I am so thankful for the grace of God that has been imputed into my life. I consider the matchless majesty of Jesus and I realize my need for a Savior.

Luke 2:11-14 says, "11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

You can Learn Something from Charlie Brown

This is what Christmas all about, Charlie Brown

Christianity In American Culture

John Piper writes:
"We will not have succeeded if we are known as a friendly place. And we will not have succeeded if we are known as an unfriendly place. We will be on our way to true success if we are known as a people besotted (head over heals, infatuated, radical, smitten, obsessed) with the glory of God. If our children speak of the glory of God. If our young people love the glory of God more than the glory of sport or music or fashion. If our career people pursue the glory of God more than the glory of financial success. If our older people rejoice in the hope of the glory of God just over the horizon.

Almost everything in American culture threatens this radically serious, God-centered passion to see and savor and show the glory-the greatness and beauty and worth of the full range of his perfections, his eternal being and unchanging character, his independence and self-sufficiency and holiness, his infinite power and wisdom and goodness and justice and wrath and mercy and patience and grace and love. Almost everything in American culture threatens to make our devotion and our services and our mind and our heart shallow and casual and chatty and-our most favorite blessing of choice-fun."

The question has to be asked, "Is American culture conducive for Christianity?" Where do Christians fit in this fast paced, free living, money making, American Dream culture? You only have to read the gospels to discover that Jesus' teachings contradict mainstream American culture. We all need to examine this subject as we seek to make Jesus Famous in a culture that seems to disinterested with the church and content with their stuff.

Mark Driscoll, "Where are the Dudes?"

I will continue with more Mark Driscoll. I have spent the last 2-3 weeks planning and mapping out 2009 so my time has been very limited on writing thought provoking and Biblical articles. I found this video to be very true and very humorous. Enjoy

Mark Driscoll - The Peasant Princess

Mark Driscoll preaches a series from the Song of Songs/Solomon and cuts no corners. If you want sound theological teaching on God's intent for marriage, family, children, divorce, sex, serving, etc. this teaching is the best I have found. This is a must listen or watch for teenagers, singles, and those who are married.

Preachers of Great Influence

I wanted to take some time to share with my readers preachers who have been of great influence to me and still are. These men, like us all, are sinners and are by no means perfect people. My endorsement of these men does not attempt to elevate them to an elite status. We all agree that there is only ONE that is elevated. Jesus.

Here We Go:

1. Richard Trader

2. John Piper

3. Sam Storms

4. Mark Driscoll

5. David Platt

This is not an exhaustive list of preachers. There are many more like R.T. Kendall, John Stott, and JI Packer. Go and check them out!

John Piper on Presidential Election

You Will Never Regret Doing the Right Thing

You Will Never Regret Doing the Right Thing

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think (take into account) about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”


We must first ask ourselves this question. What is Right? The only conclusion I can come to is the Bible. All of us need to read more, study more, and meditate more on the Scriptures. This is what the New Bible Commentary had to say about these two verses:

It is sometimes said that the qualities of character mentioned here are not distinctively Christian but such as have been honored in many cultures and societies. That may be so, but the Christian has a special obligation to demonstrate them and has the enabling of the (Holy) Spirit to do so.

Your Most Prized Possession - Interactive Article

Philippians 3:7-15

Take out a sheet a paper and answer these 5 questions. Come on....go and get something to write on and write with. I will wait.

1. What is your favorite thing to do during the year?
2. If you could do anything and money was no option what would you do?
3. What is your greatest accomplishment, award?
4. What is your biggest goal in life?
5. What is your most prized/treasured possession?

Now read the following passage
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Now look back at your answers to the five questions, and ask yourself this question. Would you be willing to give up all this for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. A definite legitimate question all of us need to ask ourselves.

Press On!

God Initiates

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."


Many Christians recognize Jeremiah 29:11 because it SCREAMS hope to us. When everything seems to be crumbling around us or even within us, this verse gives us a sustaining hope of God's ability to preserve our purpose and destiny. What I have missed in reading this short passsage above is the first word of verse 12, "Then". This word could be read, "As a result of what verse 11 says, listen to the following." The word "Then" points to the time after you discover that God does have a plan for you, and as a result of this understanding you will call upon God.

This reminded me of the great grace God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. God opens our heart to believe the great things He has for us and in response we seek Him and find Him. How can a dead man seek God?

Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Secret Church

The Secret Church
Church of Brookhills
November 7, 2008

***Please disregard the "This Friday Night" at the end***



For more information click here: Secret Church

Be Encouraged

I read this quote this morning and thought it would be a great encouragement to us all during this time in our country.

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles H. Spurgeon

The Outward Appearance of an Inward Work

The Outward Appearance of an Inward Work
Philippians 2:12-16

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

* Fear and Trembling in verse twelve are more like "awe" and "respect". Otherwise this would contradict what Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter to him (2 Timothy 1:7).

* “Work out you own salvation,” in verse thirteen has the sense of bringing to completion. It is NOT a matter of working for salvation. We could never do that. The word salvation (which means rescue) signifies that we cannot save ourselves.

* God enables and empowers us to work for his glory. The Greek word for works here is energy. (v.13)

* It is not just what is done that matters, but the spirit in which we do it, “free of murmuring and complaining.” (v.14)

* Blameless means above criticism; Pure means thoroughly wholesome in character and single-minded. Christians have great responsibilities to be light in a dark and perverted world. (v.15)

* Our relationship with God should be a maturing process (sanctification) in order that we finish strong and with more purpose. This is a resounding theme in Paul's writings.

Resource: ESV Bible and New Bible Commentary

"Humility" - Jesus Our Example

Humility
Jesus, Our Example


Philippians 2:1-11
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”


1. In Humility Count Others More Significant Than Yourselves - (V. 3)

2. There Is No Wrong In Having Your Own Interests, BUT - (V. 4)

3. The Mind of Christ is Yours - (V. 5)

4. Jesus, Our Example - (V. 6-11)

We need to look no further than Jesus for our example of what humility is and acts like. We cannot do this on our own, but with Jesus in us it can be done. A life full of humility brings honor and glory to Jesus and allows us to show the world the dynamics of salvation. A note of caution in our quest to live a more humble lifestyle can be found in the book written by C.J. Mahaney called "Humility". He points out that in our pursuit of humility pride can rear its ugly head.

