No Other Name

(Please read Tuesday's, August 28th, post which is a companion thought to the post below.)

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There are many famous names in the history of religious thought - names such as Mohammed, Buddha, Confusius, Joseph Smith, among a host of others. Each has a multitude of followers who pay homage to their name.

But there is only one name that saves one's soul eternally, the Lord Jesus Christ. This exclusivity necessarily results from the fact that there is only one God and Creator of all men, and that all men have rebelled against Him. God Himself has become Redeemer and Saviour, dying for the sin of the world and rising again. There can, therefore, be no other Saviour than God Himself.

Please consider these verses found in God's Word, the Bible;

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

It is extremely urgent, therefore, that anyone desiring forgiveness of their sin and eternal salvation come to God through Jesus Christ. Read what the Word of God says about the fate of those who do not trust Jesus Christ now as their personal Saviour will receive when He returns;

2 Thes. 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Friend, there is no other name but Jesus, and He is the only way to Heaven!!! He is the only avenue of escape from the eternal punishment of Hell as the result of your sin. Won't you trust him this very moment to save you from the penalty of your sin???

Final South Korean Missionary Hostages Released by Taliban

(Here is an update of a blog post I made earlier this month on August 4.)

All 19 Korean Hostages Released
By
Michelle Vu
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Aug. 30 2007 12:54 PM ET

The final three South Korean hostages have been released, bringing the total to seven the number of those freed on Thursday and what looks to be an end to the six-week hostage drama that made headlines around the world.

Two women and one man were handed over to Reto Stocker, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan, hours after a handover of four hostages earlier in the day, according to The Associated Press.

“We are more than thrilled to learn that they are free, but I must tell you that we can’t wait until all of them return safely,” said Cha Sung-min, a spokesman for the hostages’ family members after receiving news Tuesday that all 19 hostages would soon be freed, according to Korea Times.

Since the July 19 abduction – the largest abduction of foreigners in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 – two male hostages have been killed. The leader of the group, Bae Hyung-kyu, was found dead on July 25, and the body of 29-year-old Shim Sung-min was found July 30. Also, prior to the latest releases, two females – 37-year-old Kim Kyung-ja and 32-year-old Kim Ji-na – were freed on Aug. 13.

The recent handovers took place after the Taliban and South Korea struck a deal in which Korea promised to withdraw its 200 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year and to block South Korean Christian missionaries from working in the country.

Although there were earlier reports that suggested the involvement of money in the negotiations, an Indonesian government official who took part in the negotiations Tuesday between three South Korean officials and two Taliban commanders where the deal was struck said money was not brought up. Furthermore, the rebels had reportedly foregone their original demand for a prisoner exchange.

Protestant organizations in South Korea have said they will respect the new law banning missionary activities in Afghanistan after voicing appreciation for the government’s effort in freeing the Christian volunteers.

However, the head of the Institute of Asian Culture and Development, Choi Han-woo, noted that the Taliban apparently wanted to define missionary work to include Korean volunteer activities as well and “to justify their abduction,” according to Chosun Ilbo.

Still, Choi said his organization will pull out its workers from Afghanistan in compliance with the agreement.

Jesus Christ, The Only Way

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

This is surely one of the best-known, best-loved, most important, clearest, yet most profound verse in the Bible. There is no other way to come to God except through Jesus Christ; no other truth than that which is founded and centered on Jesus Christ; no other eternal life except the life of Jesus Christ imparted to the believer, through faith in Jesus Christ.

There is no other way, the Lord Jesus Christ is the all-sufficient way, and the perfect way to God. It is not that He shows the way, He is the way!!! And all who want to come, can come to God through Him!!!

All who teach otherwise are "thieves and robbers" of the soul, for Jesus Christ said; "I am the door." John 10:8-11 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. There is no other door to Heaven, and no other Shepherd of the sheep.

Here are some other statements made by Jesus Christ found in God's Word, the Bible;

Jesus Christ is the only "light of the world," to illuminate a world otherwise blackened by sin. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 2 Cor. 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is "that bread of life," and there is no other such life-sustaining eternal food for the hungry soul. John 6:48, 51 I am that bread of life. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Jesus Christ is the "living water," and no other water here on earth can satisfy the thirst of men. John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Therefore the Scriptures have made it very plain about the name and person of Jesus Christ;

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Php. 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What about you, friend??? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, or is His name just a curse word which shows the true, sinful condition of your heart???

Haven't you ever wondered why the sinful world only uses the name of Jesus Christ in cursing??? They don't associate cursing with the other so called "little g" gods of this world; i.e. Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Joseph Smith, etc. Why is it just Jesus Christ??? The attack of the sinful world is always against the name and person of Jesus Christ!!! Is there an explanation?????

