the bar on His people!

To turn the other cheek is to go beyond people's expectations of love. To give them our shirt after they have taken our coat is to go beyond comprehension of true love.

Jesus reminds us that His Father is gracious to the ungrateful and evil and that He is a merciful father. If we are to be sons and daughters of the Most High God then we too must be gracious and merciful. This is no small feat!

But, why, why must we love like this?

Because Godly love makes the Gospel believable!

They may be our enemies, but one day they will stand before a holy God and then they will see who their real enemy is. God will destroy all His enemies on the last day. So, today is the day of their salvation. They cannot wait until judgment day - it will be to late!

We must show them Godly love, so that we will have a platform for presenting the Gospel to them.

Love Your Enemies

2011-04-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Jesus told us to love our enemies in His famous Sermon of the Mount (matt 5-7) or the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6). In fact He says:

love your enemies

do good to those who hate you

bless those who curse you

pray for those who abuse you

Jesus doesn't leave a lot of gray area does He? I wonder if He really understands what His people go through on this earth? How we have to deal with enemies who sometimes exist in our very own families.

There are so many examples in our society of this rampant denial of this command. Divorce, abuse, law suits, videos on Youtube of school bus fights. We tell our kids to not start a fight, but you "shore b'ter finish it!"

Jesus went as a gentle quiet lamb to the altar where His neck was slit and His blood drained out. His blood was applied to all the utensils in the meeting place of God. He never spoke a vicious word to His murderers.

If we love Him we must keep His commands. Oh, my dear brother and sister, you must submit to Him and love those who hate you. If you love Him, ask Him to help you in this area of your life.

"You are never more like God then when you forgive." John MacArthur.

God's Training Wheels

2011-01-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

Someone has said that tithing is like training wheels. As we learn to ride a bike we have to start somewhere, hence the need for training wheels. This can parallel to the giving of our wealth. The tithe is a biblical mandate that has not ceased being operational in our day. Here are four principles about tithing.

1. Tithing causes us to fear God - Deut 14:23. As we learn to give a portion of our income to God we will either trust Him more knowing that He owns it all anyway or we will not trust Him thinking we can't make it by giving 10% to Him.

2. The tithe is most definitely His, it is holy - Lev. 27:30. Yes, God owns it all and we are stewards, but the tithe MUST be His. This leads easily to the third principle.

3. Not tithing is robbing God - Malachi 3:8-10. We see clearly that to not tithe is to rob Him.

4. Our tithe must be the best, not left-overs - Prov 3:9. God denounced the Israelites for bringing to Him decrepid animals for sacrifices. He wants the best. This teaches us that He knows what we need and will provide it. It teaches us to trust Him and depend upon Him always.

But, isn't tithing a law? Christians are under grace, therefore, we don't have to tithe, we just have to give joyfully whatever we feel like. WRONG!

We aren't to murder, but Jesus raised the bar and told us not to even hate someone. We aren't to commit adultery, but Jesus raised the bar and told us not to even lust after another. If He came to fulfill the Law, Matt. 5:17, then the Law still stands. We are required to tithe, it is our duty.

Yet, as believers, who understand how wretchedly sinful we are and from what we have been saved, to tithe should be a small incidental detail to us. We shouldn't mind obeying His Word. The real obedience takes place when we begin to give beyond the tithe. Just like when we go beyond not murdering to not hating, beyond adultery, to not lusting.

The tithe was God's plan for using earthly resources to empower His Kingdom agenda. The tithe caused the people of Israel to focus all their energy into Him. That hasn't changed today. The church is the HOPE of the world. Our giving supplies the agent which God will use to save men, women, and children from eternal damnation.

Do you tithe? If you don't, I hope you will begin to wrestle with this and ask the Lord to guide you into this biblical truth. We are sanctified by His Word!

Content OR Zealous?

2011-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

David Bradley spoke at our morning services yesterday at Crosspoint. He is with the Facilitating Ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. He ministered to us from Revelation 3 in the letter to the Laodicean Church.

This is the hot or cold and gonna vomit you out of My (God's) mouth passage. Jokingly, he told our congregation that I did not suggest this passage!

God's Word through this brother was convictioning to me. Am I content in my relationship with Jesus, or am a stoking the fires of renewal? To make something hot you must add energy, to make something cold you must extract energy, to make something lukewarm you simply do nothing. WOW!

I want to be hot towards my Lord! I must pour into our relationship just as I do with my wife or kids or friends.

I hope you will be zealous, hot for the Lord, too!

A Christian's Freedom

2010-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

We have all struggled with that verse in 1 Corinthians, "Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble."

How do you wrestle with this verse? Go and read 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, maybe also Romans 14.

I don't want you to sermonize me. I want you to give me your honest struggles, i.e.:

Is it okay to watch R rated movies?

When and where is it safe to have an alcoholic drink?

Are these the type of questions you are asking? What kind of questions do you ask?

I would love to hear back from you on this!

Halloween

2010-11-01T08:52:00.001-07:00

I know many believers have big problems with Halloween. I struggle with this too, because I am sympathetic to their arguements, but I also see that with enough grace and self-control you can use this pagan day to Christ's advantage.

So, I am not one to throw out Halloween completely. If I had my druthers, I would celebrate All Saints Day instead, knowing the hearts of great men of God from our past are much more to be celebrated than death and fear. But, because I live just a few feet from the gates of Hell, I and my church brothers and sisters must sound an alarm that will be heard.

Over this Halloween weekend our church hosted two events. Both were out in the public where lost people are and both were done with grace and love.

The first was a "Trunk R Treat" at an apartment complex. Seven cars of church members decorated their trunks in fun and creative ways. Those who lived in the apartments were notified the Thursday before that we would be out. We had a lot of people come. Alot of kids were all dressed up and got some extra candy and we got to tell these folks about our church and that we just wanted to bless them and open a door of ministry to them. We weren't trying to hide anything. This event came on the heels of a block party we had done at the same apratments during the summer. So, many of those folks knew us. The Church has got to go to the highways and biways and compel them to come in and sometimes continuously. Doing that will mean we must meet these people where they are. Were there ghosts and goblins dressed up as kids, and vice versa? Yes. But, that is where the church is to do its best ministry.

The second event took place at one of our members homes. We basically did a block party. This church member loves Halloween and has gotten a reputation for doing up a pretty cool lawn for scaring kids. Yes, he actually loves scaring them! I know he's a sinner saved by grace, get over it! So while, he was scaring kids and their parents (by the way our society loves to be scared, so we used that to our advantage), we set up a bounce house, snow cone machine, and coolers of FREE drinks for people to take in the neighbors yard (another soul we are trying to reach of a member). There were so many people out and about we went through all our ice, drinks, candy, and church invitations. People were shocked to learn it was all for FREE. We recieved many thanks and "this is cool" and we got to invite a ton of people to our worship service.

I know we can argue whether we were associating with evil. We could have holed up in our church building and hoped that the world would come to our harvest event, but we chose to join the sinners and publicans and eat with them just like Jesus would have done.

Ministry can be messy. But "their" souls are worth it, because His blood was worth it!

Man of God

2010-10-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

What is a man of God? Is every Christian man a man of God? I would contend that they are not. Men of God are those extraordinary men who know what they are called to do and with the highest integrity they seek to live out the will of God among men. It is truly a high and noble lifestyle they lead. I believe the wonderful news is that any man can advance to this status.

We find the term Man of God written several times through-out the Old Testament and by Paul in the New, specifically in 1 Timothy 6:11. Here Paul gives Timothy four key commands that distinguish Timothy as a Man of God. Those four key commands are discovered by four words:

Flee

Pursue

Fight

Keep

FLEE! In verse eleven Paul tells Timothy to flee from "these things?" These are lined out in the first ten verses. First, Timothy is told to instruct slaves to respect their masters, and if their master is a Christian, they are to respect them even more so. So, a Man of God flees from disrespect. Second, Paul warns Timothy about unsound teachings. Teachings not based on Jesus and the apostles, but teachings contrived by arrogant men who lust for power and control. The Man of God must flee from unsound, unorthodox, and false teaching. Third, Paul speaks of being content. The Tenth Commandment tells us not to covet, which speaks to the heart of a man who is not content, always wanting what everyone else has. So, flee from coveteousness. Fourth and most applicable the man of God must flee from the love of money. Oh, how this love (lust) conquers many a man and actually causes them to lose what is most valuable - the love of a wife, children, home, respect from colleagues. Money, like any thing this world offers, will never satisfy a man.

Pursue. While a man of God flees those things he must be vigilantly moving forward after good things. Paul lists six virtues.

Righteousness, this is an external display of your actions and words. Would you say you do and say things that are righteous, worthy of acknowledgement?
Godliness, this is the internal joy of the heart. Do you pursue being more like Jesus? He is our Master and Commander for all of life's battles and operations.
Faith is an unwavering trust in God as your sole desire.
Love is self-sacrificing, others first (including enemies), seeking anothers best interests above your own, kind of action. This is a choice you make everyday. No one falls in love and no one especially falls in love with an enemy. Love is a choice you must choose to put into effect.
Perseverance is finishing the marathon. Life, and the Christian life inparticular, is not a sprint, but a long, long marathon. Some of us will endure more than others, but we must all endure to recieve the crown of life. This is one of the surest tests of our own salvation - do we endure to the end for Christ no matter what circumstances we find ourselves under? No man should assume he is spiritually safe when hard times hit and he runs from God and only returns to Him when things become pleasant again.
The last of the virtues is gentleness, this is humility, mercy, kindness in action. A man's first instinct is to lash out at enemies, but not so with Christ. He always shows mercy. So must we. God is the final arbitor and judge of each man's life.

Fight! A Man of God contends for the Christian faith. The world hates Christ, your own flesh hates obedience to Christ, and Satan despises his Maker. All three create an incredible axis of evil that a Man of God must fight against. This will take many forms in life, but the harshest fight, the Normandy invasion for every man will be his own heart. What a man chooses to fight for in his heart regarding the faith God grants will display what he truly fights for in life. Many a church has fallen prey to these enemies because some kind-hearted man didn't want to squelch another's spirit. Our fear of man has become collosal compared to our fear of God. Don't we truly fear God who takes the body and soul? Why do we dance around sin as if it is a "life choice." A Man of God will rise up and call another to account. It is better we call account of one another now and win or lose then wait until that sure day when we will all give account before the Great Judge of the universe. Better to contend with one another now while there is still time to repent than on that day when our fate will be sealed. Where are the Men of God who will call sin sin and not allow its dirty face in our marriages, families, churches, and communities?

