On Earth as it is in Heaven

Εμμανουηλ: God with Us Matthew 1:18-25

2010-12-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

“Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,  
And ransom captive Israel,  
That mourns in lonely exile here  
Until the Son of God appear.  
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel  
Shall come to you, O Israel!”

With the dawning of Christmas Eve/Day there are few carols that ring more clearly the message of the season then this one. This popular carol is played in the local Wal-Mart, coffee shops, and sung in Churches all across the United States as little children “wait for Saint Nick” and as families come together, even though they may not always agree with each other. The music itself is dissonant and haunting with the eight stanza of the carol adding image after image of Biblical truth. Yet what is so important about Emmanuel? Who is Emmanuel and why is he coming? Why Israel and what is the exile? These questions are important, not just to the carol but to the New Testament passage where Emmanuel is found, Matthew 1:18-25. An examination of the Biblical text is in order.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

In the context of Matthew, the author is just now beginning the narrative. Matthew opens his Gospel with the royal genealogy, linking the Messiah back to the King David and the patriarch Abraham. Then with the repetition of 14 generations from Abraham to David, David to the Exile, then from the Exile to the Messiah, Matthew is rooting the Messiah in the story of Israel. This Messiah is functioning within the framework of Israel, this is Israel’s story. The Exile is the background to the preceding paragraph or we could say this is the historical framework that Matthew is writing about the Messiah coming.

Now Exile wasn’t a glorious thing by any stretch of the imagination. Israel found themselves in and out of Exile throughout their history. Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and this list could go on. YHWH had allowed His chosen to become slaves. Israel chose to rebel and now they were suffering for it. Yet this time it wasn’t Babylonian Exile but Rome Captivity. This meant Caesar was Lord. He was god and savior. He brought in “peace and safety”. Thus Israel longed for YHWH to return and deliver them from their oppressors. Their hopes for a Messiah ran from the prophets, through the intertestamental period into the first century. They wanted to be delivered from oppression. N.T. Wright states: "Until the Gentiles are put in their place and Israel, and the Temple, fully restored, the exile is not really over, and the blessings promised by the prophets are still to take place".1

These things hadn’t yet taken place yet in the mind of the Jew. Yet keep in mind, it was because of their own sin that landed them into bondage in the first place. They were “slaves in the land” (Nehemiah 9:36-38). So Israel did what they could do. Religious leaders built fences up around the Torah. Another group wanted to revolt against the authorities. Others withdraw themselves from society. Each group looking for a way to cope with their present state.

But in the midst of this loss of hope, a young girl, probably not even out of her teen years, was found with Child. This young girl Mary, had been engaged to her husband Joseph, yet they had not consummated their marriage. As the text reads, they had not known each other! This pregnancy was unlike natural conception, you see this Child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph was a little skittish about this giving the fact he didn’t know all the details. All he knew was that he hadn’t touched his wife! Legally an honorable man would divorce his wife who had committed adultery. Yet an angel of the Lord appeared and revealed the truth about his wife and this Child.

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The angel’s announcement was profound!
Could this be?
Is He here?
End of Exile?

Yet Matthew just to clarify this proclamation sees Isaiah 7:14 as the background. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). Yet what does this mean? Given the Old Testament context, Isaiah says that Ahaz would receive a sign. Thus in verse 14 the sign is given. This is probably speaking about Isaiah’s son in chapter 8. Yet Matthew seems to see this passage as applying to the Child. That isn’t a far stretch for him given the angels revelation to Joseph.

1.) The virgin shall conceive and bear a son (she will bear a son)
2.) They shall call his name Emmanuel (you shall call his name Jesus)

Then Matthew interprets Emmanuel for his audience, which means God with us. But what was the final clause of the angels proclamation? Lo and behold it is “He will save his people from their sins”! In short Matthew sees this Child fit Isaiah and draws the conclusion that this Child is Emmanuel! Grant Osborne says that “Emmanuel isn’t the literal name of the Child but is metaphorically describing his messianic work...”2 namely God with us is salvation! Now, “God with us” as many have seen it could be a reference to the Childs divinity, His equality with God Himself. This is indeed true given the rest of the New Testament. But as M. J. Harris pointed out “In Jesus God is present to bring salvation to his people”3, thus this Emmanuel proclamation over this Child has another important implication; the dwelling presence of God, or to say the saving activity of God. No longer is the dwelling presence of God in the Temple but it is in this Child. God’s saving activity is taking place with this Child. God is magnifying Himself in and through the Child. Salvation has dawn upon Israel and thus the whole world. Salvation from their sin and from Exile is about to take place with the birth of the Child. This only happens because of this Emmanuel. This is the same conclusion that John draws in his prologue: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Only Son from the Father full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising” - Isaiah 60:1-3

God with us is one of Matthew’s themes that he carries throughout his gospel. Listen to the final words of the Messiah: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Thus for Israel and the world the announcement of the present saving activity of God is indeed Good News. The saving activity of God or to say the Kingdom of God has come but not in the way Israel expected. Seyoon Kim mentions that:

Jesus’ redemptive work did not consist in altering the political, economic, and social structures of the day to bring Israel political freedom, economic prosperity, and social justice. It consisted rather in exorcism and healing, forgiveness of sins and restoration of sinners, and bringing relief for the poor through formation of a new commonwealth.4

Israel received salvation not by military power or radical revolutionary activity but simply by humility. The blessed Mary giving birth to the King of the World who walked in humility proclaiming the Kingdom. Thus the world can taste the saving power of Emmanuel. From beginning to end, God is with us. From the humble birth through his glorious reign to the consummation of His Kingdom, God is with us. Salvation has come and Exile is coming to an end!

In conclusion, Grant Osborne gives 4 stages that God’s presence is manifested:5
1.) God is present through his “Shekinah” in the pillar of fire and cloud also through the Temple in the Old Testament
2.) Through the Son as a walking “Most Holy Place”
3.) Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
4.) In the Final Consummation (Rev 21:3)

From Matthew the implication can be drawn: Salvation is already and not yet. All of history points to the event of the Messiah. Therefore the birth of the blessed Messiah into the world grants an opportunity for salvation to all who believe. The Kingdom of God has dawn to make all things right. A call to be the True Israel of God is announced, Jew and Gentile alike. Eternal Life is extended to the sheep who hear. The Holy Spirit has been deposited as a guarantee of the inheritance to a new world near. The Christmas season is a reminder that God’s activity has not stopped in the world. Yes it is a time to enjoy family, put lights on your house, and cut down a Christmas tree (which is something I’ve done this season actually and I enjoyed every minute of it). But most importantly Christmas is a call to all the world that God is the God of salvation. He has sent His Son into the world to bring His saving rule. The Kingdom of God is here but not yet fully consummated. Life, peace, hope, and joy has come. The God of Israel has acted and all the world has been given a call to turn and pledge their allegiance to the True Lord.

So to echo the words of the famous carol:

“Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!”

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas. From my Family to yours, may God bless you with his presence and the grace of His Son be given to you.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore. - Isaiah 9:6-7

______________________________________________________

1.) N.T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God (Minneapolis, Augsburg Fortress, 2004), pg 270

2.)Grant Osborne, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Matthew (Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 2010), pg 79

3.) Murray J. Harris, Jesus as God: The New Testament Use of Theos in Reference to Jesus (Grand Rapids, Baker, 1992), pg 258

4.)Seyoon Kim, Christ and Caesar: The Gospel and the Roman Empire in the Writings of Paul and Luke, pg. 147

5.) Grant Osborne, Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament: Matthew, pg 82

Unity, Humility, and the Lordship of Christ

2010-07-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

The Beautiful of Unity

The natural reaction for most Americans is to do anything that is not for unity. That could be because of the temptation to seek the bigger better things or the most money. The unity of the church is what makes up our identity. Our identity as a community under the Lordship of Christ is the maker of our faith that makes us different from other communities. Whether that community is for the promotion of nationalism, politics, religion, club, or what not. Those groups are under some kind of authority or rule. But the difference between the Kingdom community is that we claim that those things (nationalism, politics, clubs) take a far second place to the true Lord, Jesus Christ. Those other communities promote selfishness, greed, and pride. While the community of Christ function under the principle of humility. Since the Kingdom is a reality that can experienced in the present, we should be able to claim that you can experience the foretaste of the New Creation now. Therefore for if you want to know what Heaven is like, you can say come visit my church. If you want to experience the Kingdom, follow me. But can we really say that? Is that true for the American church? How about your own fellowship? The Kingdom is already here and the Kingdom has created the Church but do we work more for an organization or the Kingdom? Kingdom unity is the purpose. Not disunity. Not big buildings filled with people who are looking for their best life now, but a community of people looking for the Kingdom of God now and the Fathers will being done on earth. This unity is found by being of the same mind and same love. Walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh. This community is not about being selfish.

Humility is the Means

Since the community works on the principle of humility we work of others. It isn't about our personal individual salvation whereas we go to heaven when we die. But about laying down our lives for others just as the King laid down His own life for the Church. Humility counts others more significant than yourself. You place others above your own personal wants, desires, and needs. The community meets the needs of others. This is where unity is truly realized. If humility isn't present than there would be no way or chance one could serve another. Because it would be about...you and your needs. See how selfish that is? Most say: I go to church so I can feel good about myself. Where I get fed. Church is the place where I experience God on a personal level. Me, myself, and I. Church is about me. What a selfish church! Church is a community that works for others. I go to church so that I can encourage others. Church promotes experiencing God as a family. Church functions for the joy of others whereas people minister one to another, pray for one another, and love one another. Humility brings about the destruction of pride. If I'm serving my brother I can not be thinking about myself. The Kingdom Church is about the killing of pride and the promotion of humility.

The Lordship of Christ

Jesus Christ is Lord and God has raised Him from the death. This was the first confession of the early church. The Lordship of Christ is the cry of the Kingdom Community. Nothing comes close to His Lordship! Yet here is where we find the truth about humility and unity. In the death of Him, humility is revealed. He didn't die for Himself but for others. Therefore God exalted Him to the place of Lord. Which is where we find unity. Under his rule and reign! He is King and nothing else! Submission to His Lordship with humility brings unity to the community. Christ is the head of the Church. Christ is the Lord of the world. Christ is the King of the universe. Therefore submit your allegiance. Repent of pride and selfishness and seek humility and unity. The Kingdom is here...live for it.

Walk by the Spirit, live in community, submit to the Lord, seek unity and humility.

Once Was a Slave but Now a Son: A Place at the Table

2010-06-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:14-17

So I just finished watching the movie Prince of Persia with a dear friend of mine. I enjoyed it, not just the movie but the time with my friend. Our friendship goes back a ways and I really think this movie was a good one to go see together. And as we were watching there was a certain part that stood out that really caught my attention. Now I'm not a guy that watches a movie to try to find the "spiritual implications" in it but I feel that there was a series of lines that spoke directly to the heart of Christianity.