My Bible and I

We've traveled together through life's rugged way,

O'er land and over water, by night and by day:

To travel without it I never would try,

We keep close together, my Bible and I.

In sorrow I've proved it my comfort and joy,

When weak my strong tower which nought can destroy;

When death comes so near me 'tis thought I would die,

We still are together, my Bible and I.

If powers of evil against me would come,

And threaten to rob me of heaven and home,

God's Word then directs me to Him in the sky;

And nothing can part us, my Bible and I.

When evil temptations are brought to my view,

And I in my weakness know not what to do,

On Christ as my strength I am taught to rely;

And so we keep company, my Bible and I.

When life's path is ended; if Jesus should come

and take all His blood-purchased children home;

Or if, in long suffering, He waits till I die,

We'll never be parted, my Bible and I.

And when in the glory my Lord I behold,

with all His redeemed gathered safe in the fold,

My Bible and I close companions will be

For God's Word abides for all eternity!

Author Unknown

God's Love and Provision

(Yesterday I posted verses from God's Word, the Bible, about the reality of death and the judgment of God; today here are some wonderful verses detailing God's love and provision. I trust that you will read each verse with an open heart and allow the Holy Spirit of God to work in your life.)

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Rom. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 Cor. 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 Tim. 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Isa. 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Death and The Judgment of God

(Today I will list some verses from God's Word, the Bible, detailing the certainty of death which will come to all men, followed by the judgment of God. Please read these verses carefully with an open heart if you do not fear God or have not trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of your sin. Then come back tomorrow, as I post some verses from the Bible detailing God's love and provision.)

Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Gal. 6:7-8a Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;

Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ezek. 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Matt. 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matt. 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 9:43-44 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Rom. 2:12-16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

John 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Rev. 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Forget Not His Commandments

Prov. 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

It is vitally important that we never forget that God's law is essentially a statement of God's holiness, even though we are saved by grace and not by the works of the law. We should desire to know and follow God's commandments simply because they are "holy, and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.), not because we seek salvation through them.

In Psalm 119, the longest chapter of the Bible, in which practically every verse refers to God's Word, the Scriptures, the writer stresses seven times that he would never forget the laws and commandments of His Lord. May the Lord teach us the same determination!!!

Psalm 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalm 119:83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

Psalm 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

Psalm 119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

Psalm 119:141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

Psalm 119:153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

Psalm 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

This last verse in the chapter beautifully points out the urgency of not forgetting the commandments of God; He will seek us when we stray and bring us back home to Him, for we remember and love His law!!!

(By HMM in Days of Praise)

Do All Religions Lead to God???

(Here is a copy of an article by Steve Cornell in the August 21, 2007 mailing of the Worldview Weekend Alert. The Devil has done a good job of deceiving people all over the world regarding their belief system in God, and the media and educational systems of today have taught us diversity is the key to human interaction, and we should never offend our fellow man!!! However, if we don't share our faith in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we will have blood on our hands for not warning our fellow man. Ezek. 3:18-19 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Click on the title link above to go directly to the article's webpage for additional information.)

Do all roads from Chicago lead to Atlanta? Do all religions lead to God? The answer to both questions should be obvious. Yet when religion is discussed, I am surprised by the number of people who think all religions are basically the same. Many actually think that the religions of the world are simply different paths to the same God. I’ve also heard people say that the names for deities are just different titles for the same God.

Are Krishna, Mohammed, and Jesus really identical? Can we equate the Buddha, Allah, and Jehovah? No! Nothing could be further from the truth! To think that all religions and the deities they claim are the same is simply wrong. Yes, different religions often have overlapping ideas, but to suggest, for example, that Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians share the same major beliefs is misguided.

Some also believe that each religion is equally true despite the vast differences they teach. How can religions which deny that Jesus is God and those affirming he is God, both be right? A remarkable trend has developed in our nation over the past several decades. We have moved from recognition and respect for the diverse and multicultural makeup of society (which is important), to an insistence that all religions representing this diversity be treated as equally true.

Perhaps people hold these thoughts for fear that allowing any group to claim the truth and try to convert others could lead to the religious imperialism our Founding Fathers refused. But is the alternative to be found in a type of tolerance which does not allow rational debate? Is this what the Fathers had in mind? Why isn’t it possible to maintain each other’s freedom to follow, express, and defend our beliefs without considering each belief system equally true? Isn’t it possible to tolerate (as we should) two opposing religious opinions without viewing both as correct?