KEEP! We must keep these commandments. In the context of First Timothy this would be guarding the Gospel message. Within the context of the NEw Testament, this would be the Gospel. The Gospel message - Christ's atonement on the cross as the elect's substitute, His death, His resurrection - these must be kept. This understanding of the Christian faith is absolutely essential for all other teachings.

Oh, that there would be more Men of God. FLEEING from earthly distractions, PURSUING those virtuous characteristics of Jesus, FIGHTING for the distinctiveness of our faith, and KEEPING the Gospel central in all we do.

Burning Coals on the Head?

2010-04-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:20 says, "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."

What in the sam-hill does that text mean?

Remember, we are looking at a passage that advises us to return evil not with evil, but with good. You must take this into consideration when reading this verse because this verse teaches that same principle.

What does your enemy expect you to do? Get even, get revenge. But, this isn't the mindset of a child of God. When someone hurts you you do what they would not expect--you treat them with goodness and love, doing respectable things to them that makes them go, "huh?"

Then when you have done good to their evil, they will feel bad about what they have done to you. Now, this may not happen always. You may never see their shame or hear their heartfelt apology. But, you can be sure that by turning on the love, as opposed to their hate, they will see you for a "good, honest, and sane" person.

Do not let your motivation though, be one of I'll get even with them, I'll do good to them and then I know they will feel shame. No. You do the right thing, which can be the hardest thing. Your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you. Your satisfaction should never come from another person's pain. Remember the context, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So get out there beloved and act like Christ to a lost and hostile world. To use an old cliche, "You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees."

Overcome Evil: Pay it forward not back!

2010-04-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:17 says, "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men."

The Bible is so clear here. How do we so often miss it? Someone snaps at us, we snap back. He cuts you off in traffic, you flash your lights at him, swerve up and around him. As if we could really get back at him for doing such a thing to us.

Our nature will always want to stick it to the other guy. This is clearly not the way of Christ, nor His brothers and sisters. The Father will not allow His children to be mean or nasty with another.

The meaning of "respect" is a meaty word. It means that we are to make plans at doing what is right. There is an intentional flavor to this verse. Not only are we NOT to payback evil, but we are to payforward good to those who hurt us.

We are to do to our enemy what no one would imagine. We are to do something for them, to them, before them that is respectable to any one watching. "All men" here includes believers and unbelievers alike. When the opportunity arises to do some mean and nasty thing, which is what the watching world expects, it is then we are to plan to do something that will blow their minds!

You respond in such a way that everyone around becomes amazed. The crowds around Jesus were amazed by His teaching. They had never heard someone like Him teach. In the same way our treatment of our enemies should literally amaze those standing by.

This must be a planned approach though. None of us are ever ready to say the perfect thing at the moment we need it. Usually, five hours later we think to ourselves, "oh, I should have said this." We know those individuals who say things that hurt or sting. It may be your spouse, or kids, or best friend at church. Anticiapte the things they say regularly that kind of smart and have a response that will bless them and not curse them.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. - Jesus

The Five Solas

2010-04-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Through my studies of the Puritan's (Thomas Watson, John Flavel, J.R. Miller, John Owen, Charles Spurgeon) I have come to learn of the five solas. The five key doctrines of salvation. If you are unfamiliar with these I simply want to give a brief introduction of them to you. If these intrigue you you should seek some fine books, which I will post at the end.

The first of the five is sola fide, or "through faith alone." These five points of doctrine all came from the Reformation period of our early church history. This first sola comes from the corrupt teaching of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) that there were several graces you must accomplish to acquire saving faith. Some of the more notable RCC graces are infant baptism, confirmation, marriage, mass, and last rights. These and a few more had to be done to fully satisfy God's favor and the bestowing of His grace. Martin Luther came along and said, "No!" His study revealed what had always been in the Scriptures, but had been buried by the obscure and false teaching of the RCC. Scripture teachs that believers are justified by faith. The Epistle to the Romans speak of Abraham believing God for the promise and then God crediting His righteousness to Abraham. God required nothing of Abraham except simple faith in His divine promises. There is no man-made work or ritual that can appease God for His grace.

This takes us to the second, sola gratia, or "by grace alone." This teaches us that our salvation is non-meritorious. There is no merit that man can achieve that will appease God. Grace alone is what God displays in His mercy. Unregenerate man has no standing before God except wrath. All we like sheep have gone astray, there is none righteous, no one seeks after God is what the Word describes. As objects of holy God's wrath we can receive only one thing from God and that is His damnation. We do not deserve His grace, but wrath, we are sinful beings who have disobeyed His laws. But, thanks be to Christ Jesus, we are offered His mercy. His mercy places our sinfulness on Christ and Christ's righteousness on us. This is GRACE! Not that we could love Him, but that He loved us first!

The third sola, solus christus, "in Christ alone," teaches us that there is no other name under heaven by which man might be saved. Our salvation is a narrow minded one. Only those who enter through the narrow gate and follow the narrow way will enter heaven. There is no grace for those of the Muslim faith, Hindu faith, or any other faith. Any faith, even supposed Christian faiths, that water down Christ and His death on the cross are not faiths at all. Beloved, this is why it is imperative that you scrutinize over the Words of Scripture and over those who teach you. Are they teaching Christ alone, or do they mix him with any sort of man-made ritual or any other requirement that ultimately takes away from Christ's atoning death on the cross? There are many churches out there that teach Christ, but do they teach Christ from the Bible.

This leads us to our fourth sola, sola Scriptura, "according to Scripture alone." This sola teaches that all that is needed to know about our salvation comes from the Word of God. There are no new revelations from God, no new thoughts about our salvation, no new revelations from angels. We have a closed canon (Bible)! This means that preachers should be preaching God's Word, not the latest poll survey from Barna or whatever drivel comes out of the evangelical fads of today. The biggest church and most popular preacher does not guarantee solid biblical teaching. I encouage you to read my posts entitled, "True Preaching," where I delve into these issues more. There is alot of truth out there, but not all of it is biblical truth. Not all of it goes to the heart of the matter--our position with or without Christ. Millions of self-help books line our shelves, but none of them have the authority of God in them. Only the inspired, God-breathed pages of holy writ are authoritative. Go to them and them alone. Read the Proverbs, there is more self-help in those 31 chapter than all the books of the world!

The last sola, soli deo gloria, "to the glory of God alone," speaks to the core of what it is all about. Life, family, church, jobs, the world, all of it is for His glory. Go into the Psalms and see how often God's fame and glory is desired by the Psalmist. The first name we get from God is Jealous. He is a jealous God who is jealous of His own glory. This is why the New Testament speaks to our humility. We are nothing without Him and thus all glory goes to Him. When the church gathers it isn't for the sake of the unbeliever, despite what many pastors and churches try to sell, it is for His glory. The saints, or called out one's, come together to magnify His name by preaching, reading, singing, praying, and meditating upon His Word. Whether you eat or drink, in whatever you do, do it all for His glory.

I hope this gives you a little understanding of these foundational truths that have helped align the modern church with God. There is a resurgence of these teachings out there. You don't have to look to hard to see new books and new authors exposing these great truths. A few good books to get you on your way:

"What Makes a Church Evangelical?" James Montgomery Boice
"By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me" Sinclair Ferguson
"Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?" James Montgomery Boice

A good article to read is this:
http://www.founders.org/journal/fj78/article1.html

God bless you in your journey,
Paul

Overcoming Evil - Get in the War!

2010-04-09T10:04:00.001-07:00

Romans 12:15 tells Christians that we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This implies that we as believers know each other pretty well.

These words have been thrown out there a million times. But do you have a church or a group of folks in your church that these words are completely true? Satan is at war with God and he will do whatever he can to run Christ's name through the mud. Satan knows that he has limited time and ability, but he will do all that he can to destroy our Savior's image if we let him.

One way for us to combat his hatred is for your church and my church to come together and really be ONE.

When we weep do we really weep? If someone goes into the hospital are we doing all we can to help them keep the home fires burning? If you are the one weeping are you allowing your church family to weep with you? We all say that we don't want to be a burden to someone, but this is what being a Christian means. We can burden one another and we should be willing to go out of our way to help one another, and we should be willing to allow other believers to come into our lives and help us.

Do we really rejoice with one another? If someone got a better job or a new car, do we sincerely rejoice with them or do we fake it? Do we fake it because of jealousy or envy? If a brother or sister receives something that will help them make a greater impact for the Kingdom of God then we should rejoice. We need to stick it to Satan and realize we are on the same side and by truly loving each other deeply!

Evil will be more easily overcome if we know we have a whole army of fellow believers standing right behind us. I think of those Verizon commercials where the guy has a whole army of Verizon employees standing behind him (helicopters flying over, people taking notes, people doing all sorts of work). THAT SHOULD BE US! Do you have every fellow believers back in your church? Go down the list of people at church? Will you weep with them and rejoice with them.

God help us for not being more authentic!!!

Overcoming Evil with A Blessing

2010-04-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

What kind of words fall from your lips? Harsh words or encouraging and pleasant words? The way you respond with your words to evil is a HUGE determiner whether you are sending out blessings or curses.

Romans 12:14 says we are to bless and not curse. When you are reprimanded, whether righteously or unrighteously, how do you respond? When you "talk"with your spouse, do your words reveal a heart that seeks to bless or curse?

Jesus, our Savior and model for life, said not a word of revilement when He was being beaten and hung on the cross.

You object, "I am not Jesus Christ!" No kidding! But, you are His child, I hope, and if so then His Spirit within you is transforming you. Earlier in Romans 12 Paul tells us to transform our minds by renewing ourselves in Christ. The Lord Jesus will enable you to do as He pleases. His commands should always give us hope, for that which He commands He empowers in us to do. Paul tells the Ephesians that Jesus' power has been granted to us (Ephesians 1:19).

To curse is to speak down, against, and in disbelief. To bless is to encourage, hope, and believe. Beloved, your blessing should be done in the heat of the moment, when you are most apt to lash out, that is the appropriate time to speak words that give life and not damnations! Begin now to think about your words. Meditate upon those passages that bring grace to our words: James 3:1-12; Ephesians 4:29.