In this series of lines between Dastan and Tamina (the male and female lead) Tamina (female princess) was following Dastan (one of the male princes of Persia) in the desert. They were both fleeing the city that Tamina was a princess over due to an overthrow by the Persias. Dastan by this time has been framed for the murder of his father. But previously in the movie there is some background laid.

Dastan was an orphan. Living on the streets. No father, no mother. He fought for his food and to survive. Yet one day in the marketplace to king saw Dastan act an courage. So the king adopted Dastan into the royal family.

So back to the series of lines between Dastan and Tamina. She is speaking to Dastan and makes a remark (to paraphrase) "You been told that from birth" which was in reference to his right to royalty. He began to example that "He wasn't born into royalty, he was an orphan, but the king adopted him therefore he loved his father."

This may have been a simple pass of lines between two roles. But this spoke clearly. That is the Gospel

I was a rebel, an outlaw, a slave, an enemy against the king. I had no right whatsoever to royalty and have nothing to place before the king. But out of his love He adopted me into His royal family where I am an heir. I don't sit outside waiting for the scraps to be thrown out, I actually sit at His table and feast with Him. That is the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Sitting with my friend, knowing the stuff she has walked through and knowing the junk I've been through I felt content to know that we both lived in the Kingdom of the True King. We didn't live as slaves to sin in the Kingdom of Darkness. But we were adopted as a son and daughter into His family. Not by anything we did, but all because He chose us to be part of His family.

I read this today too

An Analogy of God saving a sinner:
"You are a floating corpse, face down, dead in the water, drowned in your trespasses and sins. Suddenly, someone yanks you out of the water, throws you down on the floor of the boat and gives you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, breathing new life into you." - Trevin Wax, Holy Subversion

The New Age Has Dawned (Matthew)

2010-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Narrative

For 400 years, give or take a few, Israel as a nation was still suffering the effects of exile. Although people had returned from Assyrian and Babylonian captivity they still lived as though they were strangers in a foreign land. YHWH hasn't spoken through a prophet, Caesar was ruling, religious leaders were greedy, and Israel as YHWH's covenant people were longing for His Kingdom to come. YHWH's Torah wasn't being kept, the Temple itself had become nothing more then a den for thieves, now what was Israel to do? Where were they to turn when 95-97% of them were poor and broken?

Then a voice crying out from the wilderness: The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand therefore repent!

This man, John the Baptist seemed to enact an Old Testament prophetic position. The call to his nation was repentance because God's rule was arriving in the present. God is about to act so don't find yourself as a bad tree with bad fruit because the One is coming and He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. John the Baptist, as he was baptizing in the Jordan where Joshua centuries before laid 12 stones as a reminder to the children of Israel that YHWH lead them out of captivity into the Promised Land, looked up and saw the One who had the sandals he wasn't worthy to carry.

Jesus saying "Let is be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." was baptized in the Jordan. Immediately the heavens tore open and the eschatological Spirit of God descended like dove and rested open Jesus. Then YHWH spoke, "This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased." This baptism and speaking was very important to this event. YHWH was appointing His Son to be the Chosen King by giving Him the Spirit and baptizing Him. The words of "beloved or chosen son" would have invoked the appointment of David as King and here is the Man who is now receiving this appointment Himself. Jesus is now in line of the Davidic reign not only by birth/right but by YHWH's divine choosing. Here is the One Israel has been waiting for; the Davidic Messiah who would establish YWYH's Kingdom and overthrow the pagan rulers.

Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! The same message of the prophets, the message that Israel wanted to here, and the message that would shake the foundation of the world. Jesus went teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. This long awaited expectation of YWYH's divine reign has irrupted in the midst of history. The New Age has broken through the Old Age and now is the day of salvation. The Age to Come has invaded the Present Evil Age and now your allegiance is no longer to the Old but the New.

So seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, when He sat down His disciples came to him and taught them saying;

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“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.

The Gospel of the Kingdom and its ethics were being unpacked for His followers. In the midst of exile the one that follows the Messiah in this New Age will by blessed. The Kingdom of Heaven is theirs now. This is good news for those who have been looking forward to this day! Yet how can this be if Caesar is still presently ruling over Israel? This is the tension that the followers of the Messiah lived in; Their loyalty was to the Messiah's Kingdom and not to Caesar's. They were to live differently then others around them. Followers of the Messiah turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and give to those who ask. They love them enemies and don't kill them like Caesar would have done. They give in order to be blessed by YWYH not so others will see them. They pray for YWYH's Kingdom to come and His will to be done. They seek His Kingdom in order that they might live. So they should ask, seek, and knock because the Father will give them what they need. This Kingdom is viewed as a narrow gate and a hard way. Those who walk this hard way will have good fruit and not bad. But beware because not everyone who call Him LORD will enter the Kingdom but only those to actively do YWYH's will. So once they hear the Messiah's words, they do them, their house in built upon the rock. If you they His word's and don't do them, they are a fool (Ps 14) and their house is built upon the sand. Therefore when judgment comes, they will fall.

This New Age that has broken in the midst of history caused an uproar in the religious establishment. The Messiah has come yet they don't recognize Him due to their blindness. It didn't look like the Kingdom they heard about from the rabbis. When will He go to Jerusalem and set up the Kingdom? Caesar is still reigning it looks like! Jesus said that He was the fulfillment of the Torah so follow Him. Don't live for greed and gain but live in humble submission to the Kingdom. Don't abide by the traditions of man but the commandments of the Messiah.

So the Tension

In the midst of exile and Caesar present reign how was one to live with their allegiance to the True King? Easy...follow the True King. Don't follow the system of Caesar and the form of "life" the Roman system lived on. Repent of your allegiance from one king to Another. This long awaited message of the Kingdom rubbed many in Israel the wrong way. It wasn't what they expected. Messiah was a humble servant who ate and drank with sinners. His followers weren't the brightest in Israel. Also His content message in the later part of His career was "taking up your cross". To enter into the Kingdom in the mind of Jesus meant that one must die. He must lose is life to find it. Your allegiance isn't to yourself, Caesar, or the greedy religious establishment, it is to the True King. Therefore...die. Simple...right? No not that simple. As the disciples, we get the message wrong too. Jesus gives us the radical call to die to ourselves but we rebuke Him. He shows us the way of the Kingdom but we'd rather follow our own way. But as the True King, He is always good to His followers. He allows repentance. The tension is between this world and His world. This Kingdom and His Kingdom. The Old Age and New Age. The question is where is your allegiance? Will you be anger at the Messiah because He ruins your theological strongholds? Will you get upset because He calls you to serve and not be served? Will you follow this present system of things or actually die in order that you might live?

Kingdom Living and the Radical Call

2010-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

From debates that stem from the Kingdom of God, Calvinism, eschatological, narrative flow, and interpretive options my life has been wrapped up in "Christianized" type lingo for a while now. Although it is not totally bad to be consumed in "Christianized" things, I feel sometimes when I read the New Testament that I'm missing something. I have to admit, I am a recovering sinner and don't claim to have all the answers but I do notice a clear call in the New Testament to living radically different from the status quo. For the disciples the call was to take up their cross and preach the kingdom of God. For Paul it was to be crucified daily and not walk by the flesh. For John it was not to give allegiance to the beast but to be a faithful martyr.

I want to live a life that reflects Kingdom characteristics in a world that does not. I think this is the problem that the New Testament church faced too. Since the Kingdom has been inaugurated in the present therefore I must be able to live according to the radical call it preaches; That God reigns! What does Kingdom living look like? What does it mean to live a nonconformist lifestyle when the given norm tells you that something else is presently reigning? I believe this is the basic question that underlines the simple narrative throughout the Bible.

Who is King and who should I pledge my allegiance to?

In the coming weeks I'll try to explore that question by walking through the New Testament little by little. It may take some time but in the end I hope it will be a blessing to you.

Celebrating the Resurrection: The Purpose of Easter

2010-04-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

"We could cope—the world could cope—with a Jesus who ultimately remains a wonderful idea inside his disciples' minds and hearts. The world cannot cope with a Jesus who comes out of the tomb, who inaugurates God's new creation right in the middle of the old one." – N.T. Wright

The world has a hard time with the fact that the man Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. They can’t believe that He isn’t in the grave. They ask; “Where are his bones? Are they in the tomb? Where is the tomb?” So it seems that this aspect of the Christian faith causes problems for the skeptics, boggles the minds of the scientist, and is the area that the atheist attempts to attack. Yet the belief of the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone that provides the foundation for our faith and practice. If Jesus Christ was not raised from the dead, there is no Christianity. Again there is no reason to believe in Jesus if He was not resurrected from the dead. So it is, that the confession “Jesus Christ…died on the cross for the sins of the world, was raised bodily and exalted to God's right hand...” is the reason why we celebrate Easter. 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was put to death on a cross. Yet three days later, God raised Him from the dead. In the event of the resurrection, Jesus Christ started the New Creation. No longer will death have dominion over creation because it was defeated. In fact death is the greatest enemy of the world but the event of the resurrection, Jesus Christ changed the entire sum of creation. “Jesus’ return from the grave is the dawn of the new day: God’s people and all creation will share in his resurrection life.” Easter is the celebration of the resurrection, the celebration of the New Creation, the celebration of the defeat of death. I’ll provide you with 8 New Testament passages that speak about the resurrection that have impacted my walk with Christ. They are all found within different context and applied differently but you’ll see the emphasis of the New Testament authors: the resurrection of the Son of God, the Messiah; Jesus.

1.) Luke 24: Interacting with the Resurrected Jesus
On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples walked with their heads held low. They placed their faith in the man who called himself the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. But of course that didn’t happen, because Jesus of Nazareth died at the hands of the Romans. Yet they were met by a man on the road who asked them why they looked so depressed. They explained the story of the man and how he died. But to their surprise the one who met them was the One who died. Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and to prove that He was resurrected had a meal with them. He revealed Himself to them in the most intimate way. He interacted with those two disciples and restored their hope and expectations.

2.) Acts 2:22-36: Preaching of the Resurrected Jesus
Peter after being filled with the Holy Spirit stood up in the midst of Jerusalem and began to preach the first evangelistic sermon in church history. With the radical statements about the Spirit of God being poured out in the last days and the death of Jesus by the hands of lawless men under the sovereignty of God, Peter began to speak about the resurrected Jesus. He made the point that this Jesus God raised up from the dead, and they were all witnesses to the event. With the preaching of the resurrected and exalted Christ, 3000 men were baptized.

3.) Romans 6:5-11: Application of the Resurrected Jesus
Paul, in his argument about sin and grace makes the point that in the midst of sin the grace of God abounds all the more. But before his hearers can go out and sin habitually he quickly gives a series of questions: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? No way!! How can we who died to sin live in it? Do you not know that those who were baptized into Jesus were baptized into His death?” Paul then makes the statement that we are united into His death and also in His resurrection. Therefore baptism is the act in which the death and resurrection of Jesus is applied to a believer as a metaphor. Paul concludes that “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.”