“In the popular mind open-mindedness is no longer connected with a willingness to consider alternative views but with a dogmatic relativizing of all views. It no longer focuses on the virtues of rational discourse among persons of disparate beliefs, as a means to pursuing the truth, but on the conclusions of the discourse. It reflects massive built-in assumptions about the inadmissibility of any religion claiming a truth status above another religion. It forecloses on open-mindedness in the same breath by which it extols the virtues of open-mindedness. Both the irony and the tragedy of this fierce intolerance stem from the fact that it is done in the name of tolerance. It is fundamentalistic dogmatism in the worst sense.” (D. A. Carson, God and Culture)

We may like to believe we are showing respect for our fellow humans by telling them that their religion is as true as anyone else’s, but this is really quite cruel if we are wrong. It could be compared to telling a blind man standing on the edge of a cliff that any way he walks will be equally safe. Why did Jesus speak of a narrow gate that leads to life and a broad road leading to destruction? (Matt. 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.) Why did he say, “(John 14:6) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Are all religions the same? Does toleration of all religions demand that each be considered equally true? Is it arrogant for one religion to proclaim itself true and others false? The words of Bishop Leslie Newbigin summarize well the Christian concern. “If, in fact, it is true that Almighty God, creator and sustainer of all that exists in heaven and on earth, has — at a known time and place in human history — so humbled himself as to become part of our sinful humanity, and to suffer and die a shameful death to take away our sin, and to rise from the dead as the first-fruit of a new creation, if this is a fact, then to affirm it is not arrogance. To remain quiet about it is treason to our fellow human beings. If it is really true, as it is, that ‘the Son of God loved me and gave himself up for me’, how can I agree that this amazing act of matchless grace should merely become part of a syllabus for the ‘comparative study of religions’?”

Does Daddy Go???

(The following poem was published in the August 2007 edition of Calvary's Stand, a publication of Calvary Baptist Church in Tunnel Hill, GA. The author's name is not listed, but it is well worth reading. This was posted on a mailing list by Bro. Rex Simcox as was in my mailbox tonight.)

Daddy had a little boy, his soul was white as snow,
He never went to Sunday School, ‘cause Daddy wouldn’t go.

He never heard the Word of God, that thrills the childish mind,
While other children went to class, this child was left behind.

As he grew from babe to youth, Dad saw to his dismay,
A soul that once was snowy white, became a dingy gray.

Realizing that his son was lost, Dad tried to win him back,
But now the soul that once was white, had turned an ugly black.

Dad even started back to church, and Bible study too,
He begged the preacher, “Isn’t there a thing that you can do?”

The preacher tried, failed, and said, “We’re just too far behind,
I tried to tell you years ago, but you paid me no mind.”

And so another soul was lost, that was once as white as snow,
Sunday School would have helped, but Daddy wouldn’t go.

Godly Advice For Dealing With Real Life Situations - Only God Can Change Hearts!!!

Here are some real life examples that have occurred in my lifetime;

Godly parents who have sought to honour the Lord in their child rearing have come to the realization that their adult child has begun turning or has already completely turned their back on everything that mom and dad have taught them. What can they do about this???

A wife feels that her husband does not take the spiritual lead as he should. She wants him to lead in spiritual matters and desires to follow him as he follows Christ but he seems disinterested in this necessary role and satisfied and even complacent with his own spiritual condition. What can she do about this???

A husband seems frustrated. The Holy Spirit has dealt with him and he desires to lead his family into a deeper commitment to Christ and a more fervency of zeal in their service for Christ. Yet the family seems disinterested, even cynical and sometimes even antagonistic toward the changes dad makes. What can he do about this???

A family has dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. Beyond salvation they have begun to be faithful to church, they are tithing their income, they are sending their children to a Christian school, they are changing their worldly music and other worldly forms of entertainment, and adopting Biblical standards for Christian living. Other saved family members whom they dearly love question their newfound commitment to Christ. They make light of, make fun of, mock and criticize their standards and convictions. None of this mind you is brought on by a prideful disposition on the part of the changed family. The subject matter is not even brought up by them. Yet the extended family members seem bent on interrogating them for their new found commitment to an old-fashioned Bible Christianity. What can they do about this???

YOU CAN'T CHANGE A PERSON'S HEART, BUT GOD CAN!!!

1. God can change a person's heart! - 1 Sam. 10:9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. Ezra 6:22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
2. God can put something in a person's heart! - Ezra 7:27 Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
3. God can soften a person's heart! - Ezek. 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Ezek. 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
4. Only God can change or turn a person's heart! - Prov. 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

WELL, THEN WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS???

1. I can love them.
2. I can pray for them.
3. Ask God to change their heart.
4. Let God change my heart. I cannot expect a person to be better than my attitude toward them. What is God trying to teach me through this person or situation???
5. Realize that God can take even our mistakes and bring about something good from them. Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
6. Make yourself available. However, refrain from giving unsought advice. Unsought advice is seldom heeded and often resented. If you do give unsought advice you may very well forfeit the right to give advice later.

