Posts may be slim here on the weekends, so don't plan your days around them. I do appreciate those of you who read and those of you who post comments. Like Regan commented the other day, I don't argue or bring up stirring issues to force my views upon or make personal attacks against anyone. Obviously I think I'm right or else I wouldn't post it. And typically I will post only on things that I have thought through, studied through and/or prayed through. These topics I feel strongly on. I have been proven wrong in the past and I am grateful for those who care enough to correct an error in my thinking. I will not always be convinced that I am wrong, but once again, I appreciate those who are willing to confront. I don't want to be demeaning or sound 'holier than thou'. I do think we need to teach/preach with authority. I feel passionate about these issues. When I start writing about them, it just kind of bubbles over. It just flows. I don't want people to missunderstand me. Mainly those of you who don't know me personally. I write because I feel the church is in a dangerous state. I only want to encourage people to take a look at your spiritual life. I know I'm not perfect. I know I have faults of my own. And yes, I do struggle with pride at times. But believe me when I say, I write this from my heart. I love those of you that I know. And if I knew the rest of you, I'm sure I would love you too. I don't write out of pride; I write out of love. Anyways, keep reading; keep commenting; keep sending your friends and family to read. I do claim to have ALL of the answers...Jesus is that answer!
P.S. If I miss a day here or there, don't be upset. Like last week, I found out on Wednesday afternoon that I would be traveling to the Cleveland, Ohio area for work that night and the next day. I will try to warn you when I will be missing a day and maybe try to have something to fill in. Have a great weekend!
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
A Literal Bible II
Wow, thanks for the comments the other day, guys. I was going to apologize for not posting yesterday, but you guys took care of the reading material for me. Thanks.
Believe me when I say that I am not trying to be divisive. I think the church has enough problems without Troy dividing the flock on top of it. On the other hand, I also think that we are too passive with key elements of the Bible. For some reason we have ‘buzz-words’ or ‘buzz-topics’ of the Bible that we are not supposed to speak about. I think that is a dangerous situation. I’ve heard so many people, even Christians, say that you shouldn’t talk about religion with your friends. This doesn’t make much sense to me. I really kind of doubt if this was Paul’s attitude. My intentions for writing these posts are to encourage us in our faith. To encourage that there is more Jesus out there (or in there in your heart) than what you might know. That there is more to it than being in the world. We don’t have to be, and shouldn’t be of the world. I am not sorry for writing the post on Wednesday. If it made someone consider that we can believe the whole Bible as true and accurate, than that’s what my goal was. To me, to say that some may be literal and some may be figurative, what message are we sending to new believers. Are we telling them that you have to be careful what you read and believe in the Bible because all is not literal? That just sounds confusing. Or that they need to learn the Hebrew and Greek language before they can own and read a Bible?!?! I understand that I have a simple thought pattern. I understand that I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed. I also know that the Bible said that the words in it are inspired by Him. I also know that is says in Revelation that anything added to it or taken away from it are the mixings of bad things happening. I am not willing to risk throwing my interpretations in to it. I am trying to take it as literal as I can. The way it comes off the pages into my simple mind. The post on Wednesday, like I said, wasn’t even about the fact of creation., but indeed about taking the Bible literal. About living holy. Keep reading this blog. I will soon be talking about holy living. That might make someone else mad. That’s not my goal either. I don’t want to make people mad. I want people to take their faith seriously. I don’t think sermons or Bible lessons have to be full of jokes to keep peoples interest. If you have to sing a song or do a dance to keep them focused, they are there for the wrong reasons. And if you give in to that ministering, you are there for the wrong reason. “But they might leave if I don’t entertain. That might effect my numbers.” So…let them leave. And if you are a minister of the gospel and you like to ‘play’ church too, than maybe it’s your time to step down. Like the article written by Spurgeon, we were not called to perform and entertain. We were called to preach the straight-forward, hard-hitting, true gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s time to clean up the church of Christ (not the church called the Church of Christ). This is the Bride of Jesus that he is coming back for. Why are we prostituting her? Will he come back for some unclean, used, abused, social gathering? We need to wake up. I think that taking the whole Bible literally is a good starting point. Without it and the Holy Spirit, we certainly would be lost.