It is God who deserves all the credit for any good we do, so on your path to live a humble life be reminded that, "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

Book Recommendation: To the One Who Conquers

To the One Who Conquers
by: Sam Storms

50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3

Sam Storms is the founder of Enjoying God Ministries, based in Kansas City, Missouri. Storms received his PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is the author of several books, including Crossway's Chosen for Life and Signs of the Spirit.

You can purchase this book at www.enjoyinggodministries.org

I ordered mine at Sam's website and it came back signed. I highly recommend this book!

Christ Our Righteousness- by: Richard Trader

CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
by: Dr. Richard Trader
www.richardtrader.blogspot.com


"The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever."

Isaiah 32:17, NKJV


"THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jeremiah 23:6) is received as a gift through a personal, covenant relationship with God. This righteousness is revealed through our LORD JESUS, "even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe, for there is no difference," Romans 3:22. Self-righteousness can never be enough. "And all our righteousness is like filthy rags," Isaiah 64:6. None of us have the righteousness to please God. "As it is written, 'There is none righteous, no, not one," Romans 3:10. Our only hope is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus received by faith as a gift of God's grace.

The righteousness of God in Christ brings peace. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1.

The righteousness of God in Christ brings assurance. We have the assurance of pleasing God by faith in Christ. "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance," 1 Thessalonians 1:5.

The righteousness of God in Christ is forever. " ... according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen," Ephesians 3:20-21.


Father, we receive the gift of Your righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, and we give You all the glory now and forever. Amen.

Embracing Accusation

Embracing Accusation
by: Shane & Shane with John Piper

Salt and Light

I recently heard a youth evangelist talk about salt and light and how Christian teenagers in America have lost their saltiness. Salt and light are very important in examining ourselves. I wonder if it is just teenagers who have lost their saltiness and light? Probably not...

Jesus said this is His sermon on the mount, "10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:10-16

This illustration Jesus uses is of course not to be taken literally as if salt is gushing from our pores or that light is beaming out of eyes or ears. It is much more than that, but it still paints a vivid picture. Jesus is saying that our lives should have a saltiness about it which causes others to thirst for righteousness, and our light should be such that those around us are attracted to the warmth and purity of a life that has been changed. He is not calling for perfect people, but calling for people to manifest the love and hope that has been given to us through a relationship with God, through Jesus.

John Piper refers to salt and light in a sermon focused on the dangers of prosperity preaching. Though my topic is centered on prosperity preaching I believe this will help shed some light on the subject.

++"What is it about Christians that makes them the salt of the earth and the light of the world? It is not wealth. The desire for wealth and the pursuit of wealth tastes and looks just like the world. It does not offer the world anything different from what it already believes in. The great tragedy of prosperity-preaching is that a person does not have to be spiritually awakened in order to embrace it; one needs only to be greedy. Getting rich in the name of Jesus is not the salt of the earth or the light of the world. In this, the world simply sees a reflection of itself. And if it works, they will buy it.

The context of Jesus’ saying shows us what the salt and light are. They are the joyful willingness to suffering for Christ. Here is what Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:11-14).

What will make the world taste (the salt) and see (the light) of Christ in us is not that we love wealth the same way they do. Rather, it will be the willingness and the ability of Christians to love others through suffering, all the while rejoicing because their reward is in heaven with Jesus. This is inexplicable on human terms. This is supernatural. But to attract people with promises of prosperity is simply natural. It is not the message of Jesus. It is not what he died to achieve."++

God has called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The world is not impressed with "safe" Christianity. They are looking for people who are authentic. How can I know that what I write in this article is real? Because it (The Gospel) has absolutely changed my life. It has changed how I live, how I talk, how I think, and how I treat others. If you want to know if your faith in Christ is authentic then look at yourself and ask, “Have I changed?”

Universalism - A Dangerous Doctrine

There is no doubt that in our Western culture Universalism is on the rise. Church history shows us this is no knew doctrine, but one that has been around since the early first centuries. In our super sensitive culture the questions of, "How could God allow bad things to happen to good people?" And, "If God is a god of love then why is the world so bad?" Although these questions may trouble me, what troubles me more is the response some Christians provide for such doubt amongst those in the West. Many times Christians will go to far extreme and say, "God has rescued the whole world through Jesus," while quoting John 3:16. They totally eliminate the doctrine of sin the Bible teaches and the wrath of God that punishes sin.

Jesus went to the cross to save people from their sin, but not everyone has or will choose Jesus. Jesus, Himself says this in the gospel of Matthew. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Here is a definition of Christian Universalism provided by Wikipedia

In Christianity, Universalism refers to the belief that all humans can be saved through Jesus Christ and eventually come to harmony in God's kingdom. A related doctrine, apokatastasis, is the belief that all mortal beings will be reconciled to God, including Satan and his fallen angels. Universalism was a fairly commonly held view among theologians in early Christianity: In the first five or six centuries of Christianity there were six known theological schools, of which four (Alexandria, Antioch, Cesarea, and Edessa or Nisibis) were Universalist, one (Ephesus) accepted conditional immortality, and one (Carthage or Rome) taught the endless punishment of the lost. The two major theologians opposing it were Tertullian and Augustine. In later centuries, Universalism has become very much a minority position in the major branches of Christianity, though it has a long history of prominent adherents.

Beware!

See also

John Piper on Joy and Tragedy

The Strange Pair of Joy and Tragedy

Soren Kierkegaard said, “When the age loses the tragic, it gains despair.”

This sounds profoundly right.

The elements of life that make tragedy possible are the same as the ones that fight off despair. For tragedy to be real there has to be something hugely precious, and there has to be the capacity to feel a great emotion. When these are both present, tragedy can happen.

Despair is the horrible blankness that settles over us when nothing is seen as precious anymore and there is no capacity to feel it anyway.

As great as our tragedy may be, if we feel it to the full, it is a sign that the weapons against despair are still in place.

Often the gifts of God come in strange pairs. “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).

