Godcasting

St. Joseph Chapel

2008-06-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Spending three days in a hospital waiting to bring your newest child home you go a little stir crazy. So, I started walking around the hospital grounds to see what they had. I found a koi pond, a labyrinth, and finally a chapel. According to Wikipedia,

“
Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets his mind. The result is a relaxed mental attitude, free of internal dialog. This is a form of meditation. Many people believe that meditation has health benefits as well as spiritual benefits.”

The pamphlet put out by the labyrinth had some quotes from eastern mystics and even an excerpt from “Conversations with God” My suspicions of pluralism were confirmed when I visited the chapel and found not only a cross, but symbols of Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. There was a locked box near the altar. They provided slips of paper on which you were encouraged to ask one question of God. I asked, “Am I good enough to go to heaven?” and then included www.needgod.com on the paper.

Later on, a nun came to our room and informed us that she was there to offer any spiritual assistance we might need. I thanked her and commented on how I had visited the chapel. I asked her about why there were five different religions represented behind the altar. She told me that there are several paths, but they all go to the same place. Molly later told me she was astonished that a Catholic nun would so blatantly contradict her own faith. I smiled and commented to the nun that I thought that was a sweet sentiment, but wondered how she reconciled that up with what Jesus said. “Broad is the road that leads to destruction, but small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life.” She looked surprised and asked me if I was a pastor. I told her that I was just a lay person who likes to “get out of the boat” and look for fish. I explained that I, too, thought that all religions were variations on the same theme, but came to find out that Jesus stands in stark opposition to the religions of the world. I gave her a “Why Christianity” booklet from Living Waters telling her that this really helped me understand how they are different. She thanked me
and told me that it would be her reading and meditation material for the next day. Let’s pray for her.

So, Molly and I were flipping channels in the room and found a channel with the chapel on it. Looking at the water in the background moving, I figured that this was a live shot. I told Molly to not switch the channel and ran out of the room. When I made it to the altar, my phone rang. Molly was able to see me on the TV in the room. Then, she said, “Hey, I heard your phone ring... on the TV!” Um... I put two and two together, told Molly to turn up the volume and I hung up.

Stepping up to the altar, with nobody in the audience but the camera, I preached the Law and the gospel to the best of my ability. I prayed that God would have some of the rooms turned to that same channel and let it rip. I started out by mentioning that whether you were here on your deathbed, or just visiting someone who is, this will be the most important message you are going to hear. We are not promised tomorrow, so please consider my words.

Like many of you, I can’t look at the world the same way since I have been born again. I can’t look at a line of people waiting for a sports game without wanting to pull over and share the gospel. I can’t look at a person by them-self asking me directions without handing them a gospel tract. And, now I can’t look at a hospital chapel with closed circuit TV wired to every room in the place and not resist the urge to stand up and preach for twenty minutes the only message that will save those who hear it.

Two Doors

2008-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

A man dies and finds himself in purgatory. St. Peter offers him a way to avoid the thousand year wait to get into Heaven and offers him a deal. He leads the man to a special room with two doors. One door leads straight to Heaven, and the other will end the man up in hell for eternity. Inside the room are two guards. One guard is a ‘perfect liar’ and the other is a ‘perfect truth teller’. That is, the first will always tell a lie, and the other will always tell the truth. St. Peter tells the man that he has no way of knowing which door leads where, and no way of knowing which man tells the truth. He offers the man one question to either man. What is the one question that the man can ask to assure his salvation?

Click Here to Solve

sabbatical

2008-04-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on right now. I am heavily involved in evangelism and evangelism training. If you finished reading most of my blog and are looking for more, please go check out my latest project. The Great Coffee Mission

Thanks, Dru

Tapestry

2008-03-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been listening to a podcast on world spirituality called Tapestry. You can find it for free on iTunes. Each week they have a different spiritual leader from around the world and talk about their brand of religion/faith/spirituality. One thing I find fascinating is that each of them is so tolerant of all different faiths... except that one that you and I have chosen. You know, us intolerant bigots who believe that Jesus is the only way, the Truth and the Life. The guy I am listening to right now, like many of them, is actually quoting the Bible to support his eastern mindset. Cherry picking verses, reading into the text, and anything else to take the focus off of his own personal sin, and the coming judgment from a Holy God. For now, I'll leave you with this. But, I can see myself actually writing a rebuttal each week to the "teaching" that is coming out of this show.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

2008-02-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.

I know I'm trying to go through John from the perspective of someone who is reading the Bible for the first time, but I'm also looking for inspiration into the text. John MacArthur suggests that the reason Mary didn't recognize Jesus is the same for all people; they are prevented from recognizing him until they are called. The moment Jesus calls, "Mary", she instantly knows him. This is reminiscent of Jesus' words in chapter 10, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

QYST Day 17 - The Breastplate of Righteousness

2008-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Listen
"He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak." ISAIAH 59:17

The second item which we are commanded to put on as soldiers of the Lord, is the "breastplate of righteousness." Jesus Christ, the Lord of Righteousness, loves righteousness. He has a vehement fervor for justice. The soldier who has been taught and trained by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will not only have righteousness, but will do righteousness. He should love what is right and hate what is wrong. The child of God longs for a new earth "wherein dwells righteousness." He "hungers and thirsts for righteousness." If we haven't that testimony, then we haven't seen an answer to the cry, "Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit in me," or perhaps that has never been our plea...

The breastplate keeps the heart clean, for out of the heart come the issues of life. How could be approach the King with soiled garments? Righteousness breeds holy boldness! If we had an audience with an earthly king, we would groom every hair on our heads. We would go over our clothes with a fine-toothed comb, and go over our teeth with a fine-bristled brush. We would check the mirror with the eye of a prosecuting attorney, looking for the finest of flaws. We would shine our shoes until the mirrored our face. The king's position commands such respect. How much more then should be cleanse our hearts and minds daily through the water of the Word, so that we might have a bold confidence before the King of Righteousness.

This devotion was excerpted from How to Win Souls and Influence People, chapter 2, beginning on page 18.

The Empty Tomb

2008-02-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Even if you were the first to the tomb, it would be difficult to believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead. This is exactly what the Bible says, though. If the whole message of Jesus was, "Do a good turn daily" then it would be a lot easier to pass that message on if you eliminated the difficult business of him rising from the dead. Why is this left in there? Because it is the central point of which the faith depends. Jesus actually died for our sins, and actually rose from the grave, defeating death for all time.

A Wolf among the Sheep

2008-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty bummed out all weekend. I got a message on Friday that one of my friends had been baptized into another church. And, by another church, I'm not talking about a different building, but another church. The Unification Church, to be specific. This is especially disheartening, as this was a friend who went out faithfully with us every Friday to evangelize on the street. For two years, this gentleman was out with us, carrying his Macarthur Bible in his arms. This isn't someone that doesn't know the gospel, who doesn't understand his position before a holy God, and doesn't realize that unless he repents and puts his complete faith in Christ, that he will one day stand before that God who will judge him. I don't really want to use this blog to gossip, but merely to express my sadness at losing a small battle in this spiritual war we are all in.

I've been doing some reading on this church, and their beliefs. Some key things that stand out for me, are key things in ALL cults. They reduce Jesus to merely a man, and they elevate man to God, or at least the ability to attain attributes of God. Also, the god of the Unification Church seems to me a pretty weak god. He had a plan for the earth, but Adam and Eve messed it up for him. (Christianity teaches that nothing happens outside of God's will.) And then he came up with the idea of Jesus, but that plan fell through because John the Baptist didn't advertise enough for Jesus and he got crucified before he was able to accomplish his task of salvation. Finally, Jesus is back as a person, Sun Myung Moon, and is going to give it a try again. Maybe if he didn't spend so much time running the Washington Post, which he owns, he would be able to save mankind, but it certainly doesn't inspire much confidence.

Bottom line here, it is not our persuasive abilities, nor our knowledge and ability to debate, that will draw people to Christ, but that is the job of the Holy Spirit. I pray, and hope you will join me in prayer, that God will remove the scales from my friend's eyes, and draw his heart back to the only name by which man will be saved, that of Jesus Christ.

And, Lord, renew in me a passion for reaching out to the lost, wherever they are, as we really only have a finite number of days left that we will be able to evangelize. I thank you, Lord, for your patience with us, and ask to be continually used in your plan of salvation. - Amen

The Burial of Jesus

2008-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Let's continue in the 19th chapter of John. I don't see any great truths in this passage of Scripture, but simple details that, along with the other three gospels, confirm that this happened in a real place at a real time with real people. Pilate, Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea were all real people. myrrh and aloes were typical of the burial procedure of the day. All these details just add to the pile of evidence that Jesus was a real man, who really lived, and really was crucified and was really buried. There is no allegory in these stories.

Christianity stands apart from all other religions, where you can have the beliefs without the central figure. You can have Buddhism apart from the Buddha. You can have Scientology apart from L. Ron Hubbard. But, you cannot have Christianity apart from Christ. Christianity is not just a list of ideas and morals. It is the physical act of God satisfying his wrath in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Without that actual act, if it is just a moral story, then, as Paul says, "We are to be pitied above all men." But, if it really happened, then we have the hope that surpasses all understanding, and we have the obligation to point the world to their only chance for salvation.

The Death of Jesus

2007-10-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

There you have it. It is finished. Debt paid in full. Nothing we do will add to or take away from the price Jesus paid to satisfy God's wrath at our sin.

31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

No other scenario so beautifully portrays God's wrath and God's mercy in harmony as the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. God is holy, just and perfect and must punish sin, and he is good, loving and merciful, and he has given us unmerited grace. Both were accomplished with this one act.

The Crucifixion

2007-09-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."

22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

One of the most interesting things I have read about this section of Scripture is that someone who doesn't have a clue about the truth has unwittingly proclaimed it (i.e. Christ is the King), and ironically, the representatives of the one true God, the people who should have recognized the truth, continue to reject it. Ironically, this seems to be the same today in churches, where you present the gospel to an atheist, and he considers it, while the person warming the pews has the loudest objection to the proclamation of the truth.

How to Write Your Personal Testimony

2007-09-21T12:14:00.001-07:00

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

A friend once related how she didn't like her husband giving out tracts that she thought had a hidden agenda. The tracts were about the things of God, but they didn't look as though they were. Her contention was that it was deceitful. She said that he should be upfront and just say "I want to talk to you about God."

Shortly afterward, she admitted that the truth was that she was embarrassed when her husband was giving the tracts out, and said that she realized that her fears were spiritual in origin.

What may seem like deceit to some, is in truth "discretion." When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He didn't say, "I want to talk to you about God. You are living in adultery." That was His agenda, but such an abrupt approach may have meant a closed door. Instead, Jesus spoke to her about water, something she could relate to, and then He gently swung to the subject of the things of God.

The result was that the woman became a believer in Jesus, and she immediately gave her testimony to the unsaved in her village. She simply said, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that I ever did: is not this the Christ?" (John 4:29). We are called to say the same thing. God is omniscient. He sees everything we do. Nothing is hid from His holy eyes. He hears every word, and He demands an account of every idle word we speak. This holy Judge of the Universe has set aside a Day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. Then we are to point to Jesus Christ, as the woman did.

It is wise to have our testimony on hand in our mind. We should know the reason we became Christians, and how we were converted. It is important that we learn how to share our testimony in a way that is effective. Our salvation centers on the Cross, so that's where we should be heading. The Cross was the evidence that displayed God's love for humanity. It is the essence of the gospel.

Three times in Scripture, Paul gave his testimony. That speaks for itself. You may not have had a Road to Damascus experience, but you have experienced the One Paul experienced on the road. You were on the Road of Sin. You saw the light. God opened your blinded eyes. You came to know Him whom to know is life eternal. You had a Road to the Cross experience.

Why do we need to be able to share the experience of being converted? Because (as it's been well-said), the man with an experience is not at the mercy of a man with an argument. A skeptic may disagree with what we say, but he cannot truly deny the experience of another person. The Christian knows the Lord.

The question that may come to mind is "How do I know that I know the Lord?" The answer is in God's Word. It says, hereby we know that we know Him, if we keep his commandments (1 John 2:3). That's the backbone of our testimony. God gives us a new heart with new desires. We are made new creatures in Christ. We have been born again. We had no interest in the things of God, now we love Him and yearn to please Him. We want to keep His commandments.

Sadly, many modern converts miss the evangelistic target when they share their testimony. They say things like "I was into drugs, etc., but Jesus filled my heart with joy" etc. Rather, structure your testimony to preach sin, righteousness and judgment.

Here's a suggested testimony composition:

Learn how to include the spiritual nature of the Ten Commandments in your testimony ("I never understood what sin was, until I looked at the Ten Commandments . . .").
Stress that nothing is hidden from God - that He even sees the thought-life.
Stress the reality of the Day of Judgment.
Preach the Cross, repentance, and faith ("Then I understood why He died. He was bruised for my iniquities, etc.).
Emphasize that you weren't "converted by the Bible." Early Christians didn't have a Bible. The New Testament wasn't compiled. Most couldn't read. There was no such thing as the printing press. They were instead converted by the power of the gospel. Underscore the fact that you now know that the Bible is true because when you obeyed the gospel you were transformed - taken from darkness into light - born again - a new creature with a new heart and new desires . . . then the Bible came alive because you now have the Holy Spirit, who leads you into all truth.

Author: Ray Comfort of Living Waters Publications

QYST Day 16 - The Full Armor of God

2007-09-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Listen

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.“ 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4

We're going to spend a little time now going through the armor that every Christian soldier needs to be wearing. Examine and see how you measure up. You won't feel prepared to go into the battle of winning souls if you aren't well armed.

Christianity isn’t for wimps. God put the heat of tribulation on Jesus in the desert (see Luke 4:1): "though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things that He suffered…" (Hebrews 5:8). How much more will you and I be tried if we want to walk in the footsteps of the Savior? If we want to rescue humanity from the fires of Hell, we must take control, both of our own fears and of the demonic restraints placed in front of us.

We need to know what our weapons are, and we need to have expertise in their use so that we might be effective in penetrating enemy territory. Ephesians 6:10-18 lists some of our basic inventories, where seven standard items are listed. First we are told to have our loins, "gird about with truth." So our first preparation for battle is to determine to speak the truth, the whole truth , and nothing but the truth… from the heart, without compromise.

When we are gird about with truth, the world will hate us. If we would just say that Jesus isn't the only way to God, or that you can sin and love God, or that the Bible is only one revelation of God to man, then we would have the world's smile. The unyielding truth may cause us to have to pay the ultimate price for our faith.

Today's devotion was excerpted from How to Win Souls and Influence People, chapter 2, beginning on page 14.

Jesus Sentenced to be Crucified

2007-09-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.

4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"

6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."

7 The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."

I hear a lot of answers to the question, "Why did Jesus get crucified?" Many people say that Jesus was upsetting the system or he was a rebel or that he was trying to start his own religion. But, right here we learn that Jewish law said he had to die for claiming to be the Son of God, essentially equating himself with God. More importantly, we see again, that Jesus actually did this.
Usually a religion goes astray by denying the identity of Jesus as God. The only way to think the Jesus didn't claim to be God is to add to the Bible, or to take away from it. The plain reading of passages like this just doesn't allow for any other option.

8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

This is one of my favorite parts of the story. So many stories we hear through church culture have to do with man sinning and messing up God's story, and God having to come up with a contingency plan to make it right. God had it all planned out from the beginning. So, just because we have free will, don't think for a second that God is not in control of every atom in His universe.

12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."

13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.

15 But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

This part of the story always makes me think, how could those who claimed to follow Jesus turn on Him so quickly? But, if we think of the modern church, we are not much different. Many people walk down an aisle "giving their life to Jesus" to see what they can get out of it. But, when push comes to shove, Jesus isn't just our Savior, He is also our Lord. But, people don't want that Jesus. They want to see what they can get to satisfy their own desires. First century Jews wanted Jesus to rise up and takeover Rome. Today, we want Jesus to make us the CEO of our own company and help us win the lottery.

When God is presented as the actual Judge of the Universe, the first ones to scream out against that God are the so-called "Christians". They just want to make a God of Love, but if you present to them that the most loving God is also Just and Righteous, and is filled with wrath at the sinner, they not only want to crucify that God, but they want to crucify you.

In the end, it doesn't matter what any of us think is the real God, it matters what the Bible reveals to us. It is up to us to find the true God of the Bible and find out what He requires from us.

Jesus Before Pilate

2007-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

28 Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"

30 "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."

31 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law."

