But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10:12
Wolves. In John, Jesus talks about wolves catching and scattering sheep. He compares Himself as the Good Shepherd to a hireling. The hireling being someone that is just doing a job versus Jesus who will lay down His own life to protect His sheep. The result of the hireling leaving is that the wolves scatter the sheep.
So, wolves. They come at a time when the sheep are not under the watch of the Good Shepherd. If we as Christians are the sheep, and Jesus is the Shepherd, what does this mean? What about when we look at the times in our lives when we take control. We stop asking God for His direction, stop listening to the voice of the Shepherd, start making our own way. When we do, we are taking ourselves out from under the authority of the Shepherd. When we are called and do not respond, we are taking ourselves out from His authority. Then, the wolves come.
The wolves are a bad thing. Trust me. However, don't lose the beauty of a God that cares for us more deeply than we can realize. The wolves will drive us back to Him for protection, comfort and love. The wolves, as all creation, serve to glory God.
Remember, the wolves would have never showed up if we were near the Good Shepherd...
Monday, November 29, 2010
Real-Life Discipleship by Jim Putman
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. Matthew 28:19-20
Real-Life Discipleship by Jim Putman
Real Life Ministries is an Idaho based church. They have a great network of teaching, discipling and bringing people to Jesus. The main catalyst is their home group model. I was intrigued by their church's fulfillment of the great commission and success in getting people together so well. This book explains some of the methods used in their ministry.
The best part of the book is the focus on Jesus. All things for Him. All for the King. The whole process of discipleship that Pastor Putman lays out is modeled directly from Jesus' life. The process is in 2 parts. The first focuses on looking at leading an unbeliever all the way up tp the point of releasing them to make disciples. This is not a quick process. However, it is intentional and layed out. The second focus is on the role of the discipler. The steps and the process are layed out as well. Methods are given to help figure out how to shepherd a believer along the way.
The other intriguing part of the bok is what they call "the phrase from the stage". Its a way of figuring out spiritual maturity levels based on phrases used by people. This is really helpful since actions and physical age may lead people to make assumptions on spiritual maturity that are just not true.
This is a great resource for church leaders as well as church members. Even if your entire church does not adopt the process and philosophy, you can still be encoraged and given great resources to use in your personal walk and discipling.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Real-Life Discipleship by Jim Putman
Real Life Ministries is an Idaho based church. They have a great network of teaching, discipling and bringing people to Jesus. The main catalyst is their home group model. I was intrigued by their church's fulfillment of the great commission and success in getting people together so well. This book explains some of the methods used in their ministry.
The best part of the book is the focus on Jesus. All things for Him. All for the King. The whole process of discipleship that Pastor Putman lays out is modeled directly from Jesus' life. The process is in 2 parts. The first focuses on looking at leading an unbeliever all the way up tp the point of releasing them to make disciples. This is not a quick process. However, it is intentional and layed out. The second focus is on the role of the discipler. The steps and the process are layed out as well. Methods are given to help figure out how to shepherd a believer along the way.
The other intriguing part of the bok is what they call "the phrase from the stage". Its a way of figuring out spiritual maturity levels based on phrases used by people. This is really helpful since actions and physical age may lead people to make assumptions on spiritual maturity that are just not true.
This is a great resource for church leaders as well as church members. Even if your entire church does not adopt the process and philosophy, you can still be encoraged and given great resources to use in your personal walk and discipling.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
From "WHY REVIVAL TARRIES" -by Leonard Ravenhill.
Today God is bypassing men -- not because they are too ignorant,
but because they are too self-sufficient. Brethren, our abilities are
our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks!
Elijah lived with God. He thought about the nation's sin like God;
he grieved over sin like God; he spoke against sin like God. He
was all passion in his prayers and passionate in his denunciation
of evil in the land. He had no smooth preaching. Passion fired his
preaching, and his words were on the hearts of men as molten
metal on their flesh.
Brethren, if we will do God's work in God's way, at God's time,
with God's power, we shall have God's blessing and the devil's
curses. When God opens the windows of heaven to bless us, the
devil will open the doors of hell to blast us. God's smile means
the devil's frown! Mere preachers may help anybody and hurt
nobody; but prophets will stir everybody and madden somebody.
The preacher may go with the crowd; the prophet goes against it.
A man freed, fired, and filled with God will be branded unpatriotic
because he speaks against his nation's sins; unkind because his
tongue is a two-edged sword; unbalanced because the weight of
preaching opinion is against him.
Ah! brother preachers, we love the old saints, missionaries, martyrs,
reformers: our Luthers, Bunyans, Wesleys, Asburys, etc. We will
write their biographies, reverence their memories, frame their
epitaphs, and build their monuments. We will do anything except
imitate them . We cherish the last drop of their blood, but watch
carefully the first drop of our own!
Oh, my ministering brethern! Much of our praying is but giving God
advice. Our praying is discolored with ambition, either for ourselves
or for our denomination. Perish the thought! Our goal must be God
alone. It is His honor that is defiled, His blessed Son who is ignored,
His laws broken, His name profaned, His book forgotten, His house
made a circus of social efforts.
God's problem today is not communism, nor yet Romanism, nor
liberalism, nor modernism. God's problem is -- dead fundamentalism!.
"So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will
spew you out of my mouth." - Rev. 3:16
This generation of preachers is responsible for this generation of
sinners...Sin today is both glamorized and popularized, thrown into
the ear by radio, thrown into the eye by television, and splashed on
popular magazine covers. Church-goers, sermon-sick and teaching-
tired, leave the meeting as they entered it -- visionless and
passionless! Oh God, give this perishing generation ten thousand
John the Baptists!