Keep reading and always feel free to post a comment. Just keep it clean! And one more thing, is this font too small? These are the things that a simple mind struggles with.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Believe me when I say that I am not trying to be divisive. I think the church has enough problems without Troy dividing the flock on top of it. On the other hand, I also think that we are too passive with key elements of the Bible. For some reason we have ‘buzz-words’ or ‘buzz-topics’ of the Bible that we are not supposed to speak about. I think that is a dangerous situation. I’ve heard so many people, even Christians, say that you shouldn’t talk about religion with your friends. This doesn’t make much sense to me. I really kind of doubt if this was Paul’s attitude. My intentions for writing these posts are to encourage us in our faith. To encourage that there is more Jesus out there (or in there in your heart) than what you might know. That there is more to it than being in the world. We don’t have to be, and shouldn’t be of the world. I am not sorry for writing the post on Wednesday. If it made someone consider that we can believe the whole Bible as true and accurate, than that’s what my goal was. To me, to say that some may be literal and some may be figurative, what message are we sending to new believers. Are we telling them that you have to be careful what you read and believe in the Bible because all is not literal? That just sounds confusing. Or that they need to learn the Hebrew and Greek language before they can own and read a Bible?!?! I understand that I have a simple thought pattern. I understand that I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed. I also know that the Bible said that the words in it are inspired by Him. I also know that is says in Revelation that anything added to it or taken away from it are the mixings of bad things happening. I am not willing to risk throwing my interpretations in to it. I am trying to take it as literal as I can. The way it comes off the pages into my simple mind. The post on Wednesday, like I said, wasn’t even about the fact of creation., but indeed about taking the Bible literal. About living holy. Keep reading this blog. I will soon be talking about holy living. That might make someone else mad. That’s not my goal either. I don’t want to make people mad. I want people to take their faith seriously. I don’t think sermons or Bible lessons have to be full of jokes to keep peoples interest. If you have to sing a song or do a dance to keep them focused, they are there for the wrong reasons. And if you give in to that ministering, you are there for the wrong reason. “But they might leave if I don’t entertain. That might effect my numbers.” So…let them leave. And if you are a minister of the gospel and you like to ‘play’ church too, than maybe it’s your time to step down. Like the article written by Spurgeon, we were not called to perform and entertain. We were called to preach the straight-forward, hard-hitting, true gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s time to clean up the church of Christ (not the church called the Church of Christ). This is the Bride of Jesus that he is coming back for. Why are we prostituting her? Will he come back for some unclean, used, abused, social gathering? We need to wake up. I think that taking the whole Bible literally is a good starting point. Without it and the Holy Spirit, we certainly would be lost.
Keep reading and always feel free to post a comment. Just keep it clean! And one more thing, is this font too small? These are the things that a simple mind struggles with.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
A Literal Bible
Why is it so hard for people to accept the Bible as literal? That God meant what He said when He inspired it’s writing and that it still applies to today? That we can get all of the answers of today’s problems within it’s pages (with the help of the Holy Spirit)? It is very dangerous to say that some portions were written “figuratively” because our feeble minds couldn’t comprehend. I understand that God writes in parallels; like comparing Hosea and his unfaithful wife of harlotry to the unfaithful nation of Israel. Does that mean the whole book is written figuratively and never happened? I also understand that Jesus spoke in many parables. Typically it comes out and says “and Jesus spoke to them in parables saying…” Why can’t our “feeble minds” just believe that God knew what He was talking about when He spoke the scriptures. When we start deciding what God meant as figurative and what is literal, we open up a BIG can of worms. That’s what faith is. Call me naïve and uneducated. I happen to believe the earth was created in six literal days. Where does it say in scripture otherwise? If you show me IN SCRIPTURE, I will apologize publicly for this post. If we say that this how is God HAD to write it for our (once again) “feeble minds” to grasp any sort of concept of this magnificent work, we are putting limits on God’s creativity. If He didn’t want us to know how long it took to create the earth…literally…He just wouldn’t have mentioned it. He didn’t expect us to theorize about it. How many stars are in our night sky? The Bible doesn’t say. It’s because God didn’t think we needed to know, so He didn’t say it. We could take a wild guess, but what does it matter. It certainly doesn’t effect my salvation. “Neither does creation”, you say? Creation certainly does effect my salvation. If I can’t believe what the Bible says about creation, how can I believe what the Bible says about Jesus’ resurrection? Maybe it’s just a figurative parable that helps our “feeble minds” to understand something that God couldn’t come right out and say. (Disclaimer: Please don’t dwell on that thought; I don’t want a cult to form with this sort of crazy belief.) If we apply logic to everything that we read in the Bible, we will be in trouble. The Bible is not a logical book. In fact, if we don’t take the whole Bible on faith, you would have to be crazy to believe half of the stories contained in it? If someone told you that a man was walking on the water, or fed 5,000 people with a few loaves of bread and fishes, or that a man caused an ax head to float on the water would you believe it? Some things are hard to accept (without faith), but He tells it straight forward anyways. I don’t see in the scripture where it tells about the Neanderthal man. Or cave men (except maybe Elijah and a few others). Or man starting out as an ameba. No we did not start out as a tiny single celled creature and change into a hairy man with a huge forehead.