Parodoxes in the Word of God

Prov. 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

The Bible tells us that in order "to get, we must give." This is opposite of the world's method for attaining prosperity, but it is the parodoxical message of the above text, which includes other areas of our life other than financial, i.e. blessings, friendships, love, etc.

Here are some of the other parodoxes found in the Bible;

1. To really live, we must die - Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2. To save one's life, we must lose it - Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
3. To be wise, we must become fools - 1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
4. To reign, we must serve - Matt. 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
5. To be exalted, we must become humble - Matt. 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
6. To be first, we must be last - Matt. 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Reasons to Teach Biblical Doctrine

(This is an excerpt from Brannon Howse’s new book: Building A Biblical Worldview Verse by Verse. Click on the title link above to find out additional information.)

Besides the all-important reason of keeping people from having to hear Jesus say “depart from me,” there are 11 benefits here and now of teaching Biblical doctrine.

1. Biblical doctrine builds discernment and reveals the will of God for our lives. a)Discernment and sound judgment are a by-products of teaching Biblical doctrine. 1 Thes. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. b) Revealing the will of God for our lives - John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. Biblical doctrine prepares us for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
3. There has been a vast falling away from Biblical truth. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
4. False teaching is destroying lives. Enemies of the truth know exactly how to encourage false teaching: “Education is thus a most powerful ally of humanism. What can the theistic Sunday schools, meeting for an hour once a week, and teaching only a fraction of the children, do to stem the tide of a five-day program of humanistic teaching?” (1933, Charles Francis Potter, Humanism: A New Religion) - Col. 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
5. Biblical doctrine is not boring but a strong mooring. As I said earlier, most self-professing Christians cannot articulate, much less defend, the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, but why is it that we spend so much time on things that will not last and that do not matter? Adults as well as teens can tell you all about pop culture, about sports teams and superstars but can these same teens and adults tell you how we know Jesus is God, how we know the Bible is true, or how we know Jesus rose from the dead? Biblical doctrine is the Gospel, the will of God for our lives. It is what Jesus talked about during his earthly ministry. In spite of how it’s sometimes been presented, the real picture of Jesus and His teachings is riveting. Jesus commanded respect, inspired commitment, and renewed lives in ruin.
6. Biblical doctrine taught early and consistently builds a faith that lasts. 2 Tim. 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Deut. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
7. Biblical doctrine stirs the heart and mind. From the heart proceed our good and bad thoughts, emotions, and behavior. So preparing the soil of a child’s or teen’s heart is crucial if we want to plant the seeds of Biblical truth and see them grow to maturity. Rom. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Prov. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
8. Because there is no application without acquisition. If we want to see our children, friends and family apply Biblical truth to all areas of life, they must first know what the truth is. Knowledge means the acquisition of truth; wisdom means the application of truth. If adults and teens are to acquire wisdom and knowledge, we must encourage them to study Biblical doctrine and come to understand the character and nature of God it reveals. Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
9. Biblical doctrine convicts those that contradict. The scriptures are great at setting the record straight—whether in theology, doctrine, or lifestyle. Tit. 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
10. Biblical doctrine will last forever. When we commit ourselves to teaching and training hearts and minds with the Word of God, we are planting in the lives of others something that will last through all eternity. Isa. 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
11. Because lives are at stake, and it is appointed unto every man to die once and then face judgment. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Preach the Gospel With Words

(Here is an excerpt from an article by Ray Comfort published in the August 15 email issue of Worldview Weekend. Click on the title link above to read the complete article or find more information about this email service.)

Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Recently someone told me about a conference where 100,000 Christians gathered to worship God. When I asked if they were exhorted to go out and preach the Gospel to every creature, it was no surprise to me that they weren't. Instead, they were exhorted to live a life of worship. Again, that sounds spiritual, but you can't worship God without obedience to His Word, and His Word commands us to preach the Gospel to every creature.

Matt. 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I regularly meet those who think they can obey the Great Commission without using words. When they hear the Gospel preached that are usually offended and say things like, "I appreciate what you are saying, but I don't like the way you are saying it." With a little probing, they are the relationship folks, who think preaching the Gospel means building relationships with the lost, and never mentioning words like "sin," "Hell," and "Judgment Day." They think that real love is to withhold the Bread of life from those that are starving to death. Remember that Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38).

I have felt the grip of fear and have wanted to drop words such as sin, Hell, repentance and Judgment Day when I have preached to sinners. I don't want to come across as being unloving or judgmental, but I fear God more than I fear man. So when God's Word tells me to use words, I use words, despite the consequences.

Listen to the Apostle Paul's sobering warning to his hearers: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20: 26-27). Perhaps he spoke about being free from their blood because he was familiar with God Himself warning Ezekiel of his responsibility to warn his generation: "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 3:18).

If we become passive about the Great Commission because we are more concerned about ourselves than the eternal well-being of others, we may be able to hide our motives from man, but not from God. He warns, "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" (Proverbs 24:11-12).