Overcome Evil with Good

2010-04-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

"I don't get mad, I get even!" How many times have you heard that sentiment? Or, maybe you have said it yourself. Even if you were sort of kidding, there is a part of you that is serious. Beloved, this is not the attitude of a believer. If you read Romans 12:14-21 then you will see that God definitely does not want you seeking your own revenge.
We are to overcome evil with good according to verse 21. This verse is the summary statement of the preceding verses beginning in verse 14. God's prescription for us, His children, is never to seek revenge, but to turn and do the best thing for those involved.
Our attitude should be that of our Lord Jesus. He did the greatest thing by dying on the cross which was not a passive thing. Scripture says He laid His life down of His own choosing. He could have stopped the onslaught at any time, yet He knew in the long run His death was the necessary answer to God's wrath over sinful man. So, you too, need to take the harder road and seek to do good to those whose harm you. Yes, turning the other cheek is actually the right thing to do. You and I are to NEVER do harm to another person. First Corinthians even condemns believers for going to secular courts to resolve their disputes.
You are not a door mat, but you actively seek some way to do good when harm has been done to you. A door mat sits back and takes whatever is dished out to it. Christians, are not to just sit back and take it and then do nothing else. Believers are to get up and work harder to resolve the situation and/or do what is necessary for the honor of God.
Why should we work harder? Because we are brothers and sisters to one another. First Corninthians 6, a chapter dealing with lawsuits, chastises believers for going to the secular court to resolve their issues. WE ARE FAMILY. We have a father in heaven Who loves us and has given us the tools necessary to resolve conflict. Careful study's of Matthew 5 and 18 will help us to see these tools. But, what is important is that you are related to one another as long as you acknowledge God as Your Father. Much of New Testament language is wrapped in these words of family where God is our Father and we are brothers and sisters to one another.
Have you been causing dishonor by your retaliatory motivations? How have you been retaliating? Do you need to evaluate your actions towards those who have harmed you in any way? Continue to read Romans 12:14-21. Let the Word teach, correct, and train.

Overcoming Evil

2010-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Revenge. Retaliation. Stick it to 'em. Dog eat dog.

These words are familiar to us, yet do they guide us? How do you handle conflict? Do you seek revenge or retaliation? Do the means justify the end? Do you advise your kids, "You better not start the fight, but you darn near better be the one to finish it?"

Did you know that God has an order for how we are to overcome evil done to us? Did you know that His plan is perfect? Do you know what His plan is?

At the heart of most of our struggles in life is conflict. Conflict with loved ones, bosses, children, even brothers and sisters in the Lord. God's Word gives us guidelines on how we are to respond to evil done to us. My next couple of blogs I hope to discuss this important issue.

For now, I want you to go and read Romans 12:14-21. This is the divine prescription for overcoming conflicts.

True Preaching Part 3: "The Anointing"

2010-03-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

I was once told after a sermon that my message was anointed. That of course went immediately to my head. I got all puffed up and thought I was "hot stuff" for God. Of course it went away immediately the next time I had to preach. My thought was, "How do I make this sermon anointed too?" "What did I do the first time, so I can get that anointing again?"

Jim Shaddix exploded my preconceived idea in his book "The Passion Driven Sermon" which is what I have been reviewing for you, my reader. His clarification of anointed preaching has given me hope and has also taken away the mystical hocus-pocus I thought I had somehow magically received. It has given me hope because anointed preaching isn't entirely wrapped up in the preacher/evangelist. It is a combination of things: the preacher, the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit.

The Pastor should never speak for himself, but only for God.

Pastor's are to speak the Words of God as given in the Bible. I was listening to a horrible sermon lately that showed how many preachers are putting their own subjective feelings and thoughts on the same par as the Word of God. This preacher was saying things like, "God revealed to me..." and then he finished that thought with silly things that in no way were attributal to God. Silly things, such as, when one is in prayer one should take deep breaths, this helps the mind to think more sharply and relax more. I am sure these things are true, but that is in no way on the same level of divine revelation as the Scriptures. Pastor's are to speak with only the authority of the Word, their authority is derived from the Word. The Bible warns not to add or delete from the Word.

The Scriptures themselves are most powerful. All that a preacher needs is found in the Word of God. in Second Timothy Paul tells his protege that all scripture is profitable for teaching, for correction, for reproving, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped. Then in Ephesians Paul writes that Pastors are to equip the saints. The only way this is to be done is through the use of explaining the Scriptures. The Bible contains everything people need for walking in greater holiness. This is what God requires most.

A third part that makes up anointing is the Spirit of God Himself. The Word tells us that we are under going metamorphis, a transforming of our minds. The old has gone and the new is coming. We are now on this earth justified and being sanctified, yet one day we will stand before Jesus and be glorified. The Spirit is the One Who comes alongside us and enables us to live this crucified life. He enabled the apostles to remember all that our Lord had spoken so they could write His words down. Jesus promised that the Spirit would help them when they were on trial to speak up for the cause of Jesus Christ. So too, the Spirit will bring Scripture to our remembrance when we need it and He will empower us to speak on Jesus' behalf when we testify for Him before men.

If the scriptures where inspired by God then don't you think that our preaching will be anointed if we speak clearly the truths of the scriptures? The Pastor must preach so that his audience comes to understand the meaning of the text as it was meant for the original audience. Then the Pastor can relate those same principles into our day.

I love to hear preachers who are fired up in the pulpit. Old preachers and saints call this "unction." When a Pastor gets in that pulpit their should be a little unction in that sermon. I know for myself it has come when I am prayed up, know my material, and I understand that I am speaking on behalf of God to His people. God wants to move in them and He uses the man of God in the pulpit expounding the Scriptures.

Go and preach my fellow Pastors!

True Preaching Part 2: "The Voice of the Bible"

2010-03-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

In the book "The Passion-Driven Sermon" by Jim Shaddix the author gives the Pastor a strong arguement for expository preaching. He gives the layman a strong arguement for why he should sit underneath this type of preaching. He describes how preaching is like bringing a voice to the Bible. The goal for a Pastor is that the congregation will hear clearly God's voice through the Bible in the sermon.

Pastors are to maximize the actual truths of the Bible. The author gives an illustration out of Nehemiah. If you have heard any sermon or read a book about Nehemiah it probably had to do with leadership. Yes, Nehemiah deals with leadership, but this is secondary to the actual story. The story is about God being faithful to His covenant people. The Bible is all about God, always! Bad preaching takes these secondary issues and heightens them to paramount levels.

This is why it is so necessary for a Pastor to be locked away in his study to first discover - what is God saying. To often Pastors start at the end of the sermon-process asking, "What is this text saying to me?" This can be dangerous because we put our subjective spin on the Bible. The first step in all good Bible study is to determine what God is simply saying. What is He saying to the original audience? What were the implications for them? Why did God say this particular thing to them? Only after this preliminary hard work is done can a Pastor ask, "Now, how does this original message effect me today?"

Another bad habit we Pastors have is to isolate a verse for our own use and limit God's message. We love to do this with Micah about robbing from God. Yes, that passage does speak about robbing from God through our tithes and offerings, but the complete picture of that prophetic book is so staggering, it should cause the Spirit of God to break out into a revival! Pastor, be careful about how you use God's Word. Do you not realize this is God's Word? Not just a book!

As the Pastor seeks to magnify God's voice through his sermon, the congregation should magnify the message through their listening.

The author gives three important principles from Scripture for how a congregation should respond to expository preaching. First, going back to Nehemiah it says the people called for Ezra to bring the Book, the law of Moses, that it might be read to them. So Ezra and the Levite priests read it and explained it to the people from early morning until midday. The people responded with raised hands, "Amens," and bowing prostrate in worship before the Lord. They revered the written word of God. Second, in Acts the new disciples committed themselves to the apostles teaching. In fact it says the lost watched from the peripheral being in amazement at all that was happening in this band of beleivers. Can you imagine the respect and awe of the lost who saw Ananias and Sapphira drop dead at the entrance to their meeting place? There was a holy reverance for the things of these Jesus followers. Third, listening must be combined with conviction. If we beleivers demand the Word to be brought to us and expect God to speak then conviction will follow. Paul told the Corinthians that an unbeliever coming in and hearing a prophet speak would come under conviction as opposed to hearing unintelligable tongues being spoken. The power of God is displayed in biblical expository sermons. It is conviction that we need most, not warm fuzzies.

Pastor, magnify the voice the God through His Word in your sermon. People are hungry for a word from God. You have the privilege and responsibility to bring Him to them. Don't waste their time with dog and pony shows. Leave the entertainment to the entertainers! Preach the Word!

Christian, listen to the preached word as if your life depends upon it. Expect your Pastor to bring you a Thanksgiving meal in his sermon. If you don't see the Lord lifted up from his sermon, pray for him, and you might even need to let him know, "I can watch Youtube videos at home, bring me the Book on Sunday!"

True Preaching Part 1: "The Shepherds Stewardship"

2010-03-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished a book about preaching. It was fabulous! It answered the question: "Why preaching expositorally?" Expository preaching is line upon line preaching all the way through a book of the Bible. I am convinced this is the only reliable and God-honoring form of preaching. In the next couple of blogs I want to report some of what I learned. This helps me to process and gives you a reference for true preaching.

By the way, GET THIS BOOK FOR YOUR PASTOR!

The first thing I want to delve into is the responsibility preachers have. They are to be men who illuminate the Scriptures. There is NO new revelations being given by the Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:11 tells us that God gave prophets and apostles and evangelists, and pastor / teachers for the equipping of the saints. There has been a progression of bibilical revelation. That progress began with prophets - Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, and even John the Bapitst. These were men who recieved direct communitcation from the Spirit of God to them. We know that Moses was a man who spent time with the Lord face to face. There were prophets in the early days of the church, we read of them in Acts.

Then came apostles, the twelve who spent three years living with Jesus. Listening, watching, and ingesting all that our Lord did. These men, along with the prophets, ushered in the church-age. Paul, Peter, John, and James began writing as the Spirit prompted them, letters to believers. The prophets began to slide out. By the time the apostles were all dead the church still had many copies of these letters and thus began the creation of the churches holy sciptures.

Now, today, men of God, take that written, God-inspired word and illuminate it. This is the chief operation of any preacher, pastor, evangelist, and teacher, to rightly divide the Word of God. Preachers must take a text and dive deep into its meaning. We have 2000 - 4000 years of history to fill in. This is an ancient book, and Pastors are to be the resident experts of its content. The preacher is to take this book and make it understandable to modern worhippers. A Pastor is a good reporter, he understands his topic and brings it to the attention of the people.

