Friday, November 30, 2007

A Politically Correct Christmas???

(Someone posted this today on another email list, and I thought some of you just might enjoy it; while others, well........ just simply hit the delete key!!!)

IT was the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an XBOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets are hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears;
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, diversity
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'DreamTree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say…
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

What Kind of Stuffing Are You Made Of???

Eph. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

I'm either stuffed with the Spirit or Sin

I'm either stuffed with the Word or the World

I'm either stuffed with A Godly contented Life or A life of Lust

I'm either stuffed with Selflessness or Selfishness

I'm either stuffed with Helpfulness or Hopelessness

I'm either stuffed with Purpose or Pointlessness

I'm either stuffed with Fellowship or Forgetfulness

Outline by Pastor Andrew Wirtz

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Several Late Thanksgiving Thoughts

(I know this is late since I was out of town last week, however, I thought I would share a couple of thoughts regarding the Thanksgiving Holiday season.)

THANK YOU GOD by Pastor Al Hughes

Thank You God for friends who care,
Friends who help my burdens bear.
A friend who helps to keep me sharp
Friends who hold me in their heart.

Thank You God for friends of grace
Who pray for me as I run the race.
Loyal friends through thick and thin;
With friends like these, I’ll surely win.

Thank You God for friends who guide,
When I’m wrong they never chide
When in despair they lift me out
When unsure they calm my doubts.

Thank You God for a friend’s smile
For those who go the second mile.
Friends who make my dark days bright
And assure me things will be alright.

Thank You God for friends so dear
Friends whose presence brings me cheer.
Friends who stick with me to the end,
Thanks again for the gift of friends.

The Key to Being Thankful is to Be Thinkful

A "gratitude attitude" does not start with being thankful. To be truly thankful, one must first be thinkful. We must first think of what God (and others) has bestowed upon us, and that causes us to remember the goodness of God. Once we have thought about it, remembered it, thought about it, then the heart right with God will be thankful for it. A thinkful heart can be a thankful heart, and a truly thankful heart can be a joyful, praising heart.

While in conversation with the Lord I was thinking that so much good comes from being thankful. It is so much more than just a "thank you"!
A truly thankful person is a thinking person. (And the Lord knows we need more godly, thinking people!)
A truly thankful person is one who has and keeps good memories alive.
A truly thankful person is one who learns to see the good in the bad of life.
A truly thankful person is a praising person.
A truly thankful person is one whose lifestyle is upbeat and with a good spirit about him.
A truly thankful person lives with hope in the future, good will come, because he remembers the good that has come to him, and others.
A truly thankful person thinks of the good that others gets, and he himself does not get, but is still giving thanks.
A truly thankful person is one who sees the bad others gets, and he himself does not get it, and is really giving thanks!
A truly thankful person is an encouraging person.
A truly thankful person is motivated by those things he thinks about, remembering that which he is thankful for, and he does right, and good faithfully, out of a heart that is thankful.

So, want the day to be happy, then be truly thankful! And this is NOT a holiday, this is a lifestyle. It is living as God has instructed us to live. Try it, you will like it!

By Bro. Don Moore

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Giveaway Gospel

(Here is an excerpt from an article by Pastor Ray Baumann from the Christian Worldview Network newsletter posted on 11/15/07.)


I recently walked out of a Wal-Mart and noticed that all the cars in the parking lot were covered with flyers. Sure enough, there, on my truck, stuck under my windshield wiper, was a flyer. It read, “Win a car this Sunday!” and had the name of a local church that was giving it away. A car! Man, who wouldn’t want to show up for that?


What a great marketing idea if you are looking for exposure; if you’re a bank looking to open new accounts or a car dealer looking for people to come in for a test drive. But a church? Come on! It is now a very popular trend in the modern church to entice people with giveaways through contests and raffles. I guess the thought is along the lines of, “We can’t reach people if they don’t come to church.” So, go ahead and bribe them.


Churches are becoming more like the Price is Right than a place for training disciples and a resource for believers. But, that is not as attractive to unbelievers because they are looking for something for nothing. The church calls this evangelism while people crowd in tight to see if they have won one of the many mega prizes given away each Sunday, all done in the name of boosting attendance. Why? The pastor’s own pride. If you win people with gimmicks you have to keep them with gimmicks.