-SOURCE: The book 'Why Revival Tarries' by Leonard Ravenhill.
(-One of the most stirring books on Revival ever written!)
but because they are too self-sufficient. Brethren, our abilities are
our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks!
Elijah lived with God. He thought about the nation's sin like God;
he grieved over sin like God; he spoke against sin like God. He
was all passion in his prayers and passionate in his denunciation
of evil in the land. He had no smooth preaching. Passion fired his
preaching, and his words were on the hearts of men as molten
metal on their flesh.
Brethren, if we will do God's work in God's way, at God's time,
with God's power, we shall have God's blessing and the devil's
curses. When God opens the windows of heaven to bless us, the
devil will open the doors of hell to blast us. God's smile means
the devil's frown! Mere preachers may help anybody and hurt
nobody; but prophets will stir everybody and madden somebody.
The preacher may go with the crowd; the prophet goes against it.
A man freed, fired, and filled with God will be branded unpatriotic
because he speaks against his nation's sins; unkind because his
tongue is a two-edged sword; unbalanced because the weight of
preaching opinion is against him.
Ah! brother preachers, we love the old saints, missionaries, martyrs,
reformers: our Luthers, Bunyans, Wesleys, Asburys, etc. We will
write their biographies, reverence their memories, frame their
epitaphs, and build their monuments. We will do anything except
imitate them . We cherish the last drop of their blood, but watch
carefully the first drop of our own!
Oh, my ministering brethern! Much of our praying is but giving God
advice. Our praying is discolored with ambition, either for ourselves
or for our denomination. Perish the thought! Our goal must be God
alone. It is His honor that is defiled, His blessed Son who is ignored,
His laws broken, His name profaned, His book forgotten, His house
made a circus of social efforts.
God's problem today is not communism, nor yet Romanism, nor
liberalism, nor modernism. God's problem is -- dead fundamentalism!.
"So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will
spew you out of my mouth." - Rev. 3:16
This generation of preachers is responsible for this generation of
sinners...Sin today is both glamorized and popularized, thrown into
the ear by radio, thrown into the eye by television, and splashed on
popular magazine covers. Church-goers, sermon-sick and teaching-
tired, leave the meeting as they entered it -- visionless and
passionless! Oh God, give this perishing generation ten thousand
John the Baptists!
-SOURCE: The book 'Why Revival Tarries' by Leonard Ravenhill.
(-One of the most stirring books on Revival ever written!)
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Letter
And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. 2 Kings 19:14
When King Sennacherib came against the kingdom of Judah he sent a letter to King Hezekiah. The letter was full of threats against the city, promise of destruction and blasphemy against the true God.
Blasphemy.
Sennacherib said the army of Asyria was stronger than God. Wow. And look at Hezekiah's response. He takes the letter to the Lord. Calls him by the covenant name of God. Tells Him that there's a letter for Him. Then, Hezekiah prays and waits.
Do we do that? When threatened or hurt, do we turn to God and wait for Him? Or, do we pray as we are making our own defenses and retaliation? "Trusting" God, and making a plan B just in case. God wants our faith, our trust, our lives. He is the father that will not abandon us. He is the father that will stand with us. He is God! If we let Him be.
Do you have a letter that needs to be laid out?
When King Sennacherib came against the kingdom of Judah he sent a letter to King Hezekiah. The letter was full of threats against the city, promise of destruction and blasphemy against the true God.
Blasphemy.
Sennacherib said the army of Asyria was stronger than God. Wow. And look at Hezekiah's response. He takes the letter to the Lord. Calls him by the covenant name of God. Tells Him that there's a letter for Him. Then, Hezekiah prays and waits.
Do we do that? When threatened or hurt, do we turn to God and wait for Him? Or, do we pray as we are making our own defenses and retaliation? "Trusting" God, and making a plan B just in case. God wants our faith, our trust, our lives. He is the father that will not abandon us. He is the father that will stand with us. He is God! If we let Him be.
Do you have a letter that needs to be laid out?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
"95 THESES to the MODERN EVANGELICAL CHURCH -by Greg Gordon.
"95 THESES to the MODERN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
-by Greg Gordon.