DANGER! False preaching adds extra-biblical information as authoritative and then we have reduced God's word. Any therapist can evaluate marriages and then come up with principles to show how to have a good marriage. This is truth that God ordained, but it is not essential truth for the church. The Word of God reveals to us God's standard. It gives us enough information that sets the bar for us. The problem with modern day preaching is that preachers think all people want is "how-to" sermons. Preachers don't believe that preaching on the glory of God in marriage is enough. They presumptiously beleive, "Believers, already know that. They want to know how good marriages work." A faithful expository Pastor will mine the depths of God's word and reveal to hungry believers the needed nuggets to strengthen marriages. Yes, other books are helpful, but God's word gets to the core of the issue, ALWAYS. The root of knowledge is what believers need. The Bible provides it, and the faithful Pastor will reveal it.

"How-to" sermons are nothing more than candy bars. But, expository sermons are a Thanksgiving dinner. If your Pastor is using all kinds of stories, and videos, and dramas then he might be attempting to water down the truth. He wrongly thinks that people don't want deep doctrine, they just want the "rubber meets the road" stuff. If your Pastor uses his pulpit to talk about anything other than the Word of God, like politics and entertainment, then he is prostituting the preaching of God's Word and feeding you candy bars. The Man of God is to take the Bible, lay it open on that pulpit and begin to illuminate what is inside. Believers think they know all there is to know. Sorry, but that is wrong. You and I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of all the gold and jewels that await us in the Bible.

I pray you will come back for more.

Jesus Descended where? More, more...

2010-03-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

If you read the verses I asked you to in "Jesus Descended Where? More" than you should be thoroughly confused. Where did Jesus go? Did He go to Hell? What did He do there? Let me take you to another verse.

In Ephesians 3 Paul writes saying he was commissioned to preach the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles (nations) about the mystery of Christ. This mystery had been hidden throughout the centuries of the Old Testament, but now it was all coming to light in Jesus. Ephesians three goes onto say that God's multi-facted wisdom would now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. These are the demonic horde who run rampant over the earth. The church exists to show demons the gracious love of God.

You see, the demons in Genesis six tried to spoil the "Seed of the woman." This would taint God's promise that a seed of the woman would stomp on the serpents head. The seed would give Satan the death blow. So, Satan and his horde invaded the earth and somehow manifested themselves and impregenated woman (hard to believe? Yes. Jude says they left their proper abode.) Their sin was so perverse that God chained them up in the abyss. It is here that Jesus went sometime between His death and resurrection and basically put it to them. Showing them Himself, that their evil plan did not work and that He, the "Seed," had proven fatal to them and that they would receive their death blow.

Revelations says that Satan will be bound here during the Millenium. Towards the end of the Millenium some of these demons and Satan will be released to try one last time to overtake God. They don't and are finally sentenced to the lake of fire, Matthew tells us this is why God created the lake, for the rebellious angels.

You would think Satan would get it, but he never does. He will probably be in Hell for all eternity continually plotting to "rule the world." Pride consumed him, he thinks he is all that.

Christian, you are well-loved if you confess Jesus. Thank Him today for saving you and using you and your church to continually stick it to Satan and his horde. God is a loving and forgiving Savior, we are the proof!

Pyromaniacs: "Unquestioning Christians" and Atheistic Bluster

2010-02-26T05:59:00.000-08:00

You will enjoy this post! I encourage you to go and read and even read more of what they have to say!

Pyromaniacs: "Unquestioning Christians" and Atheistic Bluster

Jesus Descended where? More...

2010-02-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

Remember in Genesis 6 where we read that mysterious portion of Scripture about the sons of God who came into the daughters of men? Their prodigy were the Nephilim, mighty men of renown. Then in verse five Moses records that the Lord saw that the wickedness of men on the earth was great? So God commissions Noah to build an ark and save his family and the animals while God floods the earth destroying everyone.

What is that all about?

The Bible tells us that when Satan rebelled and God cast him out of heaven, God cast him to earth. At that time earth was uninhabitual for humans, but for demons, it was a perfect island prison in the cosmos. Satan, was granted some sort of ruling position over the earth, for we know that when he tempted Jesus, he told Jesus he would give him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory if Jesus would just bow down to him. Of course Jesus does not bow down to him.

Also, did you ever notice that in the gospels we see an awful lot of demon possession? Angels only show up occasionally at God's bidding, but Jesus is running into demons everywhere. And He always tells them to be quiet, when they say things like, "What do we have to do with You, Son the Most High?" The legion who got cast into the pigs said this,"Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Luke adds that they begged Him not to send them to the abyss. Where's that? What are they talking about?

I want you to go get your Bible and read these passages: 1 Peter 3:18-22; 2 Peter 2:4-5; and Jude 6.

All of this will come together.

More later...

Jesus Descended where?

2010-02-22T05:51:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, as I preached from the text of Ephesians 4:7-13, I gave an honorable mention to verses 9-10, "Now this expression, 'He ascended,' what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also He Himself who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things." What does this text mean? Where did He go? Did Jesus go to Hell?

The text comes after verse 8, "Therefore it says, 'When He ascended on high, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.'" Paul is speaking of the gifting Jesus gives to His people whom He has led out of the slave market of sin and into His glorious Kingdom. Verses 9-10 are Paul's own commentary on the first part of verse 8, the "ascended" part.

For us to fully appreciate what Paul is talking about we have to understand that Jesus stomped the head of that serpent Satan. Remember God's prophetic proclamation to Satan in Genesis that the seed of the woman would smash the head of the serpent? Satan did not fully know WHO that "seed" would be, but he knew it would be someone special. We now know, as does Satan, that the seed would be Emmanuel, "God With Us."

Jesus has triumped over Satan and his demonic legions and He has empowered the church with His own Spirit to do great and mighty acts. Acts of seeing a group of sinful people come together and love one another, thus proving that we are His disciples. We are able to do this because you and I are gifted.

Our gifting falls into one of two categories: speaking and/or serving. We either speak the words of God as given to us in the Bible or we are serve one another at each other's deepest need.

Are you using your gift?

More later.

Growing a Church

2010-02-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

How is your character?

Ephesians 4:1-3 says we are to walk with these five characteristics: humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance for one another in love, and unity through peace.

Humility - no you first, no I insist, you first!

Gentleness - I have carried your burden for a mile, may I take one more?

Patience - though the Lord sends storms and tries me, yet will I praise Him!

Love - No greater love is shown than to lay down your life for one another.

Unity - I have been saved according to the Bible, through grace, by my faith, in Jesus death and resurrection, for God's glory! You too? Let's do lunch.

These are expected characteristics for the children of God. Do you see them in your life? Do you see them in other believers you associate with?

God desires a pure bride for His Son. The church of Jesus Christ will be made up of believers who diligently work to display these characteristics into their lives.

The growing of the church is up to God. Our duty is to simply be obedient!

Crazy and Darkness

2010-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

What am I talking about? Two books God is really using to change lives.

First, is Francis Chan's "Crazy Love." I am reading it a second time after watching the transformation God has done in Rob Daniels life from reading it. When I read it the first time Tricia and I were blown away and really began to look at God in a more amazed way. Then, watching Rob read it and he and I would have conversations, I began to remember how awesome this little book was. So now, reading it a second time and a lot slower has been real nourishment to my soul. Pastor Chan has a wonderful writing skill of taking scripture and making it alive. In chapter two when he talks about the gentleman who died after delivering the eulogy of a friend is a really moving portrait.

The second book is "The Darkness and The Glory" by Greg Harris. It is much less known and I would never have found it had it not been given to me. I am only three chapters in and I am already awed at the cross of my Lord once more. When you think no one can write another book on the cross, God illuminates another faithful servant to write another fabulous book. This is it! Like a hard working expository Pastor he digs in to the text and blows you away at how the whole of Scripture is so unified in portraying our saving God. In the first two chapters he reveals why the cross was so bloody. It wasn't just because the Romans were really mean guys. They were really mean guys because the murderer from the beginning was behind it all, you know Satan. There is no heresy here, just TRUTH, clear and profound.

If you are looking for two good books to add to your shelf, these are worthy!

Just Getting By is Sin

2010-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Finished reading "The 10 Dumbest THings Christians Do" by Mark Atteberry. He is a long time Pastor from the beautiful state of Florida (home of the Buccaneers and Gators!).

The chapters that resonated with me discussed the issue of mediocrity, you know, doing enough to get by. It stuck with me probably because I feel this is one of my weaknesses. I have a tendency to be lazy and only do enough to get by. God has been showing me this by putting me in situations where I can see the difference between what hard work gets you and what complacency gets you.

Hard work.

Not trying to put anyone under condemnation, but don't you feel better about yourself when you know you did a task with all your wits and muscles? Don't you think God is honored when his kids do a job that just pops!

When my kids do a task, they do just enough to get by. On rare occasion, they have surpassed my expectations, and I am really proud, and I tell them! Don't you think that same feeling resides in our Father's heart when we try to surpass His expectations?

"Let your light shine in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Jesus (Matt. 5:16)

Don't just get by.

Sin's Consequences Part II

2009-12-31T08:13:00.001-08:00

I began a post several months ago that needs a part 2.

In that first post i asked what are the consequences of our sin? Are there any? Would I know it if I saw it, especially in light of a secret sin that no one know's about. As opposed to some obvious sin that effects other people around me.

Here is my own answer: whether anyone knows the sin or not and whether there are consequences or not my sin offends God. If we are looking for loop holes in our sin life, trying to hang on to those "darlings" of lust, anger, jealousy, vanity, envy, slander, gossip, gluttony, drunkenness, rebellion, etc infinity, then we had better be careful.

Why do we get worried over what will happen to us? Why aren't we more concerned with committing sin againt God. Do you wonder if Jesus rubs the scars in His hands everytime you sin?

Let our hearts be broken over our sin against our heavenly Father.

Survived Another Christmas

2009-12-28T11:43:00.001-08:00

Like most of you I survived another Christmas. It has been a wonderful season of relaxing days off of work, playing more with my boys, spending time with my parents, working with my dad on various tasks like putting together a trampoline in the cold, and observing the celebration of Christ's advent more than the mall adventure.

My boys actually received fewer gifts this year (we are in get out of debt mode), yet they had a great time and there were no, "Is this it?", "Where's the XBox?" I was proud of my boys!

Although America is overly commercialized with newer and better, I am finding that a separated life from all the thrills and frills is quite possible. At one time I could not imagine not watching two or three movies a week, getting the newest CD available, or having the coolest new gadget or thing. Now, I realize how foolish most of those things have been. The Word of God tells me to be content with what I have and that true wealth is found in the knowledge and righteousness of God.