Through all of this, Jesus sits back and watches the foolishness of man and his desire to push his agenda over the Lord’s agenda.


An intense statement was sent to me in the title of an email I received from an atheist. It said, “Nothing secures my atheism more than the fact that religion needs marketing. You would think that the truth would be all that’s needed wouldn’t you?” This is probably the most profound statement I have ever read coming from an unbeliever.


A numbers-driven gimmick gospel has compromised the American pulpit all in the name of being more effective in our culture. But the last time I checked, life and death and where people spend eternity are subjects that transcend every culture and cut right to the conscience. There is only one gospel and it can’t be marketed, it can’t be repackaged to be an attractive product for our culture. If anyone will hate the true gospel of Jesus Christ it will be Americans.


Why do we think the message must change with the culture? We need to realize that the message must never change. There is a judgment to come. 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.


Remember the last time judgment came upon the earth? It had something to do with a giant boat and a man named Noah. I don’t recall the gimmicks used by Noah. It’s not recorded that he enticed anyone to come on to the ark. There were no freebies, no free food or raffles. He didn’t open the ark as a petting zoo. He sure wasn’t very relevant, because he just preached repentance and left the rest up to God. Noah was a prophet who lived in an age similar to our own a time where greed, gluttony, drunkenness, sexual license and violence filled the earth.


Matt. 24:38-39 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.


All of the prophets in the Bible proclaimed repentance. If pastors try proclaiming anything else they lead their flocks astray. Just getting the world’s attention is not what we are called to do.

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Saturday, November 17, 2007

Just Tell Your Story!!!

I have been out of town most of the week due to work responsibilities and unable to post to my blog, and next week my family and I will be attending a special Thanksgiving week camp meeting at Faith Baptist Camp in Resaca, GA, so again there will be an interruption in my posts to my blog. Let me wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for your faithfulness in checking in here from time to time to leave me a comment.

(Here is another article from Dave Daubenmire that I thought I would share with my readers of my blog.)

I despise religion. I hate what it does to people. Religion is defined as “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.”

Jesus said it this way; Mark 7:7-13 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Religion is the DEAD FAITH of those now living. Christianity is the LIVING FAITH of those now dead. There is a world of difference between those two. That’s why I hate religion. Nothing is turning the world away from Jesus more than religion. Religion is a stronghold, a mindset if you will, that is a counterfeit relationship to God. Religion speaks of duty, obligation, rules, and regulations. Jesus spoke of liberty and freedom. That is what Christianity brings. Not licentiousness or lasciviousness to engage in sin, but freedom from sin. That’s why Jesus came, to destroy sin and its power over our lives.

According to a recent book by Tom Bissett, 85% children raised in the Church leave the faith when they go to college. We’ve got trouble….right here in River City. Our kids don’t know what Christianity is all about. We’ve dragged them to church but have neglected to teach them the reality of Jesus. “Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” We’re losing our kids.

Last Sunday I was speaking in a church that is long on rules. You know the type, good preaching, holy living, but full of Christians who are lacking joy. The Joy of the Lord is your strength. I call it puckered-face Christianity. So many of us try and share Christianity with a frown on our face.

We are told in the book of Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

It is our testimony that impacts hearts. We must learn to tell our story.

“Don’t you understand, that is what a lost and dying world is looking for? They are looking for the power, a sign that Jesus is real. You have risen to your feet this morning and testified to the miraculous power of Jesus in your life. ‘They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony…’ For heaven’s sake, go outside of this building and tell someone what Jesus did in your life. Your testimony has power.”

Instead, we try to “lead people to Christ.”

I came to Jesus as a result of my sister being miraculously healed of cancer twenty-two years ago this month. She was a “new” Christian, who had been raised in “religion,” but she had come to KNOW Jesus and she began to tell everyone what Jesus had done in her life. That was all that she talked about. The Lord used her testimony and radically-transformed life to woo me to Him.

I hear all of the time from Christians who don’t know how to “share their faith.” They always seem to be afraid that they don’t know enough, or won’t use the right words. They think THEY have to close the deal. “Help me Coach. I want to be bolder, but I am afraid I won’t be able to answer all of their questions. I ‘m afraid I won’t know what to say.”

You see, they are worried about all of that “religious” stuff they have learned in church.