[Founder of Sermonindex.net]
1. The “church” at large has forgotten that the chief end of man is to glorify
God. (Rom 16:27; 1Cor 6:20; Mt 6:9; 1Cor 10:31)
2. Christians ignore most of the methods, practices and principles found in the
book of Acts. (Acts 2:42,44; Acts 2:46; Acts 2:38)
3. Many treat “church” like any other social club or sports event that they
might attend. (Acts 2:46; Heb 10:25; Acts 1:14)
4. We’ve made Christianity about the individual rather than the community of
believers. (Rom 12:5; 1Cor 12:12; 2Tim 4:16)
5. In most “churches” the priesthood of all believers isn’t acknowledged and
the role of pastor is abused. (1Pt 2:9; 1Cor 12:12; Eph 4:11-13)
6. The “church” as a whole has lost the concept of their being grafted into the
promises given toIsrael
7. There needs to be a recovery of teaching the whole counsel of God,
especially in expository form. (Acts 20:27; 1Tim 4:6, 2Tim 2:15)
8. We take it too lightly that we have the blessing and honor of having God’s
Scriptures in our possession. (Ps 119:16; Acts 13:44; Neh 8:9)
9. There has never been more access to the Word of God, yet so little reading
of it. (1Tim 4:13; Neh 8:1-3; Ps 119:59)
10. Some read the Scriptures to attain knowledge, but do not practice what they
read. (Jam 1:22; Mt 7:21; 3Jn 4)
11. Worship has become an idol in many “churches”. The music often resembles
that of the world. (Amos 5:23; Phil 4:8; 1Jn 5:21)
12. The world is shaping the views of the “church” more than the “church”
shaping the world. (Rom 12:2; Mt 5:13; 1Cor 1:22-23)
13. The “church” spends more money on dog food than on missions. (2Cor 9:6; Lk
21:2; Acts 4:34-35)
14. We take lightly the cost of discipleship laid out by Jesus Christ and do
not deny our lives. (Lk 14:33; Lk 14:26-27; Mt 8:19-20)
15. There is a lack of true discipleship and making others to be obedient
disciples. (Mt 28:20; 2Tim 2:2; 2Tim 2:14)
16. Many subscribe to the error that parts of life are to be spiritual while
others are to be secular. (1Pt 4:2;Col
17. Modern Christians often find Jesus’ command to sacrifice and serve
abhorrent. (Phil 2:21; Jam 3:16; Rom 12:1-2)
18. Self disciplines in the Christian life such as fasting and praying are
considered legalistic. (2Tim 2:21; 2Tim 1:8; Mt 6:17)
19. Little thought and contemplation is put towards the lostness of men, the
seriousness of the Gospel. (Phil 3:8; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:34)
20. We are living with an epidemic of cheap grace with flippant confession and
shallow consecration. (Lk 14:28-30; Lk 14:26; Jam 4:8)
21. Since the inception of the Church, the Gospel had the requirements of
repentance and discipleship. (Acts 2:38; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31)
22. Now forgiveness is offered without repentance, discipleship without
obedience, salvation without sanctity. (Heb 10:29; 4:11; Lk 13:24)
23. Introspection, counting the cost, godly sorrow over sin, are all foreign to
many in the “church”. (Acts 2:37; Ps 119:9; Heb 6:1-2)
24. The modern church loves itself more than its neighbor. (1Cor 3:3; Gal 5:13;
Phil 2:3)
25. The church must repent of its idolization of personality, and of business
principles. (2Cor 2:17; 1Cor 3:5; 1Cor 12:23)
26. Many elders and pastors of the “church” sadly are fleecing the flock to
supply their own wants. (Jn 10:12-13; 1Pt 5:2-3; Rev 2:15)
27. The qualities most in demand in today’s pastorate are frequently foreign to
the Scriptures. (1Tim 3:2-3; 1Tim 3:5; 1Tim 1:5-7)
28. The professionalization of the pastorate is a sin and needs to be repented
of. (2Cor 11:13; Gal 3:1; Gal 2:6)
29. There must be repentance for the ambitious desire and idolization of the
celebrity pastorate. (3Jn 9; Jer 17:5; 1Cor 12:22)
30. Pastors must trust the Spirit, not statistics. (2Sam 24:1; 1Cor 1:25; Rom
8:14)
31. Modern day prophets are being stoned by criticism and neglect. (2Tim 4:3-4;
Gal 1:10; Jer 1:7-8)
32. God’s prophets are ill-treated and shunned by most “christians” considered
too harsh or extreme. (Jer 6:10; Isa 6:9-10; Gal 4:16)
33. The prophets prophesy falsely, priests rule by their own power; and my
people love to have it so. (Mt 24:4, 11-12; 1Cor 1:19, Jude 8 )
34. There are many false gospels being preached from pulpits in our day. (2Cor
11:4; Gal 1:8-9; Jude 16)
35. There is an epidemic of a “mock” salvation message. It is correct in
doctrine, but false in reality. (2Cor 3:6; 1Jn 5:11-12; Rom 8:9)
36. A salvation that does not make men holy is trusted in by a deceived
multitude. (Jude 4; Rom 8:1; Rom 6:17-18)
37. There is a needed perseverance in the truThes of the Gospel without
unbelief. (Eph 1:1; Heb 6:11-12; Heb 10:26-27)
38. A great need is to see “christians” become saints in actual experience.
(1Jn 2:29;Col
39. Many professors of religion are forbidding people to be a part of the holy
body of Christ. (Mt 23:13; Ps 119:1-2; 2Pt 1:3-4)
40. Preaching has become all about the happiness of man and not the glory of
God. (Jn 6:26; Rom 4:20; 1Pt 4:11)
41. Preachers give smooth words to entice men, yet very few give any words of
correction or rebuke. (Jer 6:14; Pro 1:23; 1Tim 5:20)
42. Run from gospels that focus on our success and prosperity in the name of
Jesus Christ. (Jn 2:16; Acts 20:33; Jer 6:13)
43. Run from gospels that focus on self-improvement. (1Tim 6:5; Heb 12:14; Jam
4:14)
44. Run from churches where men, and not Christ, are glorified. (Col
25; Jn 16:14)
45. Run from churches where there is no Bible, no cross, no mention of the
blood of Christ. (1Pt 1:18-19; Eph 3:13; Rev 1:5)
46. Run from churches where the worship leaves you cold, where there’s no sense
of God’s presence. (1Cor 5:4; Ps 80:14-15; Jer 12:11)
47. Run from churches where you’re comfortable in your sin. (1Cor 14:25; Heb
10:30-31; Heb 4:13)
48. Run from churches that use the pulpit of God for a personal agenda. (Jude
10-11,19; 3Jn 9)
49. Run from those who preach division between races and cultures. (Jam 2:4,
Gal 3:28, Rev 5:9)
50. Run from ungodly, spasmodic movements and endless empty prophesying. (Jer
5:13; 1Cor 14:33, 1Jn 2:16)
51. Run from preachers who tell mostly stories and jokes. (Eph 5:4; Tit 1:8;
2:12)
52. Run from those that are only after money, who use one gimmick after another
to get your money. (2Pt 2:3; 2Cor 12:14; 1Cor 9:18)
53. The phrase “accept Jesus as your personal Saviour” is not found in the
Scriptures. (Rom 10:9-10;Col
54. Evidence of true conversion does not seem important to modern day
Christians. (1Jn 2:6; 1Jn 4:17; Mt 7:20)
55. Thousands of sinners think of God as having only one attribute: Love! But
they continue in sin. (Rom 1:18; Acts 5:11; Ps 2:12)
56. “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” has hindered true
evangelism. (Rom 3:19; Acts 26:18; Phil 3:18-21)