Dutch Sheets on Todd Bentley and Lakeland

A Statement and Appeal Regarding Lakeland
August 21, 2008

It has now been a couple of weeks since I heard about Todd Bentley’s
plans for separation and divorce. Like everyone, I have had a variety of emotions
including anger, sadness, and grief. Every time I see this scenario repeated, I
grieve: for the husband and wife involved; for the family that will be scarred in so
many ways; because of the incredible reproach it brings to Christ; and the
distortion it gives concerning God’s heart and ways. I am praying for Todd and
his family.

I was asked numerous times to write my position on Lakeland while it was
happening, but always felt checked by the Lord—the waters were too muddy and
emotions too high. I now feel strongly that the Lord wants me to do so. It will be
arguably one of the greatest risks of my ministry to date, but one I feel must be
taken. Fathers, when given the voice to do so, bear the responsibility of giving
correction and wisdom. I hope mine qualifies for the latter. I assure you I have
spent many hours praying and thinking through the situation.

The risks are broad: with some of my dearest friends and co-laborers, I
risk harming those relationships; with many in the charismatic body of Christ, I
risk appearing to be an arrogant, “self-appointed” spokesperson for them; to the
“I told you so” crowd, I risk the accusation of “spinning” the situation. (As far as
the heresy hunters and revival police—not those who raised legitimate questions
about Lakeland, but the attack dogs who make their living and build their
ministries criticizing everyone else—I lost respect for them long ago and couldn’t
care less what they think.) My purpose and sincere prayer in writing this
statement, however, is three-fold: to see healing begin for the body of Christ; to
initiate a process that can remove the reproach brought to Christ and the Church;
and to do these things while preserving and honoring my current relationships. I
pray that these desires, along with my heart, come through loudly. And I hope
I’m writing this with true humility—who among us clearly sees all hidden in our
own hearts?

Let me also preface this statement by saying that what needs to be said
cannot be done quickly or carelessly. I do not want my heart to be missed and
am not willing to run that risk for the sake of brevity, so please bear with the
length. (Incidentally, I think it will be obvious no one involved in the Lakeland
situation has asked me to write this; and for the sake of integrity on my part, none
have been consulted concerning what I’m stating.)
Mistakes at Lakeland

Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes—huge
mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings, can good come
from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even with the recent revelations
concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only if there is complete honesty and
transparency, the removal of all attempts at self-preservation, and absolute
humility from all sides.

Did I endorse the Lakeland meetings? No, I did not, nor did I condemn
them. I acknowledged that healings were occurring and some were being saved,
which I still believe and rejoice over. I realized and stated that the thousands of
people attending were hungry and sincere, as were those involved in leading the
2 meetings. The worship was regularly good. But looking past some of the
immediate and positive results, I, like many, also looked ahead to the possible
fruit from questionable doctrine and experiences, exaggeration and hype,
youthful pride, character issues and the frightening potential of a 32 year “young”
man leading a movement that could shape the future of the Church. These
things were frightening, very frightening, to others and me.

The rest of this article can be found at www.dutchsheets.org

John Piper - Abortion is About God

No Greater Love

John 15:13 "No greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

My prayer is that all would realize that God has done the unthinkable. He has done what no one has ever done or will ever do. What God has done for you through Jesus is the most glorious act of love. This love cannot be understood by those who love the world and all its pleasures. Only those who have been born again can say with a resounding scream, “There is no greater love.” So what about you, the one who is unsure of your eternal destiny, the one who has not yet bought in to the idea that there is only one way to the Father, the one who says I have a pretty good life, the one who says my life stinks how could there be a God with this measure of love. I can tell you how this LOVE that I speak of is true. It has rocked the earth, divided families, cost people their lives, family, friends, wealth, stature, popularity and most of all the Bible teaches it.

This love is no romance novel, or sitcom lust story. The love I speak of is pure, holy, and vibrant. It is delicious and all satisfying. It is full of purpose and hope. It is “patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13)

The Cross of Christ

I will begin this blog by humbly acknowledging that I in no way have even began to understand the Cross of Christ and all it's meanings. But I will say that my salvation, sanctification, hope, future, peace, love, and all the other benefits of being regenerate begin at the Cross of Jesus Christ. Though I am not excited to write this nor can I even begin to explain, I must also say that my suffering (not for my sin but for my obedience) begins at the Cross.

I have recently been reading through the first couple chapters of John R.W. Stott's book called "The Cross of Christ." In the first chapter Stott looks at the Cross from Jesus' perspective. He gives three reason why Jesus' death on the Cross was inevitable. Stott says, "The opposition of the hierarchy and the predictions of Scripture, however, do not in themselves explain the inevitability of Jesus' death. The third and most important reason why He knew He would die was because of His own deliberate choice. He was determined to fulfill what was written of the Messiah, however painful it would be. This was neither fatalism nor a martyr complex. It was quiet simply that He believed Old Testament Scripture to be His Father's revelation and that He was totally resolved to do His Father's will and finish His Father's work."

How wonderful is God's love. God's love is lavished upon us through the painful sacrifice His Son was willing to pay for our sin.

Dead In our Sins, Alive in Christ

As I was reading through Ephesians 2, the question occurred to me, "How can someone who is dead raise themself to be alive?"

I have heard this mentioned many times by Reformed thinking teachers but the crux of the message would usually rest in verses 8, 9, and 10 in chapter 2. As I meditated on the first five verses of Ephesians 2 as well as reading through Ephesians 1, I sensed a growing need for gratefulness in my life for the work of God in the salvation of His people. What God has done in raising humans from the dead (spiritually) is something He and only He can do.

John Piper provides us a great illustration in our need of God and salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

In the Morgue, Not the Doghouse
The first reason we need a Savior is that without a Savior we are all dead in our trespasses and sins. Paul says this twice in the text. In verse 1 (literally): "You being dead in your trespasses and sins . . . " Verse 5: "Even when we were dead in our trespasses . . . "

If you were to ask most people why sin is a problem, and why we need a Savior from it, they would say that sin makes us guilty before God and brings us under condemnation; and so we need a Savior who can forgive our sins and take away our punishment. And that is absolutely right. But that is not the point of Ephesians 2:1 and 5. That is not all we need.