"But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. 32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

34 "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

35 "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

36 Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Though Jesus constantly refers to His kingdom, he states here that it is not of this world. He speaks of a kingdom that we will see after we leave this world. I hear many people talk about how we can bring about Jesus' kingdom here by doing such and such. I doubt Jesus needs our help. I'm sure He is in complete control and things are going exactly as He planned.

37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 39 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"

40 They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.

God wasn't taken by surprise when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. He didn't have to make up a contingent plan on the spot to try to remedy things. It was all planned out from the beginning. His original plan was to create man, whom He knew would fall, so He could redeem them with His son, Jesus, for His glory. Jesus knew that instead of being cast down and stoned, as was the custom of the Jews, He would be lifted up, upon a cross, the way the Romans executed people, so he could willingly lay down His life for our sins. At no time, was this out of God's control. His plan was from the beginning to sacrifice His son for you and for me. But, we do have the free will to accept or reject this grace. That free will is God's plan as well.

You Shall Not Covet

2007-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Exodus 20:17

Welcome:
Share a story of something you really, really wanted, only to find that it did not satisfy.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how impulsive can you be at the mall and/or at the supermarket? Please share a funny story with the group if you have one.

Word:
Read Exodus 20:17 & 2 Samuel 11: 1-16

Coveting is a sin that is very insidious in its nature. It is subtle, silent, but can be very destructive.

What was the catalyst in this story that set in motion a chain of destructive events?
List some of the “happenings” that were a result of David’s covet for another man’s wife:
Why is coveting so bad?
Why is coveting so easily ignored, or overlooked in our Christian walk?

Read 1 Timothy 6: 9, 10 & Ecclesiastes 5: 10

According to these passages, what is the root of all evil?
What can easily happen when a person is eager for money (vs. 10)?
How can we be more mindful, and guard against coveting?

Worship:
Read Psalm 111. Reflect on and discuss the attributes of the Lord that are worthy of our praise.

We can conquer coveting by being grateful to God, learning to be content with what God has blessed us with and by being more generous and giving.

Witness:
As a group decide on what you WILL do, or what you GIVE, in some way, to your community (i.e. Raise money for back to school supplies for kids in need, sponsor a class room and serve them with your time, energy, and money).

Why I am Arrogant and Judgmental

2007-09-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

I think I have figured out why I am arrogant and judgmental. At least in the eyes of others. I had a pretty extensive conversation with my in-laws the other night. This has been a ten year conversation and has been known to get very heated, but even though things have mellowed out over the years, (We all realize we love each other and continue to debate because we really care about the salvation of the other), it got really heated this last Sunday dinner.

We have gone in circles enough, and I am learning not to get tied up chasing rabbits down holes where I know I am not going to get out easily. Lately, I have been able to really distill the Gospel down to God's holiness, our sin, God's wrath, God's mercy through Christ, and our response. We have gone through this before, but all of a sudden, it hit me. Follow my logic here for a second:

Premise A. Good people go to Heaven.
- Nobody is perfect, but you can measure on a sliding scale because "God knows your heart"

Premise B. Dru says that he is for sure going to Heaven.
- Dru also says that people who [haven't heard of Christ] are going to Hell.

Conclusion. Dru is better than the good people of Africa who never had the opportunity to hear about Jesus through no fault of their own. Therefore, Dru is first arrogant to say he knows what God will do, and second judgmental for sending good people to Hell.

It might take a bit, but let me break each of these down.

First, I never said "Good people go to Heaven." Because the Bible says that there is no one "good" but God. The trouble comes in when religion is taught to people instead of the Bible. I spoke to a Muslim the other night, and he said the same thing. His religion taught, nobody is perfect, but if you try with your heart to follow the commandments given in the Koran, you will hopefully end up with Allah finding your "good" outweighing your "bad".

The scary thing is that the Catholic religion teaches the very same thing. My mother in law told me that her religion considers Allah the very same God that Jews, Christians and Muslims worship. She also said that even if you are not actually baptized in the name of Christ, nor count on Him to cover your sin, you still are able to have the "baptism of desire". I guess this means that if you follow the Law of God simply because you know it is right, even though you never read a Bible or ever heard of Christ, much less repented and placed your faith in Him, you can still have God judge you and find your "good" outweighs your "bad. I guess the Catholic god is more like Allah then we knew.

Now, any time I pointed out that none of this was in the Bible, Catholic translation or otherwise, I was told that you had to read the Catechism or catch the latest word handed down from Rome to learn this stuff. For example, a year or so ago, the Catholic Church decreed that you needn't evangelize (share the gospel) with a Jew as they already had a deal with God and they would be just fine without Jesus. I learned that my Father in law would be better off on Judgment Day as a non-believing Jew who really had lived his whole life for other people, and never committing any sins that would be serious in God's eyes than the person who lived his life sinfully, came to realize that and repented and placed his faith in Jesus. (Guess what, that's me.)

This is basically what every religion teaches. Everyone knows in their heart that Hitler is going to Hell, and Mother Theresa is going to Heaven. Why? Because of what they did in their lives. It sounds right, it is intuitive. When you talk with people of ANY religion, you need to realize they are starting with this premise as 'true'.

Next, I walk in with this great promise of eternal salvation and start talking about Jesus, and when asked if I am going to Heaven, I say, "Sure Bet!" If you ask me about the people in China who have never heard of Jesus, no matter how clearly I say, "People don't go to Hell for not believing in Jesus, they go to Hell for breaking God's Law. All you have to do is honestly examine your heart and you'll see that you are guilty of breaking even the small part of the Law that you understand.", all people hear is "Yep, those poor good people of the jungle are going to be sent to eternal punishment because God loves a good joke and through no fault of their own, he will unjustly and cruelly punish them. But, remember, the guy who is telling you this, even though you know all (well, most) of the bad things I have done, I am on a first class seat on the express train to Glory!"

See, I am definitely arrogant and judgmental.

Friends, be very careful to define terms and spend enough time laying out the correct premise when you talk with somebody. When I say, "I am going to Heaven and a non believer is going to Hell", it comes out very clearly, "I am better than that other person."

In reality, I am besides Paul, the Chief of Sinners. The only difference is that I have been shown my heart in the mirror of God's Law. My stony heart has been broken up by examining my sin in light of perfection. Then, and only then, has God's grace been applied to cover up my sin and find me borrowing Christ's righteousness on Judgment Day. Only when I humbled myself before the Creator, and truly repented of my sin, and placed my complete trust in Christ alone for my salvation could I be assured of my place in Heaven.

Friends, be sure to convey to the world that we are not better than anyone, but by God's grace, better off.

You Shall Not Lie

2007-09-04T16:26:00.001-07:00

Exodus 20:16

Welcome

Is it easier to tell the truth or lie? Why?
Or
Describe your dream job.

Word
Read Exodus 20:16

Pastor Dudley noted that lying undermines all relationships. Have you ever caught someone in a lie and if so what effect did that have on you?
In a world where lying appears to be the norm why would God command us to not lie?
In light of what John 14:6 says why does God take lying so seriously?

Read Acts 5:1-10

Ananias had no reason to lie but he did. Have you ever been in a situation where you had no reason to lie but did anyway? If so why did you feel that you had to lie?
Computer programmers have a term called GIGO (garbage in garbage out). What affects does today’s media have on what comes out of our mouths?
Paul says in Rom 7:15 that he does the things that he does not want to do and does not do the things he wants to do. Sometimes we want to tell the truth but do not, what can we do to fight the urge to lie and tell the truth?

Witness
If you have not done so already, coordinate a summer outreach. It does not have to be complicated. In fact the simpler you make it the more likely it will get done. Do weekend warriors, volunteer at your local shelter; decide to do breakfast for your local fire department to show them how much you appreciate them.

Worship
Quietly reflect on the things the may tempt you to lie. After a few moments confess to God in prayer what comes to your heart. Then, someone read Psalm 117 as a group.

You Shall Not Steal

2007-09-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

WELCOME:

Have you ever been a victim of theft, if so what was stolen from you?

How did it make you feel?

WORD: Read Joshua 7
Just think for a second about the context of this situation. Achan has been with the Israelites for a while now and has seen GOD’s miracles in the years of wondering in the desert, how HE brought them into the land of Canaan, and destroyed the walls of Jerico.

What do you think prompted Achan to take some of the devoted things in which he was commanded not to?

If God is in control of all things and all things belong to Him, why then was He so concerned about a robe and some money?

Read verse 20-21
Chris Seidman said that to catch a thief we do not need more than just a bunch a jails, police, and rehabilitation centers, we need to get to the heart of the thief. What was at the heart of Achan’s sin?

Read Luke 23:39-43
What are the differences between the heart attitudes of the two thieves who hung next to Jesus?
Pastor Chris talked about transforming from a taker into a giver, what are some areas in your life that you need to turn from a taker into a giver?
OR
What is an area in your life that God has already transformed you into a giver?

WORSHIP: Read Psalm 19

WITNESS:
Discuss how your group has been givers in the community?
Or
Plan out your Community Outreach Project

Peter's Second and Third Denials

2007-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

25As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?"
He denied it, saying, "I am not."

26One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

OK, let's pick up where we left off. It seems that I have been neglecting this study for a while. To restate my purpose for going through the Book of John, the fourth Gospel in the New Testament, I want to look at this book from the perspective of someone who is not a Christian and has decided to look into what it means to be a Christian. Many people are steered towards this book as a great place to start. I also think it is important to follow through the Bible in the order that God would have us read and try to get as much out of each book as we can. The other choice would be to find a message or theology we like and look through the Bible cherry picking verses out that agree with our already established conclusions. I prefer the first method, and I hope you do as well.

OK, this section is finishing up a story of Peter denying Christ. Christ has already predicted this, so it was no surprise to Him. The one that was shocked was Peter. After hearing a recent sermon and talking with many "Christians" about the idea of how to share their faith, this verse is taking on a whole new meaning for me. Peter was certainly a believer, and still denied Christ. What would cause this? Did he not love Christ? I doubt it. I'm sure he loved Christ.

I think the reason was that he was scared to offend others, or certainly scared of the consequences of being associated with Christ. It was easier to deny Him than face losing status, freedom, or possibly even his life.

How does that apply to us? Are many of the people in our churches believers? Do they love Christ? I'm sure of it. But, how do we deny Christ? Hey, we have t-shirts that say, "His Pain, Your Gain" on them, and we have a sticker on our car telling everyone that our kids got straight A's in a Christian school. Then, how are we denying Christ?

There is a big trend these days (though I'm sure it's not new) of "sharing your faith" by showing kindness to strangers. Now, I have no problem with sharing kindness, and certainly I believe that if you are not kind to everyone, you have no right to share your faith verbally.

But, how kind is it if all we do is feed and clothe people and never once share with them the saving Grace of Jesus Christ? If we do not let people know about their sin, and the coming day when God will judge them in righteousness, and the only way to reconcile themselves to this holy God, is to surrender before the sacrifice of His Son Jesus and be counted as righteous themselves on that day; if we do not let people know this as lovingly and as compassionately as we can, then all the food in the world only serves to glorify ourselves.

And THAT is how many of us deny Christ to this day. Hey, don't let the rooster crow before you actually share your faith. Don't be surprised as Peter that even though you are sure you are a believer, you are actually denying the very one that saved you.

The reason you are reading this is because somebody TOLD you about it. The reason you are considering it is because that person is hopefully kind and respectful to you. They go hand in hand. Go out today and do both.

Question: "What is the purpose of the church?"

2007-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Answer: Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying.

The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).

Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those who are in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by the principles given above – Biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.

So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.

-gotquestions.org

What Went Wrong???

2007-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Brad's dream of a happy family with Angelina is shattered. Now the kids are caught in the middle. Who's to blame?

What went wrong, indeed. If breaking up with your wife to be with your on set girlfriend isn't right. If being with your girlfriend actually just means living with her with no marriage. If a happy family means keep adopting kids out of wedlock till you just can't take it anymore. Well, if all that didn't work, then I just don't know what else I could say to help.

Thank You, Come Again!

2007-07-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last night the crew met up at the Kwik-E- Mart. This was a 7/11 in Burbank that has been redesigned for the promotion of the Simpson's movie opening. They are selling Buzz Cola, Squishees and Krusty-O's Cereal. Basically, they rebranded all the regular merchandise, added some signs and turned a regular 7/11 into a theme attraction with a half hour wait outside the door.

We showed up and started giving away dollars for Simpson's trivia questions, and led into an open air session of good ol' Law and Grace. Except for the security getting a little nervous as to what we were up to, we had a great time. It was a little slower than we were used to on a Saturday night, so after not too long, the group moved up to our regular spot in Downtown Burbank.

But, this is a great example of finding new and innovative ways to get off the couch and get out there and tell more people the truth of God's coming judgment and His immeasurable grace to all of us sinners.

Flirting With Adultery

2007-07-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Exodus 20:17

Welcome:
1.Recall and share a time in your life were you had to have a “courageous” (tough) conversation with someone? What made it hard? How did you see God move in that situation?
2.In what ways has our current culture influenced what we believe in the church?

Word:
In Dudley’s sermon this past weekend he establishes right off the bat that “God knows Best,” when it comes to our sexual choices and behaviors.

1.In general, why do you think this point is so often quietly debated and contested in our hearts as individuals?
Read Matthew 5:27-28, Proverbs 5:22-23, and Romans 12:1-2
2.How does personal discipline and responsibility play into honoring God with our minds and bodies?
3.As it relates to moral and sexual purity, what do discipline and responsibility look like in the context of your own life?
Read Galatians 6: 1-3
4.How can we as believers come alongside one another when one of us has fallen?

Worship:
The aftermath of adultery or any moral breach for that matter, leaves collateral damage and emotional scars that may take some time to heal.

In Galatians 5:1 Paul reminds us that it is for freedom that we have been set free, so we should stand firm and not let ourselves be burdened by the yoke of slavery.

Meditate on Psalms 51: 1-14. This Psalm of David is one of repentance and cry for restoration after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Allow the words of his heart to rest on yours. Take note of what actions David commits to doing after his repentance in verses 13 and 14.

Witness:
Think of one or two people you will be deliberate and intentional about inviting them to your life group.

You Shall Not Murder

2007-07-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Exodus 20:13

Welcome:
1.Share one of the silliest things you’ve ever done because you were angry?
2.If you had a dollar for every time you’ve gotten angry would you be rich or poor right now? Explain.

Word:
Read Exodus 20:13 & Mathew 5:21-22

1.How does Jesus raise the bar on the commandment, “…you shall not murder?”
2.Why is anger so deadly?
The bible tells us that anger, in and of itself, is NOT wrong, but when we are angry Not to sin:

3.List some things, situations, and time when getting angry would be appropriate.
4.How do you handle you anger (are you a re-presser, explosive expresser, stealth assassin)?

5.What happens when we repress, and suppress anger?
6.Reading Proverbs 29:11, James 1: 19-20, and Proverbs 10:19; what practical guidelines can we apply as it relates to releasing our anger appropriately?
7.In what practical ways can you better manage your anger?

Worship:
1 John 1:9 tells us that, “…if we confess our sins [God] is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and clean us from all unrighteousness.”

If you are harboring un-confessed anger, tend to blow up in anger, or maybe you have a habit of just repressing it, realize this is a great time to share your heart with the group (if you have not already done so), and as a group pray for one another.

Witness:

THIS WEEK, share this lesson with a neighbor on your street, a friend, or relative. Pray that God gives you an opportunity to engage in a conversation about anger with someone. God may be convicting your heart about someone you may have hurt because of your anger. If this is the case, go to that brother or sister and reconcile that breach.

Honoring Parents

2007-07-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Exodus 20:12

Welcome:

Share a funny time in your life when you got in trouble with your parents.
Or… In what ways are you more like your parents now that you are an adult?

Word:

Read Exodus 20:12 & Ephesians 6:1

According to the text, why is it so important to obey our parents as we grow up?
In Ephesians 6:1 what do you think is the difference between “obeying” your parents and “honoring” them?
How do we honor our parents?
As our heavenly father, how do we honor God?

Read Proverbs 22:6
Dudley mentioned in his sermon that the primary role of the parent is to teach their child the things of God.

What are the implications of this verse?
Share a good thing and a “not so good thing” you learned from your parents?
How has your up bring impacted your current life?

Worship:

Read Psalm 139:1-18
Reflect on your life growing up. Go to God in prayer (forgiving your parents were they may need forgiveness, praying for them were they need prayer) ask God how you may better honor your earthly parents… how you may better honor Him.

Witness:

Have you scheduled your community outreach project? One suggestion is for the group to visit and volunteer at an elderly care center.

Remembering the Sabbath

2007-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

WELCOME

What was the most fun you have at work and what did you do?
OR
What does your perfect day look like?