And it’s not just about creation, either. It’s many things. It’s about living a holy life. It’s about believing that God still heals today. It’s about living a life free of sin. It’s about trusting God to lead your life; where He sees fit.
Usually these are the same people that disregard the Old Testament as irrelevant today. Even if the old law(s) aren’t binding today (which I will agree with) most of them were given for health reasons, to reduce strife with neighbors, to settle disputes, etc. Maybe if we tried to abide by them today, we would get along better and be healthier people. True we are not bound by them, but they are still beneficial.
To sum it all up; Believe the Bible. If you call me weak or feeble minded because I believe the scripture completely; I might say that you are weak and feeble faith-ed because you don’t. I would also say that you are doing a great damage and injustice to yourself and whoever else you might be filling up with your feeble faith-ed, logical minded, smarter-than-God attitude. For me; I will believe that God had His and my best interest in mind when He inspired and spoke what He did. I and my household will believe it completely and wholly. As for those of you who don’t, prayerfully consider this; repent and believe.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
And it’s not just about creation, either. It’s many things. It’s about living a holy life. It’s about believing that God still heals today. It’s about living a life free of sin. It’s about trusting God to lead your life; where He sees fit.
Usually these are the same people that disregard the Old Testament as irrelevant today. Even if the old law(s) aren’t binding today (which I will agree with) most of them were given for health reasons, to reduce strife with neighbors, to settle disputes, etc. Maybe if we tried to abide by them today, we would get along better and be healthier people. True we are not bound by them, but they are still beneficial.
To sum it all up; Believe the Bible. If you call me weak or feeble minded because I believe the scripture completely; I might say that you are weak and feeble faith-ed because you don’t. I would also say that you are doing a great damage and injustice to yourself and whoever else you might be filling up with your feeble faith-ed, logical minded, smarter-than-God attitude. For me; I will believe that God had His and my best interest in mind when He inspired and spoke what He did. I and my household will believe it completely and wholly. As for those of you who don’t, prayerfully consider this; repent and believe.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Down for Norton Updating
Sorry, there won't be much of a post this morning. I am updating my anti-virus and it's taking forever. My machine is moving in slow motion. I will try to post tonight. Some lucky folks might wake up to two posts in the morning. Have a great day!
Godd Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Godd Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Monday, October 25, 2004
What Have You Given Up Lately?
So, tell me. How are you different since you’ve been saved? Honestly. What changes have taken place in your life since you accepted Christ. Remember, not only is he your savior but he wants to be your Lord (master, teacher…). That’s another post for another day. Think hard. What have you given up? Please don’t say “who are you to judge?” or “don’t be so judgmental!” or “Christ doesn’t expect you to give anything up…he will accept you as you are”. (Hmmm…which one to start with) First of all, I don’t claim to be anybodies judge. I am here to encourage you to search yourself. Is that so bad? And I wouldn’t have to ‘appear’ to judge if churches weren’t so full of Christians who are playing spiritual ‘slot-machine’. “C’mon lucky sevens!” Your spiritual life shouldn’t be a gamble. Are you hearing from the Lord? Is he moving in your heart and life? Is he making changes in your life? Ooh…there’s that giving-things-up thing again. So, what have you given up? Let me re-phrase that, what has God led you to give up? Oh! That’s right, he doesn’t expect you to give things up. He accepts you as-is…sight unseen…no warranty…no guarantee…no further commitment. I can’t agree with that; totally. I do agree that if you seek Jesus with a sincere heart, he will hear you. He turns no-one away who truly seeks him. He will meet you where you are. But it doesn’t stop there. Once you are in the fold, he wants your LIFE. Why else would he (gasp) turn away the rich young ruler? Jesus told him to give something up that he was attached to.