57. A Gospel of love and grace only, without the law of God being preached.
This is a doctrine of Satan. (2Tim 4:3-4; Rom 2:4-5; 3:19)
58. There has clearly arisen a careless mixture of 20th century reasoning with
God’s revelation. (Col
59. Decisionism and the “sinner’s prayer” has been a major cause of false
conversions in the “church”. (2Pt 2:1-2; Eph 2:4-5; 2Cor 5:17-18)
60. Many will be surprised to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you, depart from
me.” (Mt 7:22-23; 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21)
61. Men have taken the place of the Holy Spirit in confirming men in their
supposed salvation. (1Jn 2:3-5; 2Thes 1:8; Gal 6:12-15)
62. The doctrine of hell and eternal suffering is something little grasped by
most professing “christians”. (Mt 13:42; Jam 5:1; Ps 9:17)
63. The judgment seat of Christ is perhaps one of the most neglected topics in
the modern pulpit. (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; 1Cor 3:13)
64. The second coming of Christ needs to be re-instated as the church’s general
thrust and burden. (1Jn 3:2-3;Col
65. The church has lost the fear of God and has over emphasized the love of
God. (Heb 12:28-29; Lk 12:5; Heb 10:31)
66. The church has left evangelism to a few trained professionals. (Acts 8:1,4;
Acts 4:29; Rom 10:14)
67. Repentance is considered a one-time act in modern evangelism rather than a
way of life. (Rev 3:19; Heb 12:17; 2Pt 3:9)
68. The Lordship of Jesus Christ is something that is not taught in many
pulpits. (Acts 2:36; 1Cor 12:3; Rom 6:18)
69. Many in “churches” are not open to correction, church discipline or rebuke.
(1Cor 5:5; 1Cor 11:31-32; Heb 12:7-9)
70. Some preach salvation as a theory instead of persuading men to come to
Christ. (Jn 5:40;Col
71. There has been a loss of the fullness and majesty of the gospel. (1Tim
1:11; Jude 25; Rom 15:29)
72. There is little mention of sin or the depravity of man from “church”
pulpits. (Jn 3:20; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5)
73. Covetousness, consumerism, and coddling of the world’s goods does not
appear wrong. (Jer 22:17; 1Jn 2:15-16; 1Tim 3:3)
74. Little is made of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in churches or in
evangelism. (1Cor 15:14-15; Acts 4:10, 33)
75. The “church” has relied more on technology than God. (Zech 4:6; 1Cor 1:21;
2:4)
76. The prayer meeting is considered one of the least important meetings in the
“church”. (1Tim 2:1; Acts 4:31; Phil 4:6)
77. Pastors have never prayed less than they do in the “church” today. (Jer
10:21; Phil 2:21; Eph 6:18-19)
78. Very few are waiting on God for His direction and purpose for His Church.
(Eph 1:11; Ps 37:7; Isa 40:31)
79. The “church” has many organizers, but few agonizers. (Phil 3:18-19; Rom 9:1-
3; Jer 9:1)
80. We need to have the gifts of the Spirit restored again to the “church”.
(2Tim 4:2; 1Cor 14:39; 1Cor 12:31)
81. A serious, sober, self-controlled Christianity is very seldom found or
preached. (2Pt 3:11; 1Pt 4:7; Jude 3)
82. The “church” at large has forgotten how to pray. (1Jn 3:22; Acts 6:4; 1Thes
5:17)
83. Many “churches” are more dependent on tradition than the leading of the
Holy Spirit. (Mk 7:13; Acts 16:6; Acts 13:2)
84. Multitudes of professors preach and teach: that you cannot be freed from
sin. (Rom 16:18; Rom 6:1-2; 2Pt 2:1)
85. The Apostles and Christ always preached the possibility to walk free from
sin. (Tit 2:11-12; 1Pt 1:14-16; Rom 6:19)
86. Sinners are not saved to sin, but rather, saved to holiness and good works.
(Rom 6:13; Eph 2:10; 2Pt 3:14)
87. Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the
sinner. (2Tim 2:19; 1Pt 4:17-18; 2Tim 3:12)
88. A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need
of our day. (1Tim 6:3; 2Thes 3:6; 2Thes 2:13)
89. Many are confused about obedience, and good works that are readily
mentioned in the Scriptures. (Tit 3:8; Jn 10:32; Rev 3:15)
90. Little emphasis is put on the plan of God to make us like Jesus Christ in
“churches”. (1Pt 1:14-16; 1Jn 2:6; 1Pt 4:1)
91. Christ did not die on the cross to obtain a worldly “church” but for a
“glorious Church.” (Eph 5:27; Tit 2:14;Col
92. Christ does not come into an unregenerate and impure heart as many
contemporary theologians say. (2Cor 5:17; Mt 5:8; Eze 18:31)
93. A holy Church is God’s blessing to the world; an unholy “church” is God’s
judgment upon the world. (Mt 5:14,16; Eph 4:1; 1Thes 2:12)
94. If Christianity is to make any headway in the present time, it must be
proved to be more than a theory. (2Thes 3:6-7; 1Thes 4:1,11-12)
95. Unbelief has gagged and bound us as risen Lazarus! We need release in this
final hour! (Heb 3:12-14; 1Cor 3:21-23; Heb 11:6)
-by Greg Gordon.