Here is my advice. “Tell them what you know. Don’t tell them what you don’t know. Tell them what Jesus did for you. Talk about Jesus. Admit that you don’t understand all of the rules and regulations, but that you know that Jesus is real. Tell them what He did in your life! Let your story tell the story.”

When Jesus healed the blind man the “religious world” wanted the formerly-blind man to explain it. He didn’t get bogged down in the law, and the religious tradition. He simply shared what he knew to be true. “…one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” He told them what he knew, not what he didn’t know.

Unfortunately, Christianity is being identified by what it is against, rather than by the transforming power of Jesus. When we teach a Christianity full of rules and regulations we lead them from one form of bondage to another. It is called legalism, the ‘leaven of the Pharisees, in other words, “Jesus plus our man-made rules.”

There is a big difference between following rules because the Bible says so, rather than following rules because Jesus changed our heart. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.

I’m not a softy. I stand against evil, I don’t believe in cheap Grace. I stare the Devil in the face and then I speak about Jesus. I tell my story. There is nothing like the power of a transformed life.

Jesus has the power to deliver, to set the captives free. That is why He came. Let YOUR STORY lead them to Jesus.

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Sunday, November 11, 2007

Christian; Time For A 7 UP!!!

Rom. 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.


7 UP is one of the three granddaddies of the soda world; Coke, Pepsi, and 7 UP. Listed below are seven "secret ingredients" for the Christian and his 7 UP;
  1. Wise Up - (vs. 11) "Knowing the Time…" Often told to know the time, we are to live each day in light of the Second Coming. 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.

  2. Wake Up - (vs. 11) "High time ..." The alarm clock is ringing; the snooze button no longer works. Awake out of Apathy, If not now when?

  3. Back Up - (vs. 11) "Salvation nearer than …" Three aspects, past (Justification, removed the guilt and penalty) , present (Sanctification, removes the power) and future (Glorification , removes us from the presence of sin - what Paul has in mind here).

  4. Clean Up - (vs. 12) "Cast off …" Remove any sin or the appearance of sin - "the works of darkness"

  5. Dress Up - (vs. 12) "Put on the armor …" Wearing right uniform, deals with identification, baptism, church membership.

  6. Stand Up - (vs. 13) "Walk honestly ..." Not in Rioting (doing our own thing), Drunkenness, Chambering (specific sexual sins), Wantonness (sins connected with sexual sins), Strife, and Envy.

  7. Look Up - (vs. 14) "Put on …" Remembering our bodies and this world are temporary; Things of Christ are eternal. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Conclusion: Isn’t it time for the Christian to have a walk with the 7 UP's???


Sermon outline by Pastor Jim Preston

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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Unchristian: What the World Really Thinks About Christianity

A recent comment from a fellow blogger who by chance (well, we know that is not true since nothing happens by chance from the perspective of God - He allowed it to happen for a reason!) "stumbled" upon my blogsite made me wonder why unbelievers in the world today have such a "sour taste" in their mouth regarding the Christianity of today. It makes me wonder what type of Christianity has presented itself unto that individual in their day by day activities; it can't be the true biblical Christianity that a sincere Christian of today should present to a lost and dying world. I'm afraid that blogger has been around too many professing or carnal Christians instead of biblical characteristics that a true Christian should exhibit in their life. A Christian is to be "Christ-like," and we know from reading God's Word that Christ would not interact with the lost world in any fashion such as the accusations pointed toward a false view of Christianity.

Below are some excerpts from an article that was in my mailbox this week which might shed some light unto this situation. The article was written by Sean McDowell and was posted on November 8th on the Christian Worldview Network newsletter.

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According to a recent Barna Research study, the perception of Christians by outsiders (non-Christians) is shockingly low. Disdain for evangelicals by young outsiders is overwhelming and negative (49 percent). According to David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Research Group, "Only a small percentage of outsiders strongly believe that labels ‘respect, love, hope, and trust’ describe Christianity. A minority of outsiders perceives Christianity as genuine and real, as something that makes sense, and as relevant to their life.” Young outsiders have largely lost their respect for the Christian faith. And it’s not primarily due to our beliefs, but to our words and actions.