Mark 10
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Maybe you’ve given up smoking or drinking or swearing or pornography. Those are all good things to purge from your life. Did God lead you to do that, or was it someone else ‘encouraging’ you to give them up, because that’s not ‘socially acceptable’ for a Christian (another post for another day). Those are the obvious things to give up. What about being over-indulgent in sports; food; the internet; movies; video games… I’m not saying all of these are sinful. They might be a stronghold for someone, though. God doesn’t want strongholds in your life. I personally don’t drink. Not because ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ but because I grew up around a bunch of alcoholic people. Friends, family, co-workers. Drinking would probably become a stronghold for me. As you grow in the Lord, many times he asks you to remove things from your life that might hinder you from moving on to the next level. He’s not going to take it all away right up-front. Although he might. And it’s not the same method for every person. We are all different. What you might be able to handle at a certain time, I might not be able to handle. He works on us at a pace that might stretch us, but will never break us (as in loosing the faith break). If we break, usually we are not being led by God. Usually we are putting ourselves under a man-made bondage. We might see that something is ‘working’ for them so we put the same yoke on our own backs. It might not be time for that yoke. God knows when it’s time.
Conclusion:
If it comes out and says in the Bible (thus sayeth the Lord), it’s very safe to implement it into your life. You don’t need a midnight vision or revelation. Just do it. Don’t be a drunkard. Don’t commit adultery (or even lust upon a woman). Don’t steal. Don’t kill (or hate). If it doesn’t come out and say it, and you have a hard time finding a parallel example in the scripture, let the Lord lead you. Let the Holy Spirit convict you. Don’t say “Gosh, I really don’t feel right doing this but the pastor/youth pastor/elder/deacon (or fill in your own blank) says it’s okay. He does it and seems to be pretty spiritual.” He’s not the Pope. He can’t make and or change the rules at will. He’s not God. He doesn’t know your heart. He doesn’t know with what you struggle. Only God knows this. Who better to lead your life than someone who knows your life better than you do? Just ask God if there is something in your life that might be hindering you. If you don’t feel your prayers breaking through the ceiling, see if there is something hindering you. If there is, give it up and repent. If you talk to the Lord today, just ask him: “Am I where I need to be today?” And don’t let it turn into a martyr’s syndrome. “Look what I’M giving up for the Lord.” Keep it personal…between you and the Lord. Don’t be surprised if HE asks something of YOU.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Mark 10
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Maybe you’ve given up smoking or drinking or swearing or pornography. Those are all good things to purge from your life. Did God lead you to do that, or was it someone else ‘encouraging’ you to give them up, because that’s not ‘socially acceptable’ for a Christian (another post for another day). Those are the obvious things to give up. What about being over-indulgent in sports; food; the internet; movies; video games… I’m not saying all of these are sinful. They might be a stronghold for someone, though. God doesn’t want strongholds in your life. I personally don’t drink. Not because ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ but because I grew up around a bunch of alcoholic people. Friends, family, co-workers. Drinking would probably become a stronghold for me. As you grow in the Lord, many times he asks you to remove things from your life that might hinder you from moving on to the next level. He’s not going to take it all away right up-front. Although he might. And it’s not the same method for every person. We are all different. What you might be able to handle at a certain time, I might not be able to handle. He works on us at a pace that might stretch us, but will never break us (as in loosing the faith break). If we break, usually we are not being led by God. Usually we are putting ourselves under a man-made bondage. We might see that something is ‘working’ for them so we put the same yoke on our own backs. It might not be time for that yoke. God knows when it’s time.
Conclusion:
If it comes out and says in the Bible (thus sayeth the Lord), it’s very safe to implement it into your life. You don’t need a midnight vision or revelation. Just do it. Don’t be a drunkard. Don’t commit adultery (or even lust upon a woman). Don’t steal. Don’t kill (or hate). If it doesn’t come out and say it, and you have a hard time finding a parallel example in the scripture, let the Lord lead you. Let the Holy Spirit convict you. Don’t say “Gosh, I really don’t feel right doing this but the pastor/youth pastor/elder/deacon (or fill in your own blank) says it’s okay. He does it and seems to be pretty spiritual.” He’s not the Pope. He can’t make and or change the rules at will. He’s not God. He doesn’t know your heart. He doesn’t know with what you struggle. Only God knows this. Who better to lead your life than someone who knows your life better than you do? Just ask God if there is something in your life that might be hindering you. If you don’t feel your prayers breaking through the ceiling, see if there is something hindering you. If there is, give it up and repent. If you talk to the Lord today, just ask him: “Am I where I need to be today?” And don’t let it turn into a martyr’s syndrome. “Look what I’M giving up for the Lord.” Keep it personal…between you and the Lord. Don’t be surprised if HE asks something of YOU.