4.) 1 Corinthians 15:12-28: Defending the Resurrected Jesus
In his defense of the resurrection of Jesus, Paul as he does so often starts his argument with a question. “If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” If Christ isn’t raised then the preaching of Paul is in vain. Also if Christ isn’t raised, we are dead in our sins. If that is so, then Christians should be the most pitied in the world! But Christ was raised as the first fruit of all those who have died. The promise is to believers who have died. They will be raised from the dead and death will be defeated. The last enemy will be destroyed!

5.) Ephesians 1:15-23: The Dominion of the Resurrected Jesus
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (No need to explain)

6.) Philippians 3:1-11: Being Conformed into the Resurrected Jesus
In the context of looking back on his life, Paul shows the difference between religion and following Jesus. It isn’t by the law that makes one right before God but through Jesus. You can’t work your way to God it is only through Jesus Christ. Paul says that everything he gained in his life should be considered “rubbish” (garbage, trash, dung, manure, etc). Paul concludes that his righteousness comes from God that depends on faith. But he continues by adding what that faith looks like. It consist of knowing Him, the power of His resurrection, and sharing in His sufferings becoming like Him in his death. He wanted this all because he wanted to attain to the resurrection. Paul’s desire is to be conformed into the life of Christ, by His death and resurrection.

7.) 1 Peter 1:3-5: Hope of the Resurrected Jesus
Peter gives his greeting to the elect exiles of the dispersion by giving one of the most encouraging openings in all of the New Testament. God has given them mercy because He saved them. Their hope in their salvation is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus. This hope consist of an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading which is kept in heaven. This salvation is guarded by God but will be revealed in the last time. God will show His power by raising men and women from the dead giving them full salvation in the end.

8.) Revelation 21: The Newness that will come because of the Resurrected Jesus
Then I saw, as John said “a new heaven and new earth”. This renewed/restored creation and people will the Bride of the Lamb. The New Creation is the final home for all who follower the Resurrected Jesus. God said that “I am making all things new.” This means a new people, new place, new way, and complete New Creation. No more pain, tears, mourning, death. This is the marriage of heaven and earth. As God created the heavens and the earth in Genesis, so will God create a new heaven and new earth. They will come together in the end. Everything will be made right. The full redemptive plan of God will be consummated and everything will be new, good, right, and holy. This all happens because of the work of the Lamb, who was slain and resurrected.

These 8 passages are not an exhaustive list of resurrection passages. They are simply some passages that have impacted my walk with Jesus. I pray that as the Easter season comes around in the next few weeks we will keep our eyes upon the resurrected Christ and celebrate Him together as a body of followers.

“But the good news is this: death has been defeated; our conqueror has been conquered. In the face of the power of the kingdom of God in Christ, death was helpless. It could not hold him, death has been defeated; life and immortality have been brought to life.” – George Eldon Ladd

Top 5 Books of 2009

2009-12-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Now these books aren’t necessarily published in 2009 but they are books that have challenged and encouraged me.

The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd... See More
Aside from Scripture, this book has been the one that has shaped my outlook on the Jesus, Bible, and life. I would share this book with every Believer I come in contact with. The Kingdom of God is a central theme that runs throughout all Scripture yet it is just simply overlooked in most of Christianity today. A somewhat difficult read but amazing overall content!

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
For the Christian, what does it mean to have hope? Is it a final resting place called heaven or the resurrection from the dead? N.T. Wright explains and argues that the resurrection is the hope and the driving mission of the church. Great and easy read. Excellent writer!

Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Another easy read that every Believer needs to pick up. This book explains different themes found in Scripture; From Genesis to Revelation. Themes such as creation and new creation; covenant and kingdom; the story of Israel are explained in the book. Again easy read and all around good book.

Christ and Caesar by Seyoon Kim
Christ and Caesar is very theological book dealing with different interpretations in the camp of the “political interpreters”. Was Paul and Luke’s intent solely anti Rome? Kim deals with these issues with respect and finds that Rome wasn’t the problem. It is a cosmic battle between the Davidic Messiah and Satan. Though Paul and Luke drew on political themes with their language, there is a bigger issue that Jesus was facing. Good book for those dealing with political interpretations.

Mere Discipleship by Lee Camp
This book actually brought about me reading Christ and Caesar. Although I don’t agree with everything that Camp says, I was deeply challenged by this book. It made me question the role of Christians in politics, Christians and war, and America as a Christian nation. Again though I don’t agree with all his arguments I have come away with a radical desire to follow Christ without any hindrance. Good book if you can make it through. If I taught a discipleship class, this book would be a required text but handled with care!

Merry Christmas: The Birth of the King

2009-12-16T21:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas: The Birth of the King
Luke 2:1-20

With all the lights, presents, smell of cookies, and the taste of hot chocolate we are reminded that the holiday season is drawing closer. As the Eve is on its way and the ringing of Salvation Army bells ring don’t forget the famous story of Luke chapter 2. I remember sitting around the Christmas tree reading the story and all I could think about is the “Christmas Eve present” that usually involved a new pair of PJ’s and a little toy. But now growing more mature (God saving me) in my years, I see Luke chapter 2 in a new light. Thinking about the text from a historical level and its implications, Luke appears to be a historian, theologian, and is somewhat of a politician. After reading this short paper I hope that you won’t look at Luke chapter 2 the same way again.

Being birthed within a certain culture tends to have an effect on how someone is raised and viewed. So you cannot deny the history and context into which someone is born; Jesus Himself is no different. The gospel writer Luke, a good historian as most commentators have viewed him, provides his readers in the birth narrative of Jesus Christ in chapter 2. Coming off the heels of chapter 1 where Mary (a poor young woman) is told she is about to give birth to Jesus who is the Anointed One or Messiah. Through this Son, He would fulfill all Israel’s hopes of restoration from exile. Yet it is interesting how Luke sets the context to this birth.
Seyoon Kim describes Jesus in Luke’s birth narrative as “…born as the messianic Son of David and Son of God for Israel’s liberation, in fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, Luke then narrates the event of Jesus’ birth, highlighting it against the oppressive backdrop of Caesar Augustus’s imperial reign (Luke 2:1-20).” Therefore with this backdrop Luke writes “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered” (Luke 2:1). The history and context of this chapter has the background of a “registration” or “census” that was decreed by Caesar, the Emperor of the Roman Empire. Joel Green states that “The registration of “all the world” asserts Augustus’s sovereignty over all the world.” This sheds light upon the control and power of Caesar in the 1st century. Caesar was in change over the whole Roman Empire and Luke uses words to convey that message. “All the world” is of course an exaggerated statement to show power and every single person in the Roman Empire was to do what Caesar commanded. Within this context, a declared registration by a pagan king was an oppressive gesture to a 1st century Jew in Palestine. The registration was an attempt to tax and force the people into submission to the Roman government. Nevertheless it reminds the readers of the eerie words of Nehemiah:

We are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress (Nehemiah 9:36-37).

Israel was still in exile. Even though a remnant came back to the land, they still lived under foreign power. Exile didn’t stop when the remnant came back, it continued. So this sets the stage for the long awaited Messiah to redeem them from her enemies. Luke draws upon the exile theme by using Caesar as the oppressor and enemy. In summary, Israel was oppressed by Rome and Luke opens up his birth narrative with the introduction of Caesars oppression.

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child” (Luke 2:4-5). The oppression of Caesar causes Joseph and his wife to go to Bethlehem. Luke uses more Old Testament language by naming Bethlehem the “city of David”. With an Old Testament background, the name David and Bethlehem conveys several ideas.

1) The idea of king and covenant (2 Samuel 7).
2) David himself hails from Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16).
3) Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5:2).

These three just scratch the surface but nevertheless a picture is being painted within the narrative involving a soon to be king. This can be concluded by the immediate context and of course from chapter 1. Luke is building upon each narrative to bring about a climax when the king is finally born. Luke mentions a deeply theological image in the name of David, who was king. He uses Caesar, who is the present king and now Mary gives birth to the one who would be king (Luke 2:6-7). And this is the climax! The birth of the child, the One we’ve waited for! Here He is, the One to redeem Israel from exile.

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Yet, this baby is born in an inn, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. This king was born in an animal stable, wrapped in scratchy clothes, and laid in a food trough? A little bit surprising for a coming king. Caesar would have never been born that way! This would have been unheard of within the Roman context. Thomas Yoder Neufeld in his book Recovering Jesus speaks to the irony in Luke’s narrative, “…for the first-century readers the contrast would have been nothing short of shocking. Israel’s king, born in a stable? Watch out, Caesar, your challenger has been born to an insignificant woman in an out-of-the-way village in a stable! How absurd!” Yet Luke keeps alluding that this king was going to be different. He is unlike any king Israel or for that matter, any other nation has seen before.

In the context, Luke pulls away from the birth of the child and focuses his attention on a certain group of people, “Shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock” (Luke 2:8-14). An angel appears with a message of hope and restoration, “And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This message was not delivered to the most prominent in the culture. It wasn’t Caesar, the Pharisees, or the Priest. But simple shepherds, the lowest of the low in the culture. This message of a king was unlike a Caesar message. Luke, a word-smith nonetheless uses words that were applied to Caesar. Richard Horsley quoted in his book Jesus and Empire a Roman announcement:

[Caesar] who was being sent to us and our descendants as Savior, has put an end to war and has set all things in order; and [whereas] having becoming [god] manifest, Caesar has fulfilled all hopes of earlier times…the birthday of the God [Augustus] has been for the whole world the beginning of good news concerning him [therefore let a new era beginning from his birth).

The angel said that this message was good news that this child was a Savior, Christ the Lord. This has a rich theological context whereas Luke is pulling from an Isaiaic Messiah (Isaiah 40:9, 42:1-9, 43). But Luke has in the immediate context used a parallel between Caesar and the child to provide his readers with hope. The good news or gospel is different between these two individuals. Both proclaimed good news to all people, yet one came by force (Pax Romana) the other by humility. Both were called savior and lord, but only One was the true Savior and Lord. Only One could promise salvation and hope. No longer did Israel have to wait for her redemption from her captives because this child would be her Messiah. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is end…” (Isaiah 40:1-2) This passage has come alive in the birth of this child whereby the angels sing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14). The title Christ or Messiah is drawn from a Davidic kingship concept and thus Messiah would come from David and be like David. Needless to say this child fits this description. Therefore from the language in Luke’s birth narrative, the painting is that of a king who was born in lowly regard and whose message is for no one better than a shepherd, contrasted with Caesar who has the power to oppress “all the world” and whose message is constituted by force.