My prayer for you -- discover the wealth of God's righteousness and not the world's empty promises.

2009-11-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" The Apostle Paul

What are you doing to extend the Gospel Call to the masses? Are you speaking to co-workers? Are you going overseas to help plant a church?

What are you doing to minister to your neighbors? Do you have a game plan for preaching the Gospel to them? "I don't know how to start," you protest. How about just getting to know them. When you drive in and out of your neighborhood, simply wave, say hello. Take walks up and down your neighborhood and speak to the people you see. Get to know them!

Once you at least know their first name, plan your next stage of attack, building trust.

Tricia and I are planning on taking a pie to each of our immediate neighbors this Thanksgiving.

When they look at you like you're trying to sell them something, just tell them you want them to know you are here for them and want to be neighborly. Of course, if that is not true, then get in your prayer closet and plead for God to break you heart concerning your neighbors. That is the surest first step in evangelizing the lost.

Saying hello and being friendly will begin to give you credibility with them.

The KEY is to really, really, really have a genuine concern for their them!!!

Now, how about your family? Do you and your spouse spend time in prayer for the Kingdom of God to be extended on earth because of your lives?

Are you having family worship? "What is that?" you ask. It is simply the head of the household sitting the entire family down for Scripture reading and discussion, prayer, and the reading of biblical or missionary stories together.

The greatest mission field you have is right in your own home. How dare you think you can serve in the church with integrity while your family goes to hell! Watch quality shows together, play video games together. Spend time together! Ultimately, preach the Gospel to your children.

Let's go church! Let us do the business of the Kingdom!

My Uncle Leon

2009-10-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

My Uncle Leon passed this afternoon. Machines kept him alive, but his spirit was ready to go Home. We will be heading to Ohio for his funeral this weekend.

Uncle Leon, is a man of God, he served under Dr. Criswell, was President of Clear Creek Baptist College in Tennesee, served on the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board, and just recently pastored a church in northern Ohio. My Uncle was my kind of Pastor. He was always reading a dozen books and thinking about the sweet love of His Savior. He had such a tender heart in his preaching and in his day to day communicating. You never saw him without a smile on his face. He even learned the German language so he could read some of the fabulous German theologians! Brilliant man!

As his life hung in the balance the last couple of days I am struck by eternity. I just read a quote by Martin Luther in a book Tricia and I are reading together, he said, "There are only two days on my calendar, this day and that day." It is in moments like these that I am sobered by the reminder that "That day" governs "this day."

Oh, beloved of God. I will see my wonderful Uncle Leon again on "That Day." I am promised by my Lord that I have been sealed with a promise that I will praise Him for all eternity. I hope you will be there too, so I can introduce the two of you. You will like my Uncle Leon, he was one of our Father's prized sons. He spent his life for the Savior and for the preaching of the Gospel.

"I have come to seek and to save that which was lost." - Jesus

Prayer

2009-10-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

I understand better Jesus' words "Man does not live on bread alone, but on the very words of God."

When you have tasted of our Lord it will not be hard to seek nourishment from Him. To spend many days in prayer and seeking is never in vain. To deny yourself some worldy necessity, like food, and hunger after God is an amazing spiritual discipline.

The Lord will satisfy you on His hidden manna!!!

Whether or not the things I prayed for come to fruition, I know the Lord was pleased to see HIs child seeking Him with a captivated heart. Oh, to love the Lord my God is the greatest desire and pleasure of my entire life!

I love my Lord, I love His Word, I love HIs provision!

Be blessed in your prayer life. Find a closet and stay there!

Life Without the One Eyed Devil

2009-10-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

Through God's providence and other reasons to cut back on spending we turned off the cable to our TV. My wife and I had talked about this before in the past for several reasons. It cost $50 a month to watch a handful of channels and it would help us in helping our boys to watch less TV.

I feel I am a decent parent and I monitored closely what my sons watched. But, I began to notice a disturbing pattern-althouth the TV shows were mostly innocent, we had outlawed a bunch, it was the commercials that really bothered me. Every commercial was designed to create a need in my son for the next best toy, game, and movie. It was never ending. It was sick!

But, because of financial mismanagement on our part we had to cut out some unnecessary spending and TV was on the chopping block. Only one boy actually cried when we told him the TV shows were going bye-bye. I knew this was a sign we were doing the right thing. We prepared for helping our boys walk through this monumental tragedy in their young and preciouis lives. Well, wouldn't you know it, they haven't missed TV at all. They have no idea what new shows and games and toys are out there and that has helped our check book amazingly! They still play their games on PS2 and Wii and we watch movies, Disney and kids stuff.

My wife and I thought not having FOX news would be painful. Not really. My life has simplified substantially without that one eyed beast. Not knowing what the President said has been wonderful, not just because I don't approve of him, but it has brought freedom to me. Watching TV makes you care about unimportant things alot. I don't care anymore!!!

I find the information I want to be concerned about through the web on sites I trust and appreciate.

Also, in God's providence He is watching out for us too. Out original TV was loosing its color, everything was turning pink. Not to big of a deal, but annoying. Trying playing games where color makes the difference. Tough, to say the least. Anyway, my parents left us a TV from their RV, a small 19 inch, but beautiful color. We were content. At church, a brother heard about our plight and gave us his 39 inch. Wow! This was a movie theater for us. We got to enjoy it for a week and then the TV went out. I hope to try and get it fixed, but I have this feeling it will be vanity. So, the 19 inch is doing just fine, right next to the quiet and blank 39 incher.

In the end, removing your TV isn't as painful as you might expect. You will be amazed at how many hours you gain in a day.

Sin's Consequences

2009-08-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Is sin costly or does our salvation remove all of the consequences?

We know we are saved from the penalty of sin (justification) at the moment of our salvation. Sanctification is our being saved from sins power. When we stand in glory before Jesus we will be glorified, saved from sin's presence.

As believers all of our sin is covered by the blood. In salvation we come to that realization and acknowleding Jesus as our "personal" Savior. But, does that nullify the consequences of our sin? Let us say I have a hidden sin that no one knows about. I struggle with it daily, some days are better than others. On the days when I give into it what are the consequences? If no one knows, then I alone struggle with the misery of knowing I committed a sin before a holy God. How do I know if God is disciplining me? When I get sick is it sickness or God's rod? When I wreck my car, break my favorite item, smash my toe could this be consequences or coincidence?

What keeps God's children continuing to maturity? God knows I am not perfect, he knows I will struggle with my sin until the day I die. So, what should make me want to not sin? If I am completely forgiven what do I have to worry about? I got my "Ticket to Heaven!"

The Effects of Godly Fear

2009-07-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

God is not to be feared, He is love and would never want us to fear Him. How else will the world come to accept His message of love in the gospel?

This may sound good, but "God is a consuming fire."

Evangelicals have lost their holy fear of the All-Consuming-Fire. God will seperate the sheep from the goats, without favoritism, without prejudice, and without emotional frenzy. He will allow those who have feared Him to come into His presence. Those who fear Him not, will be cast into the fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Oh, church when will we awake to the supremacy of our God and His greatness? If we would, then we would see that His desire is to be the greatest power known to man. We would see that the un-redeemed have need to fear this God for thier soul's sake. As long as they refuse to make His name known through their lives, then they have every reason to fear.

As beleivers in Jesus Christ, then, we should fear this God who will one day burn up the earth with fire, and send the perishing into their eternal torment. To fear Him is to regard His absolute supremacy and desire to make Him well known through-out the earth.

Shout it from the roof tops, "Yahweh, He is the Lord!"

We need to get our priorities straight!!!

2009-07-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

This is written by a young soldier serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting and he's right.

We need to get our priorities straight!!!

Okay, I need to rant.

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddence," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;

"So that others may live..."

Isaac

P.S.- "So that other's may live.. ." was also the creed of the Air Rescue & Recovery Service during Vietnam & is still today.

Fear Yahweh and Serve Him, 1 Samuel 12

2009-06-29T17:23:00.003-07:00

Who can deliver me from my enemies? Yahweh, the sovereign Lord!

Does anyone or anything love me like Yahweh? NO!

Then why does my heart desire cheap, useless, base, corrupt things as satisfaction? Why do I sit down and waste an hour in front of the TV? I say to relax, to drain off the days rubbish piled up on my shoulders. But, why don't I sit and listen to glorious music that lifts my soul to heaven? Why don't I read a refreshing word from an amazing saint? Why do I engage in frivolous talk with other people, as if talking about the weather and what hollywood icon just died could make any eternal dfference? Why do I not instead speak of Jesus Christ, His pleasure over us, His displeasure over sin, His glorious work in my life and the life of others?

No one can rescue me from my sin saturated soul, like Jesus.

No one can give me peace and rest, like Jesus. No one can raise me above my adversities and heart-breaks, like Jesus.

Fear Yahweh and Serve Him, 1 Samuel 12

2009-06-29T17:23:00.001-07:00

Do I Miss God daily?

2009-06-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

Israel's stubborn hearts are seen all the way back to Egypt when the people would grumble at Moses for their predicament. Israel never did seem to remain consistent in their love and obedience of their Saving God. How is it they saw the hand of God time after time and still they would grumble and rebel. Makes me wonder how obvious God is in my life and i don't see Him at work. Did only the Old Testament writers inspired by the Spirit of God see God at work? Did all the rest not see Him? Were they really that blinded? Did they not remember their grandparents telling them about the Exodus or the Jordan splitting or the walls of Jericho falling down? And yet they continually disobeyed God?

How bad off am I? Do I refuse to acknowledge God and His benevolence over me everyday for lack of spiritual clarity?

Am I missing God in my wife's embrace, in the warm sun on my face? Am I mistaking the joy of being a parent because I have to discipline my children?

Scripture reveals to me this awesome and ridiculously dangerous God. When I begin trying to find Him in my daily choices I idolize Him as self-help. How dare I reduce this untrappable God into my human viewpoint.

I have the privilege of living in the days of "The Book." People had to seek out the seer to discern the will of God, yet I can open this book and see Yahweh working and interacting with His people. I can read the apostle's words as they clarify how I am to worship, serve, and love others.

So, am I missing God daily? Yes, when I fail to open the Holy Book of Scripture and read.

May we all have such a deep longing for God that we begin to ingest the Word as if it were a fabulous steak dinner.