The time is short. The laborers are few. Please, cast off your fears and equip yourself to preach the Gospel with words. They are necessary.

How To Be a Fisher of Men

The Word of God gives instructions concerning the winning of souls. Note how we are to fish for men;

1. A true fisher of men must have the desire - Psalm 51:12-13 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
2. A thoughtful fisher of men will equip himself - Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
3. A sensible fisher of men goes to find them - Acts 8:29-30 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
4. A successful fisher of men uses the right "bait" - Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
5. A wise fisher of men keeps himself out of sight - John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
6. A patient fisher of men pulls the line in at the proper time - 2 Tim. 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
7. A faithful fisher of men shall be rewarded - Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

(Sermon outline excerpt from "A Call to Soul Winning" by Austin Sorenson)

I'll Have To Pray On It

(Here is another great article written by Dave Daubenmire from the August 9 issue of NewsWithViews. Although the article deals with a dilema in the public school arena, the main thrust is the lack of genuine concern for the average Christian to be involved and actively engaged against the Devil's crowd in today's world. I am happy to report to you that my wife and I are getting ready to begin our 18th year of homeschooling our children, simply because of our conviction that it is the parents responsibility to train their children. Some parents utilize public schools, some Christian schools, but we have chosen the path of home education. That being said, however, doesn't remove my responsibility from speaking out against the world and it's sinful programs in the public school arena. The public school system has no problem at all taking my taxes!!! Click on the title above to read the entire article on the NewsWithViews website.)

Last week I saw a story in the local paper that made me squirm. It seems that a public library was putting up a fight over the placement of sexually-suggestive books in the children’s section of the library. When a politically incorrect parent complained about the placement of such materials in an area that was open to the perusal of young eyes, it seems that the local librarian got all bent out of shape over the attempt of the parent to “censure” from children “educational” materials that the library board had deemed “appropriate.” Somewhere along the line, some God-hating humanist had made the determination that if any material had “educational” value, then the material should be made available to all children regardless of the concerns of the tax-paying clientele.

How long are we going to put up with this? Is it just me, or does it seem that the god-hating progressives love to take our money and promote their agenda? It is becoming abundantly clear that anything labeled “public” in America is becoming increasingly decadent. “Public” is rapidly coming to mean “you pay for what I want to do. Give us your money and we’ll tell you what is best for you and your family.

Well it just so happens that I had recently been at a gathering where the discussion of such “public” indoctrination had come under inspection. A group of parents had invited me to come and listened as they “privately” aired some concerns that they had about what was taking place in their “public” schools.

“What should we do, Coach?” they inquired of me. “We think it is horrible what they are exposing our kids to at such a young age. Somebody is going to have to do something about it?"

I had been here before. As a guy with a reputation of being a bit “edgy” as far as Christianity is concerned, I knew that the “somebody” they wanted to do something was me. They didn’t come right out and say it, but I knew they wanted to hire me as a mercenary, free of charge of course, because I had “experience” in this “type of thing.” In other words, they wanted me to go fight their fight for them, sort of a Christian hired-gun. Let me take the fire as they hid in the pews and watched.

“What do you think we should do? I queried them. “What is it you would like to see happen?” They did not appreciate my questioning; they had invited me for answers. I didn’t let them hide in their silence. “Let me ask you a few questions. Who pays for the schools, whose children are being “educated” there, and who is responsible for training the children?” All eyes immediately dropped to the floor as mine panned the crowd. “Until you answer those questions there is no need to proceed. After a long pause I said “Let me help you out.”

“Here it is in a nutshell. The schools are paid for with your tax dollars. The teachers, school board, and superintendent all work for you. You buy the books, the buses, pay the utilities, the salaries, and build the buildings. In many cases, you ‘tithe’ more to the schools than you do your church. Yet you have no say. Some “expert” in Washington knows what is best for your kid, even though they don’t know him, his parents, or his community. The children belong to the Lord; He has merely put them in the care of earthly parents. They do not belong to the teachers, the school board, the superintendent, the National Education Association, or the Gay and Lesbian Task Force. George Bush doesn’t own them, Congress doesn’t own them, and the Supreme Court is not their family. If you have children it is because God has entrusted them to you. The responsibility for training children falls to the parents. You will live with the consequences of what your children are taught. To turn the education of them over to people who will teach them things that are in opposition to everything that you as the parents believe is to bastardize them. They have your genes but someone else’s values. What more defines a child as yours? Is it the fact that he looks like you, or is it because he thinks like you? If you believe in your values, why wouldn’t you want your children to be taught them? Why would you pay the freight for your school to teach your children things you don’t believe?”

The room was uncomfortably silent.