In conclusion, Luke draws upon the Old Testament for his theology. He uses history to tell the story of the Messiah being born to fulfill God’s mission and he uses common language applied to Caesar to convey a very political message. Not of overthrow and rebellion, but of the true Lord, Savior, and King. A King of peace and humility for all the world.

The Kingdom of God and Culture

2009-09-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is a paper I began to write last year. I plan to add to it in the coming months. Copy and paste!

http://rapidshare.com/files/277468119/KingdomofGod.pdf

A Little Different Look....

2009-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

As you may notice, I have changed a little bit. One change is the title.

From The Best of All Is...

to

On Earth as it is in Heaven

The change comes from a desire the Lord has given me to get back to the foundation of the teachings of Jesus. Which is The Kingdom of God and the call for Christians to pledge their allegiance to it. The posts will change from discussions, topics, teachings, sermons, etc. The intent of the blog is to serve as a teaching avenue to grow the faith of Believers.

My prayer is that Christ is glorified and that His Kingdom will come.

The Apostle Paul and C.S Lewis on the Moral Law

2009-02-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

“It is after you have realized that there is a real Moral Law, and a Power behind the law, and that you have broken that law and put yourself wrong with that Power – it is after all this, and not a moment sooner, that Christianity begins to talk.”(pg 311) In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis unfolds the topic of the divine Moral Law and the Power behind it. It is not until humans realize their rebellion and sinfulness that they can truly look unto Christ as Lord and Savior. But do all men see the Moral Law as a means of grace, or do they see it as a standard no one can attain? Thus, this is the problem: is God just using the Moral Law to harm us, or using it to show us something about Him?

First, the Apostle Paul penned a statement in his epistle to the Roman church. Found within the letter is a declaration that will be the basis of all Paul’s reasoning for the conviction of sin in the letter. Paul writes: “What then shall we say? That the Law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the Law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”(Romans 7:7) Coming from statements in regard to “dying to the Law”, Paul lets his readers know that the Law is an instrument for revealing sin in one’s self. This is only possible by God, who is within Himself morally perfect, setting up the Moral Law. Once humans stand and look into the mirror of the Moral Law they can see their rebellion. “It tells you to do the straight thing and it does not seem to care how painful, or dangerous, or difficult it is to do.”(pg 310) This provokes a question: is the Law good? Better yet, is God good?

Next, the examination of God is a must in order to understand the Law. “If God is like the Moral Law, then He is not soft. It is no use, at this stage, saying that what you mean by a “good” God is a God who can forgive” (pg 310) God is behind the power of the Law that bears upon the world. Every man, woman, and child knows the difference between right and wrong. All mankind has a sense of morality but as a result of sin, does not follow it. Therefore God, being in a perfect moral state, provides the Moral Law as a means of grace to sinners. He does this ultimately to show Himself to be holy, righteous, and then being able to save sinners from their sins. As an answer to the question posed, God is without a doubt good by writing the Law on all the hearts of mankind. As Paul said in Romans 2:15-16 “They show that the work of the Law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bear witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” He does this not to harm, but to reveal Himself to humans by setting up a means of goodness.

Lastly, to carry on the last thought, if God sets up the Law, knowing that men cannot keep it, God must provide some way a sense of forgiveness. It is within God Himself who could provide that forgiveness from the rebellion of the Law. He does this by allowing Jesus Christ to fill that gap of mankind’s imperfectness. We could never keep the Law and be perfect. Romans says “None are righteous, no not one.” We all have had other gods before Him. We have all lied and stolen, therefore as a result deserve to die. “For the wages of sin is death” Paul says. But Jesus Christ acts as the agent who delivers us from the curse of sin. “Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in a new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the letter.” We could never be perfect by the Law, but through Christ, we have died and live through Him. He fulfills the Law when we could not.

In conclusion, the Moral Law acts as a means of grace from God. Thus showing sinners their sin, and allowing them to respond to Jesus Christ by submitting themselves to His lordship and free gift of salvation. If it were not for the Moral Law, we would never have a standard of goodness and would not care for goodness either. But God, in order to show His goodness, acts in humanity but sending His Son to fulfill the Law and by giving humans the great gift of all: freedom from sin and eternal life.

Free Will - A Slave by Spurgeon

2008-10-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

A Sermon
(No. 52)
Delivered on Sabbath Morning, December 2, 1855, by the
REV. C. H. Spurgeon
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.

"And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."—John 5:40.

This is one of the great guns of the Arminians, mounted upon the top of their walls, and often discharged with terrible noise against the poor Christians called Calvinists. I intend to spike the gun this morning, or, rather, to turn it on the enemy, for it was never theirs; it was never cast at their foundry at all, but was intended to teach the very opposite doctrine to that which they assert. Usually, when the text is taken, the divisions are: First, that man has a will. Secondly, that he is entirely free. Thirdly, that men must make themselves willing to come to Christ, otherwise they will not be saved. Now, we shall have no such divisions; but we will endeavour to take a more calm look at the text; and not, because there happen to be the words "will," or "will not" in it, run away with the conclusion that it teaches the doctrine of free-will. It has already been proved beyond all controversy that free-will is nonsense. Freedom cannot belong to will any more than ponderability can belong to electricity. They are altogether different things. Free agency we may believe in, but free-will is simply ridiculous. The will is well known by all to be directed by the understanding, to be moved by motives, to be guided by other parts of the soul, and to be a secondary thing. Philosophy and religion both discard at once the very thought of free-will; and I will go as far as Martin Luther, in that strong assertion of his, where he says, "If any man doth ascribe aught of salvation, even the very least, to the free-will of man, he knoweth nothing of grace, and he hath not learnt Jesus Christ aright." It may seem a harsh sentiment; but he who in his soul believes that man does of his own free-will turn to God, cannot have been taught of God, for that is one of the first principles taught us when God begins with us, that we have neither will nor power, but that he gives both; that he is "Alpha and Omega" in the salvation of men.
Our four points, this morning, shall be: First—that every man is dead, because it says: "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." Secondly—that there is life in Jesus Christ: "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." Thirdly—that there is life in Christ Jesus for every one that comes for it: "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life;" implying that all who go will have life. And fourthly—the gist of the text lies here, that no man by nature ever will come to Christ, for the text says, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." So far from asserting that men of their own wills ever do such a thing, it boldly and flatly denies it, and says, "Ye WILL NOT come to me, that ye might have life." Why, beloved, I am almost ready to exclaim, Have all free-willers no knowledge that they dare to run in the teeth of inspiration? Have all those that deny the doctrine of grace no sense? Have they so departed from God that they wrest this to prove free-will; whereas the text says, "Ye WILL NOT come to me that ye might have life."

I. First, then, our text implies THAT MEN BY NATURE ARE DEAD.
No being needs to go after life if he has life in himself. The text speaks very strongly when it says, "Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life." Though it saith it not in words, yet it doth in effect affirm that men need a life more than they have themselves. My hearers, we are all dead unless we have been begotten unto a lively hope. First, we are all of us, by nature, legally dead—"In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt die the death," said God to Adam; and though Adam did not die in that moment naturally, he died legally; that is to say death was recorded against him. As soon as, at the Old Bailey, the judge puts on the black cap and pronounces the sentence, the man is reckoned to be dead at law. Though perhaps a month may intervene before he is brought on the scaffold to endure the sentence of the law, yet the law looks upon him as a dead man. It is impossible for him to transact anything. He cannot inherit, he cannot bequeath; he is nothing—he is a dead man. The country considers him not as being alive in it at all. There is an election—he is not asked for his vote because he is considered as dead. He is shut up in his condemned cell, and he is dead. Ah! and ye ungodly sinners who have never had life in Christ, ye are alive this morning, by reprieve, but do ye know that ye are legally dead; that God considers you as such, that in the day when your father Adam touched the fruit, and when you yourselves did sin, God, the Eternal Judge, put on the black cap and condemned you? You talk mightily of your own standing, and goodness, and morality—where is it? Scripture saith, ye are "condemned already." Ye are not to wait to be condemned at the judgment-day—that will be the execution of the sentence—ye are "condemned already." In the moment ye sinned; your names were all written in the black book of justice; every one was then sentenced by God to death, unless he found a substitute, in the person of Christ, for his sins. What would you think if you were to go into the Old Bailey, and see the condemned culprit sitting in his cell, laughing and merry? You would say, "The man is a fool, for he is condemned, and is to be executed; yet how merry he is." Ah! and how foolish is the worldly man, who, while sentence is recorded against him, lives in merriment and mirth! Do you think the sentence of God is of no effect? Thinkest thou that thy sin which is written with an iron pen on the rocks for ever hath no horrors in it? God hath said thou art condemned already. If thou wouldst but feel this, it would mingle bitters in thy sweet cups of joy; thy dances would be stopped, thy laughter quenched in sighing, if thou wouldst recollect that thou art condemned already. We ought all to weep, if we lay this to our souls: that by nature we have no life in God's sight; we are actually, positively condemned; death is recorded against us, and we are considered in ourselves now, in God's sight, as much dead as if we were actually cast into hell; we are condemned here by sin, we do not yet suffer the penalty of it, but it is written against us, and we are legally dead, nor can we find life unless we find legal life in the person of Christ, of which more by-and-by.
But, besides being legally dead, we are also spiritually dead. For not only did the sentence pass in the book, but it passed in the heart; it entered the conscience; it operated on the soul, on the judgment, on the imagination, and on everything. "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die," was not only fulfilled by the sentence recorded, but by something which took place in Adam. Just as, in a certain moment, when this body shall die, the blood stops, the pulse ceases, the breath no longer comes from the lungs, so in the day that Adam did eat that fruit his soul died; his imagination lost its mighty power to climb into celestial things and see heaven, his will lost its power always to choose that which is good, his judgment lost all ability to judge between right and wrong decidedly and infallibly, though something was retained in conscience; his memory became tainted, liable to hold evil things, and let righteous things glide away; every power of him ceased as to its moral vitality. Goodness was the vitality of his powers—that departed. Virtue, holiness, integrity, these were the life of man; but when these departed man became dead. And now, every man, so far as spiritual things are concerned, is "dead in trespasses and sins" spiritually. Nor is the soul less dead in a carnal man, than the body is when committed to the grave; it is actually and positively dead—not by a metaphor, for Paul speaketh not in metaphor, when he affirms, "You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." But my hearers, again, I would I could preach to your hearts concerning this subject. It was bad enough when I described death as having been recorded; but now I speak of it as having actually taken place in your hearts. Ye are not what ye once were; ye are not what ye were in Adam, not what ye were created. Man was made pure and holy. Ye are not the perfect creatures of which some boast; ye are altogether fallen, ye have gone out of the way, ye have become corrupt and filthy. Oh! listen not to the siren song of those who tell you of your moral dignity, and your mighty elevation in matters of salvation. Ye are not perfect; that great word, "ruin," is written on your heart; and death is stamped upon your spirit. Do not conceive, O moral man, that thou wilt be able to stand before God in thy morality, for thou art nothing but a carcass embalmed in legality, a corpse arrayed in some fine robes, but still corrupt in God's sight. And think not, O thou possessor of natural religion! that thou mayest by thine own might and power make thyself acceptable to God. Why, man! thou art dead! and thou mayest array the dead as gloriously as thou pleasest, but still it would be a solemn mockery. There lieth queen Cleopatra—put the crown upon her head, deck her in royal robes, let her sit in state; but what a cold chill runs through you when you pass by her. She is fair now, even in her death—but how horrible it is to stand by the side even of a dead queen, celebrated for her majestic beauty! So you may be glorious in your beauty, fair, and amiable, and lovely; you put the crown of honesty upon your head, and wear about you all the garments of uprightness, but unless God has quickened thee, O man! unless the Spirit has had dealings with thy soul, thou art in God's sight as obnoxious as the chilly corpse is to thyself. Thou wouldst not choose to live with a corpse sitting at thy table; nor doth God love that thou shouldst be in his sight. He is angry with thee every day, for thou art in sin—thou art in death. Oh! believe this; take it to thy soul; appropriate it, for it is most true that thou art dead, spiritually as well as legally.
The third kind of death is the consummation of the other two. It is eternal death. It is the execution of the legal sentence; it is the consummation of the spiritual death. Eternal death is the death of the soul; it takes place after the body has been laid in the grave, after the soul has departed from it. If legal death be terrible, it is because of its consequences; and if spiritual death be dreadful, it is because of that which shall succeed it. The two deaths of which we have spoken are the roots, and that death which is to come is the flower thereof. Oh! had I words that I might this morning attempt to depict to you what eternal death is. The soul has come before its Maker; the book has been opened; the sentence has been uttered; "Depart ye cursed" has shaken the universe, and made the very spheres dim with the frown of the Creator; the soul has departed to the depths where it is to dwell with others in eternal death. Oh! how horrible is its position now. Its bed is a bed of flame; the sights it sees are murdering ones that affright its spirit;. the sounds it hears are shrieks, and wails, and moans, and groans; all that its body knows is the infliction of miserable pain! It has the possession of unutterable woe, of unmitigated misery. The soul looks up. Hope is extinct—it is gone. It looks downward in dread and fear; remorse hath possessed its soul. It looks on the right hand—and the adamantine walls of fate keep it within its limits of torture. It looks on the left—and there the rampart of blazing fire forbids the scaling ladder of e'en a dreamy speculation of escape. It looks within and seeks for consolation there, but a gnawing worm hath entered into the soul. It looks about it—it has no friends to aid, no comforters, but tormentors in abundance. It knoweth nought of hope of deliverance; it hath heard the everlasting key of destiny turning in its awful wards, and it hath seen God take that key and hurl it down into the depth of eternity never to be found again. It hopeth not; it knoweth no escape; it guesseth not of deliverance; it pants for death, but death is too much its foe to be there; it longs that non-existence would swallow it up, but this eternal death is worse than annihilation. It pants for extermination as the laborer for his Sabbath; it longs that it might be swallowed up in nothingness just as would the galley slave long for freedom, but it cometh not—it is eternally dead. When eternity shall have rolled round multitudes of its everlasting cycles it shall still be dead. Forever knoweth no end; eternity cannot be spelled except in eternity. Still the soul seeth written o'er its head, "Thou art damned forever." It heareth howlings that are to be perpetual; it seeth flames which are unquenchable; it knoweth pains that are unmitigated; it hears a sentence that rolls not like the thunder of earth which soon is hushed—but onward, onward, onward, shaking the echoes of eternity—making thousands of years shake again with the horrid thunder of its dreadful sound—"Depart! depart! depart! ye cursed!" This is the eternal death.