WORD

Read Exodus 20:8-11

What was the longest time that you went without a day off to rest? How did it feel not having a day off (physically and mentally)?

This weekend Dudley had 3 points to his message, they were…
The need to work (v.9)
The necessity of rest (v.9-11)
The never ending call to worship (v.10)

What are some of your indicators that let you know you need to rest or take some time off?

What is the hardest part of your job? (All of you stay at home Mom’s; yes this applies to you too.)

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:5-11

What are some of the key truths that you see in this passage about the positive aspects of working?

How do you balance work, rest and worship?

Read Mark 2:23-28

How does this scripture help you understand the purpose of a Sabbath?

Have you ever taken a whole day and dedicated it to the Lord?
(Example; taking a day specifically for prayer, taken a walk/hike just to give thanks for what he created, or gone on a silent retreat.)
If so please share your experience.

WORSHIP

Read and pray through Psalm 62

****Group Challenge: have everyone in your group go out this week to a solitary place to spend at least 2 hours alone with GOD in prayer.

WITNESS

Invite one person from your group to the next HOST TRAINING on July 12 so that they can launch a group. This will provide space in your group for new members and another open home for others who are not yet connected with a LIFE GROUP.

That's my King

2007-07-14T21:59:00.001-07:00

Second Life

2007-07-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was asked to speak at a church about evangelism. I had twenty minutes to speak on the Biblical method of presenting the Law to sinners and then showing God’s grace in light of that Law. Sounded good to me. There was only one detail I didn’t realize. This was a “virtual” church. I was going to have to suit up in an avatar and jump into cyberspace. There was a bit of a learning curve, but after I figured out how to move around and figured out the voice features of this particular world, it was actually pretty cool.

I walked into the “church” building and spoke to about 20 people who were all attending. In meatspace (a term I just learned for the real world) people were actually all over the world, and I was actually at a Starbucks logged in and speaking to my laptop computer. Though, in cyberspace, it was a real church service. With the audio features of this technology, they had worship music, and prayer and even free Bibles to give out to anyone in attendance.

As I looked into Second Life, it turns out that there are almost two million people who regularly log in and spend time in this world. There are real stores that take real money that sell real items such as mp3 versions of songs, or even things that can get shipped to your house in meatspace. What a world.

What I did learn was that if you are creative, you can find a spot that you can make your own fishing spot, even if it only exists in electrons flying around a Starbucks. But, whatever your particular circle of influence, where is your fishing spot? Get out there (or in there) and seek and save the lost.

Saving the Planet with Pop

2007-07-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Partly because nothing else is on, and partly because I want to test out my new HD TV, I am watching the Live Earth concert event today. Today, 7/7/7, the luckiest day of the century or some nonsense.

I really try to stay out of political discussions, especially living here in California, where the mere utterance of the word "Bush" will throw the room into a frenzy.

But, you really can't get away from it. This whole concert thing is really just a big outreach to the youth to get them to vote for the candidates that support their agenda. On the surface, it is about caring for the planet. But, in reality, you can only care for the planet if you vote for Al Gore. And, then you dig deeper and you can only save the planet if you stop Bush and war. And then you really can only save the planet if you stop Christianity and it's evil patriarchal, white, republican dominated nastiness.

Here is a snippet of what I just heard from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

When the sky and the oceans are clean again, we shall be free. (love the creation, not the Creator)

When we're free to love anyone we choose. (Gay marriage)
When this world is big enough for all different views. (no absolute morals)
When we all can worship from our own kind of pews. (The Bible might be 'true for you')
We shall be free...

So, you start out throwing your soda can in a recycle bin, and then you move on to full fledged relativism.

When are we going to turn from "pop" and look to the "Father" to save us?

America, America

2007-07-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just bought 500 of these tracts to give out at our church's 4th of July Fireworks display. If you are going to be anywhere tomorrow with lots of people waiting around to see fireworks, why don't you join me in passing them out...

See if you can spot the odd one out: earthquakes, floods, droughts, cancer, AIDS, terrorism, war, hurricanes, God's blessing, tornadoes.

Of course "God's blessing" is the oddity. Yet, there are many who would believe the entire list is harmonious. In their ignorance, they think that the devastating things that are happening to this nation are nothing more than nature doing her own thing. You may have noticed that lately there has been an increase in Mother Nature's rumblings. You may also be aware that in the last ten years, incidents of cancer in the U.S. have increased. In 2002 there were 189,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S., with 203,500 cases of breast cancer.

Cancer isn't our only dilemma. Back in 1993, Americans spent an incredible $898 billion on health care. We have moved from one of the lowest infant mortality rates to one of the highest, with over 40,000 newborns dying each year. The National Alliance for Mental Illness diagnosed that ten million people have serious long-term mental disease. The United States of America is continually being plagued with killer earthquakes, new incurable diseases that are outwitting antibiotics, killer hurricanes, devastating tornadoes, calamitous floods, terrible droughts, and the return of once "conquered" diseases such as tuberculosis.

The Cause
The Bible tells us that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Well let's see how we are doing morally:

1. Adultery: USA Today reported that fifty to sixty percent of married couples admit to adultery.

2. Fornication: According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, approximately one in five people in the United States, 45 million individuals, are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes.

3. Rape: A Harris poll sets the figure at 380,000 rapes or sexual assaults that took place back in 1993. The Justice Department says that eight percent of all American women will be victims of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

4. Pornography: UPI News, November 19, 1997 said that porn video rentals soared to 665 million in 1996, accounting for 13.3 percent of video rentals in America.

5. Abortion: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,267,415 abortions in 1998. It's been estimated that there have been more than 40 million since Roe vs. Wade.

6. Theft: It is estimated theft costs the country $500 billion each year.

7. Greed: Focus on the Family revealed that Americans now visit casinos more often than they attend professional sporting events. Collectively, they lose in excess of $50 billion each year to lotteries, horse and dog tracks, casinos, and the various other gambling venues.

8. Murder: According to FBI statistics, over 18,000 people were murdered in 1997. It averaged more than 20,000 per year, totaling 200,000 murders during the 1990s. Over 100,000 murderers were never brought to justice.

9. Drunkenness: Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association estimates that the social costs of alcohol addiction amount to $100 billion per year in lost productivity and related health costs.

10. Hypocrisy: The Barna Research Group found that sixty-two percent of Americans profess to be Christians, while the book, The Day America Told the Truth said that ninety-one percent lie regularly.

We don't seem to be doing too well. We are no different than Israel, who through the ages, kept straying from God's Commandments into lawlessness. From there, they lost the promised blessing of health, which was conditional upon righteousness (Deuteronomy 28:15-46).

Meanwhile, despite our national sins, a blind and mystified world points to everything from coffee to hot dogs as the reason for the increase in cancer.

As the blessings of God have been removed from the soil, we think nothing of spraying crops with hundreds of thousands of tons of poisons each year to try and combat the onslaught of pestilence. The influence of generations of evolutionary philosophy has us thinking that we are merely assisting (a not quite fully evolved) Mother Nature.

The thought that we have somehow offended God, doesn't even enter the area of our godless reflection.

America the beautiful is no longer beautiful. Violence and sin has made her ugly. America, America, God shed His grace on thee� but now you are reaping the fruit of your sins, and it is time for you to be told:

America, America,
God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in Law.

What does the song-writer mean by "Thy liberty in Law?" - a city whose drivers are lawful, has the liberty of flowing, problem-free traffic. But if drivers refuse to obey traffic laws, there will be accidents, pain and chaos. Winston Churchill was right when he said, "If a nation won't be ruled by God, it will be ruled by anarchy." We are suffering the aftermath of a national loss of self-control, and consequently, lawlessness. Here again is just some of the chaotic fruit of not keeping God's Law - murder, theft, rape, drug-addiction, alcoholism, obesity, fear, hatred, sexual perversion, racial prejudice, greed, disease, spousal abuse, child abuse, child pornography, family break-down, etc. If you are the victim of the sins of America, God knows your pain. The Bible says He is full of compassion and rich in mercy to all that call upon Him. Even though the situation seems hopeless, there is a way to avert the pathetic sight of children with cancer, more terrible disasters, and other horrible diseases from further flooding this nation. There is a way we can, with the help of God, bring healing to this once great country.

The Answer is in Your Hands
Let's stop talking about "America's" sins, and see how you and I personally stand morally. Answer the following with a tender conscience: Have you ever told a lie? This includes any fibs, white lies, half-truths or exaggerations told in the past. Remember, time doesn't forgive sin. God sees the sins of your youth as though it were yesterday. If you have told even one lie, then you are a liar (be brutally honest with yourself, because God will be on the Day of Judgment). Have you ever stolen something? The value of the item is totally irrelevant. If you have stolen one thing, then you are a thief.

Have you committed murder, or have you desired to by harboring hatred in your heart? If you have hated someone the Bible says that you are a murderer.

Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever done that? Have you had sex outside of marriage, or committed adultery, or desired to? Then you have committed sexual sin and cannot enter Heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Have you kept the Sabbath holy, always honored your parents, have you put God first in your affections, loving Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Have you always loved your neighbor as much as you have loved yourself? Most of us have trouble loving our "loved" ones, let alone loving our neighbors. Have you ever used God's name in vain, either employing it as a curse word, or failing to give it due honor? Have you made a god to suit yourself and therefore been guilty of "idolatry" - making a god in your own image, believing in your version of what you think God is like? Have you ever desired anything that belonged to someone else?

If you have broken even one of these Ten Commandments, then you have sinned against God. On Judgment Day every sin you have ever committed will come out as evidence of your guilt. You will be damned forever, and lose your soul. Without God's mercy, you will go to Hell. The Scriptures warn that unless you repent, you will perish. Don't add self-righteousness to your sins by saying that you are basically a "good" person. If you refuse to admit that "America's" sins are your sins, you will never seek God's mercy. Don't also think that God will overlook your sins because He is good. His "goodness" will make sure justice is done. He will punish all liars, thieves, adulterers, etc.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can clean up your life. No "good" you do can wash away your sins - only God's mercy can do that. Two thousand years ago, He came to this earth in human form to take the punishment for us. The Bible says, "God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." When Jesus died on the cross, He stepped into the courtroom and paid the fine for us. His suffering was necessary to satisfy the Law you and I violated. The moment we repent and trust the Savior, God forgives our sins and grants us everlasting life.

That's how America can be healed of her plagues . . . God will forgive our sins because of what Jesus did on the cross. If you care about America, if you care about the children of America . . . if you care about your eternal salvation, tell God you are sorry for your sins, then turn from them in humble repentance. Think of it this way - you are a man who has committed adultery. You have violated the trust of a loving and faithful wife. She is more than willing to forgive you, so how can you reconcile the relationship? You humble yourself, tell her you are truly sorry . . . then vow to never (even think of) committing adultery again. You shouldn't need someone to write words of sorrow for you to read to your wife, and you shouldn't have to read a prayer of repentance to God from this tract. Just pour your heart out to Him. It's your heart, not the words that really matter. Then put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Trust Him in the same way you would trust a pilot with your life when you fly on a plane. He is but a fallible man, so how much more should you trust in God. Read the Bible daily, and obey what you read, and God will never fail you. Check out our web site for further help: www.livingwaters.com May God bless you, your family, and may God bless America.

Another Basic Training Course completed

2007-06-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today we finished week 8 of the Basic Training Course, and we are on schedule to start back over next Saturday with Lesson One. This Wednesday is the Fourth of July, and we plan to have the whole evangelism team out in force. Last year there were about 40,000 people in attendance and I doubt I will be able to get everyone there a tract, but I am sure going to give it a try.

Watch Your Talk

2007-06-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome
Did you have any nicknames growing up that you would be willing to share?
Or
Share the most positive name you have ever been called.

Worship

As we attempt to fill our language with good things, let us start with praising the Lord for the good things he has done in our life. Read Psalm 111 and then begin to pray with praise for the Lord.

Word

Read Eph. 4:29. What are the kinds of “unwholesome” talk you have heard in the last month?

Ephesians 5:4 talks about “obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking.” What impact does this kind of talk really have on us and our relationships? Can you give any personal examples?

Based on Matthew 12:34, we know there is a relationship between our mouth and heart. How can we allow the positive and encouraging things that are in our hearts to better flow from our mouth?

How do you react when someone uses the Lord’s name as a profanity?

Share with the group some of the ways you have learned to deal with profanity in your own life.

What are some ways you can focus on the “right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable” things as Philippians 4:8 tells us?

Break into groups of two or three and pray for each other in this area of the language we use.

Witness
In your group of two or three share how you can remove or improve something to be a better witness for Christ.

Right God, Wrong Image

2007-06-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome

What is the one thing in your life that you simply can’t do without?
Or
Describe your dream vacation.

Word
Read Exodus 20: 4-6

1.In this passage what is the difference between the first commandment and the second commandment?
2.In vs 5, what kind of God does God say He is? Why do you think He says that?
3.In our society, who or what do we tend to make idols of? Why?
4.Pastor Dudley noted that an idol is anything that you worship rather than God. If you are not careful, what can easily slip into the “idol” position in your own life? Explain.

Read Psalm 115:1-11

5.In the first vs. how does the Psalm set the tone; Who gets ALL of the Worship?
6.How does the psalmist compare and contrast God with other idols? (vs. 3-8)
7.In verses 9-11 what does the psalmist encourage us to do, and why?
8.Dudley’s final point last Weekend was, “Idolatry is really just a subtle form of self-worship.” List out two or three things you can do each day to keep your focus off of yourself and on God.

Witness
If you have not done so already, assign a person (s) to coordinate your summer outreach. It does not have to be complicated. In fact the simpler you make it the more likely it will get done. Do weekend warriors, volunteer at your local shelter; decide to do breakfast for your local fire department to show them how much you appreciate them.

Worship
Quietly reflect on what things you may tend to focus on more than you focus on God. After a few moments confess to God in prayer what comes to your heart. Then, someone read Psalm 117 to the group.

Numero Uno

2007-06-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
OR
What is your favorite Ice Cream flavor?

Word
Read Exodus 20 1-3
1. What does the term “God” mean to you, in other words how do you determine if something is being a “God” to you?

2. What are some thing, that people in our society, have made “Gods” in their lives?

3. Which one of these do you struggle with?

4. Name a person who you think does a good job at putting The Lord God first in their life.

Read Matthew 22:34-38
5. How do the “Greatest Commandment” and the First Commandment support each other?

6. Share what it means to you to put love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind?

7. Pastor Dudley talked about the “FIRST” test to see if you are putting God first in your life. The test asks what is the emphasis on the following areas of your life:
Focus, Income, Relationships, Spiritual Food, and Time.

Go around and share how you score on the test.

Witness
Do you want to see your group grow closer than ever before? Outreach events are the greatest contributor to group members growing closer together. This summer is going to be a great opportunity to do at least one outreach project with your group. Start thinking and talking about stepping out in faith and blessing others as God blesses you.

Worship
Take some time to quietly (on your own) go over where you stand on the FIRST test. Go around and pray to make a commitment to put God first in every area of your life.

QYST - Day 15 - Go And Make Disciples

2007-05-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” MATT. 28:19-20

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” JOHN 14:15
Now that you understand the principles, how are you doing practically? It’s been two weeks since you started this journey, you’re almost half-way through this devotional… how many people have you shared your faith with since you began? This is a challenge we all need...

Over the years, I have asked churches, “How many of you can say before God that you have witnessed verbally to more than 12 people over the past 12 months? That is, at least every 30 days or so, somebody who is sitting in the shadow of death has heard the Gospel of everlasting life from your lips?” I have found that only 8-12 percent will raise their hands. Where is the zeal? Jesus said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, italics added). The Holy Spirit wasn’t given without purpose in mind. He was given so that we might have power for the purpose of being witnesses of Christ. So many profess to possess the power, but where is the lifestyle that confirms what the profess to possess?

Are we hot for God? Can we say that we have witnessed to more than 12 people in the last 12 months? Do we have the testimony, “to live means opportunities for Christ?” Is there a zeal to witness burning in our bones? It doesn’t matter how much we pray, tithe, fellowship… Jesus said “Go.” Obedience is better than sacrifice. Sure those things are the basics of the Christian faith, but if we are not sharing the faith we are not fulfilling our commission. We are like survivors of the Titanic singing songs as we polish the brass in the lifeboat, when there is room for many who are drowning around us. There is nothing wrong with polishing brass… but not while people are drowning around us. We are commissioned soldiers. True Christianity is not a pleasurecruiser on its way to Heaven, but a battleship stationed at the very gates of Hell!