[Founder of Sermonindex.net]
1. The “church” at large has forgotten that the chief end of man is to glorify
God. (Rom 16:27; 1Cor 6:20; Mt 6:9; 1Cor 10:31)
2. Christians ignore most of the methods, practices and principles found in the
book of Acts. (Acts 2:42,44; Acts 2:46; Acts 2:38)
3. Many treat “church” like any other social club or sports event that they
might attend. (Acts 2:46; Heb 10:25; Acts 1:14)
4. We’ve made Christianity about the individual rather than the community of
believers. (Rom 12:5; 1Cor 12:12; 2Tim 4:16)
5. In most “churches” the priesthood of all believers isn’t acknowledged and
the role of pastor is abused. (1Pt 2:9; 1Cor 12:12; Eph 4:11-13)
6. The “church” as a whole has lost the concept of their being grafted into the
promises given to
7. There needs to be a recovery of teaching the whole counsel of God,
especially in expository form. (Acts 20:27; 1Tim 4:6, 2Tim 2:15)
8. We take it too lightly that we have the blessing and honor of having God’s
Scriptures in our possession. (Ps 119:16; Acts 13:44; Neh 8:9)
9. There has never been more access to the Word of God, yet so little reading
of it. (1Tim 4:13; Neh 8:1-3; Ps 119:59)
10. Some read the Scriptures to attain knowledge, but do not practice what they
read. (Jam 1:22; Mt 7:21; 3Jn 4)
11. Worship has become an idol in many “churches”. The music often resembles
that of the world. (Amos 5:23; Phil 4:8; 1Jn 5:21)
12. The world is shaping the views of the “church” more than the “church”
shaping the world. (Rom 12:2; Mt 5:13; 1Cor 1:22-23)
13. The “church” spends more money on dog food than on missions. (2Cor 9:6; Lk
21:2; Acts 4:34-35)
14. We take lightly the cost of discipleship laid out by Jesus Christ and do
not deny our lives. (Lk 14:33; Lk 14:26-27; Mt 8:19-20)
15. There is a lack of true discipleship and making others to be obedient
disciples. (Mt 28:20; 2Tim 2:2; 2Tim 2:14)
16. Many subscribe to the error that parts of life are to be spiritual while
others are to be secular. (1Pt 4:2;
17. Modern Christians often find Jesus’ command to sacrifice and serve
abhorrent. (Phil 2:21; Jam 3:16; Rom 12:1-2)
18. Self disciplines in the Christian life such as fasting and praying are
considered legalistic. (2Tim 2:21; 2Tim 1:8; Mt 6:17)
19. Little thought and contemplation is put towards the lostness of men, the
seriousness of the Gospel. (Phil 3:8; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:34)
20. We are living with an epidemic of cheap grace with flippant confession and
shallow consecration. (Lk 14:28-30; Lk 14:26; Jam 4:8)
21. Since the inception of the Church, the Gospel had the requirements of
repentance and discipleship. (Acts 2:38; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31)
22. Now forgiveness is offered without repentance, discipleship without
obedience, salvation without sanctity. (Heb 10:29; 4:11; Lk 13:24)
23. Introspection, counting the cost, godly sorrow over sin, are all foreign to
many in the “church”. (Acts 2:37; Ps 119:9; Heb 6:1-2)
24. The modern church loves itself more than its neighbor. (1Cor 3:3; Gal 5:13;
Phil 2:3)
25. The church must repent of its idolization of personality, and of business
principles. (2Cor 2:17; 1Cor 3:5; 1Cor 12:23)
26. Many elders and pastors of the “church” sadly are fleecing the flock to
supply their own wants. (Jn 10:12-13; 1Pt 5:2-3; Rev 2:15)
27. The qualities most in demand in today’s pastorate are frequently foreign to
the Scriptures. (1Tim 3:2-3; 1Tim 3:5; 1Tim 1:5-7)
28. The professionalization of the pastorate is a sin and needs to be repented
of. (2Cor 11:13; Gal 3:1; Gal 2:6)
29. There must be repentance for the ambitious desire and idolization of the
celebrity pastorate. (3Jn 9; Jer 17:5; 1Cor 12:22)
30. Pastors must trust the Spirit, not statistics. (2Sam 24:1; 1Cor 1:25; Rom
8:14)
31. Modern day prophets are being stoned by criticism and neglect. (2Tim 4:3-4;
Gal 1:10; Jer 1:7-8)
32. God’s prophets are ill-treated and shunned by most “christians” considered
too harsh or extreme. (Jer 6:10; Isa 6:9-10; Gal 4:16)
33. The prophets prophesy falsely, priests rule by their own power; and my
people love to have it so. (Mt 24:4, 11-12; 1Cor 1:19, Jude 8 )
34. There are many false gospels being preached from pulpits in our day. (2Cor
11:4; Gal 1:8-9; Jude 16)
35. There is an epidemic of a “mock” salvation message. It is correct in
doctrine, but false in reality. (2Cor 3:6; 1Jn 5:11-12; Rom 8:9)
36. A salvation that does not make men holy is trusted in by a deceived
multitude. (Jude 4; Rom 8:1; Rom 6:17-18)
37. There is a needed perseverance in the truThes of the Gospel without
unbelief. (Eph 1:1; Heb 6:11-12; Heb 10:26-27)