II. Secondly, IN CHRIST JESUS THERE IS LIFE,
for he says: "Ye will not come to me that ye might have life." There is no life in God the Father for a sinner; there is no life in God the Spirit for a sinner apart from Jesus. The life of a sinner is in Christ. If you take the Father apart from the Son, though he loves his elect, and decrees that they shall live, yet life is only in his Son. If you take God the Spirit apart from Jesus Christ, though it is the Spirit that gives us spiritual life, yet it is life in Christ, life in the Son. We dare not, and cannot apply in the first place, either to God the Father, or to God the Holy Ghost for spiritual life. The first thing we are led to do when God brings us out of Egypt is to eat the Passover—the very first thing. The first means whereby we get life is by feeding upon the flesh and blood of the Son of God; living in him, trusting on him, believing in his grace and power. Our second thought was—there is life in Christ. We will show you there are three kinds of life in Christ, as there are three kinds of death.
First there is legal life in Christ. Just as every man by nature considered in Adam had a sentence of condemnation passed on him in the moment of Adam's sin, and more especially in the moment of his own first transgression, so I, if I be a believer, and you, if you trust in Christ, have had a legal sentence of acquittal passed on us through what Jesus Christ has done. O condemned sinner! Thou mayest be sitting this morning condemned like the prisoner in Newgate; but ere this day has passed away thou mayest be as clear from guilt as the angels above. There is such a thing as legal life in Christ, and, blessed be God! some of us enjoy it. We know our sins are pardoned because Christ suffered punishment for them; we know that we never can be punished ourselves, for Christ suffered in our stead. The Passover is slain for us; the lintel and door-post have been sprinkled, and the destroying angel can never touch us. For us there is no hell, although it blaze with terrible flame. Let Tophet be prepared of old, let its pile be wood and much smoke, we never can come there—Christ died for us, in our stead. What if there be racks of horrid torture? What if there be a sentence producing most horrible reverberations of thundering sounds? Yet neither rack, nor dungeon, nor thunder, are for us! In Christ Jesus we are now delivered. "There is therefore NOW no condemnation unto us who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Sinner! Art thou legally condemned this morning? Dost thou feel that? Then, let me tell thee that faith in Christ will give thee a knowledge of thy legal acquittal. Beloved, it is no fancy that we are condemned for our sins, it is a reality. So, it is no fancy we are acquitted, it is a reality. A man about to be hanged, if he received a full pardon would feel it a great reality. He would say, "I have a full pardon; I cannot be touched now." That is just how I feel.

"Now freed from sin I walk at large,
The Saviour's blood's my full discharge,
At his dear feet content I lay,
A sinner saved, and homage pay."

Brethren, we have gained legal life in Christ, and such legal life that we cannot lose it. The sentence has gone against us once—now it has gone out for us. It is written, "THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION," and that now will do as well for me in fifty years as it does now. Whatever time we live it will still be written, "There is therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus."
Then, secondly, there is spiritual life in Christ Jesus. As the man is spiritually dead, God has spiritual life for him, for there is not a need which is not supplied by Jesus, there is not an emptiness in the heart which Christ cannot fill; there is not a desolation which he cannot people, there is not a desert which he cannot make to blossom as the rose. O ye dead sinners! spiritually dead, there is life in Christ Jesus, for we have seen—yes! these eyes have seen—the dead live again; we have known the man whose soul was utterly corrupt, by the power of God seek after righteousness; we have known the man whose views were carnal, whose lusts were mighty, whose passions were strong, suddenly, by irresistible might from heaven, consecrate himself to Christ, and become a child of Jesus. We know that there is life in Christ Jesus, of a spiritual order; yea, more, we ourselves, in our own persons, have felt that there is spiritual life. Well can we remember when we sat in the house of prayer, as dead as the very seat on which we sat. We had listened for a long, long while to the sound of the gospel, but no effect followed, when suddenly, as if our ears had been opened by the fingers of some mighty angel, a sound entered into our heart. We thought we heard Jesus saying, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." An irresistible hand put itself on our heart and crushed a prayer out of it. We never had a prayer before like that. We cried, "O God! have mercy upon me a sinner." Some of us for months felt a hand pressing us as if we had been grasped in a vice, and our souls bled drops of anguish. That misery was a sign of coming life. Persons when they are being drowned do not feel the pain so much as while they are being restored. Oh! we recollect those pains, those groans, that living strife that our soul had when it came to Christ. Ah! we can recollect the giving of our spiritual life as easily as could a man his restoration from the grave. We can suppose Lazarus to have remembered his resurrection, though not all the circumstances of it. So we, although we have forgotten a great deal, do recollect our giving ourselves to Christ. We can say to every sinner, however dead, there is life in Christ Jesus, though you may be rotten and corrupt in your grave. He who hath raised Lazarus hath raised us; and he can say, even to you, "Lazarus! come forth."
In the third place, there is eternal life in Christ Jesus. And, oh! if eternal death be terrible, eternal life is blessed; for he has said, "Where I am there shall my people be." "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given unto me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory." "I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish." Now, any Arminian that would preach from that text must buy a pair of India rubber lips, for I am sure he would need to stretch his mouth amazingly; he would never be able to speak the whole truth without winding about in a most mysterious manner. Eternal life—not a life which they are to lose, but eternal life. If I lost life in Adam I gained it in Christ; if I lost myself for ever I find myself for ever in Jesus Christ. Eternal life! Oh blessed thought! Our eyes will sparkle with joy and our souls bum with ecstasy in the thought that we have eternal life. Be quenched ye stars! let God put his finger on you—but my soul will live in bliss and joy. Put out thine eye O sun!—but mine eye shall "see the king in his beauty" when thine eye shall no more make the green earth laugh. And moon, be thou turned into blood!—but my blood shall ne'er be turned to nothingness; this spirit shall exist when thou hast ceased to be. And thou great world! thou mayest all subside, just as a moment's foam subsides upon the wave that bears it—but I have eternal life. O time! thou mayest see giant mountains dead and hidden in their graves; thou mayest see the stars like figs too ripe, falling from the tree, but thou shalt never, never see my spirit dead.