The reason we need a Savior is not just that we are in the doghouse with God and need to be forgiven for offending his glory. We need a Savior because we are in the morgue. In the doghouse you might whimper. You might say you are sorry. You might make some good resolutions. You might decide to cast yourself on the mercy of God. But what can you do if you are in the morgue?

I am more convinced than ever that God saves those who cannot save themselves by resurrecting them from death to new life with Him. "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all; for I have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin, as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands, no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, together they have gone wrong; no one does good, not even one." (Romans 3:9-12)

John Piper says, "Without a Savior we are ruled by sin. We have no inclination to seek God. None of our deeds is good. All is the veiled expression of sin."

How grateful am I, who was once dead in my sin and now is ALIVE in Christ forever!

Interesting Quote

I heard this on the radio this week:

"I would rather be called legalistic by the church
and holy by God,
Than be called liberated by the church
and unholy by God.

Author: Unknown

RT Kendall on the Lakeland Revival:

The following article was taken from R.T.Kendall's website. This article was published before the "Revival" ended and the recent revelations about Todd Bentley's marital problems.

"I can think of nothing worse than for God to be powerfully at work and I miss it – all because I was biased and devoid of discernment. All my life I have waited for an authentic work of God that was not unlike the Great Awakening in Jonathan Edwards’ day. In more recent years I have hoped to see the beginning of ‘last day ministries’ – when Isaac succeeds Ishmael – which would precede the Second Coming. God owes me nothing and it may please him to by-pass me entirely in what he chooses to do.

I wondered if passing me by might be happening with regard to Lakeland. I say this because I have become more and more uneasy with what was going on there. It happens that I watched the Lakeland meetings virtually every night for the last three months. I prayed for the evangelist and for the people there. I would stand before the TV screen and pray for my own healing. I tried very, very hard to support this strange move, especially when some of my closest friends were endorsing it and urging me to do the same. Furthermore, knowing that God loves to do what makes some of us say ‘yuk’, I was prepared all over again for this to happen.

What complicated things most of all was that people were apparently being healed. At last count there were 37 resurrections from the dead. If only one of them had a coroner’s death certificate it would be a very serious matter to say that what was going on there was not of God. The fact that ABC news could find no documentary evidence of a miracle was not enough to sway me one way or the other. I was even prepared – for a while - to overlook the claim that the angel Emma is the secret explanation for the special revelations and miracles. I believe in angels. What if Emma were a part of the ‘yuk’ factor?

It took a little bit of courage for me to endorse the Toronto Blessing in 1994. I have never regretted this. I was going to need courage again – to endorse Lakeland.

But a funny thing kept gripping me. It would take even more courage to say that the Lakeland phenomenon is not of God. Did I have the courage to say this? After all, I was reluctantly coming to the conclusion that it was not of God, but would I say it?

Yes. It comes to one thing at the end of the day: is the Bible true or not? If the happenings of Lakeland are of God, then what I have preached for the last 50 years is nonsense. Lakeland was making me say ‘yuk’, yes, but not all that makes us say ‘yuk’ is of God.

First, never once have I heard a clear message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Lakeland platform – except when a guest speaker did it. Second, when people were being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and ‘Bam – bam’, it both trivialized the Trinity and baptism itself. This is serious, serious trivializing. Third, if you were to ask how much a fear of God and conviction of sin emanated from these services – on a scale of 1 to 100 – I would say zero.

In 1994 I addressed a group of prominent evangelical leaders in London, having been given the subject ‘The Biblical Features of Revival’. I looked at my notes to see how Lakeland measured up. Not even close. A great awakening would, among several other things I do not have the space to go into here, demonstrate the centrality of biblical preaching. Preaching itself in Lakeland has been minimal, and what preaching there has been calls more attention to angels, miracles and manifestations than to Jesus who died on the cross. I’m sorry, but my heart is sick that these meetings have excited so many good people. They are indeed good people, very sincere; many of them have been a part of previous moves of the Spirit. And since church history has taught us that those who were in the middle of a move of the Spirit often lead the way in opposing the next work of the Spirit, some did not want to be seen doing this. I can understand that.

When one is reported to have been to the Third Heaven (as the main evangelist of Lakeland has stated) and told not to preach Jesus (because everybody knows about him) but rather angels (which people know little about), I can only call this ‘another gospel’ as in Galatians 1. I would go to the stake for the Gospel of salvation which Paul preached - that emphasizes reliance solely in the precious blood of Christ. I would certainly not go to the stake for the Lakeland message – and would be afraid to face God if I did.

It comes to this: is the Bible true? Because I believe the Bible I can testify: the jury of my mind on Lakeland is in. Leave Lakeland alone."

The Struggle With My Lean......

This morning as I took a consistent pace around my neighborhood, with my I-POD fully intact I saw the sun come over a hill side beautifully decorated with trees. As I finished my jog I landed on the highest point of our neighborhood in order to get a better view of the sunrise.

From that viewpoint, which happens to be my favorite spot in the morning, the sun shines on this one tree and it produces a color of green that is absolutely amazing. This morning was a bit different in that there was a light fog hovering just beneath the hillside where the sun burst it's first light every morning. I began to stare in amazement and wonder. I then turned the I-POD off that was rocking an awesome song by David Crowder called, "You Are My Joy."

In the stillness of that moment I whispered (a bit awkward I must add) to God a proclamation and prayer. The reason I felt awkward was less about the intensity of my volume but more about the truth that God was actually listening. I proclaimed to God that He was my joy, my hope, and my future. I prayed that I would not lean on my own understanding or anyone else's understanding but that I would fully lean on Him. Trying to pray biblically I reminded God, not that He needs reminding, that my dependence was on Him, the work of Jesus on the cross, and the preserving of my soul. I asked Him to give me more faith to trust Him. I thanked Him for my past, my present, and my future. I celebrated with Him my wife, my daughter, my family, my finances, and my calling.

So many times I struggle with my lean. Leaning on things that are unstable like myself, others, and what the world has to offer will bring us nothing but destruction (some deceptive pleasure as well). I want to lean on Jesus and all His truths.

God help me and my Christian brothers and sisters to learn to lean on You, for everything.

Blake

RC Sproul says......

RC Sproul says, and I quote, "A church without theology or a theology without God are simply not options for the Christian faith. One can have religion without God or theology, but one cannot have Christianity without them."