“You want a plan? Well here you go. Call everyone that you know. Every pastor, every elder, every church member, every Sunday school teacher and ask them to join us at the school board meeting next Monday. If you do that, if you rally a crowd, I’ll go speak on your behalf. We will demand that the homosexual agenda be removed from our schools, that comprehensive sex-education be aborted, that abstinence education be the ONLY thing taught, and that every student be taught creationism as the origin of the species. We will make it clear that until our demands are met, not a one of us will ever vote for a school levy again, and we will encourage everyone we know to also oppose government indoctrination of our kids. They work for us. The school board will never see the light until they feel the heat. I say it is time we turned up the temperature.”

In the back of the room a cowardly man stood up and cleared his throat. “This seems pretty radical stuff to me. There are a lot of good people working in the schools. They do the best they can to educate our children, with all of the restraints that are put on them” And then he hid behind his skirt. “I’ll have to pray about it. I’d have to be led by the Lord to do that.”

“Really?” I said as the steam rose off of my collar. “What is there to pray about? Let me sharpen the picture a bit for you, sir. If someone was breaking into your house to rape your daughter would you have to pray about your response? If you found a predator online trying to make a rendezvous with your 12 year old would you have to pray about it? If your neighbor was window peeping into your bedroom would you have to pray about it? If a drug dealer was standing on the corner giving marijuana to children would you have to pray about it? If your baby-sitter were feeding your child poison, would you seek the Lord about what to do?"

Do you pray before you go fishing? Do you pray before you play golf? Do you seek the Lord about going to a football game? Do you seek the Lord’s guidance before you put your kids on the yellow school bus from hell? As I once heard Zell Miller say, Silence isn’t golden, it’s yellow.

Sorry to sound so judgmental, but that guy was a male, but he was not a man. He was more a coward than Christian.

So here is where I left it. I told them that I am more than willing to lead a fight to reclaim our schools, but that I was not interested in falling on my sword. If they want to fight, and fight to win, then I am willing to help organize the troops. But there is a contingency attached. My next step into the battle will only be initiated after I have heard from ten local pastors/church leaders who are willing to reclaim the education of our children. Just ten men who truly understand the importance of education and the role it plays in the perpetuation of our Christian culture: Just ten Godly men who believe the future of Christianity demands action and will go stand with me at the meeting.

I’m still waiting. No calls. No men. Our children continue to be pummeled by the un-godly in the government educational system. Where are the watchmen? Where are those who love their children more than they love their comfort, who love Truth more than a lie, who love the Lord more than their possessions?

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I won’t hold my breath. Besides, my grass is getting higher, and the weeds are taking over my garden. What should I do? I need to seek the Lord and ask him if I should mow. I think I’ll call a meeting of my neighbors to see if any of them “feel led” to tend to my yard.

I think I’ll have to pray on it.

Tomorrow???

Prov. 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

The sin of procrastination may not be one of the so-called "seven deadly sins," but it may come close if it involves neglecting to do what God has clearly commanded us to do. Sins of omission may well be as serious in many cases as sins of commision. The Bible warns us; James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

To the professing Christian who deliberately goes against God's will, either by neglect or intent, Jesus warns; Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Jesus spoke this in the context of a parable, but the message was clear that it is dangerous to ignore God's revealed will.

The principle even applies in th secular realm. James 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

The most dangerous sin of procrastination, of course, is neglecting to come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation. As Paul stressed; 2 Cor. 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Ignoring God while fully involved in pleasure or business or anything else is at least presumptuous. To the rich man in Christ's parable who had spent his life concentrating on accumulating goods, God said; Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? We do not know what even one tomorrow may bring, so we need to; Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

By HMM in Days of Praise

Steps to Walk in Integrity

Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

Psalm 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Prov. 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

1. Be a person of prayer. Stay in constant communication with God.
2. Keep your word and tell the truth.
3. Put your family before your work.
4. Learn to love others, even when they seem to be unlovable. Learn to practice unconditional love.
5. If you must offer a critical comment to someone, do it one-on-one only.
6. Do not put yourself in places of temptation.
7. Be willing to admit your mistakes.

The Soul-Winner's Job

1 Cor. 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1. We are to plant.

A. The seed will never be planted if we don't go.

B. We place the seed in the minds of men by presenting the Gospel from the Word of God.

2. We are to water.

A. After someone has already planted the seed, we water by going the second time.

B. The watering process is done by reassuring them of the Gospel in a kind, courteous manner.

3. God gives the increase.

A. After the seed has been planted and watered, God then moves in with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

B. God is the only one who can bring about salvation.

4. It is God's will for the soul-winner to experience all three during his witness.

A. We are to plant.

B. We are to water.

C. We are to receive the increase God gives.

When we realize we are not the only one involved in the saving of a soul, then we will keep from boasting or our own accomplishments.