Kinnaman lists the six most common perceptions outsiders have of Christianity. These findings are deeply sobering to me. It saddens me to think that Christians are viewed so negatively by younger generations today, because I know that many times these perceptions act as stumbling blocks preventing them from considering the claims of Christ.
  1. Hypocritical—Outsiders largely think that Christians say one thing and do another. They believe we do not act consistently with our beliefs. They claim that Christians pretend to be something on the outside that is not real. Christians are simply not known for being transparent, real, and authentic. As far as studies go, this claim rings true. There is little difference in the behaviors of born-again Christians compared to outsiders on issues such as gambling, visiting pornographic sites, gossiping, visiting a psychic, or to steal.
  2. Too focused on getting converts—Outsiders often feel more like targets. They feel as if we merely want to get them “saved” and then move on to another accomplishment. Few report feeling genuinely loved by Christians. According to most outsiders, we are not good listeners. The majority of young outsiders do not feel that Christians show genuine interest in them as people. In fact, the reputation of Christians, says Kinnaman, is similar to Mormons evangelists! Most outsiders report having a time of spiritual openness when they were searching for faith, but they couldn’t get past the mental, emotional, spiritual, or relational barriers, so they gave up.
  3. Anti-homosexual—Young outsiders largely view Christians as hateful, bigoted, and non-compassionate in their dealings with homosexuals. They tend to view Christians as focused on “curing” homosexuals and using political means to silence them. In fact, Kinnaman puts it this way, “The perception that Christians are ‘against’ gays and lesbians—not only objecting to their lifestyles but also harboring irrational fears and unmerited scorn toward them—has reached critical mass.” According to many young outsiders, hostility toward gays is synonymous with Christianity (91% agree with this). Christians are often viewed as self-righteous and arrogant in their dealings with homosexuals, the opposite of how Jesus was perceived.
  4. ShelteredOutsiders largely think that Christians have simplistic answers to the deep complexities of life. We are viewed as old-fashioned, boring, behind the times, and not in touch with reality. Many think that we live in our own world, isolated from the real problems and complexities of life. Christians are largely viewed as ignorant and uninformed, especially by intellectuals.
  5. Too political—Christians are often viewed as synonymous with right-wing Republican conservatives. The majority of young outsiders think we are largely motivated by political interests. Kinnaman is not trying to get Christians to disengage in politics—in fact just the opposite. I fully agree; we should be involved in politics as a culture-shaping institution. But his point is to make us aware of our reputation in this arena because it can affect our ability to connect with a new generation.
  6. Judgmental—Nearly 90% of outsiders say that the term judgmental accurately describes Christians today. Only 20% of outsiders view the church as a place where people are accepted and loved unconditionally. We are known much more for our criticism than for our love. In fact, Christians are more known for what they are against than what they are for. We are so fixated on sin, says Kinnaman, that it impedes our ability to genuinely love broken people. To be sure, taking a stand for Christ today inevitably warrants being viewed as judgmental. But, sadly, much of our reputation comes not from what we believe (although this is partially true), but how convey our beliefs, and ultimately, how we treat people.

If his findings are right—and I would bet that they are—the church is going to look radically different over the next few decades. And all of us have a responsibility to do something about it. A few reflections on what we can do. First, we must teach our young people a biblical worldview. Those with a biblical worldview do act differently from outsiders and are far more likely to stick with their faith. Second, we need to learn to have genuine conversations with outsiders. This does not mean compromising our principles, but it does mean learning to have genuine give-and-take discussions with people. Just asking people what they think, and truly listening to their thoughts, can often change their perceptions of you and of Christians in general. Humility and respect can go a long way. Third, we need a kinder and gentler faith—one that engages people and culture with deep passion for Jesus and theological commitment, yet dosed with grace and humility. Yes, we are to defend our faith with zeal and earnestness, but we must do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Pet. 3:15-17 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. One of the clear implications of Kinnaman’s research is that the negative perceptions of Christians can largely be overcome, and this often happens through meaningful, genuine relationships.

The full article can be read at http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/2695/Sean_McDowell

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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

As Christians, We Must Guard Our Thoughts!!!

Sin begins in the mind. Thoughts are bold, and daring things will crowd in with unrelenting force. A mind filled with thoughts of God and righteousness leaves little room for evil imaginations. It is the law of counteraction. Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

So it is with our thoughts as well as our walk. Php. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Our minds will not think on these things naturally - we cannot be passive. We must actively and resolutely and constantly "think on these things." Set a watch before your mind. Double it. Keep it there!!!

I dallied with a doubtful thought;
"What harm can be," said I,
"In merely thinking of a thing
And letting it pass by?"