From his book: What is Reformed Theology -Understanding the Basics

Ephesians 1:3-14

This passage has absolutely rocked my socks off. I can't stop reading it. I encourage you to read it as well, sloooooowly. Amazing stuff that has created in me an ever growing gratefulness to God for dragging me to Him via the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Book Recommendation: The Hope of Glory

I would like to recommend a book by Sam Storms called "The Hope of Glory". It is a devotional/study through the book of Colossians. Sam is an incredible writer as well as theologian. This book is the oppositie of boring. It is exciting and uplifting and will help you get your day started right.

2008 Florida Getaway

Stong Fathers, Strong Daughters

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
by Dr. Meg Meeker

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
The most important person in a young girl's life? Her father. That's right-and teen health expert Dr. Meg Meeker has the data and clinical experience to prove it. After more than twenty years of counseling girls, she knows that fathers, more than anyone else, set the course for their daughters' lives. Now Dr. Meeker, author of the critically acclaimed Epidemic: How Teen Sex Is Killing Our Kids, shows you how to strengthen-or rebuild-your bond with your daughter, and how to use it to shape her life, and yours, for the better. Directly challenging the feminist attack on traditional masculinity, Dr. Meeker demonstrates that the most important factor for girls growing up into confident, well-adjusted women is a strong father with conservative values. To have one, she shows, is the best protection against eating disorders, failure in school, STDs, unwed pregnancy, and drug or alcohol abuse and the best predictor of academic achievement, successful marriage, and a satisfying emotional life.

"Dr. Meeker's conclusions are timely, relevant, and often deeply moving. No one interested in what girls experience growing up in our culture today - and the impact that parents, especially fathers, have on the experience-can afford to miss reading this book." - Armand M. Nicholi, Jr., M.D., professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

A Letter From Prison

Philippians Chapter 1

How amazing that Paul writes such an encouraging letter to the Church of Philippi while in prison. I can guarantee you Paul's jail cell wasn't nearly as nice as though we see now in America. I wonder how many of us, and I specifically ask myself this question, would opt out of the call of spreading the gospel if faced with similar circumstances as Paul was here.

In the first 11 verses Paul goes out of his way to express his love and appreciation for the people who represent the Church of Philippi. Verse 9 speaks volumes to me today, especially with the growing popularity of the emergent and seeker friendly churches who want to remove certain aspects of the gospel. In verse nine Paul says, "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment." My fear is that we are so afraid of offending people with the truth of the gospel that we choose to flatter them with a watered down gospel thinking we are acting in true love. Paul's prayer is specific in that there love would abound more and more , with knowledge and wisdom.

The gospel need not be changed in anyway, which Paul makes crystal clear in his letter to the Church of Galatia (Galatians 1:6-9). Our love for others is best expressed through the gospel of Jesus, not through flattery. Jesus saves those who believe in Him from the wrath of God and for that we should be forever grateful. I nor anyone else has any right to change the gospel we find in the Scriptures. We must always pray for the Holy Spirit to assist us with His knowledge and discernment as we attempt to show our love toward others by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Need for Revival and Baptism with the Holy Spirit

by: Dr. John Piper




If you are interested in revival you've got to listen to this message by John Piper on where Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones stood on this topic. Incredible!

Who Wants Revival?

Some Biblical advice to all of us who seek to see a move of the Holy Spirit:

1 Peter 2:21-25

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

God, may we all return to our first calling as sheep living for the glory of the Shepherd!

Stars

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

As I returned home from a late meeting, my daughter (21 months old), Hannah Grace began to point from her car seat and say, "Star." She repeated this several times. The sky was crystal clear with a bright half-moon on display. I got her out of the car seat and we looked at the stars and the moon for a few minutes before going inside the house.

After her Mom got her ready for bed, she asked me to take her outside to see the stars so I picked up and told her, "We will go outside one more time and see the stars." She smiled as if to say, "I agree with your decision Daddy!" As we cleared the overhang of the front porch she instantly began to scan the sky and I was mesmerized by her amazement and interest in stars. I said, "Hannah, the Bible says the heavens declared the glory of God." She replied with her own personal word that means yes, "OK."

Where can we go to escape the glory of God? Even in suffering and strife we can see and experience the glory of God. In Acts it says in reference to Stephen as he faced a sure death for His belief in Jesus, "His face shown like an angel." When we encounter triumph in our life we can see and experience the glory of God. But, even on a uneventful May night in Alabama one can see and experience the glory of God. This glory the heavens speak of is Jesus Christ! His glory can none compare. Praise Him! Praise Him!

A True Mystery of our Faith

+++A Focus on Suffering and Healing from Hebrews 10:32-36+++

I recently had the privilege to sit under the teaching of one of the greatest preachers to ever walk the earth. I believe this man, 300 years from now, will be spoken of in a similar manor as Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Martin Luther. John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis and founder of Desiring God Ministries, answered this question with an outstanding charge to ministers to embrace suffering. The questions was, "How does the supremacy of Christ create radical Christian sacrifice?" He used many text from Hebrews but his focus was on the following verses.

"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Hebrews 10:32-36

The first question for those who still believe God can heal someone has to be, "How does this text apply to the message of healing?" Though I may be looking at this through blood stained glasses I still believe it fits. There is no doubt that God still heals people and believe me I am all for it. There is also no doubt that part of our call as Christians is to embrace suffering, joyfully. But how?

We embrace suffering joyfully remembering what Peter teaches us, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7) The reason we can pray for healing or deliverance from persecution is because as the author of Hebrews points out there is a far greater reward. The reward is Jesus!

Paul who wrote thirteen books of the New Testament says this to the church of Philippi from his jail cell, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

It is true that Jesus has saved us, delivered us, and healed us. He is also saving us, delivering us, and healing us as we mature in the faith He has so graciously called us to. A true mystery no doubt, but there is no mystery greater than the love He has for those who call Him Savior! Embrace suffering and pray with faith for God's help in time of need never forgetting the confidence we have in a greater reward. JESUS!

Is Jesus the Only Way to the Father?

In my previous article I discussed Jesus as the only way to salvation, but in this article I want to be more direct on questions that are asked frequently by many Christians. My focus will be on John 14:1-6.