Seven Royal Laws of Courtship

Earlier this week I re-read a booklet, Seven Royal Laws of Courtship by Jerry Ross, published by Ultimate Goal Publications, while my family was out of town attending the August campmeeting down at Faith Baptist Camp in Resaca, GA. I highly recommend this booklet for parents and children who have prayed about practicing principles of courtship during the season of life when marriage is on the horizon, finding the mate God has in mind to help you complete your ministry for Him.

Listed below is a summary of the conflict that clearly exists between God and Satan for control of the young man or woman regarding the principles and goals one sets while seeking a marriage partner. Marriage is not a game; it is a very important step in each individual's life; after salvation, it is the next greatest decision one will make that impacts the rest of their life.

The Seven Royal Laws of Courtship

1. By the grace of Almighty God, I will marry the person God has created for me.
2. By the grace of Almighty God, I will arrive at the marriage altar morally pure.
3. By the grace of Almighty God, I will arrive at the marriage altar prepared to fulfill my responsibilities as a marriage partner.
4. By the grace of Almighty God, our marriage will have the blessing of both sets of parents and our pastors.
5. By the grace of Almighty God, I will have glorified God and maintained an unquestionable Christian testimony throughout my courtship.
6. By the grace of Almighty God, I will give to my partner someone who understands and practices real agape love.
7. By the grace of Almighty God, on my wedding day, I will be in a position to fulfill God's specific calling for my life.

Satan's Seven Goals for Your Wedding Day

1. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to marry someone whom God never intended for you to marry.
2. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to have already experimented with sex.
3. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to be ill-prepared to make your marriage a success.
4. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to break your parent's heart and grieve your pastor.
5. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to have ruined your testimony and to have brought shame to the name of Christ because of your unwise dating habits.
6. On your wedding day, Satan wants you to have no idea how to define or practice agape love.
7. On your wedding day, Satan wants your choice of a marriage partner to cause you to sacrifice the chance to fulfill God's calling on your life.

Reasons Why Christians Should Use Tracts

(I found another interesting post regarding the use of tracts which I thought I would share with my blog readers. Click on the title above to view the complete article as well as find additional resources about where to find good tracts to pass out to the lost in your neighborhood, community, town, or city.)

Why should a Christian use tracts? Simply because God uses them. He used a tract to save the great missionary Hudson Taylor, as well as innumerable others. That fact alone should be enough incentive for a Christian to always use tracts to reach the lost, but there are even more reasons why we should use them. Here are a few:

1. A tract is never embarrassed, timid nor fearful and isn't hurt by rejection.

2. It does not flinch and show cowardice when the Truth it conveys is not believed.

3. It never yields to the temptation to compromise the Truth of the gospel of Christ.

4. It speaks clearly and right to the point.

5. It never argues back when its message is disputed, and it always sticks to the Truth.

6. It glorifies only Jesus as the Holy Spirit reveals the Word of God to its readers.

7. It never gets tired and gives up.

8. It keeps on working while you are sleeping, even when you are unable to distribute it.

9. It is always ready to witness to its readers at any time and at any location.

10. It can get inside of a house and stay there, even in secret places where you cannot gain entrance, to be revealed at a chosen time.

11. It costs very little and travels inexpensively.

12. It travels by any mode or class and in all kinds of climate and weather conditions.

13. It requires no food, clothing or shelter.

14. It is easily carried in a pocket or purse and between the pages of a book.

15. It can be used by anyone, any age, deaf, mute, crippled or even in a wheelchair.

16. It can be used by either the intellectual or the uneducated, because no speaking skills are needed to convey its message.

17. It conveys a message that is not ever lost, like a sermon, and can be read over and over again, long after you are gone and forgotten.

18. It always catches a person in the right mood, because the Holy Spirit will always speak to the heart as the Word is being read.

19. It needs no translator, when it is in the language of the reader, as the Holy Spirit reveals His Word instantly to the reader. It may be read by scores of people before God is finished with its purpose.

20. You can do a great work for God and lead many people to the knowledge of Christ.

As a Christian Witness, Do You Have a Tract Record???

1. Use Gospel tracts; don't apologize for them.
2. Make it a habit to give them out wherever you go.
3. If it is impossible to witness to someone, you can at least give them a tract.
4. Gospel tracts are no substitute for talking to someone about their soul when you have an opportunity.
5. It is certainly a good first step for a new Christian or a new soul-winner to simply hand out Gospel tracts.
6. Pray daily for the power of God to be upon every tract that you distribute that day.
7. Pray daily for opportunities to give out tracts.
8. While you are handing a tract to someone, be praying in your heart that God will use that tract to save that person or someone else.
9. Pray for, not against, someone who refuses to take a Gospel tract from you; remember, they are the one who will suffer the most for it.
10. Put Gospel tracts in your monthly bill payments (along with full payment of the bill) and letters to lost friends and family members.
11. Leave tracts in places where people will see them; tables in waiting areas, pay phones, on the gasoline pump, on a washing machine at a laundromat, etc.
12. Put Gospel tracts to work for you.