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Friday, October 22, 2004
Asleep In the Light
Disclaimer: Please stop reading…this post was written for me.
Most people at my work would call me a nice person. Most even know that I am a Christian. But how often do I share my Christ with them? I see people hurting all the time. Have I grown that calloused that it doesn’t bother me anymore? Why can’t I just tell them that I have an answer to all of their problems? Jesus can, will and does make it all better. What happened to the passion for the lost and dying? Am I that comfortable with my salvation that I’m not worried how the others get there? “I’ve got my ticket, you could walk for I care-or don’t walk…suit yourself.” I understand that we all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. But do they know there is a salvation? Do they know they qualify for it? There are so many hurting people. You know the alcoholic that works next to you…he’s hurting. The adulterous man that lives next to you…he’s hurting. The rich charitable man who never darkens the doorway of a church…he’s hurting. The kid with the rotten home-life that comes over to play with your children…he’s hurting. Why aren’t we sharing with these people? Am I really that worried about what they will think of me? The late Keith Green touched on this topic in one of his songs.
Do you see, do you see
All the people sinking down
Don't you care, don't you care
Are you gonna let them drown
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
"Oh bless me Lord, bless me Lord"
You know it's all I ever hear
No one aches, no one hurts
No one even sheds one tear
But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds
And He cares for your needs
And you just lay back
And keep soaking it in,
Oh, can't you see it's such a sin?
Cause He brings people to you door,
And you turn them away
As you smile and say,
"God bless you, be at peace"
And all heaven just weeps
Cause Jesus came to you door
You've left him out on the streets
Open up open up
And give yourself away
You see the need, you hear the cries
So how can you delay
God's calling and you're the one
But like Jonah you run
He's told you to speak
But you keep holding it in,
Oh can't you see it's such a sin?
The world is sleeping in the dark
That the church just can't fight
Cause it's asleep in the light
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed
Jesus rose from the grave
And you, you can't even get out of bed
Oh, Jesus rose from the dead
Come on, get out of your bed
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
Don't close your eyes
Don't pretend the jobs done
Come away, come away, come away with Me my love,
Come away, from this mess, come away with Me, my love.
Asleep In the Light - Keith Green
God freely gave us salvation, we should freely share.
Please don’t think that I am cold and heartless. I do talk to a lot of people about my faith. I pray for people, and with people (not as often as I should). I know I could do more…MUCH more. Ray Comfort preached a message having to deal with Developing a Passion For Lost Souls. I’ll scrounge around and see if I can find it. It’s a pretty good message. Maybe you can find it on the web and download it. Recommended listening. I’m going to pray for that soft heart again. I’m going to pray for that passion and fire once more. If you ignored the disclaimer and read this post, maybe this applies to you. If so pray with me…if not pray for me. Thanks!
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Most people at my work would call me a nice person. Most even know that I am a Christian. But how often do I share my Christ with them? I see people hurting all the time. Have I grown that calloused that it doesn’t bother me anymore? Why can’t I just tell them that I have an answer to all of their problems? Jesus can, will and does make it all better. What happened to the passion for the lost and dying? Am I that comfortable with my salvation that I’m not worried how the others get there? “I’ve got my ticket, you could walk for I care-or don’t walk…suit yourself.” I understand that we all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. But do they know there is a salvation? Do they know they qualify for it? There are so many hurting people. You know the alcoholic that works next to you…he’s hurting. The adulterous man that lives next to you…he’s hurting. The rich charitable man who never darkens the doorway of a church…he’s hurting. The kid with the rotten home-life that comes over to play with your children…he’s hurting. Why aren’t we sharing with these people? Am I really that worried about what they will think of me? The late Keith Green touched on this topic in one of his songs.
Do you see, do you see
All the people sinking down
Don't you care, don't you care
Are you gonna let them drown
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
"Oh bless me Lord, bless me Lord"
You know it's all I ever hear
No one aches, no one hurts
No one even sheds one tear
But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds
And He cares for your needs
And you just lay back
And keep soaking it in,
Oh, can't you see it's such a sin?