In these six verses we come to a place where Thomas, a disciple, makes a statement followed by a question for Jesus. I have provided the verses below and will highlight the conversation between Thomas and Jesus.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus leaves absolutely no wiggle room with His answer to a direct question about the exact place He is going, and adds that He is the only way to get there. Yet, today Christians try to finagle a way for everyone to "get in" outside of the gospel of Jesus. Some will ask, "What about those who are devout Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons, and Catholics?" The answer to this question and similarly phrased questions is the same. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This answer is also true for those of us who call ourselves Protestant, Evangelical, or even Christian. Jesus is the only way, period!

We as "Christians" who believe what Jesus, Himself taught, must not be afraid to speak or teach this truth. Will there be those who are from a Muslim, Buddhists, Mormon, or Catholic decent who make it to the Father? Sure...if, and only if they have been born again. Let me assure to you that this in no way implies or even hints that there are multiple ways to get to the Father or that Jesus is simply the best way. That message is heretical and doused with universalism flavor.

In John chapter three, Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, a very educated man. Jesus said this to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Is Jesus the only way to the Father? A resounding YES, is the only correct answer!

John Piper Responds to Article "Common Ground"

Salvation Through Christ Alone

In a society that seems to shift at the blink of an eye, we as Christians must hold fast to the true gospel of salvation. Salvation is through Jesus alone. Sadly, some of our Christian brothers and sisters, in fear of being labeled in-tolerant, are afraid to speak this truth. Jesus is the propitiation of our sins, the sins of those who believe. If there is another way other than through the cross and resurrection, then Jesus died in vain and the wrath of God is still upon us.

Jesus was asked by Thomas, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus responded with, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:5-6)

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10)

You will hear from many non-Christians that Jesus is not the only way. It is absolutely astonishing, not biblically speaking, but to me personally how many of our so called Christian brothers and sisters agree with this frame of teaching. God in the Ten Commandments tells us that we are to have no other gods before Him. Paul in Galatians 1:6-9 emphatically says there is no other gospel. So why? Why are so many in the church so quick to succumb to such heresy? I will give you three reasons why I believe we are seeing this push for tolerance.

1. Democracy
Democracy and the Bible are not synonymous when it pertains to truth. The Bible teaches absolute truth where democracy teaches a truth can be multi-faceted. I, in no way regret that we live in a democratic society but we must not allow it to effect our doctrine or theology of the Bible.

2. Emergent Feel Goods
There is a movement amongst many Christian churches that stray far away from any gory talk of the Cross. They would rather have a discussion about love and peace rather than propitiation, wrath, and conditional love. God's love toward us is definitely conditional on the work of the Cross in our lives. I am absolutely for hope, love, peace and all the cool benefits of being a Christian but Paul (the writer of 13 books in the NT, said the following, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," Philippians 3:10)

3. Lack of Discipleship
Matthew 28:19-20 is considered the Great Commission. These verses encourage believers to go into all the world with the gospel of Jesus. The problem is most mission organizations and even churches are forgetting two aspects of the Great Commission. In these two verses we find a total of four mandates from Jesus to His disciples (believers). 1. Go and share the gospel 2. Baptize those who believe 3. Teach them the Bible 4. Make disciples who can go (Great Commission)
Most churches and denominations are really good at #1 and #2 but struggle to get to the other two mandates.

This article in no way is to judge any group of people or denomination but to remind myself and you that regardless of what the world or some churches teach salvation is found in only One, who is Jesus Christ. What a wonderful Savior, indeed!

The Supremacy of Christ

A study on Hebrews chapter one:

We vividly see the supremacy of Christ above all things in the introduction of the book of Hebrews. A quick glance at this chapter will not suffice to reveal all the treasure it holds. For the sake of your time (the reader) I will choose to keep this short and to the point. The supremacy of Christ above all things is easily visible in the following:

1. God once spoke through the prophets but now He speaks through Jesus (v. 1-2)
2. Jesus is described as heir of all things. (v. 2)
3. All things were created for Him. (v. 2)
4. Jesus is the radiance of God's glory. (v. 3)
5. Jesus displays the exact nature (imprint) of God. (v. 3)
6. Apart from Jesus the universe would be destroyed. (v. 3)
7. It is only through Jesus that we even exist. (v. 3)
8. He cleanses us through an atoning death on the cross. (v. 3)
9. He sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (v. 3)
10. Jesus is superior to angels. (v. 4)
11. His name is above all names. (v. 4)
12. Through a relationship (one who is regenerate) with Jesus we are favored above the angels. Not because of us but because of Him. (v. 14)

Our hope is in the crucified, risen person and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is our great reward. No earthly stuff, accolades, achievements could ever compare to the reward believers have in Jesus Christ. Nothing in the past, present, or future could match the reward believers have in Jesus. Oh, what a matchless reward!

Centrality of the Cross

In my brief journey in church ministry I am amazed at the decline of the preaching of the cross. It seems that Christians are more likely to sport a cross around their neck, a fish on their car, or wear some cheesy Christian t-shirt rather than want to speak of or hear about the slaughter of Jesus on the Cross. We live in a society that proposes a new gospel of health, wealth, with a nice bowl of cheerios due to the pressure of political correctness. Paul in his letter to the church of Galatia says this, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-9

Regardless of our personal opinions, political preference, denomination, eschatology, ecclesiology, or our personal stance on the gifts of the Spirit, we must never lose sight that we as Christians have to be together for the gospel with the cross as center. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18. If we take the offense of the gospel out, the same offense that I experienced as a non-believer, then it's not the gospel. I remember cursing the idea that Jesus was the only way. I referred to it as ridiculous and stupid. I would take God's name in vain just to offend those who treasured His name. How could we ever attempt to remove the atoning sacrifice and substitution from the gospel? Without the gospel of Jesus I am cursed and have no hope.

We as young believers have to get past our differences and remain true to the gospel, the true gospel we read about in the Bible. My prayer is that we consider the wrath of God displayed on the Cross on our behalf. Our hope is in the gospel with the cross central. We cannot, and must not bow down to the Oprah's of today. God have mercy on me or anyone who preaches or teaches another gospel contrary to the true gospel so plainly laid out for us in Scripture.