Prov. 11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Beware the Lies of the Devil

1. There is no God - Psalm 14:1a The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
2. We are the result of evolution - Psalm 139:13-14 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Mark 10:5-6 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
3. I'll live my life as I please. I'll do things my way - Prov. 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Matt. 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
4. I'll get to Heaven my way - John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
5. The Bible is merely myths written by men - 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
6. I'm not a sinner. I'm a good person - 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Eccl. 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
7. Jesus is just a man, no more and no less - Php. 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
8. I don't believe in Heaven or Hell - Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Rev. 20:12-13, 15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
9. I don't need to go to church - Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

(Adapted from article by Thomas Simcox, Israel My Glory, July/August 2007 issue)

Prayer for the 21 South Korean Christian Hostages???

On July 19 twenty-three South Korean Christians on a bus in Afghanistan were hi-jacked and captured by the Taliban and taken as hostages to negotiate the release of captured Taliban prisoners in that country. The South Korean Christian group were in Afghanistan to provide humanitarian aid to that country. Two of the hostages have been killed by the Muslim group after deadlines in negotiations came and passed without the release of any Taliban prisoners. There are still 21 hostages in captivity after almost two and half weeks have passed.

Have you or I spoken up about this situation to our church leaders, the media, and possibly Muslim groups in our areas to pray and encourage a huge outcry about this situation and hopefully gain the release of these innocent Christian brothers and sisters??? Have we even prayed for them???

Why is it that the media finds the brief incarceration of Paris Hilton worthy of 'round-the-clock vigils but spares little ink and little air time to tell the world more about these two men who gave their lives while serving the people of Afghanistan??? Even more disturbing than lack of media coverage, though, is the tepid response of the churches to the plight of their brothers and sisters from South Korea. No matter what issues currently occupy Christians in the U.S., they should shift their focus to Afghanistan right now and join the churches in South Korea in vigilant prayer for the remaining hostages.

I'm afraid Christians here in the U.S. are too comfortable and think only of their families and their church families to be too concerned about Christians in other parts of the world who suffer persecution almost on a daily basis. We ourselves cry out about us being persecuted if someone slams the door in our face when we are out knocking on doors to share the gospel and invite people to church!!!!!

We need to open our eyes to pray for Christians in other countries who suffer daily at the hands of other religious groups and government officials. We also need to keep alert to changes in our own laws here in the U.S., i.e. so called "hate-crime" bills and other intrusions into the church. The name of Jesus and God's Word, the Bible, are fast becoming targets to those who want nothing else but to shut the mouths of Bible-believing Christians in today's society.

Click on the title link above to read some current news about the South Korean Christian hostages, or look for other articles about this situation using online resources.

Let's also lift these fellow Christians up in prayer tomorrow at our churches.

Character Traits for the Successful Christian

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

The following are ten foundational attributes of character that every child of God should develop in their Christian walk as found in God's Word (of course, these are things that every parent should teach their children in the home as they grow in stature):

1. Discernment/Wisdom - Prov. 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
2. Obedience - Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
3. Self-discipline - 1 Cor. 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
4. Orderliness/Neatness - 1 Cor. 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
5. Truthfulness - 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
6. Meekness - Matt. 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
7. Gratefulness - 1 Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
8. Attentiveness/Fervor - Rom. 12:11-12 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
9. Forgiveness - Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
10. Reverence - Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

(Adapted from an article by Dr. Manuel Salazar in the July 2007 issue of The Baptist Voice)

Is Your Desire To Be An Average Christian???

A pastor friend recently shared this illustration about being average;

A college professor sometime ago through a study of national statistics, discovered that the average depth of rivers in America is two and one-half feet. Yet he drowned the next year trying to wade across the Mississippi River. Accepting the average may be dangerous.

When a person is average, he is just as near the bottom as he is the top. In this light, an average Christian is subnormal while our Lord redeems us for a nobler kind of living. The average church member attends one service each week - some weeks.

If churches were open for the average member, they would operate only on a part time basis.

To be only an average Christian - is both subnormal and dangerous!

What about you friend??? Do you desire to be an average Christian??? Do you desire to be an average Bible reader...... spend an average time in prayer....... be an average soul winner..... be an average giver?????

The Word of God speaks a word of warning about being average in another way; being average is the same as being lukewarm!!!!!

Rev. 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Allow me to ask again; if you searched deep into your heart to determine your motives and desire to walk as a Christian, would you be satisfied with just being AVERAGE????? If not, then what are you going to do about it?????