Cause He brings people to you door,
And you turn them away
As you smile and say,
"God bless you, be at peace"
And all heaven just weeps
Cause Jesus came to you door
You've left him out on the streets
Open up open up
And give yourself away
You see the need, you hear the cries
So how can you delay
God's calling and you're the one
But like Jonah you run
He's told you to speak
But you keep holding it in,
Oh can't you see it's such a sin?
The world is sleeping in the dark
That the church just can't fight
Cause it's asleep in the light
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed
Jesus rose from the grave
And you, you can't even get out of bed
Oh, Jesus rose from the dead
Come on, get out of your bed
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
Don't close your eyes
Don't pretend the jobs done
Come away, come away, come away with Me my love,
Come away, from this mess, come away with Me, my love.
Asleep In the Light - Keith Green
God freely gave us salvation, we should freely share.
Please don’t think that I am cold and heartless. I do talk to a lot of people about my faith. I pray for people, and with people (not as often as I should). I know I could do more…MUCH more. Ray Comfort preached a message having to deal with Developing a Passion For Lost Souls. I’ll scrounge around and see if I can find it. It’s a pretty good message. Maybe you can find it on the web and download it. Recommended listening. I’m going to pray for that soft heart again. I’m going to pray for that passion and fire once more. If you ignored the disclaimer and read this post, maybe this applies to you. If so pray with me…if not pray for me. Thanks!
God Bless!
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Learning at Jesus' Feet
I used to tell myself that if Jesus still walked the earth today that I would have greater faith. I would have better understanding of the scripture. I would remain steadfast and not waver. Why not? Didn’t he provide all that he and his disciples needed? Food (feeding 4,000 or 5,000+ people with some leftovers); health (countless people he healed); money (Peter and the coin in the fishes mouth); comfort. Only if we could still learn at Jesus’ feet. Then I would ask myself “would I be one of them that turned away from such a radical?” I don’t think so. Don’t misunderstand, I have had my moments of doubt and turning away. But if I can believe and follow Him without having a tangible, touchable Jesus, I would certainly follow while he was on the earth.
John 20:29
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
I guess the point I’m trying to make is this: we can still learn at Jesus’ feet. Yes he has left physically, but now he lives IN us. How many understand that? Jesus said he would be with us always. He still comforts. He still teaches. He still feeds. He still heals. He has sent his Holy Spirit into the world; into our lives to take his physical place. After the time he spent with the disciples and the dependency they must have had on him, do you actually think he could leave and not fill that void in their lives? We have (or should have) that same dependency. We are actually born with this void in our lives. When we receive Jesus this void begins to fill. I don’t believe it’s totally filled until we put our complete faith and trust in him. Otherwise we would stop seeking as soon as we accepted Jesus into our lives. If you are saved, he is there in your life. It’s a matter of listening and in some cases seeking him. Why don’t you see him?
1 Kings 19
“11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.”
I believe many are looking in the wrong place. The charismatics are looking in the fire, earthquake and wind. Sometimes he still moves like that. Most other denominations and non-denominations aren’t looking at all because God doesn’t move or speak anymore(?!?!). And most of us don’t have (or take) the time to stop and listen for that still small voice. 100% of the time he will answer the prayer of the faithful. 98% of the time he will speak in that still small voice. Maybe 2% will be in fire, earthquake and wind. Are we seeking in the right spot? If you take time to stop and smell the roses today, forget the roses. Take that time and listen for the still small voice. This is how we can still learn at Jesus’ feet. Can you see him now?
God bless.
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
John 20:29
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
I guess the point I’m trying to make is this: we can still learn at Jesus’ feet. Yes he has left physically, but now he lives IN us. How many understand that? Jesus said he would be with us always. He still comforts. He still teaches. He still feeds. He still heals. He has sent his Holy Spirit into the world; into our lives to take his physical place. After the time he spent with the disciples and the dependency they must have had on him, do you actually think he could leave and not fill that void in their lives? We have (or should have) that same dependency. We are actually born with this void in our lives. When we receive Jesus this void begins to fill. I don’t believe it’s totally filled until we put our complete faith and trust in him. Otherwise we would stop seeking as soon as we accepted Jesus into our lives. If you are saved, he is there in your life. It’s a matter of listening and in some cases seeking him. Why don’t you see him?