Fasting is Hard

2009-06-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Even though I have preached two sermons on the topic, to do it is so hard. I can do a 24 hour fast, but man, I eat everything in site at hour 24:01. I'm thinking that to fast for longer I may have to go into it slow, eat less food, than no food, than eat more food, and than back to normal.

I did it for a 24 hour period and all hell broke loose. I am confident that the enemy has been extra active because I have taken my prayers more seriously. The attacks have come mostly in my mind, stuff that really hurts, or really frightens me. Those attacks are causing me to get more serious about fasting. My plan is to do a 24 hour fast every week. Check with me later and see if I am keeping up with that! The flesh is so strong.

The attacks have also caused me to pray for intentionally. I find myself turning my thought more to prayer rather than just allowing them to be thoughts that go no where.

How is your fasting going?

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T18:42:00.001-07:00

My church family helped Tricia and I host a block party at our home on Memorial Day.

It was awonderful time. We had probably 6 or 7 homes from our street represented at the party.

Thanks to my Baptist brethren we were able to have a bounce house, snowcone, and popcorn machines for fun. We had a ton of kids, probably 25 -30. It was really cool.

What was really neat, was how our church family jumped in and really did a great job of serving and talking to my neigbors.

We had a little memorial ceremony with our local Marine Corps League presenting the colors. It was pretty cool!

This gives me grand ideas of hoping to reach our neighbors for Jesus.

Making Your Voice Heard on High

2009-05-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Remember in the movie "The Goonies" when Sloth discovered his echo in the cave. He thought it was great to yell his name and hear it echo off the walls further away. I love that movie.

Anyway, in Isaiah 58, the Lord speaking through Isaiah announces the sin of his fasting people. Although they fast, they do not do it in such a way as to be heard by God.

The Lord tells them that their fast is done with a sinful motive and so their voice is not heard on high. I love that imagery. I can imagine my desperate prayer in a time of fasting echoing off the halls of heaven. An echo calling for God to do a greater work in my life. An echo crying to God to save the lost around me. An echo screaming for my Rescuer to come and restore me after my dreadful sin.

Fasting is a deep desire on our part to tell God how serious we are to hear from Him.

Fast this week and listen for your echo and watch for your Redeemer riding in on His thunderous clouds to save you!!!

2009-05-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

What is a church to do when church leaders are bowing to the winds of culture?

The Episcopal Church USA has lost its focus by turning its resources to hunger, primary education, and AIDS instead of the proclomation of the gospel.

The Presbyterian Church USA has successfully negotiated changing their constitution to allow homosexuals to serve as ministers in their churches. This may sound good, but to know that the vote was lost by one is rather disheartening. The majority won, but only by one vote. This means close to half of their denomination was supportive of homosexuals serving. Did I miss something?

The Pope, who visited Jordan recently, has expressed his "deep respect" to the Muslim community. Sadly, the Pope and Catholic doctrine says that anyone holding a beleif in the monotheistic Creator of Abraham is welcome into the Kingdom of God. (For more check albertmohler.com "R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Should Christians "Respect" Other Religions?")

Your church, my church, any church needs to ask "Who is God?" "Who is Jesus?" and "What do we beleive?" Is the church to be influencing culture through reform or through the gospel.

I believe Jesus said it best, "Upon this rock my church will stand and gates of Hades will not overpower it."

First, it is His church.

Second, Hell cannot stop it.

Hell cannot stop it, but the culture can sure dictate some local congregations direction and focus.

Lord, forgive us for defacing your Body, your Bride.

Have mercy on us.

Stop Growing the Church

2009-05-10T13:47:00.001-07:00

The church was and is being built by the Lord Jesus Christ and the gates of Hell will not overpower it. Yet, it can remain in-effective as long as we use worldy gimmicks and models to try and prop up God's work.

The Lord has called every church to be a sold-out and surrendered church for His use. If we add anything other than that, we prostitute the church for the world's pleasure. When pastors preach sermons based on media hype or based on some wild e-mail forward making its rounds we deny the people of God true pure milk of the Word of God. When we apply worldly models of bigger and better, more shiny, new model, faster, happier, prettier, better results, all we do is deny God His place in His church. This is why many churches are sick.

Pastor, stop trying to grow the church. Preach the Word, disciple believers, discipline the wayward, make prayer a vital part of all that your church does. Go back to Acts and count up the number of verses that reveal that "God was adding to their number daily those who are being saved." The early church had no slick campaigns, no million dollar facilities, no sermonettes. They had one another and the apostles teaching. Pastors, ministers, leaders, if you are not drawing upon God and His Word to feed the sheep, protect the sheep, and nurture the sheep, then you have no business this Sunday trying to fake your way through the service or teaching hour. If you aren't prepared to be an honorable vessel for the Master's use, then step away. You are called to shepherd the Lord's flock until He returns. Be a faithful steward, not a slick salesman trying to sale your Jesus product to one more potential customer.

Church members, go to church to meet with God. Pray all week long that you will anticipate and expect to hear from God at worship. Pray for the leadership--musicians, Pastor, and other ministers that they will have had adequate prayer and preparation time so that they can HELP you come into the throne room and worship your God. If your Pastor does not teach the Word, go where it is. If the musicians sing for their glory and not for God's, go somewhere else. But, go to be fed, nourished, challenged, and encouraged. Do not go to see how the staff beefs up Jesus to make Him more interesting or culturally relevant.

The church is the body of Jesus. Do not pollute it with the world's standards or idealogies. Don't make Him come in there with a whip and overturn tables. His house is a house of prayer, a place of communicating with your Savior and God, Jesus Christ.

An Young Adult's Indictment Againt Youth Ministry

2009-04-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

This was on a blog I have recently found. It is AWESOME! May this be the driving passion of youth ministry!

A Young Adult’s Indictment Against Youth Ministry
Posted by Brian Thornton on April 1, 2009

Her name is Erica. She is fifteen. Though her family has moved about an hour away from us, and we rarely see them anymore, I still consider her mom and dad to be close friends. Her dad and I met back in college in the late 80’s (I am responsible for getting him his first real job, but he probably doesn’t like to admit that!). She is two years older than my daughter. We have video and pictures of her when she was three at my daughter’s first birthday party. I guess you can say that I have known her for her entire life. And now she is exhibiting the kind of godly wisdom and discernment that I could only dream about at her age. She is a product of two parents who take their faith and their parenting seriously. And it shows.

Erica is a no nonsense young adult. She has wisdom beyond her years. And she can see right through thinly veiled facades of what most churches would call “youth ministry”. What most would call vibrant programs that are reaching the young people of unchurched parents, Erica would call garbage. Erica represents what I hope and pray are the youth who truly are followers of the risen Christ. She doesn’t want hype. She can’t stand fluff. What she wants is to be taught the truth from Scripture. Period. And she demands it. Oh, that we all would be so bold and require from our churches such clear and direct and unadulterated proclamation of the Word. I wonder what the American church landscape would look like if that were the case.

Erica had an assignment at school. She was charged with writing an editorial on the subject of her choice. She chose to write about youth groups. As her mom states proudly (and rightly so), “she came up with the topic herself and all observations are her own.”
So, here it is. From a fifteen-year-old. Straight from the mind and convictions of an actual youth. Posted here exactly as it was forwarded to me:

A new phenomena is going on in churches these days. Picture this: You enter into the youth group of a church on a Sunday or Wednesday night. You see at least fifty kids around. Some are off talking or playing a game, but most are in a circle watching and laughing at something. You move closer into the circle and see the youth pastor and a kid trying to eat a banana through pantyhose covering their heads. You look around and notice no open Bibles, no sound of hymns or worship music, and no one praying. All you see is just a group of teenagers watching an adult and one of their peers awkwardly trying to eat a banana. You think to yourself, “Is this supposed to be church? This looks more like a party!” Well, unfortunately, this is church now. Youth group used to be opening your Bible and hearing what God had to say to you. It used to be led by someone older, someone with more experience and wisdom on how to live a godly life. It used to be about learning to listen to God and keeping Him close to your heart. Not anymore. Don’t get me wrong, though, they still do open Bibles, and maybe sing a few praise songs. The youth pastor might read a verse or two, but only after losing the kids’ attention and respect because of his display of looking like a fool.

According to Life Way research, 70% of 18-22 year olds drop out of church for at least one year. Ninety-seven percent of these church drop-outs reported that a “life change” was their reason for leaving the church. One of these “life changes” included wanting a break from church. Now why would someone who had gone to church for years and years, suddenly just want a break? There are many reasons for this, I suppose, but here’s my theory: These kids have grown to perceive church as being a joke. Watching their youth pastor do lame “gross out” games, and listening to music that is more like a copy-cat version of secular music, with Jesus thrown in here and there, has made teenagers see church as uncool and fake. Church, especially youth group, is no longer about conviction and growing closer to God, but has instead turned into a hang-out for people who don’t “do” church. Because of this, a lot of teenagers, who have grown up in the church, don’t even know that they are sinners.
So what’s the solution to this church problem? Well, I believe the perfect answer comes from C.S. Lewis when he was asked the question,“ Do you feel, then, that modern culture is being de-Christianized?” and answered with this: “…I have some definite views on the de-Christianizing of the church. I believe that there are many accommodating preachers, and too many practitioners in the church who are not believers. Jesus Christ did not say, ‘Go into all the world and tell the world that it is quite right.’ The Gospel is something completely different. In fact, it is directly the opposed to the world.” What C.S. Lewis says here is so true, in that, churches should not be accommodating to the world, but be different and set apart. We are to be, as Christ Himself said, “the light and salt of the earth.” We must be the opposite of this dark world. We must be the light.

Amen, Erica. May God bless you, protect you, and continue to grow you in the grace and knowledge of Him.

Forgiving a Sinner Like Me

2009-04-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Christ's love - amazing!

Christ's forgiveness - astounding!!

As I think about my own sinfulness, I am amazed at Christ's forgiveness. I have never killed anyone, raped, abducted, or done anything too heinous. Yet, my sinfulness would have sent me to eternal damnation unless Christ had opened my eyes to reveal my need for Him. Wow!

Scripture tells me that to even break one of the laws makes me guilty of breaking all of them.

Scripture also tells me that One Man died for all sins.

I am eternally grateful to Jesus, and this is why I worship Him, teach His principles to my children, and this is what drives me when I preach the Book.

No matter how detestable our sins, His blood is potent enough to wash it away. Amazing!

Absolutely amazing!!!

Who can stand before this holy God?