Christianity Without Salvation

2007-05-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

The legacy of the "Social Gospel"--100 years later.
BY JOSEPH LOCONTE

Read the full article, but basically the "social gospel", (read liberal Christianity) has "...little need of a Savior. It merely displace[s] the problem of evil--the supreme tragedy of the human soul in rebellion against God--with the challenge of social iniquities. The Kingdom of Heaven [will] come soon enough, if only we put our hands to the plow."

I find it interesting that we have a president who claims to be a Christian (in fact we have not had one yet who claimed otherwise) and people who scream out at how what he does shows that he is a hypocrite. And, we have people running for the office who all claim to be Christian, and people who cry out that by what they would vote to legalize, they are hypocrites. Clearly there is a conflict when each side is claiming their candidate for their idea of Christianity. One of the two sides (if not both) must have a faulty definition of what it means to be Christian.

Should our faith drive us to good works? Sure. But, do our good works make us a Christian?

In 1 Corinthians, we read,

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Your works will be shown for what they are, being revealed with fire. On this Memorial Day, set aside to remember those who have given their lives, how appropriate to remember the One who gave his life for us. Let's make sure our works are built on His foundation.

A Question of Faith

2007-05-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Retyped without permission from Nick Jr. Family Magazine...

(Ask a Mom - A column by Allison Pennell)

My Parents are religious; we're not. Should we let the kids go to church with them on Easter?

As long as you aren't opposed, and your parents respect your religious leanings, I think you should five it a try. My friend Allie and her husband, who are on the "secular humanist" end of their respective faiths, have opted to let her parents take the kids to temple once in a while. Despite her misgivings going in, she's actually found the whole experience very sweet. She realizes that for her parents, it's more about sharing their culture and community (and showing off their grandchildren) than religion itself.

Just be aware that your kids mishgt ask some questions about your own faith - or lack thereof. ("Why don't we go to church?" "Do you believe in God?") Kids have a knack for sniffing out false piety, so try to answer thier questions as honestly as possible, says Bradford Wilcox, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. Also keep in mind that some kids may want to connect to a tradition larger than themselves, so the stories, rituals, and ceremonies associated with grandma and grandpa's faith may give them a sense of comfort and purpose.

Of course, if you're uncomfortable with this idea, tell your parents no diplomatically bur firmly. You might say, "We appreciate the invitation and know that it's important to you, but organized religion isn't right for us."

Is it just me or does something seem backwards about this letter? What has the world become that we are worried about people taking our childred to church? I can imagine not letting my kids stay somewhere because the family will NOT be taking them to church. And, if somehow these people survived being raised by these 'churchgoers', then why wouldn't their children be OK for one Easter?

I see more tolerance for making sure our kids read the Koran and learn not to judge terrorists than I see for letting kids go paint Easter eggs. I won't even go into my rant about Easter eggs having nothing to do with the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

Perhaps the problem is that the parents in this scenario were probably more into the 'culture and community' than the message? My wife was raised in the Catholic church, and the family sure was into the culture of being Catholic. And, boy do the grandparents love to show off their grandkids at their Easter and Christmas functions. That is fine. But, maybe if the gospel were the focus, you know the part about our sinfullness offending a holy and pure God, and the part where even though we deserve hell, He chose to send His Son to die in our place because he was so full of mercy, you know, that gospel, then maybe these people would be less worried about their kids visiting a church, and more worried about running out to a lost and dying world with the only message of hope that we have.

There... I said it.

QYST - Day 14 - Covetous Desires

2007-05-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 JOHN 2:15

Today we will look at the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet ... anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness is perhaps the most subtle of sins. It seems minor compared to adultery, theft, or rape. However, before a man steals, he covets. Before he rapes or commits adultery, he covets. Covetousness is the spark that sets off the fuse of sin. It is a sin that lies close to the surface of every human being. Few children are content with ten pieces of candy when the child next to him gets eleven. Covetousness is the bedfellow of jealousy, greed, and lust. It was this quiet sin that found a place in the heart of King David, rich and blessed though he was. His covetous eye roamed toward another man’s wife, and opened the door to a multitude of sins.

Who of us can stand guiltless and say that we have never jealously desired something that belongs to someone else? Whether we long for another’s house, car, income, or lifestyle, our covetousness reveals a lack of gratitude for what God has already given us. That’s why Scripture admonishes us to “be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). Learn to pray along with the psalmist, “Incline my heart unto your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity. . .” (Psalm 119:36,37).

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 14, beginning on page 96.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

2007-05-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.

23 "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

I've been talking with a lot of people lately, and everyone has their idea of what Jesus taught, or what Christianity is, or even what religion is supposed to do. I'm amazed at when professing Christians even tell me what their religion is supposed to mean. One of the reasons I'm going through the book of John here (and eventually the whole Bible) is to slow down and take a look at what God says Christianity is supposed to do. Let's ask those who heard Jesus. Surely they know what He said.

The Last Stages of Life

2007-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an outline from an article I just read...

The last stages of life can be very stressful for the dying person and those caring for him/her. You will observe changes that may be upsetting and unfamiliar. Learning about the dying process will help. Many physical changes occur during the process of dying that affect the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life.

There are some signs and symptoms of dying that are observable, although not everyone follows a predictable sequence of events or stages.

Health professionals speak of “dying trajectories” that suggest how persons with specific diseases will die. For example, those with a terminal illness, such as advanced cancer, will show a steady decline toward death. Those with serious chronic illnesses may have peaks and valleys that sometimes give the impression of recovery.

Remember that each person’s death is unique.
It is helpful to understand the common symptoms experienced in people who are dying. You may observe none, some, or all of these symptoms in the dying person’s last days and hours on earth. You will also learn things to do that can help ease physical pain and suffering.

Withdrawal from the External World
Visions and Hallucinations
Loss of Appetite
Change in Bowel and Bladder Functions
Confusion, Restlessness, and Agitation
Changes in Breathing, Congestion in Lungs or Throat
Change in Skin Temperature and Color
Hospice Death
Saying Goodbye
Being Present at the Moment of Death

I'm not getting much sleep. I'm not sure how much longer this can go on. Did I mention you should go tell your mom you love her? Or your kids? I'm just realizing how meaningless everything is. No matter how many treasures you store up, they will be taken from you. Even your memories are not safe.

Grab your copy of Ecclesiastes

"Meaningless! Meaningless!"
says the Teacher.
"Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless."

A Common Destiny for All (Chapter 9)
1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him. 2 All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, ^[a] the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.
As it is with the good man,
so with the sinner;
as it is with those who take oaths,
so with those who are afraid to take them.
3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. 4^[b] —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! Anyone who is among the living has hope
5 For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even the memory of them is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hate
and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
in anything that happens under the sun.
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. 8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. 9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, ^[c] where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
11 I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
12 Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come:
As fish are caught in a cruel net,
or birds are taken in a snare,
so men are trapped by evil times
that fall unexpectedly upon them.
The Conclusion of the Matter (Chapter 12)
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.

Peter's First Denial

2007-05-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17 "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter.
He replied, "I am not."
18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

How many of us do this very thing. No sooner do we repent and place our faith in the Savior, then we deny Him to others. Peter, at least, faced certain death for association with Jesus. What oppression or torture do you face?

QYST - Day 13 - False Witness

2007-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.” PROVERBS 19:5

Today we will look at the Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Should a Christian ever tell a lie? There are times when we may find ourselves in the difficult position of realizing that telling the truth may have dire repercussions. For example, you are asked by a Nazi if you are hiding any Jews in your home. Should you tell him there are two under your bed? To do so would result in their sure death. Your choice is to lie and save lives, or tell the truth and be a party to murder. Another example is putting “tourist” rather than “Bible smuggler” on your visa into China, or not telling the police in a persecuted country the names of other members of your underground church. Perhaps the answer is that it is the motive that matters. However, the issue depends on the conscience of each individual.

The dictionary defines a lie as a false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood; something intended to deceive or give a wrong impression. People often claim that they have told only a “white lie.” But there is no difference between a white lie, a half-truth, a fib, or an exaggeration. All are lies in the sight of God.

How many murders does one have to commit to be a murderer? Just one. In the same way, if they have told even one lie, no matter what color or size, that makes them a liar.

The Ninth Commandment requires the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. God is a God of truth and His Law demands absolute honesty from the heart. Yet the human heart is deceitful above all things.
This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 13, beginning on page 90.

Jesus Taken to Annas

2007-05-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

All I know is something like a bird
within her sang
All I know she sang a little while
and then flew on
Tell me all that you know
I'll show you
Snow and rain
If you hear that same sweet song again
will you know why?
Anyone who sings a tune so sweet
is passing by
Laugh in the sunshine
sing
cry in the dark
fly
through the night
Don't cry now
Don't you cry
Don't you cry
anymore
lalalada
Sleep
in the stars
don't you cry
dry your eyes
on the wind
lalalala
la........ -Robert Hunter

Devvy Davenport is about to go home. Please pray for her. My mother is 80 years old and I got to tell her I love her. We are not promised tomorrow, but we are promised eternity. Make sure to tell your mom you love her today. And, if you haven't shared the gospel yet with her, don't wait till tomorrow.

Rocky Balboa

2007-05-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the sixth (and final?) installment in the Rocky movie series. This movie is being billed as a Christian movie, and even their website offers ways to use this as an evangelism tool. While I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to Stallone in that he has come full circle to his christian (Catholic) roots, I'm not sure that the movie exactly portrays the biblical gospel.

I don't think the movie is bad. In fact, I really enjoyed it. But, the gospel message that I think Stallone has for himself, and for moviegoers, is that faith is where your true strength comes from. While not technically wrong, I don't think that is the gospel.

It reminds me of conversations I've had with my mother in law who cites the fact that they had eight children even though work was not steady as an example of the amount of "faith" they have. While I agree that stepping out and committing to having children takes a lot of faith, is that the saving faith that the Bible is talking about? Do we get into heaven simply because we muster up enough faith to do so?

I suggest you watch the movie, as it is actually one that you can watch with your kids. But, before you do, make sure you know what the gospel is. It is not the amount or intensity of our faith that saves us. It is the object of our faith, Jesus Christ. We must first realize our own iniquities, our willful disobedience to God's Law. Then we must realize that a just and holy God will not let sin go unpunished. Jesus is a visible example of God's wrath against sin. Then we realize that a merciful and gracious God doesn't want to see us punished. So, he offered His own Son up as payment to satisfy that wrath on our behalf. Jesus is a visible example of that grace.

Saving faith is one that recognizes our own inability to save ourselves from the wrath of a just God for our sins, and the willingness to repent and trust in Jesus Christ as a ransom for complete remission of those very same sins.

Christians vs. Atheists

2007-05-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Why are Kirk Cameron, a preacher, and two self-proclaimed atheists coming together in a church this weekend? Because Cameron and preacher Ray Comfort claim that they "can prove the existence of God."

They'll take on the atheists in the first "Nightline Face-Off," a debate to be moderated by "Nightline" anchor Martin Bashir.

Watch the Face-Off Wednesday May 9 at 2 p.m. on ABC News Now, and on Nightline at 11:35 p.m.

Following the Way of the Master

As Mike Seaver, the oldest son in the smash hit sitcom "Growing Pains," actor Kirk Cameron could make audiences roll with laughter. But now he wants to bring them to the Lord. And he's deadly serious.

In March 2006, "Nightline" profiled the Way of the Master, a Christian ministry headed by Cameron and itinerant preacher Ray Comfort. Operating as a charitable trust, its intention is to educate and equip the church to preach the message of Christianity to nonbelievers. Cameron says he is motivated by a literal fear of hell.

"I believe the Scriptures teach that there's a literal heaven and a literal hell, just like Jesus said," he explained. "And without forgiveness of sins that, yeah, the place of punishment is called hell."

The Way of the Master has a weekly television show for which Comfort and Cameron literally hit the streets in the name of Jesus, challenging nonbelievers that their sins against God will lead directly to hell.

"On the Day of Judgment," Comfort tells one man on the streets of New York, "God will see you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. You have sinned against God. You need his forgiveness."

On occasions, things go badly wrong and the pair are attacked by members of the public. Comfort recalled one incident, saying, "While I was preaching the Gospel a gentleman came up and he started spitting on me. And he spat quite a few times." Comfort says he simply remained calm and moved on.

Neither Comfort nor Cameron has theological degrees nor any kind of formal training. But Cameron says he's convinced his new career is vitally important.

"I have no authority. I am simply trying to be faithful to the God who saved me, who changed me and who has commissioned me to tell you and those who are watching this interview … about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that it has the power to change people's hearts."

The Rational Response Squad

"There isn't any good reason to believe in God," so says Brian Sapient, a member of the Rational Response Squad, a group of atheists "Nightline" profiled in January.

What's wrong with God? "What's wrong with the tooth fairy?" asks Brian. "There's nothing wrong with something that most likely doesn't exist."

"Atheists are completely vilified. And it's OK," says Kelly, an atheist who works alongside Brian and also asks that her last name not be used.

"It's actually OK to hate atheists," Kelly says. "We are like the last group that people overwhelmingly agree it's OK to hate, because there's an absurd caricature of atheism out there."

While their theological views differ from the Way of the Master, their approaches are similar -- brash and in-your-face. The Rational Response Squad challenges people to take the Blasphemy Challenge in which they make videos of themselves denouncing or blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and then post them on YouTube.

One of the posts is by a young-looking man named Chandler. He says, "I've come to the conclusion that alongside the fact that there is no Santa Claus and there is no Easter bunny, there is also no God. So, without further ado, my name is Chandler and I deny the existence of the Holy Spirit."

Taking risks with your own soul is one thing, but the Rational Response Squad advertises for the Blasphemy Challenge on Web sites for teens, such as Tiger Beat (tigerbeatmag.com).

"They have already been targeted," Brian says. "So hopefully, they are at a point where they are not so indoctrinated and set in their ways that they can overcome this religious superstition that has been put into their brain unfairly."

At the end of the "Nightline" segment, Brian Sapient says, "If they [the Christians] want to come to the table and present their evidence, I will present my evidence. And we will see how much of theirs is based on faith, and how much of mine is based on fact."

The Face-Off

Ray Comfort saw the piece on the Blasphemy Challenge and he immediately e-mailed "Nightline" to say that "We would like to challenge them to a public debate. … Let's hear their best evidence as to why God doesn't exist, and let the audience decide whose evidence is based on faith and whose is based on fact. We cannot only prove that God exists, but we can prove that the atheist doesn't."

The two sides have agreed to debate in the first "Nightline" Face-Off. Here's what they have to say about the debate:

Perhaps you think that anyone who says that he can prove the existence of God is a dreamer. Maybe, like most people, you believe that the issue is a matter of "faith." Then we must be dreamers, because we can prove that God exists, scientifically, absolutely, without mentioning faith or even the Bible. Do you find that hard to believe? Then watch the debate. - Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron

We are dedicated to responding to irrational claims -- such as the ones being put forth by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron that they can prove the existence of God scientifically. We are here to prove that not only can they not do that, but that it cannot be done using the scientific method and the knowledge available to us today.
- The Rational Response Squad

You can watch the debate on ABC News Now on May 9 at 2 p.m., and it will also be available on the "Nightline" page at ABCNews.com.
"Nightline" will air a segment that same night at 11:35 p.m ET.

QYST - Day 12 - Thou Shalt Not Steal

2007-05-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

Today we will look at the Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Most people don’t think that God considers theft to be theft until the value of what is taken impresses Him. However, if I open your wallet and take just one dollar, I’m a thief, and the Bible says that thieves will not enter the kingdom of God. What would be worth stealing for the loss of your soul? Jesus asked, “What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

A sinner will often admit to stealing but say that it was just a bar of candy when he was young. Or he will say that he has stolen once, but has since reformed. He must be told that time doesn’t forgive sin, and that God still sees the sins of yesterday as if they were committed today. Stop his mouth using the Law (Romans 3:19).

Show him that the only way to escape the terrible consequences of his sin is the Door of the Savior. Let the hurricane of the wrath of the Law of God blow far from him the scanty leaves of self-righteousness. Have him admit his transgression by name—that he is a thief. Then point to (and have him read) 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.

This devotion was excerpted from The School of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 12, beginning on page 84.

QYST - Day 11 - Adultery of the Heart

2007-05-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

“You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” MATTHEW 5:27,28

Today we will look at the Seventh Commandment and what it means in light of New Testament revelation: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
The Bible said that the Messiah would magnify the Law and make it honorable (Isaiah 42:21).