But ere I was aware, that thought
Had entered in my heart
And firmly there entrenched itself,
Refusing to depart.

Anon it to a monster grew;
It bound me foot and hand
And, in the kingdom of my mind,
Established its command.

My will a helpless captive lay,
Powerless to be freed -
But for my God's delivering grace
Had hopeless been indeed.

My Lord and Master, guard, I pray
The portals of my mind;
Grant that no soul-defiling shaft
May easily entrance find.

But let the lovely things and true,
The things of good report,
Where virtue is, or any praise,
Mold my most inward thought.

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Monday, November 05, 2007

Blind Watchmen and Dumb Dogs

Isa. 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

I do not know if a better description can be found to fit the average preacher of today. The OT prophet was speaking of the lax prophets of his day, but his words apply to modern day church leaders who are asleep at the wheel or, to give a better ecclesiastical example, asleep in the pulpit.

A blind watchman sees no one and therefore warns no one. A watchdog that will not bark is nothing more than a biscuit eater. He doesn't pull his own weight and is a danger to those who depend on his faithful bark.

The modern day professional preacher is willfully blind and purposefully silent when it comes to warning of the dangers and consequences of sin. In this age of enlightenment, we have arrived at the place where sin is no longer preached against. Instead, Bible principles are taught, Bible studies are held, prophecy conferences are offered, and social gatherings in churches are at an all-time high.

The average preacher places a premium on being "spiritually" politically correct, non-judgmental, sensitive, purpose driven and popular. He shudders with horror that he could be seen as legalistic, meanspirited, narrowminded, old-fashioned and out of touch with the times, and especially out of touch with the youth. As a result, he becomes a blind watchman and a dumb dog who facilitates the destruction of his sheep as they plunge headlong down the slippery slope of the world with its philosophies, standards, dress code, attitude, and actions.
  1. Preachers, as a rule, no longer preach against drinking. God help the preacher to grow a backbone and love his people by warning them of the serpent in a bottle.
  2. Preachers hardly ever preach against sexual immorality, homosexuality, and pornography.
  3. Preachers won't usually dare touch the issue of modest dress and appearance. Make no provision for the flesh, and don't flaunt the flesh either.
  4. Preachers do not often preach on the authority structure of the home, with the husband as the head and the wife as the completer.
  5. Preachers often fail to preach against ungodly entertainment via television, videos, or the Internet.
  6. Preachers are hesitant to preach against corruption among politicians, afraid of offending those who vote for liberals based on party alone.

I understand that it is through the Gospel that men are saved, but there must follow a teaching of separation to those who have been saved. Jesus said to preach the Gospel to every creature (evangelism), and Paul said to "preach the word (to those who have been evangelized).... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering." 2 Tim. 4:2

It is not an either/or situation. We are to preach the Gospel and preach the whole counsel of God, which includes reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.

Preaching against sin heightens awareness of right and wrong and re-establishes the standard of absolutes. There is a God and a Devil; a right and a wrong, a Heaven and a Hell, and everyone is going to one or the other. The preaching of standards of right and wrong helps to remind people that there is a standard by which God's children are to live. Specific, pointed preaching is effective.

When we don't preach separation from sin and the world for God's children, it undercuts the preaching of the Gospel and therefore affects the long-term harvest for future generation.

We have a full generation of Christians in places of power today who have not heard the truth about sin; and friend, it's evident in churches, politics, schools, families, and the workplace. May God be merciful to those preachers who are not living up to their calling to preach the Word.

Excerpts of article by Joseph Harris

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Sunday, November 04, 2007

Are You Just Sitting on the Church Pew???

Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"We need someone to teach a class,
Now who will take this task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
But, Lord, to stand before a class
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Brother Forbes would be the man to call,
There's nothing he won't do.
I'd rather hear the lesson
Taught from here upon my pew.

Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"We need someone to lead the songs,
Now who will take this task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
But Lord, to sing before a crowd
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Brother Jenkins will do the job,
There's nothing he won't do.
I'd rather hear the music played
From here upon my pew.

Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"I need some one to keep the door,
Now who will take the task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
Saying things to strangers, Lord,
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Brother Neal can talk to people, Lord,
There's nothing he won't do
I'd rather someone come to me
And greet me on the pew.

As years just seemed to pass me by,
I heard that voice no more.
Until one night I closed my eyes
And woke on heaven's shore.