2009-03-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

As I reflect upon my last couple of sermons I am struck by a common thread of God in His awesomeness. 1 Samuel 4-6 really showcase God. The God who struck down Eygpt and rescued His people. The God who used pagan nations to bring destruction to His people Israel. Wow! I have read Revelations and I see a really mad God. A God who gave promise after promise that if His people did not keep their end of the covenant He would fulfill what He promised.

I feel bad for the Isrealites, they did not have the Spirit of God to guide them like we do today. I am so thankful that this awesome and holy God is now personal and living inside of me, His temple. I shall never fear the heavy hand of God like the Philistines in 1 Sam 5. I won't ask, "Who can stand before this Holy God?" like the Beth-shemesh people who looked in the ark and were struck dead for it.

I can look into my heart and see that Jesus, my Savior, lives and resides there.

Oh, what a Savior!

Oh, what a Prince of Peace, who rules my heart!

Who can stand before this Holy God? I can, because His blood has washed away my sin.

My personal favorites

2009-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the entire listing of web sites I use. I hope you can find something of value within these for your ministry and life. --paul

apologetics
Apologetics 101
site description here
Trinity Graduate School: Dmin
FREE distance-education in theology, apologetics, counseling. Masters thru Doctorates. ALL textbooks supplied FREE on CDs. BEST faculty. Mentor for each student. Dr. Johnson C. Philip, Dean. www.TrinityTheology.Com
free Apologetics courses, bible correspondence courses
Christian Apologetics- Welcome to the Institute of Biblical Defense
Worldview Weekend
Reasons To Believe: Hugh Ross, Fazale Rana, Kenneth Samples, David Rogstad, Jeff Zweerink
The mission of Reasons To Believe is to show that science and faith are, and always will be, allies, not enemies.
bible doctrine
Biblical Training
bible.org
NET Bible : new Bible translation, free Bible software, Bible studies and related Bible materials, .
Country Bible Church, Brenham Texas
DOCTRINE OF THE FORTY THINGS
Monergism.com Classic Articles and Resources of the Historic Christian Faith
OnePlace.com - Ministries
Live and archived Christian broadcasts from radio stations across the country and from top speakers such as James Dobson, Chuck Swindoll, and Charles Stanley. Listen for Life!
P-R-E-C-E-P-T A-U-S-T-I-N

Bible Bulletin Board
An electronic ministry of the Word of God, preaching Jesus Christ, His love, death, resurrection, and salvation. We address the key issues of life: Death, Life, Love, Marriages, Men and Women, Divorces, Remarriage and articles of a very practical nature, from preachers of the past. Many articles on God the Father,Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Heaven, and Hell. Holding forth the Bible as the source of truth for mankind.
1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith The Reformed Reader
The Reformed Reader is committed to the historic Baptist and Reformed faith. Learn and research Baptist history, doctrine, theology and biographies.
A Faith to Confess: The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
A Faith to Confess: The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, Carey Publication, 1975. Reprinted by permission
SLJ Institute Home

bible products
e-Sword Home - the best free Bible study software for Windows
Free Bible Study Software - Books on CD
Logos Bible Software for Bible Study and Exegesis
Rejoice Christian Software
Precept Ministries International: Bible Study Tools : Inductive Bible Study Resources : Bible Lessons : The Inductive Bible Study People
Bible Study Tools and Bible Lesson Resources; Precept Ministry offers Bible Studies, Bibles and training workshops to inductively study God's Word. Discover Truth, Go Deeper and Be Transformed by studying God's Word the Inductive Bible Study way.
bible study sites
http--hermeneutics.kulikovskyonline.net-
NET Bible The Biblical Studies Foundation
Grace to You
Bible teaching media ministry of John MacArthur features the radio broadcasts, books, audiocassette lessons, devotionals, and an issues and answers page.
BiblePlaces.com - Photos of Israel from the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands
Photographs and descriptions of biblical and archaeological sites in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Greece
BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 50 versions and 35 languages.
Bible Bulletin Board
An electronic ministry of the Word of God, preaching Jesus Christ, His love, death, resurrection, and salvation. We address the key issues of life: Death, Life, Love, Marriages, Men and Women, Divorces, Remarriage and articles of a very practical nature, from preachers of the past. Many articles on God the Father,Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Heaven, and Hell. Holding forth the Bible as the source of truth for mankind.
AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet
Welcome Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Hall of Church History—The Recent Stalwarts
HEARTLIGHT® Magazine: Daily Devotionals, Articles, Art and More for Christians
HEARTLIGHT Magazine is a daily Christian electronic publication dedicated to providing resources for living victoriously for Jesus in today's world.
bible.org: Home
1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith The Reformed Reader
The Reformed Reader is committed to the historic Baptist and Reformed faith. Learn and research Baptist history, doctrine, theology and biographies.
A Faith to Confess: The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
A Faith to Confess: The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, Carey Publication, 1975. Reprinted by permission
Desiring God :: God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper
Desiring God takes happiness seriously. So we offer books, sermons, articles and more to help you find your joy in God.
Dore Bible Gallery: Main Page
Precept Ministries International: Bible Study Tools : Inductive Bible Study Resources : Bible Lessons : The Inductive Bible Study People
Bible Study Tools and Bible Lesson Resources; Precept Ministry offers Bible Studies, Bibles and training workshops to inductively study God's Word. Discover Truth, Go Deeper and Be Transformed by studying God's Word the Inductive Bible Study way.
OpenBible.info
Basic Bible data available free to remix and mashup

blogs
Blogger: Create your Blog Now -- FREE
Provocations & Pantings
Pyromaniacs
CAMPONTHIS
Steve Camp CampOnThis AudienceONE A1M Apologist Christian Singer Songwriter Speaker Evangelist
Desiring God :: God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper
Desiring God takes happiness seriously. So we offer books, sermons, articles and more to help you find your joy in God.
Founders Ministries Blog
Blogger: Dashboard
Solid Food for Fellow Pilgrims
The Scrawny Pulpit
Grace's Journal
Family Reformation

books
Amazon.com Welcome
Christianbook.com's Home Page
TextbookLand.com - Compare Textbook Prices At 20 Stores In Seconds
Site: Product Details - Youth Ministry in the 21st Century
Antiquarian books, used books, out of print books: Antiqbook
Welcome Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Hall of Church History—The Recent Stalwarts
Reformation Heritage Books
RHB publishes and distributes Puritan and Reformed books at discount prices. We carry works by Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, John Owen, C.H. Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle, Octavius Winslow, Joel Beeke, Sinclair Ferguson, and many others.
Recommended Book List Anchored In Truth Ministries
Anchored in Truth Ministries is the expository preaching ministry of Jeff Noblit, Senior Pastor-Teacher of First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He has served as Senior Pastor-Teacher since 1989 and God has enabled him to preach expostionally through some of the great doctrinal books of the Bible. Anchored in Truth Ministries is the distribution mechanism for those teachings. This site gives you daily radio broadcasts, message archives, resources, and other information about Anchored in Truth Ministries. It is our desire that this site will serve as a resource for you and your personal growth and ministry.
Lighthouse Trails Publishing - Something About Us
Lewis & Roth Publishers - Elders
Precept Ministries International: Resources
Home - Bible-Based Character Training - Doorposts
Precept Ministries International

evangelism
servantevangelism.com - servant evangelism ideas
International Evangelism Association
International Evangelism Association's Operation Multiplication helps churches close the back door through discipling relationships.
American Tract Society Gospel Tracts - 180 Years of Printing the Gospel
Explore the truth of the gospel, find gospel tracts with relevant messages, send e-tracts to a friend, or view a multimedia presentation of the gospel. Over 30 million tracts distributed each year.
Outreach: Church communication and marketing tools
Church communication and outreach marketing tools featuring impactful graphics in postcards, banners, bulletins, and hundreds of communication and direct mail resources
International Evangelism Association
International Evangelism Association's Operation Multiplication helps churches close the back door through discipling relationships.
Evangelism Resources
LivingWaters.com is an evangelism resource and training site that helps Christians "share their faith" (evangelism) effectively, biblically--the way Jesus did.
MSG Webs
..::Planet Students - Student Evangelism::..
The Way of the Master
Kidology - Evangelism Zone
Intentional Evangelism - KidzPlace.org
Christianity Explained / home
The home site of Christianity Explained, a twenty -year old evangelism course by author Michael Bennett.
About Neighborly Evangelism
http://www.deathbeth.com/
Custom Bumper Stickers
Custom bumper sticker printing service with no minimum quantity.
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Post - election Test

2008-11-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Dr. Wyman Richardson, pastors FBC of Dawson, GA. created this test. It is timely and very helpful in giving us perspective on the presidential election. Take the test, then ask yourself how you should respond to the election results.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

Vision

2008-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Anyone taking a trip usually has a destination in mind. I'm sure there are some out there who are spontaneous enough that a destination is to limiting. But for those of us who want a goal at the end, a vision is what you foresee being your final destination. A vision is usually bigger than you can imagine, harder than you can fathom, and more wonderful than you can wish for.
Do you have a vision for your life? What three measurable goals would you hope to accomplish before you die? A modified "bucket-list." I'll share with you some of mine, maybe it will spark some things for you. By the way, these are not my BIG three, just a list in general. I would love to see Europe, the Holy Land, maybe even India. I would love to write a book (topic unknown). I think it would be cool to hang out with John MacArthur, a spiritual giant, and Harrison Ford, my movie hero.
So, after you list your three, start making goals to reach them. Yeah, these aren't just pie-in-the-sky ideas, these have to be measurable goals, remember? What are my three goals, you ask? Ask me sometime and I'll tell you.
I want my church to spend the month of November on a sort of spiritual vision quest. What does our Sovereign Lord want our, His, church to be. I believe that if we can get an idea of who we are to be then we can begin deciding what we are to do.
Some of you may be thinking, "this sounds purpose-driven to me." I guess so, if that helps you wrap your mind around it. I went through the purpose-driven fad, but I still like the biblical view of knowing who I am in Jesus. I think this is possible for a specific group of believers too.
Anyway, back to my church who I've asked to pray, read, meditate and fast to ask the Lord to show us who we, as a specific body of Christ, are to be and become. I find this to be a fascinating task. I believe that God will unite His people and show a collection of individuals several dreams that when put together become one united vision.

You are Loved

2008-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hey, two Sunday's ago, CrossPoint gave Tricia and I two wonderful gifts and a card full of warm words.
I just want all of my church family to know how much we appreciated your awareness of Pastor appreciation month by recognizing us. So many Pastors are out there hurting and alone, even when they are surrounded by their church.
CrossPoint, you did a really honorable thing by "appreciating" us.
Well, you are loved, Beloved of God!
I am sure there more ways for me to let you know that Tricia and I love you, but I hope you read this and know it.