The Pharisees had dishonored the Law by teaching that God required only an outward show of piety. However, Jesus explained that God judges even the thought-life. He said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27,28). In doing so He touched the apple of the eye of humanity. Men live for and will die because of lust. For them it is life’s greatest pleasure, and they would rather be damned than let it go. If salvation were the work of man, no one would be saved. The evangelistic endeavor would be hopeless. But thank God it is He who gives us repentance leading us to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). It is God who brings us to our senses and shows us the end of our transgressions. This Commandment is perhaps the most powerful of the mighty cannons of God and therefore must be used often to awaken sinners to their plight. Realize that when you give yourself to lust, you are committing adultery (Matthew 5:27,28). Grasp the serious nature of your sin. Jesus said that it would be better for you to be blind and go to heaven than for your eye to cause you to sin and end up in hell (Matthew 5:29). Those who profess to be Christians yet drool over pornographic material evidently lack the fear of God (Proverbs 16:6). Cultivate the fear of the Lord by reading Proverbs 2:1–5. Think of where lust led King David. He opened himself to many other sins, including murder, and brought misery and shame to his family name. Read Psalm 51 and make it your own prayer.

Memorize James 1:14,15 and 1 Corinthians 10:13. Follow Jesus’ example (Matthew 4:3–11) and quote the Word of God when you are tempted (see Ephesians 6:12–20). Make no provision for your flesh (Romans 13:14; 1 Peter 2:11). Get rid of every access to pornographic material—the Internet, printed literature, TV, videos, and movies. Stop feeding the fire. Instead, guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). Don’t let the demonic realm have access to your thought-life. If you give yourself to it, you will become its slave (Romans 6:16).
This devotion was excerpted from The School of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 11, beginning on page 76.

QYST - Day 10 - You Shall Not Kill

2007-05-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

“Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 JOHN 3:15

Today we will look at the Sixth Commandment, and what it means in light of New Testament revelation: “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13).

In the dim light of their ignorance, the world looks at the Sixth Commandment and proclaims itself “not guilty.” However, God requires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). In other words, He sees the thought life — the intent, the innermost motive of every human being. If civil law can prove that you are planning to assassinate the President, you can be prosecuted and severely punished. That law, however, is limited in its search for evidence— it can’t see what a man thinks. Not so with the all seeing eye of our Creator. His Law searches the heart, and He sees “evil thoughts.” To even think hatred is to transgress the Sixth Commandment.

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say to you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21,22).

The Bible further adds that if we hate someone, we are murderers (1 John 3:15). There are many who would like to kill, but refrain because of fear of punishment. God counts them guilty of murder.

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 10, beginning on page 70.

Jesus Arrested

2007-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

This shows even more that nobody killed Jesus, or did anything to Him, without the Father's approval. He foretold events in the Old Testament that He was to fulfill in the New. Ultimately, He even laid down His life as a ransom for you and me. The Jews didn't kill Jesus. The Romans didn't kill Jesus. Judas didn't kill Jesus. The Father killed Him to justly satisfy His wrath against sin.

The Gospel in Six Minutes

2007-04-25T11:10:00.001-07:00

Back from Jamaica, Mon

2007-04-22T08:36:00.001-07:00

Great time in Jamaica. It didn't hurt that my company sent me there on their dime. Since they paid for two, I took my daughter on this trip. At eight years old, this will hopefully be a trip she remembers for a lifetime. We started off in the Ritz Carlton, completely behind guarded gates. I was told that Jamaica can be pretty rough, and that I should be very careful with myself and my daughter. Well, I can tell you that inside a Ritz Carlton, there was not even a hint of fear. Unless, you're afraid of a maid coming to your room at 10pm to offer you a turndown of the bed and to leave you some chocolates. Needless to say, I had a very good time, and pockets full of tracts, I proceeded to talk with just about every staff member of the hotel. They speak Patois naturally, but dial it down to regular English for the guests of the hotel. I had a great time learning to speak a few phrases in Patois, and learning about their history. I was surprised to find out that they had been under British colonial rule until 1962. And, they were very much a Christian nation. Where a penny pressed with the Ten Commandments would be a cheap trinket here, they were met with those that I gave one to with great delight. Their eyes lit up and they were so pleased that I would give them a souvenier with the Ten Commandments. This led to many great conversations where I was able to share the Law and Grace with several people. Everyone in the hotel knew me and my daughter, and many went out of their way to give her a gift or come over and ask me to pray with them. I doubt asking guest to pray with you is in the Ritz Carlton operating manual. But, it was great.

I was feeling that there was no way that there could be anyone to fear anywhere on this island, and planned a trip out of the hotel into the "Hip Strip" of Montego Bay. I was told that there would be several people swarming us and asking to sell us trinkets or offer to braid my daughter's hair. Well, this was sort of true, but armed with 300 "Million Dollar Bills", I passed them out like candy to everyone within sight. I got swarmed alright. But, they were also very excited that I was giving them this 'valuable' souvenier. I told them all that it was a gospel tract and that it was important for them to read the message on the back. They did with delight. I had several people quoting Scripture to me, verbatim. I even had one gentleman tell me a great story about using a deck of cards as a Bible, and then proceeded to sing me an impromptu reggae melody. I passed out over 300 tracts in about an hour and had one of the best times of my life doing so. Try as I did, I could not find a Rastafarian. In fact, everyone I talked to was a professing Christian. I left them with some better tracts to read the gospel in more detail. I even met a fellow who is building houses for the poor. One week's work and $2000 will put together a house for a family. His ministry website is http://www.islego.com/. I need to check it out more to find out the details.

When it was finally over, I was glad I got to sleep in a nice hotel, but I really enjoyed meeting all the people the best. Everyone was so friendly, and so open to discussing the gospel. Even back in the airport, I was still giving away tracts. As we were about to board our plane, we ran into a local second grade class. Sierra, my daughter, who is also in second grade posed with them for this picture. Sierra was doing her homework, and the teacher was very excited to see that the curriculum we have here in California was the same as the one she had in her classroom. The only difference was that we actually have books, and she might have one for the whole class. They have to rely on copying as many pages as they can afford, and the rest of the kids have to share. I asked her how much it would cost for her to get books for her class. She said, three books per kid (per year) at $25 each. And, there are about 30 kids in the two second grade classes. I got the school's address and the teacher's email. I would really like to get Sierra's class to have each family sponsor one kid for one book, and maybe the other two books can be picked up my my fellow evangelists and possibly the mission department at our church. However we find funding, I want to make sure that each kid, and their family, gets a clear gospel message along with their books. If you have any interest in helping, or any ideas for this project, please let me know.

End Times at Ridgemont High

2007-04-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Last night we happened upon a new fishing spot, the Sherman Oaks Galleria, hangout of the kids in the 1980's movie Fast Times. It has since been completely rebuilt, but it was more packed with kids than ever. Joey, Jeff, and I had at least a dozen conversations with kids. Jeff talked with a Sikh, and I met a group of four kids, one Orthodox, one Christian, one Jewish, and one Moslem. All four friends were happy to talk with me about Jesus, and even shook my hand and told me they would see me next week.

I also met a group of about 8 catholic girls who almost got my $20 by naming nine of the Ten Commandments. I didn't sense much conviction in their voices and one girl even said that she would be fine with going to Purgatory for a thousand years. After all was said and done, they still were happy to have had the conversation and everybody got a "Good Person" tract before the night was over.

Tonight, though, I am going on my farthest fishing expedition to date. I am going with my company to Jamaica for a week, and my backpack is loaded up with tracts and I have my voice recorder. Pray for me (and my family while I am gone) that I don't get arrested in a foreign country preaching the gospel, and that I reach some open hearts with the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. I'll be back next Friday, hopefully with some recordings of conversations with Rastafarians.

Easter 2007

2007-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Basic Training Course

2007-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday morning in 2007, Shepherd of the Hills is hosting the Basic Training Course. Come and equip yourself to be able to give reason for the hope that lies within you.

Everyone who does evil hates the light

2007-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I walked into a bookstore and started browsing the display shelves. One book (pictured to the left) grabbed my eye. It looked like it was still wrapped in brown paper for shipping. As I opened it, I found the pages filled with postcards that had been sent in to the author. They were all filled with what looked to be confessions of secrets. From crimal..."I switched my parking ticket to another car and it got paid" to perverse... "I had gay sex in church three times" to insane... "I pray to get anorexia."

It was difficult to put down, and I found myself reading it for a while. I wondered what people were doing. I turned to the front to find out that the author, Frank Warren, came up with the idea of having people anonymously send a postcard with a secret that is true and that has never been shared with anyone before. I guess when you are anonymous, the truth really comes out. One person on Amazon gives this in their review:

I read select postcard secrets out loud to a group of friends. Some of the secrets were hilariously funny. Others were very disturbing in that they revealed, long-held secrets of various abuses by and toward others, and the resulting expressions of anger, regret, guilt and sadness appeared all too often throughout the book. The boldness of people reaching out through this medium made me read their secrets with some measure of trepidation. No doubt, many readers will recognize themselves, their desires and longings, in the postcard writings. This visually-stimulating book should be a wake up call to everyone, that emotional mental health issues are inadequately addressed in our culture...

I find myself thinking of another wake up call. The problem isn't our mental health system. The problem is man's sin. Our inherent wickedness. Some Bible verses come to mind.

The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5
O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts? Jeremiah 4:14
Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. Acts 8:22
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The wake up call is warning us that God is going to judge the world in righteousness one day. Every thought, word and deed will be brought to the light. When I witness to people, inevitably, I meet people who minimize their sin. I hear people justify themselves so much that I am tempted to believe them. It is difficult to look at people and imagine that there are horribly wicked thoughts rolling around in their heads. But, reading this book, I clearly see that there is a lot of stuff out there just below the surface. I recognize my own sinfulness in the confessions. It sickens me, but I see myself in so much of it. And, clearly, hundreds of other people have the same problem, sin.

If we start from the supposition that we are good people and God just sends people randomly to hell, then I agree, that sounds cruel. But, if we understand that our basic nature is to sin, and we do that daily in thought, if not in word or deed, and that God loved us enough to offer salvation anyway, THAT is the Gospel. If you are over 18, you can check out a bunch of examples at the author's web site, postsecret.com, and see if you see yourself. Think about how gracious God is to pay the penalty for your sins. Then, next time you head out, think about all the people out there who need God's forgiveness as well. Let your compassion for those people swallow up your fear and let them know the Good News. Someone did it for you.

QYST - Day 09 - Honor Your Parents

2007-03-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” PSALM 34:14,15

Today we are going to look at the Fifth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Exodus 20:12).

This Commandment is unique, because it is “the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2). To honor our parents is to esteem them, show them respect, and obey them. The New Testament instructs children to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1) and “obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). Are children to obey only the things they want to, or that sound reasonable to them? No; in order to please the Lord, they are to obey “in all things.” That doesn’t mean their parents will always make wise decisions or treat their children as they should, but God will hold the parents accountable for their own actions. Regardless of the parents’ parenting skills, the children are to obey—that is their role for which God will hold them accountable.

Again, the lawful use of the Law is to show us how far we have fallen short of God’s perfect standard. The Law brings the knowledge of sin. The best of us haven’t honored our parents as we should.
This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism.

QYST - Day 08 - The Sabbath

2007-03-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

“One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike.
Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.” ROMANS 14:5,6

Today we are going to look at the Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Are Christians still under this law? The apostles came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). The collection was taken on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2). Jesus did keep the Sabbath. He had to keep the whole Law to be the perfect sacrifice. The Bible makes it clear that the Law has been satisfied in Christ.

Romans 14:5–10 tells us that one man esteems one day of the week above another; another esteems every day alike. Then Scripture tells us that everyone should be fully persuaded in his own mind. We are not to judge each other regarding the day on which we worship. There isn’t even one command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy. In fact, we are told not to let others judge us regarding Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16), and that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was given as a sign to Israel (Exodus 31:13–17); nowhere is it given as a sign to the church. Thousands of years after the Commandment was given, we can still see the sign that separates Israel from the world—they continue to keep the Sabbath holy.

Charles Spurgeon said, “I am no preacher of the old legal Sabbath. I am a preacher of the gospel. The Sabbath of the Jew is to him a task; the Lord’s Day of the Christian, the first day of the week, is to him a joy, a day of rest, of peace, and of thanksgiving. And if you Christian men can earnestly drive away all distractions, so that you can really rest today, it will be good for your bodies, good for your souls, good mentally, good spiritually, good temporally, and good eternally.”

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

2007-03-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

The Secret

2007-03-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

It doesn't upset me that the world is buying "The Secret" as it really appeals to people, exactly as it did when it was sold as "The Power of Positive Thinking" or "EST" or any other secular program that tells people that they really are in charge of the Universe, and all they have to do is learn to control it.

What upsets me is when it gets just as many people "in" the church falling for it. This latest packaging of the lie in the garden (You can be like God) is very insidious, as it has people pushing it as a totally non-contrary to Christianity method to improve your life. Especially with people like Oprah pushing it, soon there will not be anyone that doesn't know "The Secret".

I am writing today because this week, the movie showed up at my office. We were told to watch it as a way to improve our practice. I objected, but when my boss told me that it wasn't a religious movie, I decided to watch it and take notes. I know I am not going to convince anyone who is not a believer that this movie is pushing a religion. But, here are some of my notes. You decide for yourself what it is pushing.

You can have what ever you want. (greed, lust)

The Law of Attraction - Quantum Physics - proves that whatever is in your mind, you attract to you, whatever is in your mind, you become. (Uh, scary that this is basically true. The scary part is that what is in our mind and our hearts is deceitfully wicked)

Thoughts become things. It always works. With every person. (Does this line up with reality? Just as the Word of Faith movement believes, anything bad that happens, YOU actually caused. Either your lack of faith, or your thinking bad thoughts brought it upon you.)

Good thoughts or bad thoughts do not matter. To solve the problem that people don't like you if you are gay, you just need to focus on the positive aspects of your life and you will have people liking you. (Wow, what about the problem of being judged by a holy God for your sin? Can you focus on the positive aspects of Hell to make it feel not so hot?)

If what you want is sin (Lust, Greed) or anything at all (remember, our hearts desire jewelry, fast cars, big houses, dating several women at once) you can have it. Focus on your desires and they are yours for the taking.

Positive thoughts are stronger than negative thoughts. (By what measuring rod are we calling thoughts positive or negative? Once we become the gods of the Universe, who is to say that our thoughts aren't all positive?)

Avoid thoughts. They are limited. The key is to focus on your feelings. If it feels good, do it. (Wow, need I say more?) Your thoughts/feelings actually create your life/your future. (Again, we are the creators of the universe.)

It's important to Feel Good to attract things that make you feel good. Freedom and power come from these good feelings.

The Universe/Your Higher Self (You)/Your Guardian Angel is just like Alladin's Lamp. It's job is to fulfill your wishes... with no limit.
Ask, Believe and you will Receive. Focus on your desires. Feel it more than think it.
(Do I really need to comment on each line? This just screams out to me. You either see it or you don't.)

If you are doing it the way the Universe wants you to... You'll be joyous about it. (Again, trust your heart to lead you.)

Trust that life will take you where you want BECAUSE you want it. Be in alignment with the Universe. There are no rules according to the Universe. (Sounds just like traditional Christianity to me. What do you think?)

Life is meant to be abundant... in all areas. (Says who? Define abundant.)

Get yourself inner joy first. Then outer joy will follow. (Is that like Seek first your own kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you?)

The secret is that we are creators of our universe. (In the beginning, was me!)

Fill yourself up. Give to yourself first. Fall in love with yourself. (These are all direct quotes from the movie. I'm not sure I could make this stuff up.)

Only one person can be in charge of your bliss - That's you. Your joy lies within you. You can even heal yourself.

Don't change the world. Go with the flow and celebrate it. (This movie runs on and inevitably starts contradidicting itself. First, desire change. Then, don't try to change anything.)

Bless and praise things. (Not the creator of these things) Embrace what you want - to get more of it.

Everything is energy. You are energy. God is energy. (It follows that You are God). Then literally, you are the Author. You are the Designer. (Check out who is called those titles in Hebrews 12:2)

The power that is within YOU is greater than the power that is in the world. (I suppose if you read 1 John 4 in context, you won't misunderstand what this means)

We are unlimited beings.

God does not have a purpose for you. Your purpose is what YOU say it is.

Nobody will ever stand in judgment of you... EVER (Acts 17:31 / Psalm 96:13)

All great religious teachers (picture of Jesus on the screen) understood the secret... That YOU are the Creator

All great religious teachers (picture of Jesus on the screen) understood the secret... That YOU are the Creator

There it is. Another example of a philosophy taking away the righteous judgement of God. Remove God from the throne. Replace yourself there. No God, no judgement. No sin. Party on!