1 Kings 19
“11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.”
I believe many are looking in the wrong place. The charismatics are looking in the fire, earthquake and wind. Sometimes he still moves like that. Most other denominations and non-denominations aren’t looking at all because God doesn’t move or speak anymore(?!?!). And most of us don’t have (or take) the time to stop and listen for that still small voice. 100% of the time he will answer the prayer of the faithful. 98% of the time he will speak in that still small voice. Maybe 2% will be in fire, earthquake and wind. Are we seeking in the right spot? If you take time to stop and smell the roses today, forget the roses. Take that time and listen for the still small voice. This is how we can still learn at Jesus’ feet. Can you see him now?
God bless.
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats?
Not that this needs any introduction. This was written and delivered by a well known minister. I will acknowledge him at the end. I know it may be a bit lengthy, but please take the time to read through it (or print it out to read at a later time).
***
An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it during the past few years. It has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them.
From speaking out as the Puritans did, the church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.
My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That is clear enough So it would have been if He had added, "and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to him.
Then again, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers .., for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12). Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll.
Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all his apostles. What was the attitude of the church to the world? Ye are the salt" (Matt. 5:13), not the sugar candy---something the world will spit out not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt. 8:22) He was in awful earnestness.
Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear him say, "Run after these people Peter and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick Peter, we must get the people somehow." Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them.
In vain will the Epistles be searched to find any trace of this gospel of amusement! Their message is, "Come out, keep out, keep clean out!" Anything approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon.
After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the church had a prayer meeting but they did not pray, "Lord grant unto thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." If they ceased not from preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That is the only difference! Lord, clear the church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods.
Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
(1834-1892)
***
Oh the money, time and resources we waste on cute skits, gymnasiums and general entertainment. It’s amazing that Spurgeon felt this way in his lifetime…over a hundred years ago!! Do we actually think that conviction and holy living is brought about by cute skits and Tuesday night basketball? How is that reaching out to the lost? “We invite ‘un-saved’ friends to play basketball.” I have seen this ploy: “If you play ball, you have to come to our church service at least twice a month.” Bribery? I’ve seen this not work so many times it is humiliating. You might (if enforced) see an increase in attendance around basketball season. But if the ministers not talking about the Lakers and the Pistons from the pulpit, does he have your attention? When was the last time you wept through church? And not the feeling you get when the band is playing loud and your emotions get the best of you. Don’t get me wrong, I have cried through many a song services. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when was the last time you WEPT; out of conviction, because you’ve allowed the Lord to work on your heart? I’m going to have to side with Spurgeon on this one.
God Bless.
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
***
An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it during the past few years. It has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them.
From speaking out as the Puritans did, the church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.
My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That is clear enough So it would have been if He had added, "and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to him.
Then again, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers .., for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12). Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll.
Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all his apostles. What was the attitude of the church to the world? Ye are the salt" (Matt. 5:13), not the sugar candy---something the world will spit out not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt. 8:22) He was in awful earnestness.
Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear him say, "Run after these people Peter and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick Peter, we must get the people somehow." Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them.
In vain will the Epistles be searched to find any trace of this gospel of amusement! Their message is, "Come out, keep out, keep clean out!" Anything approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon.
After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the church had a prayer meeting but they did not pray, "Lord grant unto thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." If they ceased not from preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That is the only difference! Lord, clear the church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods.
Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
(1834-1892)
***
Oh the money, time and resources we waste on cute skits, gymnasiums and general entertainment. It’s amazing that Spurgeon felt this way in his lifetime…over a hundred years ago!! Do we actually think that conviction and holy living is brought about by cute skits and Tuesday night basketball? How is that reaching out to the lost? “We invite ‘un-saved’ friends to play basketball.” I have seen this ploy: “If you play ball, you have to come to our church service at least twice a month.” Bribery? I’ve seen this not work so many times it is humiliating. You might (if enforced) see an increase in attendance around basketball season. But if the ministers not talking about the Lakers and the Pistons from the pulpit, does he have your attention? When was the last time you wept through church? And not the feeling you get when the band is playing loud and your emotions get the best of you. Don’t get me wrong, I have cried through many a song services. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when was the last time you WEPT; out of conviction, because you’ve allowed the Lord to work on your heart? I’m going to have to side with Spurgeon on this one.
God Bless.
“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14
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