38. A great need is to see “christians” become saints in actual experience.
(1Jn 2:29;
39. Many professors of religion are forbidding people to be a part of the holy
body of Christ. (Mt 23:13; Ps 119:1-2; 2Pt 1:3-4)
40. Preaching has become all about the happiness of man and not the glory of
God. (Jn 6:26; Rom 4:20; 1Pt 4:11)
41. Preachers give smooth words to entice men, yet very few give any words of
correction or rebuke. (Jer 6:14; Pro 1:23; 1Tim 5:20)
42. Run from gospels that focus on our success and prosperity in the name of
Jesus Christ. (Jn 2:16; Acts 20:33; Jer 6:13)
43. Run from gospels that focus on self-improvement. (1Tim 6:5; Heb 12:14; Jam
4:14)
44. Run from churches where men, and not Christ, are glorified. (
25; Jn 16:14)
45. Run from churches where there is no Bible, no cross, no mention of the
blood of Christ. (1Pt 1:18-19; Eph 3:13; Rev 1:5)
46. Run from churches where the worship leaves you cold, where there’s no sense
of God’s presence. (1Cor 5:4; Ps 80:14-15; Jer 12:11)
47. Run from churches where you’re comfortable in your sin. (1Cor 14:25; Heb
10:30-31; Heb 4:13)
48. Run from churches that use the pulpit of God for a personal agenda. (Jude
10-11,19; 3Jn 9)
49. Run from those who preach division between races and cultures. (Jam 2:4,
Gal 3:28, Rev 5:9)
50. Run from ungodly, spasmodic movements and endless empty prophesying. (Jer
5:13; 1Cor 14:33, 1Jn 2:16)
51. Run from preachers who tell mostly stories and jokes. (Eph 5:4; Tit 1:8;
2:12)
52. Run from those that are only after money, who use one gimmick after another
to get your money. (2Pt 2:3; 2Cor 12:14; 1Cor 9:18)
53. The phrase “accept Jesus as your personal Saviour” is not found in the
Scriptures. (Rom 10:9-10;
54. Evidence of true conversion does not seem important to modern day
Christians. (1Jn 2:6; 1Jn 4:17; Mt 7:20)
55. Thousands of sinners think of God as having only one attribute: Love! But
they continue in sin. (Rom 1:18; Acts 5:11; Ps 2:12)
56. “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” has hindered true
evangelism. (Rom 3:19; Acts 26:18; Phil 3:18-21)
57. A Gospel of love and grace only, without the law of God being preached.
This is a doctrine of Satan. (2Tim 4:3-4; Rom 2:4-5; 3:19)
58. There has clearly arisen a careless mixture of 20th century reasoning with
God’s revelation. (
59. Decisionism and the “sinner’s prayer” has been a major cause of false
conversions in the “church”. (2Pt 2:1-2; Eph 2:4-5; 2Cor 5:17-18)
60. Many will be surprised to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you, depart from
me.” (Mt 7:22-23; 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21)
61. Men have taken the place of the Holy Spirit in confirming men in their
supposed salvation. (1Jn 2:3-5; 2Thes 1:8; Gal 6:12-15)
62. The doctrine of hell and eternal suffering is something little grasped by
most professing “christians”. (Mt 13:42; Jam 5:1; Ps 9:17)
63. The judgment seat of Christ is perhaps one of the most neglected topics in
the modern pulpit. (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; 1Cor 3:13)
64. The second coming of Christ needs to be re-instated as the church’s general
thrust and burden. (1Jn 3:2-3;
65. The church has lost the fear of God and has over emphasized the love of
God. (Heb 12:28-29; Lk 12:5; Heb 10:31)
66. The church has left evangelism to a few trained professionals. (Acts 8:1,4;
Acts 4:29; Rom 10:14)
67. Repentance is considered a one-time act in modern evangelism rather than a
way of life. (Rev 3:19; Heb 12:17; 2Pt 3:9)
68. The Lordship of Jesus Christ is something that is not taught in many
pulpits. (Acts 2:36; 1Cor 12:3; Rom 6:18)
69. Many in “churches” are not open to correction, church discipline or rebuke.
(1Cor 5:5; 1Cor 11:31-32; Heb 12:7-9)
70. Some preach salvation as a theory instead of persuading men to come to
Christ. (Jn 5:40;
71. There has been a loss of the fullness and majesty of the gospel. (1Tim
1:11; Jude 25; Rom 15:29)
72. There is little mention of sin or the depravity of man from “church”
pulpits. (Jn 3:20; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5)
73. Covetousness, consumerism, and coddling of the world’s goods does not
appear wrong. (Jer 22:17; 1Jn 2:15-16; 1Tim 3:3)
74. Little is made of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in churches or in
evangelism. (1Cor 15:14-15; Acts 4:10, 33)
75. The “church” has relied more on technology than God. (Zech 4:6; 1Cor 1:21;
2:4)
76. The prayer meeting is considered one of the least important meetings in the
“church”. (1Tim 2:1; Acts 4:31; Phil 4:6)
77. Pastors have never prayed less than they do in the “church” today. (Jer
10:21; Phil 2:21; Eph 6:18-19)
78. Very few are waiting on God for His direction and purpose for His Church.
(Eph 1:11; Ps 37:7; Isa 40:31)
79. The “church” has many organizers, but few agonizers. (Phil 3:18-19; Rom 9:1-
3; Jer 9:1)