III. This brings us to the third point: that ETERNAL LIFE IS GIVEN TO ALL WHO COME FOR IT.
There never was a man who came to Christ for eternal life, for legal life, for spiritual life, who had not already received it, in some sense, and it was manifested to him that he had received it soon after he came. Let us take one or two texts—"He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto him." Every man who comes to Christ will find that Christ is able to save him—not able to save him a little, to deliver him from a little sin, to keep him from a little trial, to carry him a little way and then drop him—but able to save him to the uttermost extent of his sin, unto the uttermost length of his trials, the uttermost depths of his sorrows, unto the uttermost duration of his existence. Christ says to every one who comes to him, "Come, poor sinner, thou needst not ask whether I have power to save. I will not ask thee how far thou hast gone into sin; I am able to save thee to the uttermost." And there is no one on earth can go beyond God's "uttermost."
Now another text: "Him that cometh to me, [mark the promises are nearly always to the coming ones] I will in no wise cast out." Every man that comes shall find the door of Christ's house opened—and the door of his heart too. Every man that comes—I say it in the broadest sense—shall find that Christ has mercy for him. The greatest absurdity in the world is to want to have a wider gospel than that recorded in Scripture. I preach that every man who believes shall be saved—that every man who comes shall find mercy. People ask me, "But suppose a man should come who was not chosen, would he be saved?" You go and suppose nonsense and I am not going to give you an answer. If a man is not chosen he will never come. When he does come it is a sure proof that he was chosen. Says one, "Suppose any one should go to Christ who had not been called of the Spirit." Stop, my brother, that is a supposition thou hast no right to make, for such a thing cannot happen; you only say it to entangle me, and you will not do that just yet. I say every man who comes to Christ shall be saved. I can say that as a Calvinist, or as a hyper-Calvinist, as plainly as you can say it. I have no narrower gospel than you have; only my gospel is on a solid foundation, whereas yours is built upon nothing but sand and rottenness. "Every man that cometh shall be saved, for no man cometh to me except the Father draw him." "But," says one, "suppose all the world should come, would Christ receive them?" Certainly, if all came; but then they won't come. I tell you all that come—aye, if they were as bad as devils, Christ would receive them; if they had all sin and filthiness running into their hearts as into a common sewer for the whole world, Christ would receive them. Another says, "I want to know about the rest of the people. May I go out and tell them—Jesus Christ died for every one of you? May I say—there is righteousness for everyone of you, there is life for every one of you?" No; you may not. You may say—there is life for every man that comes. But if you say there is life for one of those that do not believe, you utter a dangerous lie. If you tell them Jesus Christ was punished for their sins, and yet they will be lost, you tell a wilful falsehood. To think that God could punish Christ and then punish them—I wonder at your daring to have the impudence to say so! A good man was once preaching that there were harps and crowns in heaven for all his congregation; and then he wound up in a most solemn manner: "My dear friends, there are many for whom these things are prepared who will not get there." In fact, he made such a pitiful tale, as indeed he might do; but I tell you who he ought to have wept for—he ought to have wept for the angels of heaven and all the saints, because that would spoil heaven thoroughly. You know when you meet at Christmas, if you have lost your brother David and his seat is empty, you say: "Well, we always enjoyed Christmas, but there is a drawback to it now—poor David is dead and buried!" Think of the angels saying: "Ah! this is a beautiful heaven, but we don't like to see all those crowns up there with cobwebs on; we cannot endure that uninhabited street: we cannot behold yon empty thrones." And then, poor souls, they might begin talking to one another, and say, "we are none of us safe here for the promise was—"I give unto my sheep eternal life," and there is a lot of them in hell that God gave eternal life to; there is a number that Christ shed his blood for burning in the pit, and if they may be sent there, so may we. If we cannot trust one promise we cannot another." So heaven would lose its foundation, and fall. Away with your nonsensical gospel! God gives us a safe and solid one, built on covenant doings and covenant relationship, on eternal purposes and sure fulfillments.

IV. This brings us to the fourth point, THAT BY NATURE NO MAN WILL COME TO CHRIST,
for the text says, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." I assert on Scripture authority from my text, that ye will not come unto Christ, that ye might have life. I tell you, I might preach to you for ever, I might borrow the eloquence of Demosthenes or of Cicero, but ye will not come unto Christ. I might beg of you on my knees, with tears in my eyes, and show you the horrors of hell and the joys of heaven, the sufficiency of Christ, and your own lost condition, but you would none of you come unto Christ of yourselves unless the Spirit that rested on Christ should draw you. It is true of all men in their natural condition that they will not come unto Christ. But, methinks I hear another of these babblers asking a question: "But could they not come if they liked?" My friend, I will reply to thee another time. That is not the question this morning. I am talking about whether they will, not whether they can. You will notice whenever you talk about free-will, the poor Arminian, in two seconds begins to talk about power, and he mixes up two subjects that should be kept apart. We will not take two subjects at once; we decline fighting two at the same time, if you please. Another day we will preach from this text—"No man can come except the Father draw him." But it is only the will we are talking of now; and it is certain that men will not come unto Christ, that they might have life. We might prove this from many texts of Scripture, but we will take one parable. You remember the parable where a certain king had a feast for his son, and bade a great number to come; the oxen and fatlings were killed, and he sent his messengers bidding many to the supper. Did they go to the feast? Ah, no; but they all, with one accord, began to make excuse. One said he had married a wife, and therefore he could not come, whereas he might have brought her with him. Another had bought a yoke of oxen, and went to prove them; but the feast was in the night-time, and he could not prove his oxen in the dark. Another had bought a piece of land, and wanted to see it; but I should not think he went to see it with a lantern. So they all made excuses and would not come. Well the king was determined to have the feast; so he said, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and" invite them—stop! not invite—"compel them to come in;" for even the ragged fellows in the hedges would never have come unless they were compelled. Take another parable:—A certain man had a vineyard; at the appointed season he sent one of his servants for his rent. What did they do to him? They beat that servant. He sent another; and they stoned him. He sent another and they killed him. And, at last, he said, "I will send them my son, they will reverence him." But what did they do? They said, "This is the heir, let us kill him, and cast him out of the vineyard." So they did. It is the same with all men by nature. The Son of God came, yet men rejected him. "Ye will not come to me that ye might have life." It would take too much time to mention any more Scripture proofs. We will, however, refer to the great doctrine of the fall. Any one who believes that man's will is entirely free, and that he can be saved by it, does not believe the fall. As I sometimes tell you, few preachers of religion do believe thoroughly the doctrine of the fall, or else they think that when Adam fell down he broke his little finger, and did not break his neck and ruin his race. Why, beloved, the fall broke man up entirely. It did not leave one power unimpaired; they were all shattered, and debased, and tarnished; like some mighty temple, the pillars might be there, the shaft, and the column, and the pilaster might be there; but they were all broken, though some of them retain their form and position. The conscience of man sometimes retains much of its tenderness—still it has fallen. The will, too, is not exempt. What though it is "the Lord Mayor of Mansoul," as Bunyan calls it?—the Lord Mayor goes wrong. The Lord Will-be-will was continually doing wrong. Your fallen nature was put out of order; your will, amongst other things, has clean gone astray from God. But I tell you what will be the best proof of that; it is the great fact that you never did meet a Christian in your life who ever said he came to Christ without Christ coming to him. You have heard a great many Arminian sermons, I dare say; but you never heard an Arminian prayer—for the saints in prayer appear as one in word, and deed and mind. An Arminian on his knees would pray desperately like a Calvinist. He cannot pray about free-will: there is no room for it. Fancy him praying, "Lord, I thank thee I am not like those poor presumptuous Calvinists. Lord, I was born with a glorious free-will; I was born with power by which I can turn to thee of myself; I have improved my grace. If everybody had done the same with their grace that I have, they might all have been saved. Lord, I know thou dost not make us willing if we are not willing ourselves. Thou givest grace to everybody; some do not improve it, but I do. There are many that will go to hell as much bought with the blood of Christ as I was; they had as much of the Holy Ghost given to them; they had as good a chance, and were as much blessed as I am. It was not thy grace that made us to differ; I know it did a great deal, still I turned the point; I made use of what was given me, and others did not—that is the difference between me and them." That is a prayer for the devil, for nobody else would offer such a prayer as that. Ah! when they are preaching and talking very slowly, there may be wrong doctrine; but when they come to pray, the true thing slips out; they cannot help it. If a man talks very slowly, he may speak in a fine manner; but when he comes to talk fast, the old brogue of his country, where he was born, slips out. I ask you again, did you ever meet a Christian man who said, "I came to Christ without the power of the Spirit?" If you ever did meet such a man, you need have no hesitation in saying, "My dear sir, I quite believe it—and I believe you went away again without the power of the Spirit, and that you know nothing about the matter, and are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Do I hear one Christian man saying, "I sought Jesus before he sought me; I went to the Spirit, and the Spirit did not come to me"? No, beloved; we are obliged, each one of us, to put our hands to our hearts and say—

"Grace taught my soul to pray,
And made my eyes to o'erflow;
'Twas grace that kept me to this day,
And will not let me go."

Is there one here—a solitary one—man or woman, young or old, who can say, "I sought God before he sought me?" No; even you who are a little Arminian, will sing—

"O yes! I do love Jesus—
Because he first loved me."

Then, one more question. Do we not find, even after we have come to Christ, our soul is not free, but is kept by Christ? Do we not find times, even now, when to will is not present with us? There is a law in our members, warring against the law of our minds. Now, if those who are spiritually alive feel that their will is contrary to God, what shall we say of the man who is "dead in trespasses and sins"? It would be a marvelous absurdity to put the two on a level; and it would be still more absurd to put the dead before the living. No; the text is true, experience has branded it into our hearts. "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."
Now, we must tell you the reasons why men will not come unto Christ. The first is, because no man by nature thinks he wants Christ. By nature man conceives that he does not need Christ; he thinks that he has a robe of righteousness of his own, that he is well-dressed, that he is not naked, that he needs not Christ's blood to wash him, that he is not black or crimson, and needs no grace to purify him. No man knows his need until God shows it to him; and until the Holy Spirit reveals the necessity of pardon, no man will seek pardon. I may preach Christ for ever, but unless you feel you want Christ you will never come to him. A doctor may have a good shop, but nobody will buy his medicines until he feels he wants them.
The next reason is, because men do not like Christ's way of saving them. One says, "I do not like it because he makes me holy; I cannot drink or swear if he saved me." Another says, "It requires me to be so precise and puritanical, and I like a little more license." Another does not like it because it is so humbling; he does not like it because the "gate of heaven" is not quite high enough for his head, and he does not like stooping. That is the chief reason ye will not come to Christ, because ye cannot get to him with your heads straight up in the air; for Christ makes you stoop when you come. Another does not like it to be grace from first to last. "Oh!" he says, "If I might have a little honor." But when he hears it is all Christ or no Christ, a whole Christ or no Christ, he says, "I shall not come," and turns on his heel and goes away. Ah! proud sinners, ye will not come unto Christ. Ah! ignorant sinners, ye will not come unto Christ, because ye know nothing of him. And that is the third reason.
Men do not know his worth, for if they did they would come unto him. Why did not sailors go to America before Columbus went? Because they did not believe there was an America. Columbus had faith, therefore he went. He who hath faith in Christ goes to him. But you don't know Jesus; many of you never saw his beauteous face; you never saw how applicable his blood is to a sinner, how great is his atonement; and how all-sufficient are his merits. Therefore, "ye will not come to him."
And oh! my hearers, my last thought is a solemn one. I have preached that ye will not come. But some will say, "it is their sin that they do not come." IT IS SO. You will not come, but then your will is a sinful will. Some think that we "sew pillows to all armholes" when we preach this doctrine, but we don't. We do not set this down as being part of man's original nature, but as belonging to his fallen nature. It is sin that has brought you into this condition that you will not come. If you had not fallen, you would come to Christ the moment he was preached to you; but you do not come because of your sinfulness and crime. People excuse themselves because they have bad hearts. That is the most flimsy excuse in the world. Do not robbery and thieving come from a bad heart? Suppose a thief should say to a judge, "I could not help it, I had a bad heart." What would the judge say? "You rascal! why, if your heart is bad, I'll make the sentence heavier, for you are a villain indeed. Your excuse is nothing." The Almighty shall "laugh at them, and shall have them in derision." We do not preach this doctrine to excuse you, but to humble you. The possession of a bad nature is my fault as well as my terrible calamity. It is a sin that will always be charged on men; when they will not come unto Christ it is sin that keeps them away. He who does not preach that, I fear is not faithful to God and his conscience. Go home, then, with this thought; "I am by nature so perverse that I will not come unto Christ, and that wicked perversity of my nature is my sin. I deserve to be sent to hell for it." And if the thought does not humble you, the Spirit using it, no other can. This morning I have not preached human nature up, but I have preached it down. God humble us all. Amen.