Please, folks. These are the end times. There is coming a day soon that God will judge the world in righteousness. Who do you know that is eating up this spiritual garbage? Please take some time to share the truth with them. Don't let your hands have their blood on them. How will they believe if they don't hear the truth? How will they hear it if we don't tell them?

Don't let the Gospel of Jesus Christ be a Secret anymore!

More Trouble With Security

2007-03-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the East Coast, and I had a layover in the Twin Cities. I couldn't pass the Mall of America without giving out a few million dollar bills. That was pretty cool.

But, back in Los Angeles, we hit the Valencia Town Center on our usual Friday night. Tony Miano and the usual suspects were there tonight. I got into a good conversation with some guys and attracted the attention of a young security guard. He stood by and listened for a second then interjected, "Hey, what are you talking about?" I explained that there was a chance that the kids I was talking to were going to hell. The security guard told me that there was a good chance that they are going to Heaven. Wow, an opinion from a security guard. I was excited. Well, there is a way to find out, I told him. The kids I was speaking with already admitted to being lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterers at heart. They also realized that God, as a good judge, should send people like that to hell. I asked them all if they would like to know what God did so we didn't have to go to hell for our sin. Then the security guard told me that he wasn't allowed to talk about religion. I told him, that we wouldn't want to keep him from his work, so I would explain it to everyone. After I finished, I gave the guys the Good Person tract to have a 'home version' of our conversation.

The security guard told me that I would have to leave the mall at this point. I asked why, and he told me that having conversations like this would not be allowed. I said that I was merely conversing with my new friends. He asked when I met the people. I said, five minutes ago. He then asked what would stop me from meeting more people and having similar conversations all evening. I said I thought that was an excellent idea and excused myself.

I think he was a little perplexed and didn't know exactly what to do with me. But, he didn't have any confusion when he found other members of our group out in a different area within a few minutes. He asked them to leave the mall. We reconvened and figured that without passing out tracts, we should be able to continue our conversations. There were literally hundreds of people all over the streets talking with each other and we did our best to blend in.

The next day, Ian spoke with the mall management, and they said that as long as we weren't passing out tracts or soliciting for anything, we should feel free to have conversations with people. I'll post more if we get anything in writing from them. It seems that we are being stopped in just about every place we go to share our faith. I can see a day coming when one of us gets arrested for simply speaking.

In the meantime, I finished up the night by playing a game of Name 10 Get 20 with another group of kids. This is the recording for the podcast this week. A couple of them had received million dollar bills before, and didn't quite remember the whole thing. So, this was a nice refresher for them, and an intro to the Gospel for the others. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will nurture the seeds we sowed that night.

Philosophical Mismatch

2007-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I received a letter today about my site. I'd like to address it.

Hi Dru,

Great blog site. I’m also impressed with the way of the master material and have been greatly encouraged in my faith by it.

I have a question for you. What’s a guy who promotes HBKS and who wears a t-shirt to build street witnessing opportunities (name 10 get 20) doing listening to “The Grateful Dead” and supporting secular love matching sites and horoscopes on his web site.

Blogger, the site who provides the programming and hosting of this blog, have an integrated revenue producing feature, Google Adsense, that theoretically searches the content of your blog for keywords and puts ads targeted to those topics. The actual sites are not chosen by me. If I mention something about how Horoscopes are not to be followed by Christians because the Bible specifically forbids them, then the word "Horoscope" is found, and could trigger an ad. Actually, as I talk about Jesus and the church a lot, I get ads for several teachers, including "Word of Faith" teachers that I would disagree with theologically. I am working on utilizing the Amazon ads where I can rely on their targeting (like the current banner at the top) and others where I can specifically pick a book I would like to promote (like the article from a few days ago). I'd love to hear some opinions on whether I should just remove the Adsense completely, as I cannot control what content they contain.

Here’s some info about the Grateful Dead that I thought you might be interested in…

NBC’s new "prime-time-blasphemy" titled "God, the Devil and Bob" spewed forth recently (March 3, 2000, 7:30 PM cst). A sleazy, sexually-suggestive, profanity-laced, intolerant, bigoted, sacrilege cartoon "starring" God, the Devil and the Bob Alman family. "God" is a "dead-ringer" for the degenerate, Grateful Dead leader, Jerry Garcia. The Dead’s Garcia died on August 9, 1995 after destroying his body with drugs. I wonder what that implies about "God" modeled after a "dead" drug addict? Interesting one of the Grateful Dead’s song’s is titled "A Friend of the Devil", in which they proudly sing "A friend of the devil is a friend of mine

I've never seen that show, and certainly, many people look like Jerry Garcia, overweight, gray hair, and a beard. Even Santa fits that description. I don't watch those types of shows. It sounds like Southpark, which I don't watch either. I think the most applicable part of the argument is that I like a band which seems to promote satanism. While, I would say that The Grateful Dead, especially Jerry Garcia, were/are certainly not Christian, they don't promote the devil anymore than any other secular artist. The song in question is a tale of an old desperado being chased by the law across the Nevada desert, feeling like the devil is after him. And, many of their songs, usually written by Robert Hunter (his lyrics are all online) contain biblical references to illustrate points in his writing, similar to the way Shakespeare used them, though I doubt Shakespeare was a believer as well.

You can find many songs, such as Estimated Prophet, Sampson and Delilah, My Brother Esau, The Greatest Story Ever Told, We Bid You Goodnight, Cold Jordan, and Blues for Allah that have religious references. Since I became a believer while basically on the road with the Grateful Dead, and being a "deadhead" is something that has more to do than simply liking Jerry Garcia, doubt I'll ever stop being one. Just as my wife, who is now a believer, still feels like a cultural catholic, I guess I'll always have a background as a cultural deadhead.

I like to use that culture, which, believe it or not, just like our culture, has a complete microcosm of faiths, as a springboard to reach those who would otherwise not be reached. Many deadheads (sports fans, fishermen, computer nerds, professional business travellers, insert your social group here) would not walk into a church of their own accord. My sphere of influence is people who for thirty years came together to travel the country, dancing their hearts out, and though they didn't have the answer yet, were open to spiritual things, and actively sought them out.

I am able to bridge the gap to these people, relate to them on their level as one who has truly been there, and show them the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The same way a person who watches football can walk into any bar on a Monday night in America and have an instant rapport with the guy in there watching "the game", I have a group of millions around the country that I have an instant kinship with. Though I regret some of the lost time spent following after idols instead of the true God, I am doing my best to use what Satan intended for evil and actually use it to share the gospel with as many people as I can. I'm not sure if that was adequate explanation enough. But, I do appreciate having to think about it and write it down.

The google add which you encourage viewers to click took me to a love matching site that advertised horoscopes. I noticed you also have a horoscope sign on your profile.

Again, I don't choose the ads, and as I look at it closer, I am considering removing that feature if I can't get more control of the sponsor choices. And, to be clear, I do not even know my astrological sign, nor the signs of my three children. When people ask me what sign my kids are and I honestly say I don't know, they are really shocked, as though I told them I am an alien. The sign that is displayed in blogger is not my choice, it comes from blogger. Take a look at any other blog and you will see the same thing. I'll see if I can request it to be removed.

Please, if you love the Lord, get rid of these things and keep your witness strong and pure. If you don’t then take another look at the destiny of the damned, those who are guilty of breaking God’s moral laws and continue to reject Christ and live for self.

I would love to hear back from you Dru. You site is great but there are some serious mismatches in the philosophies you combine here.

God Bless,

Excellent advice. As a fellow believer, we are called to hold each other accountable. I really do appreciate that you took the time to examine my site and question me about inconsistencies.

I'll close with the lyrics from another Grateful Dead song...

Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Oh won't you lay your head upon your saviour's breast
I love you, oh but Jesus loves you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Oh won't you lay your head upon your saviour's breast
I love you, oh but Jesus loves you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Walking in Jerusalem just like John (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
I remember right well, I remember right well (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
His rod and his staff shall comfort me (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
Tell "A" for the ark, that wonderful boat (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
Tell "B" for the beast at the ending of the wood (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
Well it eat all the children that would not be good (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
I'm walking in Jerusalem just like John (bid you goodnight, goodnight)
Walking in the valley of the shadow of death (bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight)

Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Oh won't you lay your head upon your saviour's breast
I love you, oh but Jesus love you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Is Your Family Saved?

2007-03-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a letter I found from a fellow seed sower who in the course of learning to evangelize realized that maybe his wife was not saved...

Hey all, an interesting and probably a bit strange of a witnessing encounter since it took place within my own home.

I've noticed that since I've really begun to take my calling seriously, my wife has begun to distance herself from me. Emotionally, physically, etc. I was wondering what was wrong as she professed to be a Christian, yet filled her life with other things which I won't talk about here.

Earlier today when I picked her up from an overnight at a friends house, I decided after praying for days, that it was time to speak to my wife about not only what I was learning in the lessons, but also about what I was learning in my daily devotions. To my surprise not only was she completely turned off by the discussion, she also called me judgmental and struck out at me as being a hypocrite and several other not so nice things. What surprised me even more was her honest answer to the question: "If you died today, would you be certain of heaven?"

She answered no.

I began to think about what I've been reading in the lessons here, and began to ask her several pointed questions about her behavior and how it would measure up to the standards God has set for us. I really tried not to be judgmental, but at first I failed in this. We argued a bit, as is normal when discussing religion between us. Then I felt led to explain everything in an e-mail.

In this e-mail I approached with both a Law centered (to convict the conscience) and a grace centered love filled letter. I spoke to her honestly about how I felt about God, her, and our small family.

Tonight as she went to bed (before I do, I do some Word study and also perhaps an extra lesson before bed myself) she called me upstairs and asked me to pray the sinners prayer with her and tell her more about how to truly repent of her sins.

Praise God!

Wow. Is your family saved? Are you? Every once in a while, I like to do as the Scriptures say and examine my own heart to make sure I am in the faith.

ABC's of Financial Success

2007-03-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

We completed our series at Shepherd of the Hills church on Financial Stewardship from the curriculum by Barry Cameron. This year we are spending the whole year on stewardship -Stewardship of our Time, of our Talent, of our Treasure, and of the Gospel that has been Entrusted to us as believers.

I have been through the Crown Financial Ministries ten week course, and have taught it many times, and this was a very similar, though shorter book. All the basics of sound financial principles are in there. The biggest one is that you need to adjust your Attitude to understand that everything belongs to God. Once you have your priorities aligned correctly, you lay the foundation for how you think about spending your resources.

This leads into the main thesis of this book... Don't Spend Money You Don't Have! Don't get into debt. Live below your means. Spend less than you earn. However you say it, it is good solid advice. When you do some simple calculations of how much money you will owe by paying interest on credit cards versus how much money you will have by earning interest in your savings, your eyes will be opened.

A short read, and a good one. It reminds me of the first book on this subject that my father gave me, called The Richest Man in Babylon. I am still incorporating the lessons I learned from that book in my daily life. I would recommend giving that book to anyone in their teens or early twenties. If only kids that age could learn the valuable lessons before they get themselves into overwhelming debt caused by irresponsible spending on credit cards.

QYST - Day 07 - God's Holy Name

2007-03-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12

Today we will look at the Third Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the LORD you God in vain; for the LORD your God will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). God’s glory, His name, and His goodness are synonymous. Moses was told that if he saw God face to face in all of His glory, he would die (Exodus 33:20). How fearful it will be for blasphemous humanity to stand before the unspeakable glory of God, in all of His goodness, and give an account for every idle word. God’s goodness will ensure that His justice is carried out.

It is also interesting to note that when a blasphemer is questioned about why he would do such a thing, his reaction will often confirm the words of Scripture that he is taking God’s name “in vain.” He will say, “I wasn’t really using God’s name as a cuss word. It’s just a word.” In essence, God’s name isn’t anything special and isn’t worthy of any respect. His attempt at justification merely adds to his sin. It is hard to understand how the world can hold the names of God and Jesus Christ in such disdain that they can be used to express disgust. Hitler’s name wasn’t despised enough to be used as a cuss word.

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

2007-03-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

The Parable of the Fishless Fishermen

2007-03-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

There was a group called The Fisherman's Fellowship. They were surrounded by streams and lakes full of hungry fish. They met regularly to discuss the call to fish, the abundance of fish, and the thrill of catching fish. They got excited about fishing!

Someone suggested that they needed a philosophy of fishing, so they carefully defined and redefined fishing, and the purpose of fishing. They developed fishing strategies and tactics. Then they realized that they had been going at it backwards. They had approached fishing from the point of view of the fisherman, and not from the point of view of the fish. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the fish? What do fish eat, and when? These are all good things to know. So they began research studies, and attended conferences on fishing. Some traveled to far away places to study different kinds of fish, with different habits. Some got PhD's in fishology. But no one had yet gone fishing.

So a committee was formed to send out fisherman. As prospective fishing places outnumbered fisherman, the committee needed to determine priorities. A priority list of fishing places was posted on bulletin boards in all of the fellowship halls. But still, no one was fishing. A survey was launched, to find out why. Most did not answer the survey, but from those that did, it was discovered that some felt called to study fish, a few, to furnish fishing equipment, and several to go around encouraging the fishermen. What with meetings, conferences, and seminars, they just simply didn't have time to fish.

Now, Jake was a newcomer to the Fisherman's Fellowship. After one stirring meeting of the Fellowship, he went fishing and caught a large fish. At the next meeting, he told his story, and he was honored for his catch. He was told that he had a special "gift of fishing." He was then scheduled to speak at all the Fellowship chapters and tell how he did it.

With all the speaking invitations and his election to the board of directors of the Fisherman's Fellowship, Jake no longer has time to go fishing. But soon he began to feel restless and empty. He longed to feel the tug on the line once again. So he cut the speaking, he resigned from the board, and he said to a friend, "Let's go fishing." They did, just the two of them, and they caught fish. The members of the Fisherman's Fellowship were many, the fish were plentiful, but the fishers were few!

Anonymous

Jesus Prays For Himself

2007-03-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Eternal. Jesus was with the Father before the world began. And, his work is complete. Remission of sins, eternal life for those that God has called.

QYST - Day 06 - Second Commandment

2007-03-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

“You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” JAMES 4:4

Today we will look at the Second Commandment: “You shall not make for yourself any graven image . . . You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy to thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4–6).

Idolatry is perhaps the greatest of all sins because it opens the door to unrestrained evil. It gives sinners license not only to tolerate sin, but to sanction it, fanned by demonic influence. If you make a god in your image, one you feel comfortable with, you can then create your own moral standards to go along with him . . . or her.

Take the time to study 1 Corinthians 10:1–14 and see how idolatry leads to sexual sin. So do yourself a big favor: destroy your idols. An idol doesn’t have to be something tangible; anything that takes the place of God in our life serves as an idol, whether it be our job, a person, possessions, etc. Cultivate an understanding of what God is like, as revealed in Scripture. That will put the fear of God in you and cause you to keep your heart free from sin, and at the same time you will have strong motivation to do what He says regarding the Great Commission.

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism

QYST - Day 05 - First Commandment

2007-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.” MARK 12:30

Over the next 10 days, we will take a brief look at each of the Ten Commandments. An understanding of God’s Law is essential not only for self-examination, but also in order to be able to share the gospel biblically.

Today we will look at the First Commandment: “I am the LORD your God, which has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2,3). Those who profess to keep this Commandment would do well to run their eyes over the Westminster Confession of Faith. This was penned by godly men in 1646, and expressed their thoughts (based on Scripture) about the essence of this Commandment:

The duties required in the First Commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God and our God; and to worship and glorify Him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of Him, believing Him, trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in Him, being zealous for Him, calling upon Him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to Him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please Him, and sorrowful when in anything He is offended; and walking humbly with Him.

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism.

The Disciples' Grief Will Turn to Joy

2007-03-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

17 Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" 18 They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."
19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. 32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Here is a section where Jesus literally tells people that he was using figures of speech. When people ask if you should read the Bible literally, I say "Sure." Read it literally where it's meant to be. And places like this, you can rest assured that Jesus literally said these things to his disciples, even if he literally was speaking figuratively.

God definitely has a plan, with all the details spelled out. Sometimes it might seem like He has lost control, especially when things don't go the way that we planned them. But, the end of the book has already been written. Take heart.

Bridge to Terabithia

2007-03-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

I took my daughter with a few friends to see Bridge to Terabithia this weekend for her 8th birthday. My wife scheduled the whole thing, bought the tickets and sent me on my way. I was on a 'need to know' basis, and instead of trying to hold all the details in my head all week while I was working, she handed me the tickets, and the car keys, and said, "You and the girls are going to the movie. When you're finished, come home and I'll have the pizza ordered." Sounded like a plan.