Our goal is not to be offensive with our judgmental attitudes. Jesus demands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our love expressed through sacrificial suffering, while on the pathway of obedience, all for the sake of the gospel is our mandate. Oh what a glorious calling!

The Gospel - Effective Calling

If asked, how many Christians do you think could define "The Gospel"? The real question is why have we (the church) ventured so far from the sole message Jesus commanded us to go and share (Matthew 28:19-20)? I believe there are several reasons, but the one that sticks out to me is because of the offensive nature the Gospel presents to those who are not born again (saved). While I do not purpose my life on offending others, I nor or any other Christian should allow our own personal opinions to stand in the way of the good news of the Gospel from being voiced to the world. So what is the Gospel and how does it work?

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 says, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him." The Gospel can be defined simply through Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the fact that He sits at the right hand of the throne of God interceding for us.

Wayne Grudem paints a picture of the Gospel with his definition of Effective Calling. "Effective Calling is an act of God the Father, speaking through the human proclamation of the gospel, in which He summons people to Himself in such a way that they respond in saving faith." God calls us by His Spirit, chooses to use people like you and me to share the good news (gospel), and then summons (drag not woo or draw) people to respond by faith. How cool is it, that God has chosen, sovereignly, to use people like you and me to proclaim the greatest message of love and redemption ever to be told.

We also find in the Gospel a response. The gospel call is offered to all people, even those who do not accept it. It is not up to us to bring people into the Kingdom. It is us up to us to share the good news of the Kingdom. Think about this. Without the gospel call no one could respond and be saved. "How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?" (Romans 10:14) The Gospel present an invitation to respond.

Finally the elements of the Gospel call are:
1. All people have sinned (Romans 3:23)
2. The penalty for our sin is death (Romans 6:23)
3. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8)

God has put the Gospel in our hearts by His grace. It is now our turn. God has mandated us as Christians to proclaim the good news of the Gospel to everyone!

Blake

Sources
Wayne Grudem: Systematic Theology
Charles Spurgeon: Lectures to My Students
ESV Translation

Can You Lose Your Salvation?

The answer is simply, no. Though some Scripture would seem to back up the Armenian view, a more in-depth look at Scripture, systematically, proves the Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. This is an outline of a recent message I taught our students. Please know that no part of my message attacked those who come to a different conclusion. But, please know that I go to sleep like a Calvinists, resting in peace knowing God will work it all out despite how good or bad I might be. My future totally and exhaustively rest in the redemptive work of Jesus, ALONE!

Ephesians 2:8-10
”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”


I. The Other Side (Armenian “Free Will”)
• Hebrews 6:4-6
• 1 Corinthians 9:27

II. The Perseverance of the Saints (Eternal Security, Once Saved Always Saved)
• This doctrine teaches that if you have saving faith you will never lose it, and if you lose it, you never had it.
• 1 John 2:19

III. A False Pretense
• A person may be converted to the program, church, or practices of a church without being converted to Christ.
• Cool Church (Emergent Church)

IV. Parable of the Sower
• Luke 8:5-8
• Good ground/soil (It all depends on the regenerate work of God’s Spirit)

V. God Sustains the Believer
• The Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints does not rest on our ability to persevere. It rest on the promise of God to preserve us.
• Philippians 1:6

VI. The Doctrine of Election coincides with the Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints
• Predestination
• Romans 8:30

VII. Why Do I Need to Know This?
• Some Preachers use doctrines that teach you can lose your salvation every time you sin in order to control their congregation. The Bible just does not teach this doctrine.
• Those who have truly been born again will portray a redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
• So you can be free of relying on yourself to get to heaven.
• Knowing that your salvation rest in God preserving you, increases your willingness and confidence in evangelism.

State of the Pulpit - Joel Osteen

I found this very interesting. Enjoy!

Prophecy in the Church Today

I've often wondered what it would be like for me to have a major problem with someone giving a prophecy in the local church, either to the congregation or to someone personally? Either I am just naive, closed minded, or neither on the subject of prophecy. I sure am hoping it's neither!

All kidding aside, I often do wonder why God has not allowed me to see it from a cessationists view in regards to prophecy. Let's face it we could all break it down theologically speaking; side-ways, vertically, around the corner and back, frontwards, backwards, upside down, and even inside-out, and surely come up with differences in opinions on how this gift is to be used, or even be used at all. I tend to be more conservative, but I guess I would be considered liberal by my cessationist friends. This is no antagonistic approach to start a slug match with those of a different position on the gift of prophecy. The question is, is it or is not valid, Biblically speaking, in the New Testament church? Could God in His awesome sovereignty be taking me down a road where I will have to change my theology totally on this, or am I pretty close to accurate on this gift? Too many questions, I know!

Apparently Paul felt as though he needed to encourage the Church of Corinth to prophesy. "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy." (1 Corinthians 14:1) John writes in Revelation, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) Paul continues on his encouragement to all believers with, "For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged," (1 Corinthians 14:31). "So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." (1 Corinthians 14:39). The Bible even gives us liberty to judge prophetic words, but does not give us liberty to judge those who prophesy. To insinuate that would make God look like He was contradicting Himself. "Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

So what can we conclude? To answer this broad base question we must first ask the following questions.

1. Is prophesy relevant today?
2. Is prophesy only a high level of teaching the Word of God?
3. Should we encourage Christians to prophesy?
4. Should we all become cessasionists?

Let God Change Your Mind

Let God Change Your Mind

I recently spoke to our students at WAIO on this subject and was amazed at how many of our adult leaders said they too thought of some areas in their way of thinking where God needed to perform some surgery.

Romans 12:1-2 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."


Everyone who is in relationship with Jesus Christ has been given the mind of Christ. The problem is with us in that we have to let God change our mind in every way. Because of our society and culture this at times will be a never ending process. I got saved on July 13, 1996 at 3am. When comparing July 12 and July 13 in regards to my way of thinking, there is evidence in my life that my mind had been changed on many of my personal views and opinions. Sure there were some ways of thinking I had that took some time, but there is no way to avoid the change that took place in my mind when I was born out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The greatest example of this is to look at Jesus. Jesus who was fully God came to the earth and though never losing His identity that He was still fully God, became fully man. Jesus was a man of no reputation. Jesus showed us the ultimate act of humility and sacrifice by coming to the earth, even to the point of death on the Cross. Jesus took the role of a servant. The question must be asked, "Why did Jesus do this?"