"We love you!"

One thing I have a passion for is discipling people. An aspect of discipling is to admonish and teach. If you or someone you know is struggling with life issues/struggles, please let us know. I would love to sit down with them and prayerfully help them/you through any tough times.

Powerful thought

2008-09-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

I read a powerful quote in one of my devotionals this week. It came from the perspective of God as he listens to our prayers for the salvation of a loved one. Although we can become frustrated and not know why so and so has not come to salvation, God is still active. Can we bring conviction? Can we bring adversity, or blessing, or the searing prick of salvation to one's conscience? No, but we pray to a God who can.
Do not give up on praying for that loved one. You don't always know what God is doing in another's life. Salvation may seem impossible to us, but not to God. He practices in the impossible.

Time at the Master's Feet

2008-09-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to confess something to you: I have not had a consistent quiet time with my Lord for several months. MONTHS! I know, I know, you haven't either, but who's judging?

Well, convicttion came upon me. A gentlemen in our church told me how he gets up at 5:00 am to spend time with God before going to work. Here I am getting up at 6:00 am and going to work without spending any time with God. Usually, I would try and squeeze a time in during the evening after dinner or before. But, there would always be interruptions, and it is hard to focus. So, after I heard about the 5:00 am time, I knew I needed to get up and act like I love my Lord.

So, I get up at 5:30 and spend a half hour reading and preparing my mind for the day. What, you thought I was going to say I get up at 5:00 am? I'm not the Pope, just paul.

I am writing this to encourage all of us to make some time to be like Mary and do the better thing and sit at the Master's feet.

Whether it is in the morning or the evening, find a quiet place and a comfortable chair to be with Jesus.

I am following the year with a prayer guide I picked up at a book store years ago. It guides me through scripture readings and prayers throughout the year of certain topics. The next couple of things I do vary depending upon what I feel like doing: Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost (modern language edition);" "Magnificent Prayer" by Nick Harrison; "Spurgeon Gold" (a book of quotes from Spurgeon) by Ray Comfort; and a small Bible study using Precept Ministries material.

I can do this in about 30 minutes. How good it is to spend time with my Lord! I am confident that the Lord speaks directly to us through the Word. Any other words He gives to me during the day usually come filtered through what I read that morning. I have been going into work with more comfort and confidence than I have had in a long time.

Beloved, do the better thing and sit at the Master's feet.

The Weapon of our Warfare

2008-09-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

This morning in my devotion time I read some things that reminded me of our strongest weapon for bringing the Kingdom of God to earth -- prayer! You thought I would say something really new and profound, nothing is new under the sun. But, prayer remains our strongest tool in our alliance with our King Warrior -- Yahweh-saboath, The LORD of hosts, the God of the angel armies!!!

In Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest," he said for September 10th, "God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint." (See my next post about our devotional time.)

John Piper said, "When God hungers for some special satisfaction, he seeks out a prayer to answer. Our prayer is the sweet aroma from the kitchen ascending up into the Kings' chambers making him hungry for the meal. But the actual enjoyment of the meal is his own glorious work in answering our prayer. The food of God is to answer our prayer. The most wonderful thing about the Bible is that it reveals a God who satisfies his appetite for joy by answering prayers."

Beloved, let us embrace our prayer time as a time of warfare. It is our prayers that The Lord allows us to partake with Him in his redemption of the world. God wants you and I to join Him in taking back this world. Does He need our prayers? No. Does He want our prayers? Yes. Why? Because all that He does is for His own glory and He allows us to partake in glorifying Him by praying to Him to do some incredible work. What, did you think you were the center of the universe. Wrong-ola! Jesus said, "I AM."

...to the ends of the earth

2008-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

What will CrossPoint look like in one year? five years? ten years? fifty years?

That all depends on what we decide to do now. Dr. Bob Price always says, "If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep on getting what you always got."

What are we as a church to be about? Why does the church exist? You know the answer don't you.

Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is present with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, empowering us to do the work of an evangelist.

Are you ready to get dirty for Jesus? Ministry is messy. If it isn't then you are just running a social club. CrossPoint will not be a social club.

We are a HOSPITAL for the dying...

We are a LIGHTHOUSE for those in danger of drowning...

We are a BULL HORN to sound the warning of coming judgment and freedom in Jesus...

We are CROSSPOINT where people's lives intersect with Jesus!

Begin praying today:

First, that we will know and understand the terror of the Lord and that we would see and know that people without Jesus are lost and will face God's wrath, 2 Cor. 5:11

Second, pray that the Holy Spirit will give YOU a continuing and agonizing burden for the lost, Rom. 9:1-3.

Third, pray for Holy Spirit power in witnessing, Acts 1:8.

Firth, pray that you would intentionally look for opportunities to witness, Col. 4:3; Matt. 7:7.

We are His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Are we?

Adorning the Gospel

2008-06-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

It was amazing to me how God was stirring in my soul Sunday morning. As a Pastor I try not to be completely dedicated to my notes. I certainly did not dedicate this Sunday morning. God was really speaking to me about areas of my life and how they were out of balance. I truly believe that God was also speaking to some of you.

As I was preaching the Lord showed me this visual of walking up to the base of the cross of our Lord and just hugging it. It was just after they had taken our Lord down, so everything was still fresh. The dark clouds, the weeping people, and the cross. I knelt down and clung to the cross and smelt the wretched odor of blood and sweat. The blood still running down the beam and touching upon my cheek. These were real. That was real. Cling to the cross this week. Place your fingers in the holes made by the nails. Smell the blood, see the stains in the crevices of the wood. Imagine why He died there, for you...

for you...

for you....

When we realize fully what He died for, whom He died in place of, then we will begin to have a real understanding of our salvation. Our salvation will become precious. Our lives will become meaningful. Others lives will become important. Life is not about jobs, or retirement. It is about Jesus, the cross, the lost, the party awaiting us at the end.

Ponder this week the cross.

Ponder how this pondering will em-blazen your adornment of the gospel.

Life is about adorning the gospel.

Leave comments, I would love to know what God is showing you also.

What Really Happened in Colorado Part Three

2008-05-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

While we were in Colorado we visited Pike's Peak, it was amazing. I wrote this in my journal after we visited the Peak.

Tuesday, August 7th of 2007 at 4:25pm I wrote:

Coming down from Pikes Peak there was such thick clouds we couldn't see very far down. I thought how being a Christian is like living on the mountain It is majestic, breath-taking, soothing, and dangerous. But only if you can see without the clouds obstructing the view of just how high up you really are. When the clouds roll in we forget how wonderful it is to be up so high. When we forget our Lord and walk in our desires it is the same as the clouds rolling in. We can get used to this exhilerating life our Sovereign Lord has given us, take it for granted. We can lose sight of how majestic, breath-taking, soothing and dangerous He is. The difference between Pikes Peak and me - I can control the clouds.

What Really Happened in Colorado Part Two

2008-05-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

One of my callings was to be a counselor. In fact as I was graduating from college I thought that counseling was to be my profession. A timely word from my Youth Pastor, Mike Jarrett, that ultimately came from God was not to go down that road. The Lord birthed that desire, but it would not be born until these last couple of years.

Little by little God has been teaching me about counseling and I have had some wonderful opportunities to counsel teenagers, marriages, and men. I love it.

While in Colorado one of our requirements was to take a personality test. They used one of the best, the Myers-Brigg Personality Indicator. It is really thorough and helps a person to discover who God designed them to be. I am excited, because you have to seek approval to be able to purchase this material and use it. I was accepted and can use it. I hope to eventually get some in-depth training with it. But, for now I hope to incorporate it into my pastoring work of counseling.

Tricia and I have received so many godly words from people who we love. They have spoken endearing words into our hearts and we are better because of it. People like my parents, my in-laws, Pastors, and friends. I believe that God wants Tricia and I to be able to do the same for other souls who are hurting and in need of guidance.

What Really Happened in Colorado

2008-05-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since our trip to Colorado and as I reflect back I can see how it was life changing for me and Tricia both.

There was so much turmoil in my spirit during that last year at Cornerstone, I had picked up a lot of baggage that was really influencing my view of God and how He saw me.

One of my primary strengths is that I care for people, this is reflected in my spiritual gift of pastor/shepherd. At the same time this strength can hide my primary weakness--my obsessive need to be approved by people. This need to seek others approval fleshed itself out in my continual struggle to walk two lives. One life was with the people I care about and who are my dearest friends and the other was my loyalty to my Pastor, Bro. Bob. I was constantly being pulled in two directions and I hated it.

I was so scared of leaving Cornerstone that I continued to live in this grip experience. I had this warped view of logic that said it was okay to try and please both lives, one that disagreed with the direction of the Pastor and the other that got along for security of a job and a paycheck. It was only by God's goodness that He brought my true feelings to light and simply booted me out into the real world.

I made a statement at CrossPoint last week during my sermon that really shook me. I hadn't planned on saying it and I am discovering that alot of what I say comes in the moment. I know, that can be bad because who knows what I am g0ing to say and that can be good because it allows for the Spirit of God to move spontaneously on me. I said during my sermon that I would Pastor for free. I really meant it. I know the Apostle Paul said that elders who teach are worthy of double honor and I appreciate that about 'ole Paul, but if I'm not willing to try and build the Kingdom for free, then I am not called to build it.

At Cornerstone I never had that perspective. I had a lazy, self-absorbed perspective that betrayed the Kingdom. I believe it was God's will for me and the family to get out of there. I am so thankful of my years there and would not trade it for anything.

So, one thing I learned in Colorado was that "I don't have to prove myself to anyone." God made me uniquely me and He is showing me that I am only responsible towards Him. Yes, I am accountable to others, no doubt. But, my perverted view of finding worth in myself through others really had me in bondage. I found my worth through Cornerstone and that was perverted, it would be if I tried to find my worth through CrossPoint. My worth is found in God's love for me. I am His beloved Son, a Warrior Prince. The church does not owe me anything and I don't owe the church anything. I owe God everything.

One of my journals reveals what I am trying to say here: Wednesday the 8th of August, 2007, at 8:51 am. The Sovereign Lord loves me. He also said He sees me as majestic, breath-taking, soothing, and yes, dangerous. My Father is pleased with me for who I am, not what I've done or will do.

More about Colorado later.