All I knew about the movie was what my brain grabbed during the few seconds of the movie trailer I might have seen in the background as the kids were watching America's Funniest Home Videos. I had visions of Narnia and Harry Potter, and filled in the rest of the details with what I expected Disney to do as they cashed in on the current "Turn a kids' book into a blockbuster" craze.

What I got was totally unexpected. Without giving any of the plot details away, this movie packs a wollop about halfway through which was totally unexpected. This movie is not about a fantasy land called Terabithia, but rather about the harsh realities of growing up as the not popular kid in middle school while your parents are too busy dealing with their financial problems to pay any attention to you. The fantasy land was really just a mental escape from the problems that the lead kid was dealing with.

Next we meet the girl who moves in next door. She is an only child with no money problems and quickly becomes friends with the lead boy. As they progress in their friendship, we learn that the Christians (his family) are poor, troubled, defeated, and live as anybody else in the world does with daily problems, while the neo-hippy/artist family (hers) is happy, fulfilled, have loving relationships with each other, and even though there is no influence of Christianity in their lives, they are much better off. (I would argue that even though his family attends church once a week, there is no influence of Christianity there as well.)

This culminates in a conversation between the two after she visits his church one Sunday. Basically, the Christians don't understand Jesus and his atonement on the cross, but are scared to veer from a belief because of a vengeful God. The non-believers, who don't have any need to believe in the Bible, actually find beauty in everything including the Jesus myth. She even goes so far as to say that she can't believe God would damn anybody to hell for simply not believing the Bible, because he is too busy running the world. Even the father couldn't refute this seemingly logical argument.

Sadly, many people sitting in the church have trouble with this argument as well. This stems from a foundational error that basically we are good people, and if anyone is sent to hell, it is because God is sadistic and cruel. The truth is that we are not good by nature. A quick comparison to God's standard, the Ten Commandments will show us that. And, even a look at our conscience, and how we violate our own standard of right and wrong every day should reveal to us that we are not the innocent beings that we imagine ourselves to be.

The truth is also that God is perfect. He is just, righteous and holy. This means that He can't stand sin (transgression of the Law) and is perfectly justified in punishing those who do so. So, whether it is the "guru" who sits on top of a mountain and doesn't harm a fly, or it is Mother Theresa, dedicating her life to "good works" or the pleasant artistic family portrayed in this film, we ALL fall short of the standard God requires. Justice demands that lawbreakers be punished. It is not a good judge who lets criminals go free. And God is a good judge.

The truth is also that even though God is going to pour out His wrath on those who sin, He made provision for all of us to be forgiven. He came down in the person of Jesus Christ, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, atoning for all sin, and rose again on the third day to defeat death once and for all. The Good News is that if we repent of our sins (not just give lip service to God and continue our own path) and place our faith in the Savior, the way we would place our trust in a parachute if we were jumping out of a plane, then God promises we will pass from death to life, be given a new heart with new desires, and will be born again.

So, go see this movie if you want. But be prepared to share the gospel with people after seeing this movie. Well, even if you don't see this movie, you should be prepared to share the gospel.

The basic beliefs of biblical Christianity:

2007-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

1. The Bible is the sole inspired, infallible, authoritative, and inerrant written Word of God (II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 1:21).

2. There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).

3. Jesus Christ is God in flesh (John 10:33); He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:34-35); He never sinned during his entire life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26); He performed miracles (John 2:11); He died a vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9); He came back to life after having been dead (John 11:25, I Corinthians 15:4); He assended bodily to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); He will personally return to earth in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11-16).

4. It is absolutely necessary to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of the human nature. The only way to be justified is on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ. Only by God's grace through faith alone can we be saved (John 3:16-19; 5:24, Romans 3:23; 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).

5. Both those who are saved and those who are unsaved will be resurrected. Those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, and those who are not unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).

6. Christians are examples of the love of God in this world. It is this (agape) love that we desire to possess and without it we have no right to call ourselves Christians (I John 4:16-17).

7. It is the mandate of the whole Church to go into the whole world and to preach the Gospel to every living creature (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20).

If you find yourself disagreeing with one or more of those statements, you need to do a careful examination of what you've been taught.

Please take this seriously. The worst imaginable future awaits those who are genuine and sincere in their beliefs... but who have not repented and placed their faith in the real, historical, Jesus Christ of the Bible. On Judgment day, the Lord Jesus will say to those people the horrifying words, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:23) Will Jesus say that to you?

My Fishing Hole

2007-03-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

Living Waters is about to finalize a site where you can find others in your area who regularly share their faith. Check out My Fishing Hole.
You will be able to see my group here in Los Angeles, and even a listing for my church that teaches the Basic Training Course. If you live here, I'd love for you to join us. If you live somewhere else, check it out and find someone in your own area who you can meet up with for some regular fishing.

QYST - Day 04 - Read Your Bible Daily

2007-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

“My eyes anticipate the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.” PSALM 119:148

This is another little understood principle. If you’re interested in this “deeper” experience with God, then read today’s devotion carefully and see if you meet the criteria for the special blessing God outlines in Psalm 1.

Many years ago, I had a friend named Stan who had a dog named “Circles.” It was so named because it would walk forward two or three steps, and then do a complete circle. Then it would take another two or three steps forward, then another complete circle (it wasn’t a trick, it was just the way the dog got around). As a puppy, it had been locked in a small shed for great lengths of time. It went around in circles seeking a way out, and when it came out, it couldn’t stop.

Many Christians are just like “Circles.” The continue to tread in circles. Each week, they go from the pew to alter to pew to the altar, then back to the pew… wearing out both the pastor and the carpet. If you are like Stan’s dog, pay close attention because I am going to share the biblical key to get you out of the woodshed and onto the straight and narrow path where you are supposed to be walking. Here is the key:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).

If we fulfill the stated requirements, the Bible promises we will stand tall and strong, like a tree planted by rivers of water. Our roots will grow deep, and we will produce fruit in season—love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Also, whatever we do will prosper—our vocation, our marriage, our evangelistic endeavors.

I have saved myself hours in counseling time, by simply asking the problem laden, defeated, joyless, circular professors of faith one question. This is the question: “Do you read God’s Word every day, without fail?” The usual answer is “sometimes” or “sort of” or “most days.” The truth is they are not continuing in the Word of Christ, they don’t know the truth, and they are not free. They are not meditating on the Word “day and night,” so they are therefore not like a tree planted by water. Their roots are shallow. When the winds of adversity blow, they topple over and need to seek the pastor to prop them up. Neither does their fruit remain. They lose their peace and joy and begin to wither at the first sign of adversity. Whatever they do, does not prosper.

So, for your own sake and for the sake of those around you who are still in their sins, discipline yourself daily to read and meditate on the Word. Put your Bible before your belly. Say to yourself, “No Bible, no breakfast. No read, no feed.” The biblical priority is to put your spirit before your body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Jesus said that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” When Peter wrote his epistle and said, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,” he wasn’t particularly writing to babes in Christ. Newborn babies live to drink, because they drink to live. They have an inbuilt instinct to scream for dear life if they don’t drink. We are commanded to do the same. Job summed up the necessity for feeding on the Word with, “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Today's devotion was excerpted from How to Win Souls and Influence People, chapter 15, beginning on page 182.

QYST - Day 03 - Overcoming Fear

2007-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

“Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech.” 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12

Do you find yourself fearful of sharing your faith? Well, you’re not alone... But what can you do to conquer your fear?

Someone once said, “Keep your fears to yourself. Share your courage with others.” While that is true when it comes to specific fears, it is a consolation to know that heroes do heroic deeds despite their fears. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the conquering of it. If a hero didn’t have fear to overcome, then his act of courage wouldn’t truly be an act of courage.

It is a consolation to know that almost every Christian has a battle with the “fear of man” when it comes to reaching out to the lost. Take the time to look at the fears of the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1–4). He said that when he reached out to the Corinthians with the gospel, he did so not with “excellency of speech or of wisdom.”

He confided that he had “weakness” (he was not trusting in his own strength or ability) and “fear” (in Greek, phobos, “that which is caused by being scared”), resulting in “much trembling” (awareness of his insufficiency). Paul battled the fear of man.

If we want to rescue humanity from the fires of hell, we must take control of our own fears and reject the fears the enemy whispers to our hearts. Don’t let the lies of the enemy penetrate your mind any longer. Remember the command, “Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). There is power in the Word of God. When the light of the Word is spoken, the darkness of the enemy must vanish.

Make it a habit to quote God’s Word at fear: “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Psalm 91:1,2).

We are not to fear man, but to fear God—the one who has power to cast into hell (Luke 12:5). This thought may help you get rid of the fear of man and replace it with the fear of God: He executes cowards, deserters, and traitors (see Hebrews 10:26,27; Revelation 21:8). His army is for men and women of faith. Our courage is fueled by our faith in God. If we lack courage, it’s only because we lack faith. If we lack faith, we insult the integrity of Almighty God.

QYST - Day 02 - Hell's Best Kept Secret

2007-02-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

Most of the devotions in this book will take you 20 minutes or less to do. However, this one will take a little over an hour to complete. For this one, you will need to go back online to listen to the free audio message taught by Ray Comfort called “Hell’s Best Kept Secret.” Please don’t consider skipping this devotional, it is the most essential one in this entire journal. Without this foundational teaching, you really can’t continue on this 30 day journey.

While you’re listening to the online message, try to catch the answers to these questions:
1. What is it that the Bible says is "perfect, converting the soul"? (See Psalm 19:7.)
2. According to Romans 3:19,20, Romans 7:7, and Galatians 3:24, what are four functions of the Law?
3. What is the biblical definition of sin? (See 1 John 3:4, KJV.)
4. Who is the Law designed for? (See 1 Timothy 1:9-10)
5. What are some of the legitimate fruits of salvation?
6. Why isn’t it legitimate to use these fruits as a “draw card” for salvation?

QYST - Day 01 - Share Your Faith

2007-02-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.
And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father,
and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

In the Epistle of Paul to Philemon, he says how he continually prays for Philemon, saying that he has heard of the “love and faith” which he has, both toward the Lord and toward his brethren. Then Paul reveals a little understood principle that can change your life and deepen your walk with God in a way you never expected.

Listen to how the Amplified Bible translates Philemon 1:6:

“[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].”

The implications are clear. If you want a more full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ . . . you can get it by sharing your faith. The Scriptures say that it actually produces that knowledge in you. Those who don't reach out to the lost aren't experiencing God on this deeper level. They've yet to discover the incredible fulfillment awaiting those who respond to Christ’s command. Matthew Henry said, “I would think it a greater happiness to gain one soul to Christ than mountains of silver and gold to myself.” Charles Spurgeon said, “To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in this world.”

Consider for a moment the words of Jesus to his disciples shortly after He spoke to the woman at the well: “But He said to them, ‘I have food to eat of which you do not know’” (John 4:32). What was this sustaining food of which Jesus spoke? He told them in His next sentence, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work’” (John 4:34). He had just done the will of the Father by sharing the words of everlasting life with the woman at the well. Doing that was to Jesus as if He had just eaten life-sustaining food. You can know that same fulfilling joy as you obey the command of the Lord Jesus, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). As you do so, watch the Philemon 1:6 principle begin to take effect in your life. Your understanding and appreciation of every good thing we have in the Lord will deepen. If that’s what you want, you've begun the right journey.

Tomorrow’s devotional will take longer than any of the others in this journal. That’s because tomorrow we’re going to explore the “how” of sharing your faith. How can we biblically, simply and effectively, share the life-giving words of the Gospel? Don’t skip tomorrow’s devotion because it takes a little longer to do. It is absolutely essential and foundational to the rest of your journey.

Quenching Your Spiritual Thirst

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

2007-02-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

10 "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."

Take it to the marketplace

2007-02-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

"I simply argue that the cross should be raised at the center of the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the church. I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on the town's garbage heap; at a crossroad, so cosmopolitan they had to write his His title in Hebrew and Latin and Greek...at the kind of a place where cynics talk smut, and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble. Because that is where He died. And that is what He died for. And that is what He died about. That is where churchmen ought to be and what churchmen ought to be about."

- George Macleod

Interview With the God of the Bible

2007-02-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

"Mankind is quick to point out sin in others, but have trouble seeing their own sin.” Matthew 7:3-5
“They won't trade their eyes for a million dollars... but they trade their souls for love of their sin.” Mark 9:47
"Although they know me, they neither glorify me or give me thanks... they exchange the truth of God for a lie and worship created things rather than the Creator.” Romans 1:21-25
“They live as if they will never die… even though it is written for each man to die once and after that to face judgment.” Hebrew 9:27
God’s hand took mine… and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked, “As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”
“To learn they cannot make anyone love them. The Lord's love is with those that fear Him.” Psalm 103:17
“To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. They need to compare themselves to God's perfect standard.” Matthew 5:48
“To learn to forgive others as I have forgiven them.” Matthew 6:12
“To learn that it only takes one lie to end up in a lake of fire, and it only takes one Name under heaven by which they can be forgiven.” Revelation 21:8 Acts 4:12
“To learn that a rich person is not who has the most, but who stores up treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-20
“To learn that there are people who think that God is merciful, but God is also just and holy and perfect and cannot be around any sin.” Romans 1:18
“To learn that people can look at the bible and see it as foolishness, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
“To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must also repent and trust in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of their own sins.” Acts 20:21
“Thank you for your time,” I said humbly. “Is there anything else you’d like your children to know?”God smiled and said…
“Just know that I am here. Always.” Hebrews 13:8

The Work of the Holy Spirit

2007-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

5 "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

A few things here. The Holy Spirit, called the Counselor here, is referred to as "he", because he is a person, not a force. Also, the theme of conviction of sin for not believing in Jesus is again brought up. Also, the prince of this world, Satan, now is condemned. In hell, the devil will not be tormenting people. He will be punished along with all the sinners by God.

12 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
16 "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

John 16

2007-02-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

1 "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.

Continuing the thought from the end of the last chapter, Jesus is making it clear that when you truly follow Him, you will be hated by the world, and even those in the so-called church. I find that I run into three types of people when I share my faith. Atheists, who, even though they might not be convinced by my argument, thank me for taking the time to explain what Christianity is. Christians, who are so excited about hearing the gospel articulated running out to go share their faith with people. And the third group is people in the church who are actually offended by hearing the gospel. They "put me out of the synagogue". The only explanation I can find here is that anyone who is in the church who does not like hearing about Jesus is because they neither know the Father or Jesus. Remember, Jesus warned us of this. So, don't get discouraged. Just get out there and faithfully share the gospel. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

The World Hates the Disciples

2007-02-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

Sort of throws the "Happiness" gospel right out of the window. Jesus never told anyone about the "Wonderful Plan" He had for them. Take heart when people hate you for His sake.

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'

Again, no path to the Father except through the Son. Anyone who tells you they love God, but not Jesus, has made a God in their own mind to suit their own desires.

26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Have you shared your faith today? Have you told someone you care about that Jesus is coming back and is so just that He will find people guilty of their sins? Have you told them that God is so merciful that He is willing to pay that price for them?

Back to Burbank

2007-02-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Last night, the usual suspects were out. We also had several new people come out who are going through the Basic Training Course. Sherri and Moreland, both from Shepherd of the Hills got their first taste of some open air preaching, Tony Miano style, and some one to one witness encounters.

We partnered up and each new person got to be involved in witnessing with at least three experienced people. The ones that I was involved in started out pretty rough, and one young lady told me that her father was a pastor and what I was telling her about God being mad at sin was absolutely false. She got so mad she asked me to leave. The next group I talked to had Omar as their leader and in good spirits he told me that he had no reason to believe what I was saying. I was feeling pretty roughed up so I paused for a moment to talk with Joey, and as I was doing so, Omar came over to apoligize and I told him he had no reason to. We agreed that I would pray for the Holy Spirit to break his pride that was holding him back from submitting to God. Please pray for Omar as well with me.

After that, we had some great conversations, almost too many to remember. With Tony preaching and the signs up in between speaking, we had a constant flow of people willing to take the good test and many people heard the gospel last night. I pray that some of the seeds we sewed find good soil. The best part was this morning after talking with the students who came out in obedience and stepped out of their comfort zone and finding out they were just as excited as I was to make sharing their faith a regular part of their life.

How to Find a Good Church

2007-02-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Almost 25 questions that will save you a lot of Sundays

Looking for a good church? Join the club. Church-shopping can be a long and painful process.
To shorten your search, call the pastor of the church before you visit and ask the following questions. This might save you a lot of Sundays.