80. We need to have the gifts of the Spirit restored again to the “church”.
(2Tim 4:2; 1Cor 14:39; 1Cor 12:31)
81. A serious, sober, self-controlled Christianity is very seldom found or
preached. (2Pt 3:11; 1Pt 4:7; Jude 3)
82. The “church” at large has forgotten how to pray. (1Jn 3:22; Acts 6:4; 1Thes
5:17)
83. Many “churches” are more dependent on tradition than the leading of the
Holy Spirit. (Mk 7:13; Acts 16:6; Acts 13:2)
84. Multitudes of professors preach and teach: that you cannot be freed from
sin. (Rom 16:18; Rom 6:1-2; 2Pt 2:1)
85. The Apostles and Christ always preached the possibility to walk free from
sin. (Tit 2:11-12; 1Pt 1:14-16; Rom 6:19)
86. Sinners are not saved to sin, but rather, saved to holiness and good works.
(Rom 6:13; Eph 2:10; 2Pt 3:14)
87. Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the
sinner. (2Tim 2:19; 1Pt 4:17-18; 2Tim 3:12)
88. A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need
of our day. (1Tim 6:3; 2Thes 3:6; 2Thes 2:13)
89. Many are confused about obedience, and good works that are readily
mentioned in the Scriptures. (Tit 3:8; Jn 10:32; Rev 3:15)
90. Little emphasis is put on the plan of God to make us like Jesus Christ in
“churches”. (1Pt 1:14-16; 1Jn 2:6; 1Pt 4:1)
91. Christ did not die on the cross to obtain a worldly “church” but for a
“glorious Church.” (Eph 5:27; Tit 2:14;
92. Christ does not come into an unregenerate and impure heart as many
contemporary theologians say. (2Cor 5:17; Mt 5:8; Eze 18:31)
93. A holy Church is God’s blessing to the world; an unholy “church” is God’s
judgment upon the world. (Mt 5:14,16; Eph 4:1; 1Thes 2:12)
94. If Christianity is to make any headway in the present time, it must be
proved to be more than a theory. (2Thes 3:6-7; 1Thes 4:1,11-12)
95. Unbelief has gagged and bound us as risen Lazarus! We need release in this
final hour! (Heb 3:12-14; 1Cor 3:21-23; Heb 11:6)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pride
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Pride. What a battle. Scripture tells us plainly that a prideful man is setting up for a fall. A fall because our pride becomes an idol. Pride does not share a stage. It will muscle out whatever is around. Unfortunately, this is God, our family, our friends. All will fall victim. So what are we to do?
The verse at the end of this post is from Pual to Timothy cautioning him on choosing people for offices in the church. He warns that if someone is lifted up with pride he may fall into the hands of the devil. What if we focus on that? The fact our pride may cause us to fall into the hands of the enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy. Sobering. More importantly, this verse reminds us that pride is not from God. Therefore, it is from the enemy. The logical final step then is to treat it as an unwanted part in our spirit and cast it away in the name of Jesus.
Seeing pride like this may be odd to you. Think about this, how did Jesus deal with idolatry or the money changers in the temple? He cast them out! So, we being the temple of Jesus, let us not tolerate any unclean thing. In the name of Jesus we cast it out!
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6
Pride. What a battle. Scripture tells us plainly that a prideful man is setting up for a fall. A fall because our pride becomes an idol. Pride does not share a stage. It will muscle out whatever is around. Unfortunately, this is God, our family, our friends. All will fall victim. So what are we to do?
The verse at the end of this post is from Pual to Timothy cautioning him on choosing people for offices in the church. He warns that if someone is lifted up with pride he may fall into the hands of the devil. What if we focus on that? The fact our pride may cause us to fall into the hands of the enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy. Sobering. More importantly, this verse reminds us that pride is not from God. Therefore, it is from the enemy. The logical final step then is to treat it as an unwanted part in our spirit and cast it away in the name of Jesus.
Seeing pride like this may be odd to you. Think about this, how did Jesus deal with idolatry or the money changers in the temple? He cast them out! So, we being the temple of Jesus, let us not tolerate any unclean thing. In the name of Jesus we cast it out!
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6
Thursday, November 4, 2010
From Charles Spurgeon
“If any man sin, we have an advocate.” Yes, though we sin, we have him still. John does not say, “If any man sin he has forfeited his advocate,” but “we have an advocate,” sinners though we are. All the sin that a believer ever did, or can be allowed to commit, cannot destroy his interest in the Lord Jesus Christ, as his advocate. The name here given to our Lord is suggestive. “Jesus.” Ah! then he is an advocate such as we need, for Jesus is the name of one whose business and delight it is to save. “They shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” His sweetest name implies his success. Next, it is “Jesus Christ”—Christos, the anointed. This shows his authority to plead. The Christ has a right to plead, for he is the Father’s own appointed advocate and elected priest. If he were of our choosing he might fail, but if God hath laid help upon one that is mighty, we may safely lay our trouble where God has laid his help. He is Christ, and therefore authorized; he is Christ, and therefore qualified, for the anointing has fully fitted him for his work. He can plead so as to move the heart of God and prevail. What words of tenderness, what sentences of persuasion will the anointed use when he stands up to plead for me! One more letter of his name remains, “Jesus Christ the righteous.” This is not only his character BUT his plea. It is his character, and if the Righteous One be my advocate, then my cause is good, or he would not have espoused it. It is his plea, for he meets the charge of unrighteousness against me by the plea that he is righteous. He declares himself my substitute and puts his obedience to my account. My soul, thou hast a friend well fitted to be thine advocate, he cannot but succeed; leave thyself entirely in his hands.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Is He Real?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6:47
Jesus is our Savior. Do you believe that?
It's an easy thing to say, "Jesus is Lord". Are you living that? Is He really? Let me give you an eample to show you what I mean.
What did you do today? Since you woke up. Did you eat breakfast? Go to work? Pray? Now, here's what I'm getting at. Did you ask Jesus what He wanted you to do? If our lives are under Him, shouldn't we be asking? Asking what He wants us to do. Making ourselves available to be used by Him. Submitting to Him. Do you see what I mean?