The answer is easy. For us! Jesus, knowing full well who He was, never doubting one bit in His call, laid down His life in order that the world might be saved. We as followers of Jesus must take on this same mindset. Here are some questions that might help in showing us if we truly have the mind of Christ.

1. Do we consider others feelings, needs, and prosperity above our own?
2. Do our actions prove our lofty considerations of others?
3. Would others speak of us as a servant?

All of us need some work in how we think. Believers are not in need of a mind transplant, but more in need of some minor surgery. The only way we will ever be able to discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect, is to have been transformed by the renewing of our minds. Let today be the day that you say to God. "Change my mind in order that I might think your thoughts and be the servant you have called me to be." Do you want to know what your purpose is? Let God change your mind and you will surely discover it!

Blake

God Has Give us the Liberty to be Holy

The word freedom and liberty are very popular words not only in American culture but in the Bible as well. In America we have read about acts of bravery that have brought about freedom, such as the Civil Rights Movement. We pride ourselves as Americans with our freedom and rightfully so. American history shows the bravery of many men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For that I am grateful. We know as Christians that Jesus paid the ultimate price by humbling Himself and dying for all of our sins.

My only concern with this liberty and freedom I speak of is how I believe it has negatively impacted the Christian movement in America. It's like we don't know what to do with this abundance and freedom except to run wild. When was the last time TBN or your church highlighted someone who abstained from sex before marriage, is not a recovering alcoholic or drug addict and never struggled with pornography. I'm not suggesting we shouldn't celebrate how thousands have overcome their struggles and have been set free from the bondage of sin. How could I, I'm one of them. But what about those who have maintained this pursuit of holiness without the major stumbling blocks. I know we all have our issues but where is this freedom God has promised us in His Word?

I believe God has given every born again believer the ability to pursue holiness. John 10:10 tells us that God has given believers life more abundantly. So in reality it is the Christian who can truthfully say I am FREE!!! Yet, it seems to be a difficult task to maintain this abundant life here on the earth.

I believe there are several reasons why we haven't seen this liberty to be holy take precedence in the body of Christ.

1. When one of us goes the wrong route we are quick to give the devil the credit. I am not saying he is not a powerful weapon and wants to destroy us because the Bible tells us. I'm saying, if we say the devil made me do it, we then take personal responsibility out of the equation.
2. Many Christians confuse the freedom we have in Jesus with democracy. God meant every word in His Scripture and it is His way or the highway. We must come in line with His word and purpose for our lives even if it means we must suffer for it.
3. Holiness has not been taught, probably because we don't really know how to teach it (I speak for myself). My suggestion is to teach what Jesus taught.
4. Teaching holiness will not please the faces. Out of fear of offending others we opt out of telling them the truth about the true freedom that can be attained through a life of holiness.

In closing I want to highlight that I am writing the very thoughts I think toward myself. I am in pursuit of knowing how to get this message out without it sounding like I am passing judgment. The bottom line is God has given us the liberty to be holy. Lets try it!

Blake

The True Test of Faith

I was saddened to hear the news of Bronner Burgess' drowning. Bronner is the son of Rick and Sherri Burgess. Rick is part of the well known syndicated radio show called "The Rick and Bubba Show." These type circumstances are what make our minds spin, with doubt always looking for a way in. The true test of faith for most of us is death. Paul said to die was gain, but have I really embraced this truth? I pray none of you ever have to face the reality of such a loss.

The question, "Why a 2 year old boy," quickly came to my mind, immediately followed by, "How will Rick and Sherri get through this?" The answer is best described by what I read on the Rick and Bubba website. Click here: www.rickandbubba.com

Blessings,

Blake

Prophet or Profit?

In my short journey in the prophetic realm I have set standards that I live by. I pray they can be backed up with Scripture and I believe they are. As always I am open to change as long as those giving correction are too:).

1. If someone describes themselves by stating, "I am a prophet," I raise a big giant red flag.
2. If it is doused with doom and gloom or laced with fear, I reject it in the Name of Jesus.
3. #2 continued...But if it is a word of caution or correction and is given with encouragement and faith I will probably listen more intently.
4. When given a prophetic word I test it, weigh it, and judge it by the Scriptures.
5. If there is a financial charge to receive a prophetic word I probably will give my money somewhere else.
6. If a complete stranger comes up to me and reads my mail, I will ask God if it is Him. Satan knows my past as well as his demons, so I am cautious if all I get is a few highlights of my past.
7. Confirming words of something I have dreamed, prayed silently about or just visualized I will most definitely pay attention to.
8. Just because someone says, "Thus saith the Lord," doesn't me it is the Lord.
9. Just because someone says, "Thus saith the Lord," doesn't me it is not from the Lord. Read #4.
10. The ultimate strategy I have discovered is what I call the "Plum Line". Does the prophetic word honor and glorify Jesus Christ?!

We have seen the gift of prophecy become a mega business while the preaching of the gospel has taken a back seat. I recently heard Dr. Rodney Howard Brown share a discussion he had with someone who had recently attended a prophetic conference. When describing the conference to Dr. Brown the person went on and on about the words they had given and received. Dr. Brown listened and then asked, "Did anyone get saved?" They replied with, "No, but you won't believe the prophecies." Dr. Brown interrupted by again asking, "Did anyone get saved?" After getting the same response from this person he again asked, "Did anyone get saved?" He then addressed us and said you can prophecy all you want but if people aren't being born again then all you are doing is prophesying. So is all this love for the prophetic about souls or about a profit?

Disclaimer: We recently had a student prophecy to another student at a Wednesday night youth meeting. We were teaching on the prophetic and students got to practice hearing God and sharing with other students they didn't know. The result was a student got saved because of a prophetic word. So by no means do I not believe in or practice prophecy. I believe it is one of the most powerful tools God has given us to reach the lost. 1 Corinthians 14:1 says, "Pursue love. Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophecy."

We must get back to what Jesus COMMANDED us to do. "Go into all the world proclaiming the good news (the Gospel)" Matthew 28:19.

Preach Jesus!