As a young Bible student, I'm bombarded with books, authors, preachers, and sermons. Even though with all these elements pressing down upon me, I find reading the old preachers to be the most helpful, encouraging, and challenging. I read this sermon the other night and thought I would share it.

Oh the Grace That Saves

2008-09-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

"I sometimes think I might have been in darkness and despair now, had it not been for the goodness of God in sending a snowstorm one Sunday morning, when I was going to a place of worship. When I could go no further, I turned down a court and came to a little Primitive Methodist Chapel. In that chapel there might be a dozen or fifteen people. The minister did not come that morning: snowed up, I suppose. A poor man, a shoemaker, a tailor, or something of that sort, went up into the pulpit to preach. He was obliged to stick to his text, for the simple reason that he had nothing else to say. The text was, 'Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.' He did not even pronounce the words rightly, but that did not matter.

"There was, I thought, a glimpse of hope for me in the text. He began thus: 'My dear friends, this is a very simple text indeed. It says, "Look." Now that does not take a deal of effort. It ain't lifting your foot or your finger; it is just "look." Well, a man need not go to college to learn to look. You may be the biggest fool, and yet you can look. A man need not be worth a thousand a year to look. Anyone can look; a child can look. But this is what the text says. Then it says, "Look unto Me." 'Ay,' said he, in broad Essex, 'many of ye are looking to yourselves. No use looking there. You'll never find comfort in yourselves.' Then the good man followed up his text in this way: 'Look unto Me: I am sweating great drops of blood. Look unto Me; I am hanging on the Cross. Look: I am dead and buried. Look unto Me; I rise again. Look unto Me; I ascend; I am sitting at the Father's right hand. O, look to Me! Look to Me!' When he had got about that length, and managed to spin out ten minutes, he was at the length of his tether.

"Then he looked at me under the gallery, and I daresay, with so few present, he knew me to be a stranger. He then said, 'Young man, you look very miserable.' Well, I did; but I had not been accustomed to have remarks made on my personal appearance from the pulpit before. However, it was a good blow struck. He continued: 'And you will always be miserable — miserable in life and miserable in death — if you do not obey my text. But if you obey now, this moment, you will be saved.'

"Then he shouted, as only a Primitive Methodist can, 'Young man, look to Jesus Christ.' There and then the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun; and I could have risen that moment and sung with the most enthusiastic of them of the Precious Blood of Christ."

C. H. Spurgeon, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, was born at Kelvedon, Essex, in 1834; converted Jan., 1850, at the age of 15, at Colchester; gave his first Gospel address at Faversham when he was 16, and for thirty years declared almost weekly, to audiences numbering five or six thousand, the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. He quietly passed from Mentone to Heaven, Sunday, January 31, 1892.

It is an encouragement to me and I pray it is for you as well. God bless!

My Progress

2008-09-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

"As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep: and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream." - John Bunyan, The Pilgrims Progress

The puritan John Bunyan wrote these words over 300 years ago and yet they still ring true. Not only in Bunyans story of the pilgrims trying to find their way but also my life. I can account for my life these past few months, and speak as though I'm one of those pilgrims walking through the wilderness. Unlike John, I haven't found that rest just yet. Starting Criswell, looking for a job, seeking God on the future, and maintaing my present has been a challenge beyond anything else I could have ever imagined.

God has been that mighty Hand in which I fall in to. I've trusted Him for my relationship with Melissa, my grades, ministry, etc. Even in times I don't feel as if He were there, I still trust.

Even though I'm not sleeping, I can relate with Bunyan in "dreaming a dream." This would be simply a day dream of some sort but nevertheless a dream. There has been many events in the past few months that God has used to break me. Some just being the death of my Nana, the death of a cousin, living back at home, a girl friend who cares, and friends that challenge me. These things have brought me to my knees, and even when fail God in His great mercy and grace loves me since! Aside all my sin and twistedness He still loves me. I've tried to work all these things out in my flesh, which of course is the wrong way to go about anything in the Christian life. Thus, God has been working to make me totally dependant on Him. I realize that God is working in my life and is preparing me for my future. I'm not sure what that is, but He does.

I'm not sure if I'll ever wake up from the dream but I'm alright with that. I'll just press on like "Christian" and wait until I reach the "Celestial City."

Please Pray

2008-08-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Mob violence in India's Orissa state continues to escalate, and reports coming from Gospel for Asia leaders in Orissa say that as many as 20 GFA-related churches were destroyed and hundreds of Christian families have been burned out of their homes. At least a dozen members of GFA-related churches have been murdered, but no one knows the overall death toll.

"The Christians in Orissa have fled for their lives into the forests," GFA President K.P. Yohannan said, "and some have been in hiding for three days without food or water.

"Several of our pastors are in the forest along with their church people, and one said that he could have escaped, but would rather die with his people than leave them."

Dr. Yohannan called the situation "unprecedented in his 30 years of ministry in South Asia."

"I have never seen persecution so bad in my life," Dr. Yohannan said, "and I have seen a lot of opposition to the Gospel over the years."

Orissa, the state where Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons were burned to death by anti-Christian militants in 1999, has a long history of opposition to the Gospel.

"Yet this past year, we have seen more people place their faith in Jesus Christ in Orissa than in any other Indian state," Dr. Yohannan noted. "So it is no surprise that opposition is increasing."

The latest reports coming in include a long list of specific attacks against pastors, missionaries and their followers—including Christians being hacked to death. One believer's body was cut into seven pieces.

"They are raping Christian girls—and some gang rapes are taking place," Dr. Yohannan said. "We are praying that the young women on our Bible college campus will remain safe. There are 250 students there, and 90 of them are girls. A handful of police officers are trying to protect them, and that is a blessing. But we have had people come on campus and attack students in the past, so I am asking for all Christians to pray for their protection."

The violence began after the Saturday night murder of Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, a top leader of the VHP (World Hindu Council) and an outspoken opponent of Christianity. He was killed in an attack by 20 men armed with guns and hand grenades. While the murderers are suspected of being Maoist rebels, the Hindu radicals seized on the killing as an excuse to incite violence against the area's Christian community.

"What is most disturbing," Dr. Yohannan said, "is that the radicals have not only incited this violence, but they are also orchestrating it. And the latest reports are that they are bringing in militants from Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and other states to carry out their evil plans."

Because the swami's goal was to stop the spread of Christianity, especially among tribal and lower-caste Indians, an attack on him last December incited a similar wave of violence—again targeting Christians.

"Between December 24 and January 15, some 730 Christian homes and more than 100 churches were destroyed," Dr. Yohannan recalled. "Several dozen Christian women were sexually assaulted, and more than 40 shops owned by Christians were looted."

"Most of the victims were Dalits, formerly known as Untouchables," he noted.

"Basically, what we are facing is genocide—ethnic cleansing—against Christians, and so far, no government has spoken out against it."

Dr. Yohannan asks that concerned people in the West call on their government officials—as well as those in India—to intervene in this disaster.*

"But most important is prayer," Dr. Yohannan emphasized. "Please pray that God will intervene in this situation, that His peace will descend on the people of Orissa, and that His message of love will fill the hearts of all of India's people.

Hard Enough Time Just Trying

2008-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mark 14:51-52 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

These verses have always troubled me. Now you may be reading this wondering "What is this kid about to start talking about?" Well let me explain. No this isn't some high exposition of text, cause frankly I'm pretty sure I'm breaking every rule of Hermeneutics. Let me start out...

I'm 19 years old and I've come to the realization that I don't know everything. Actually I found that out about 6 months ago but I pretended just to make myself feel better. But at this young age I've figured out that I'm never going to be a "Master of Divinity." My sinful nature wont allow me. Even though I strive and fight and kick and spit...I....I, just wont understand everything about God.

I can't wrap my mind around how God elects some people, and then at the same time is not willing any should perish but all to come to repentance. Even though most say that the greek word of "all" can be taken in two ways...individually meaning each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything...or collectively meaning some of all types. For me, I have my stance but I'm not going to divide a church over it.

How about this one. Is the NT church a model of how we are suppose to act in the body of Christ or is it the model of how we are suppose to meet in homes like the early church. Even though culture, and history influence the reading of the Bible. I don't take a stance on this one because, well...technically "I've had church" in a van in Calcutta India, on the beaches of Galveston, and on the front porch of my friends house.

I read this one today. Is man born a sinner? Or is he a sinner by the choices he makes after he is born?

Worship on Saturday or Sunday? Did the gifts of the Spirit die out? Is there such thing as a laughing revival? Is todays missions working? Do we send western missionaries or natives?

Now now, I'm not looking for answers. I say that because I'm not looking for a thesis on the doctrine of Orginal Sin or how speaking in tongues proves that you've been baptized in the Holy Ghost. All I'm saying is that...everytime I get into a decussion about these things I feel like the young man in the Mark passage. I'm following maybe for the right reason, or wrong just depends. But then when something grabs me, I flee. Not literally naked but you get the point. I get scared. It's not that I don't have an opinion or stance, it's that well I just have a hard enough time just trying to submit to my authorities with a pure heart. Or witness to someone who is lost and going to hell. I find it hard to pray sometimes. Now does this mean I'm just going to give up on finding answers, start watering down the Gospel, my view of Christ in light of His Word and His work to redeem men for the wrath to come? No! But now I'm going to find the answers with humility. Not looking for them with pride, just so I can prove my point. I'm going to make sure I have the linen cloth still over me. I know in God's time, He'll show me. I have faith for that.

.....Was I just naming and claiming that?

In Honor of...

2008-07-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

To my Nana, who is the strongest woman I know. Standing at about 4' foot nothing with flaming red hair, this woman could be heard from at least a mile away just with her laugh. She wasn't just your avg old woman. She always had something to say. Being raise and living in the south will do that to you. Her humor, love, care, and personality made up "Silly Philly." It seems like yesterday that I was helping her plant flowers, putting up bird houses, and laying stone in her yard, which she loved. Oh, and just yesterday it seems like we were in the mall buying luggage for my trip to India, and just yesterday my grandmother passed from this life into the arms of Jesus. Yes she will be missed, but praise God she is in a much better place then this world.