What is man's biggest problem, sin or self esteem? Seeker sensitive and felt-needs churches focus on man’s hurts and problems. The Bible says that man’s biggest problem is sin.
What must a man do to inherit eternal life? Repent and trust is the Biblical answer. If the word “repent” is never used, say, “Thank you.”
How do you deliver the salvation message? Ask the pastor to describe specifically what he says. Does he encourage people to simply say a prayer? Does he tell people to ask Jesus into their hearts? The salvation message should include: God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, God’s response (hell), God’s kindness (Jesus on a cross), man’s response (repentance and faith).
How hard is it to become a Christian? The “formula” is simple, doing it is not. It is not easy to believe.
How often do you talk about sin, righteousness and judgment? Balance is key. This should not be the only emphasis, but it should be a regular emphasis.
How seeker sensitive is your church? It is o.k. for a church to be “seeker aware” but seeker sensitive means that they lean toward seekers and not the saved.
Who do you do church for, seekers or members? “Both” is not acceptable. Church should be done for members and the unsaved are welcome to attend.
Do you dumb down your sermons? If he says yes, he is probably not trying to wean his members from milk to meat. Answers like, “We try to make our sermons accessible to everyone” are sermons that are not meaty.
What is your mixture of topical vs. expository preaching? Topical preaching is fine, but if a pastor never or rarely preaches expositionally (verse by verse), then you are going to be learning from the pastor and not God’s Word.
Do your sermons emphasize theology or are they just relevant? Everyone should say their sermons are relevant, what you are looking for is if they teach theology.
Describe your youth programs. If fun and games is the major (and usually first) emphasis, you have a youth program that is trying to compete with MTV.
Describe your evangelism programs. Don’t just accept, “We have an evangelism committee.” Dig. Are they serious about saving souls?
What church growth model do you follow? Hopefully they don’t have one. Churches should be reaching out to the lost, but churches that are plugged into new church growth models tend to follow man’s modern ideas rather than the Bible.
How much do you give to missions and the hungry? Again, this reveals the heart of the church. While most churches give to missions, many never consider the poor.
Do you believe the Bible contains no errors or contradictions? No equivocation allowed here.
Do you believe in a literal 6 day creation? Jesus did (Matt.19:4).
Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment? Jesus did (Matt.25).
When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine yourself? Paul did (I Cor.11:27-32) Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life? Sinners can certainly be forgiven, but practicing sinners cannot inherit eternal life (I John3:8,9). Does your church exercise church discipline? Paul said we should (I Cor.5).
Do Sunday school teachers, nursery, and youth volunteers fill out an application to answer questions about their core beliefs and salvation, or are all volunteers accepted because of a lack of volunteers?
What are the essentials of the faith? Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Salvation through faith alone, the inerrancy of Scripture.
Do you have a cross in your sanctuary? Many remove it because they fear it will turn off seekers. They should glory in the cross.

All New God

2007-02-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Vine and the Branches

2007-02-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

What a coincidence that my 14th of February Valentines Day post deals with Love. John 15 talks about our command to love each other.

1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Notice the theme throughout the whole Bible? No other means of salvation but Jesus. It might sound intolerant, but it is what it is. Jesus didn't leave room for him to be just one of many options. Jesus makes it clear here as well that none of us can be good (bear fruit) without His help.

5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Poetic language to be sure, but make no mistake, if you are a follower of Jesus, you will bear fruit. If you do not bear fruit, you will be cast into the fire. This is the New Testament clearly saying that God will punish those who does not put their trust in Jesus Christ.

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

You can re read this last paragraph. Each verse is so full of truth you might miss all of it with just one reading. Jesus is the epitome of Love and he is telling you the truth about God sending people to hell so you may be full of joy. What is that saying? Meditate on this for a while.

People (usually professing Christians) tell me all the time that to talk about God's judgment is "un-loving" when the very example Jesus gave is right here doing just that. Jesus didn't say, "Repeat this prayer", or "Ask me into your heart." He said, if you are truly my follower, you will bear fruit. If you do not bear fruit, my Father will cut you off and cast you into the fire.

Love. Judgement. Friend. Fire. Life layed down. Cut off. Clean. Pruned. In Christ. Obey. All of these words are in the Bible, in fact in this very chapter. A complete understanding of the gospel comes when you don't cut out the parts of God's word you don't like.

To love someone, to really love them, is to tell them the truth. Go tell someone you love today the truth. Happy Valentines Day.

Recall Notice

2007-02-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

(Originally by Dudley Rutherford)
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental Component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E . (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! You may contact your maker any time by "kneemail."

Don't Judge Me!

2007-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

"Judge not lest you be judged. You therefore have no right to judge me when it comes to my sins!"

The world often takes this verse out of context and uses it to accuse Christians of being "judgmental" when they speak of sin. In the context of the verse Jesus is telling His disciples not to judge one another, something the Bible condemns (Romans 14:10; James 4:11). In Luke 6:41,42 He speaks of seeing a speck in a brother’s eye. In John 7:24 He said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

If someone steals, lies, commits adultery or murder, etc., the Christian can make a (righteous) moral judgment and say that the actions were morally wrong, and that these sins will have eternal consequences. Chuck Colson said, "True tolerance is not a total lack of judgment. It’s knowing what should be tolerated—and refusing to tolerate that which shouldn’t."

(More at The Evidence Bible)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

2007-02-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Works do not justify us by any means. But they sure seem to be an evidence, or fruit, of our salvation. If you are saved, why wouldn't you obey Jesus? Why wouldn't you obey His commandments?

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

Again, Jesus makes it clear that there is no such thing as a "Carnal" Christian. There is no way to reconcile a person who loves Jesus and a person who loves sin.

25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
"Come now; let us leave.

Back in the Saddle

2007-02-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

I have missed a couple of weeks out on our regular Friday night fishing expeditions. But, tonight, I got back out there. Tony, Joey, Haig, Jerry and a bunch of new people met up at the Valencia mall. I was a little apprehensive of stealth witnessing inside a mall, especially one with Westfield security. But, my fears were unfounded as it was a great fishing area. We barely broke up from opening prayer and Jerry and Haig had started a conversation with a young man. I asked a couple of kids standing around if they had seen a million dollar bill, and they said they saw one last week. They hadn't gone through the 'good person' test, so I went right into it. One young lady said she was scared to die, and was really interested to hear what Jesus had done for her. Wow, not five minutes into the night, we were all engaged in one to one witness encounters. Praise God.

We traded partners a little later and I went out with a young man, Brendon, who at 14 years old was willing to engage people with conversations about God's Law. Tonight's recording was me "throwing" Brendon into the waters. He wasn't sure how to start, so I walked up to a group of people and asked them if 'my friend Brendon here' had given them the million dollar question. I then sat back and watched him go. He sure was a lot more brave than I would have been at 14, and he did an awesome job. A little quick to the end, and then looked at me as if to say, "Um, what now?" So, I jumped in and went over it again with the people. I was coming up with some analogies that I hadn't ever used, but these kids seemed to have a lot of questions.

I noticed that in a group of people, usually one or two will be interested, while their friends try to get them to walk away. Each time, I notice the person who I am talking to asks their friends to wait, as they really want to finish the conversation. By talking to this one person, the whole group gets to hear the gospel presentation. Ironically, sometimes the one who is most engaged might not be the one with the softened heart. Sometimes a friend nearby is really the one that God is convicting of their sin, and they go home squirming over what they heard. I try to speak so everyone in the group can hear the whole thing. Then, I pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts so the gospel seed will sprout.

Later in the night, I saw a group of about twenty kids standing outside the food court. I walked into the middle of them with a wad of millions and started passing them out. Next thing you know, I was doing a mini 'open-air' right at the mall. They were completely glued to the spot, and most of them hung on my words as I explained to them their necessity for a Savior and what Jesus had done for them. It was quite a crowd and mall security came over and watched me for a while. They didn't say anything, as I really wasn't doing anything more than talking. By the time I finished I didn't see them their anymore. I want to make sure to have us rotate our locations regularly enough so that we don't draw too much security attention.

Well, like I said, I have missed a couple of weeks, and tonight I really wasn't feeling up to going out and sharing my faith, but I did it anyway. And, you know what, once I took my eyes off my own feelings and put them on Jesus, I felt much better. I came home feeling much better than how I felt leaving the house. God is able to bless your faithfulness. Please pray for the hundreds of kids who heard the gospel tonight at the Valencia Town Center. And, if you haven't been blessed by sharing your faith with a group of strangers, I pray that you know what that feels like soon. If you need help finding someone to go out with, please let me know, and I'll help you get paired up with someone who can help you step out in obedience and faith.

No Man Can Serve Two Masters

2007-01-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Here's a challenge. If I said I'll pay you $100 every single time you share the gospel, how many times today would you have done it?

I Would Give My Left Eye...

2007-01-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got a call from my wife. She opened with, "Honey, I don't want you to panic..." Um, yeah, that is not the best call to get. My four year old daughter, Scarlett, fell into a display hook at a shoe store, and there was a possibility that she would lose her eye. I took this picture after the doctor cleaned up all the blood, and it doesn't look as bad as I was imagining on the drive to the hospital.

As a father, all I could think of was my child's welfare. I was angry that she spends all day thinking of ways to get hurt. If you can climb on it, and jump off of it, she loves it. If it is full of sharp objects, she dives into it. I get so mad that she insists on doing things that could hurt her. But, I also felt intense love for her, praying on the 40 minute drive from work to the hospital. I prayed that God would take my eye and spare my little girl. I would literally step in and take her place if I could. There is nothing I would not give for my child.

The good news is that with a little sedation, they were able to suture up the cut, and examine her cornea. She might even get out of this with little more than a black eye that will fade. Even the burst blood vessels in her eye itself, though intensely red now, will be little more than a memory in a few weeks. She is already up and bouncing around the house again this morning. I keep begging her to be careful and don't dive into the toy box face first. She has been given a new eye, as far as I am concerned, and I want her to be safe for a long time.

That being said, reading all the prayers from Christian friends, my fellow seed sowers, I am mindful of a similar story. I used to think it was fun to do things that hurt me, like sin. In fact, I would dive into sin. Of course, I didn't actually murder anyone, but I sure could break the seventh commandment (fornication), in heart and in deed. I could find any justification to break the ninth commandment (telling lies). I certainly didn't even think that the fifth (honor your parents) should be in the list. You name the standard of perfection God demanded of me, and I found pleasure in falling short of it. As a Father, I can only imagine God's anger at my love of sin...my love of hurting myself. As I have to stay my hand from just grabbing my daughter and shaking her to stop her from doing something wrong, I appreciate the patience God had in not reaching down and throttling me.

But, I am also mindful of God's intense love for me. Though, the consequence of my selfish, sinful, actions is death. God not only wants to step in to take my place, but He did. In the person of Christ Jesus, God stepped in and took my punishment upon Himself, allowing me to go free. I get to go to Heaven, not because I deserve it, far from it, but because He paid the price for me.

Now, a four year old comes home from the hospital after having minor surgury to save her eye and thinks about how to climb up the outside of the staircase. But, I'm not a four year old. That would be childish, and downright rude, to basically laugh in the face of the people who saved you. Sure, I might fall into sin occasionally, but for me to "dive" back into a life of sin would be downright rude. God so graciously has reached down and saved me from a life of sin, and in return, I want my actions to reflect my gratitude. I repent of, that is, turn from, my love of sin, and place my faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf.

My question today to you is: What is stopping you from doing that? If we each honestly examine ourselves in light of God's standard, we will see that we fall very short and are destined for the very real punishment of hell. As a father, I can hear God saying to you, His children, "Please, please, turn from the behavior that will kill you, and flee to my loving arms, where I long to save you from death. I would give my only Son, if you will turn from your sin."

And He did.

Evangelism Boot Camps 2006

2007-01-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

A New Gospel

2007-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

I was beat. Seemed like all I was doing was working. Trying to get ahead. I knew I was missing something in my life. Know what I mean? A buddy of mine called me and asked me to go to church with him. I said, "Church? What church?" He told me. I said, "Fine."

I've never been the same. That place changed my life. You gotta go. Join us this Sunday. I think you're gonna love it.

Nah. I'll stick with the real gospel found in the Bible.

Interview With a God I made Up In My Head

2007-01-24T08:13:00.001-08:00

I dreamed I had an interview with God.
“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.
“If you have the time,” I said.
God smiled.
“My time is eternity… what questions do you have in mind for me?”
“What surprises you most about human kind?”
God answered… “That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.”
“That they lose their health to make money… and then lose their money to restore their health.”
"That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future.”
“That they live as if they will never die… and die as though they had never lived.”
God’s hand took mine… and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked, “As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”
“To learn they cannot make anyone love them. All they can do is let themselves be loved.”
“To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.”
“To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.”
“To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those they love, and it can take many years to heal them.”
“To learn that a rich person is not who has the most, but is one who needs the least.”
“To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply do not yet know how to express or show their feelings.”
“To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.”
“To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”
“Thank you for your time,” I said humbly. “Is there anything else you’d like your children to know?”God smiled and said…
“Just know that I am here. Always.”

Do you notice anything missing? I mean, it is poetic. But, is this really what the God of the Universe wants to tell us? If we boil down His 66 love letters to us (The Bible) is this really all He has to say? Let's just let this sink in for a while before I comment on it.

Re-Ignite

2007-01-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Vegas. Please, if you haven't already gone on one, go to The Great News Network and sign up for an Evangelism Boot Camp. This thing is powerful. It is the closest I think we will get to the first century church. Hundreds of believers, no doctrinal divisions, all out taking their faith to the streets and reaching out for the lost. You will come back changed. It is not a retreat, in fact, they call it going on the advance. If you have any desire to share your faith, but need something to stretch you out of your comfort zone, this is exactly the thing.

I don't know what else to say, but, "If you want to know, you have to go!"

Street Preaching in Vegas

2007-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Getting frustrated at talking to the air and having nobody stop while we were preaching in front of the Bellagio, I ventured to the corner stoplight and saw 50-100 people standing still for 3 minutes waiting for the light. It took me ten times to get it just right, but I got it to where I could get a complete Law/Grace presentation out before the light turned green. I recorded three of them.

Just as many will try to cross the street and enter heaven saying, "Lord, Lord", God will say, "Don't walk, I never knew you, you workers of lawlessness." Here is the springboard to the best of my memory. Just as the light turns red, jump in front of the curb and speak to the people starting to gather...

Folks, welcome to Vegas. Please be careful here, as this is a dangerous intersection. We have some safety measures set up here for you. The red hand across the street actually means "Don't walk". What we are waiting for is the little white man to appear before we go. The reason I am telling you this is that in my experience, as I speak to you for the next two minutes, you might get so offended that you will be tempted to rush into oncoming traffic so you don't have to listen to me. But, please, don't kill yourself before you hear what I have to say. Speaking of death, whether a car hits you today, or you live to be a hundred, one day, the truth is that we will all be part of the ultimate statistic. Ten out of ten of us will die. And on that day, the Bible says we will be judged. If you were to be compared to me, you would probably be OK, but in reality, both of us will be judged by God's standard of perfection, the Ten Commandments. If you've ever lied, God sees you as a liar, if you've ever stolen, God sees you as a thief. If you look at all the pornographic images in Vegas and lust over them, sir, the reason your wife doesn't like you doing that is that she knows it is adultery of your heart. She is angry when you do that, and so is God. If you are angry at me right now for conronting you with this stuff, then God sees that anger as murder in your heart. You see God judges our thoughts, and not just our actions. God is so good, he is not going to let murderers in heaven. But, you see, he is so good that he will not even let liars into the kingdom. The bible says that one lie is enough to send you to a lake of fire. The good news is, folks, that you do not have to pay the penalty for your sin. Jesus Christ has already done that. If you will repent and turn from your sin, Jesus is willing to forgive you. You must place your faith in Jesus alone, and not your own efforts, and God says on that day you will be born again, passing from death to life. Folks, please consider my motives today, I'm not asking for your money. I'm merely asking you to consider repenting of your sin and putting your faith in Jesus Christ. (Keep going till the light changes) and please don't die before you repent!

Phew, it is tough to get it all out in two minutes, but it can be done. And if God blesses you with a double light cycle, you can really pour out the passion pleading with people to forsake their sin.

And, if you do it right, you can tag team with a partner and keep it up all night long. I was so blessed by this, and I pray for the hundreds of people that had that gospel seed scattered to their hearts. I pray that some of them will be planted deep and grow.