In my life I often set my own course. Drive my own ship. Sometimes I ask for directions first. More and more I am struggling to ask first. It's hard! Asking about how to use my time, my finances, my talents. Here's the question I am trying to ask more and more: Am I proud to lay my life in front of Jesus and say "It's yours." My life meaning all of it. All my thoughts, my possessions, my choices. All of it. Now, what would Jesus' response be? Would He want it?
These are questions only you and He can answer. Ask Him! He is faithful to show us what we need to change. As I said, I'm fighting through this now. I am glad to have a few close friends to go throught the battle with you. I encourage you to not let this just pass by. Stand!
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. Hebrews 4:12
Jesus is our Savior. Do you believe that?
It's an easy thing to say, "Jesus is Lord". Are you living that? Is He really? Let me give you an eample to show you what I mean.
What did you do today? Since you woke up. Did you eat breakfast? Go to work? Pray? Now, here's what I'm getting at. Did you ask Jesus what He wanted you to do? If our lives are under Him, shouldn't we be asking? Asking what He wants us to do. Making ourselves available to be used by Him. Submitting to Him. Do you see what I mean?
In my life I often set my own course. Drive my own ship. Sometimes I ask for directions first. More and more I am struggling to ask first. It's hard! Asking about how to use my time, my finances, my talents. Here's the question I am trying to ask more and more: Am I proud to lay my life in front of Jesus and say "It's yours." My life meaning all of it. All my thoughts, my possessions, my choices. All of it. Now, what would Jesus' response be? Would He want it?
These are questions only you and He can answer. Ask Him! He is faithful to show us what we need to change. As I said, I'm fighting through this now. I am glad to have a few close friends to go throught the battle with you. I encourage you to not let this just pass by. Stand!
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. Hebrews 4:12
The American Patriont's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1
The American Patriont's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb
This is an impressive book. It is beautifully bound and the pages are intentionally given a rustic feel. Inside is a treasury of information.
The book itself is a collection of historical events that occurred on each day of the year. Additionally, it contains information on the constitution, declaration of independence, flags of history, the Gettysburg address and other important historical documents. The authors do not just present the information in an encyclopedia format. They tell you the story behind the event or document. They draw you in. They make it something that you care about.
I am impressed by this book. The authors begin by regaling America. It's great points, the reason we are a great nation. Surprisingly, it's not all smiles. They candidly discuss the hardships of the current wars, the economic downturn and that we sa a country don;t always do things right. However, we have a nation of Christian men and women that are a force to be reckoned with when we work together.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a history buff, a patriot, or both. It is an inspiring collection of stories about our country that will be sure to renew pride.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The American Patriont's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb
This is an impressive book. It is beautifully bound and the pages are intentionally given a rustic feel. Inside is a treasury of information.
The book itself is a collection of historical events that occurred on each day of the year. Additionally, it contains information on the constitution, declaration of independence, flags of history, the Gettysburg address and other important historical documents. The authors do not just present the information in an encyclopedia format. They tell you the story behind the event or document. They draw you in. They make it something that you care about.
I am impressed by this book. The authors begin by regaling America. It's great points, the reason we are a great nation. Surprisingly, it's not all smiles. They candidly discuss the hardships of the current wars, the economic downturn and that we sa a country don;t always do things right. However, we have a nation of Christian men and women that are a force to be reckoned with when we work together.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a history buff, a patriot, or both. It is an inspiring collection of stories about our country that will be sure to renew pride.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Truth That Sticks by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
Truth That Sticks by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden
This is one fantastic book. The basic idea is how do you tell truth in today's world. Less than 1/3 of the population of the world is functionally literate. Add to that the fact that the Western world has switched to either bite-size reading (twitter, texting, etc.) or audio/visual learning style. With this mountain of obstacles, how do we spread the truth of Jesus and build disciples? I think these guys are on to something. Stories.
Jesus taught through stories. He revealed deep truth to crowds, and individuals, through parables. He did this to help them understand hard truths. Also, we are wired for stories. We love stories as children. As we get older, our stories just get a little longer and complex. So, what better way to get truth to stick in the minds of people than using the God made paths! Jesus told hundreds of stories that dealt with many topics. As modern believers, we can retell His teachings and ask questions to guide people to truth. This process is true for both leading someone to Christ and then leading them to His kingdom.
If you couldn't tell, I loved this book. I am excited to try out the method of storying. I have a deep respect for the several groups that came together to formalize this method to use in sharing the Gospel and discipling. We are strong in Jesus!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Truth That Sticks by Avery T. Willis Jr. and Mark Snowden
This is one fantastic book. The basic idea is how do you tell truth in today's world. Less than 1/3 of the population of the world is functionally literate. Add to that the fact that the Western world has switched to either bite-size reading (twitter, texting, etc.) or audio/visual learning style. With this mountain of obstacles, how do we spread the truth of Jesus and build disciples? I think these guys are on to something. Stories.
Jesus taught through stories. He revealed deep truth to crowds, and individuals, through parables. He did this to help them understand hard truths. Also, we are wired for stories. We love stories as children. As we get older, our stories just get a little longer and complex. So, what better way to get truth to stick in the minds of people than using the God made paths! Jesus told hundreds of stories that dealt with many topics. As modern believers, we can retell His teachings and ask questions to guide people to truth. This process is true for both leading someone to Christ and then leading them to His kingdom.
If you couldn't tell, I loved this book. I am excited to try out the method of storying. I have a deep respect for the several groups that came together to formalize this method to use in sharing the Gospel and discipling. We are strong in Jesus!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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