There was four of us together there
To face eternity.
God said, "I need just three of you
To do a job for me."

"O Lord," I cried, "I'll do the job,
There's nothing I won't do."
But Jesus said, "I'm sorry, Friend,
In heaven there is no pew."

Friend, we are called to serve the Lord while we are here on earth!!! God has given us special talents and spiritual gifts to be used for Him. What crowns will you cast at your Saviour's feet if you don't earn any here on earth? In Heaven, there are no pews..... everyone will be busy praising and bringing glory to God!!! Why not start preparing here on earth??? God did not save us to sit on the pew!!!

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Saturday, November 03, 2007

How Important is Soulwinning???

How important is soul-winning? Perhaps the following illustration will help you decide: A storm developed in the Pacific Ocean and for several days the waves crashed against the sandy beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. Thousands of sand dollars washed upon the seashore and were stranded. A lady, walking along the beach, saw them and one by one began tossing them back into the ocean. A man came along and said, "You're wasting your time. There are too many for you to make a difference." She picked up one and threw it back into the water and said, "It made a difference to that one." She picked up another and as she tossed it back into the ocean she said, "It made a difference to that one." I ask you, how important is soul-winning? You decide.

I'm afraid many of us "Christians" are too busy with our OWN LIVES to even have a single second of thought about making a difference in someone elses own life; especially the importance of where that person's soul will reside for all eternity - HEAVEN or HELL!!!!!

Let's MAKE A DIFFERENCE to someone each day!!!!!

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Friday, November 02, 2007

Leadership Styles in the Ministry

1. A Lording Leader

Definition: One who makes all the decisions, seeks to control those under him, and rarely considers the needs of those around him.
Description: A lording leader is a prime example of one that is exercising dictatorship. There has never been a great work for God that has been built on dictatorship. The followers of a lording leader serve him in fear, not because they love him and respect him. This is not God's plan for leadership, for the Bible clearly tells us that God has not given us the "spirit of fear." Lording leaders are in the ministry only for themselves and their own gain.

2. A Pouting Leader

Definition: One who seeks to get his way through sympathy, mainly through throwing a fit, or brooding in silence.
Description: A pouting leader is a leader that tries to manipulate the feelings and emotions of his followers in order to get what he wants from them. Ahab threw a fit and pouted to get Naboth's vineyard. King Saul sat on the throne and brooded to get the people's sympathy because he was jealous of David. This kind of leadership is weak and ineffective. God is not impressed with a pouting leader's life of pity and sulking.

3. A Passive Leader

Definition: One who puts off decision-making, leaving things to others, who is often disengaged in areas of responsibility, and gives little or no direction to his "followers."
Description: A passive leader likes the title and prominance of being a "leader," but he does not have any true characteristics of a good leader. He takes the things of God lightly and does not walk in close fellowship with the Lord. This leader likes to "sit on his laurels" and procrastinate his duties. God wants leaders to be workers, and not put their work off on other people.

4. A Servant Leader

Definition: One who assumes his God-given responsibility, seeking to serve others under his direction, and putting the needs of others before his own.
Description: A servant leader accepts his role as a leader in a meek and humble manner. He is hard-working and dependable. He is loved by his followers, and his leadership style is by example. His life is consumed with investing in the lives of other people.

Conclusion: God loves a servant leader. Christ's ministry here on earth showed the servant's heart of our Saviour. He is our example. You must be willing to serve in order for God to be able to use you in a leadership position. One that is committed to God is committed to serve.

Friend, what kind of a leader are you?????

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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Two Simple Thoughts About God's Word

IT MUST BE FROM GOD!!!

The Holy Bible must have been
Inspired of GOD and not of men.
I could not if I would believe
That good men wrote it to deceive;
And bad men could not if they would,
And surely would not if they could,
Proceed to write a book so good!

And certainly no crazy man
Could e'er conceive its wondrous plan.
And pray, what other kinds of men
Than do these three groups comprehend?
Hence it must be that GOD inspired
The Word which souls of prophets fired!

Author Unknown

THE BIBLE

Do you treat the Word of God
As you treat no other book-
Just a verse or two today,
Just a short, impatient look?

Try a different approach;
Feast on manna from above;
Kneel and read the Bible through,
And you'll find eternal Love.

By Bro. Clyde Box

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