She is a beautiful woman. Inside and outside. I will miss her coming over just to say hi. I will miss the stories of her. I will miss her smile. It just wont be the same without her.

You see, I'm sorry there are so few words but if you knew her, you would agree with me in saying that there is no way you can describe someone like her. No word explains or even comes close to touching the surface of my Nana.

That cancer the doctor said she had, didn't kill her. The fluid on her lungs, that didn't either. The infection in her body didn't phase her one bit. It just seemed right to God to take her out of this world for Himself. None of that stuff whatsoever could have held her down anyway.

I thank her for everything she was done. She is an example to me to keep on fighting. I love you, and I will miss you.

Phyllis Powell
April 15, 1946 - July 29, 2008

Great Stories of Christians

2008-07-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

There are many stories in the Christian world that just make you sit back and marvel at the work of God. I want to share a few stories with you and every Christian I believe needs to know by heart.

Here is a Story About Charles Spurgeon.

In 1857, a day or two before preaching at the Crystal Palace, I went to decide where the platform should be fixed; and, in order to test the acoustic properties of the building, cried in a loud voice, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." In one of the galleries, a workman, who knew nothing of what was being done, heard the words, and they came like a message from heaven to his soul. He was smitten with conviction on account of sin, put down his tools, went home, and there, after a season of spiritual struggling, found peace and life by beholding the Lamb of God. Years after, he told this story to one who visited him on his death-bed.

A Missionary Story

In September of 1955, Nate Saint Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming and Roger Youderian found a Huaorani settlement while searching by air. In order to reach the remote tribe, Saint and the team lowered gifts, including machetes and clothing, to the Huaorani in a bucket tied to the plane. The Huaorani were a widely feared tribe, because of their chronic fear and anger. They tended to attack and kill any outsiders without provocation. Nevertheless, the tribe displayed excitement on receiving the gifts, and soon gave back gifts of their own. After three months of successful air contact, the missionaries decided to attempt to meet the people on the ground, and on January 3, 1956, they set up camp four miles from the Auca settlement, using a portion of the beach as a landing strip. Their initial personal contact with the Huaorani started out encouraging; however, on Sunday, January 8, 1956 the entire team was killed on the beach when armed Huaorani met them.

John Wesley

No church in England would allow John Wesley to preach. So he decide to open air preach. After seeing the results he never again hesitated to preach in any place where an assembly could be gotten together, more than once using his father's tombstone at Epworth as a pulpit. He continued for fifty years — entering churches when he was invited, and taking his stand in the fields, in halls, cottages, and chapels, when the churches would not receive him

The Two Moravian Missionaries

Two young Moravians heard of an island in the West Indies, where an atheist British owner had 2,000 to 3,000 slaves. And the owner had said, “No preacher, no clergyman will ever stay on this island. If he’s shipwrecked,we’ll keep him in a separate house until he has to leave but he’s never gonna talk to any of us about God. I’m through with all that nonsense.”Three thousand slaves from the jungles of Africa brought to an island in the Atlantic and there to live and die without hearing of Christ. Two young Moravians heard about it. They sold themselves to the British planter then used the money they received from the sale, for he paid no more than he would for any slave, to pay their passage out to his island for he wouldn’t even transport them.And as the ship left the …river at Hamburg ...left its pier at the river at Hamburg and was going out to the North Sea, carried with the tide. The Moravians had come from Herrnhut to see these two lads off, in their early twenties, never to return again. For this wasn’t a four-year term, they’d sold themselves into lifetime of slavery. Simply that as slaves they could be as Christians for these others were.The families were there weeping for they knew they’d never see them again. And they wondered why they’re going and questioned the wisdom of it. And as the gap widened and the houses had been cast off and were being curled up there on the pier. And the young boys saw the widening gap, one lad, with his arm linked through the arm of his fellow, raised his hand and shouted across the gap the last words that were heard from them. They were these: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering” And this became the call of Moravian missions. And this is the only reason for being, that the Lamb that was slain may receive the reward of His suffering.

The Last Story...

267 years ago on July 8, 1741 Jonathan Edwards preach one of the most famous sermons of all times. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. The rest is history.

Here are just a few stories that have impacted me. Let me know about a few stories that challenge you!

Oh the Law Which Shows It's Might

2008-06-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well God has been faithful in answering my prayers! I've been praying each week that God would allow me to witness to someone. I want to share with you one witnessing experence.

I was sitting here on Monday messing around on my laptop when I felt a sudden desire to go outside. I don't know why but if it was God urging me to go forth I didn't wanna grieve the Spirit. So off I went....

I sat on the front steps praying "Lord bring someone." I prayed that then went inside to grab a "What If" tract, and as soon as I came out, 2 guys were walking down the street. I knew God heard my prayer, ordained this time, and so I knew I had to witness. The 2 guys came walking by the house so I met them before they passed.

mc: can I ask you a few questions, it's for a class?
guy1: ummm, I guess....
mc: okay, well who were the first the presidents of the USA?
guy1: Washington, Adams, Jefferson....
mc: you know, you'd be shocked at how many Americans do know that.(keep in mind that this guy had a darker skin tone, and middle eastern accent)
mc: okay next question...when was the Declaration of Independence signed?
guy2: July 4, 1777...dang i mean 1776.
mc: sweet..okay next question...how many types of beer can you name.
guy2: oh, a lot!
mc: oh really...start naming them.
guy2: bud, bud light, miller, etc...(he names about 15)
mc: oh okay wow...do you drink?
guy2: no, my dad's a drunkerd
mc: okay okay no big deal, okay last question. how many 10 commandments can you name?
guy1 and guy2: ummm...hummm.....well
guy1: dont lie, dont steal..(guy2...ummmm) oh what is that other one...dont cheat.(?)
mc: okay, that's pretty good..well have you kept them?
guy1 and guy2: haha...no

this was a great lead! God opened up the door to very clearly use the Law to show sin

then...

mc: well hey, I'm a Christian, and I just wanna talk for a little bit if you dont mind. Do you believe in God?
guy2: yeah...I believe
mc: how about you?
guy1: well I'm an atheist.
mc: okay! well that's cool...where are you from?
guy1: Pakistan
mc: oh okay, so you were probably raised Muslim?
guy1:.......yeah
mc: so what made you decide to become atheist?
guy1: well because why would I believe in a god that would make me fast for a month, pray 5 times a day, and do all this s*** to please him?

oh what a door God opened up!!! Guy1 was still relating everything back to Islam.

mc: makes sense...you're right. You know what Christianity says about that?
guy1: not really.
mc: You can't do anything. It is free! God became Man, and died for your sin. The Law that you have broken is for us to see our sin. It also shows us that we need a Savior! 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was crushed. The full wrath of God was poured out on Him. The same wrath that will be poured out on all who reject Him. Christ bore the weight of sin and died. 3 days later He rose again from the dead and now sits at the Right Hand of God waiting to judge. God now commands you to repent and put your faith in Christ. Repent means to turn away from your sin! God will put a new desire for you to know Him, and a desire to hate sin. That is what God did. If you dont repent, God will find you guilty and cast you in hell.

guy1 and guy2 thought for a little bit and didn't say much.

mc: from the Fall. the Fall meaning when man fell into sin, we are born dead in sin. Depraved, and God-hating. We love our sin, and would do nothing else but sin. Therefore God is totally justified by sending all of us to hell or our sin and rebellion. BUT..He provided A Way through Christ's blood.

both of their heads were down at this time

mc: do you think that lying is bad?
both: yes
mc: how about stealing?
both: ........yes
mc: how do you know that? where did you get that moral law?
guy2:....it had to have come from God.
mc: that's right. God gave you a conscience. you know right and wrong. God did that. this just proves that you need a Savior.

mc: you see that tree over there? that proves that there is something Bigger out there.

both of them agreed

mc: now which religion is right? you have Islam which tells you believe in allah and work your way. or Hinduism..just pick one of the 330 million gods. or Christianity which says that God did everything for you just repent and believe in Him and He will put a desire in you, He will grow you. God does it!

after that I shook their hands and told them I'd be praying for them. Oh I gave them the one tract that I had on me. the "What If" tract....

Please pray for "Ray" and "Sean"

Stone to Flesh

2008-06-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was once Your enemy as I stood before the Law.
Damned to condemnation due to the effect of the Fall.

Rebel, God hater, all burning within
lover of pleasure was the weight of my sin.

My heart so black so wicked unclean
Your wrath poured out was what I should glean

As coming Day in which You should judge
knowing that I would be bound in the Grudge

But by Your grace have I been saved
and by Your blood I am no longer a slave

The work You did to change my heart
from stone to flesh a work of art

The faith You gave the repentance You granted
is something that I could have never chanted

For that wrath oh in which you took
so that my name could be found in that Book

And to You who died and rose again
My love is due until the end.

Goin' Back to the Roots: Faith in Christ and the Repentance of Sin

2008-06-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

I've learned a lot since I first started to share my faith about 2 years ago. Things to say, things not to say. Having a street-side debate on creation and the big bang theory with a drunk 25 year old woman. (By God's grace, He sobered her up to hear the Gospel) Long talks about the antichirst, end times, and all the problems with America. (Which actually all can be turned back to the Gospel) Getting the cops called on you and them threating to arrest us. (Which lead to me getting pulled over for the first time and the cops saying they were sorry they made the threat)

I could go on with times I've talked to people. I honestly think that every Christian should do that. I've learned so much about people, and how they act just by handing them a tract or just sparking a convo about God. I don't feel as if Christians need a "Sudden Passion" or "Divine Calling" to talk about the Gospel...I think we should be able to talk about Jesus..the One that saved us. As Mark Cahill said "We GET to share the Good News!" I know for me, it was hard to start a convo, but in the end I'm glad God gave me the words to speak. As I've heard over and over again..."just open your mouth."

There is no way I can boast in myself about the times I've witness or the talks I've had with people because I didn't do anything except for open my mouth. God has promised us that He would speak through us. I just want to encourage you and myself with the truths that God has in His Word about salvation and some keys to witnessing. I don't claim to know a lot about witnessing but I do know Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1Co 2:2)

Faith in Christ:
Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Mar 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Rom 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

These are real verses! As Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Which means....we must witness. If people are saved by faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word, we must proclaim the Word so people can receive that faith and put it in Christ. I use to down play faith. I didn't express it while I was witness, but after reading the NT, I've come to find out that everything done in the Christian life has to be done by faith. Meaning that the faith in Christ that we have in very important, and we must share with people that faith in Christ is important.

Repentance of Sin:
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Mar 6:12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
Act 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
Rev 16:9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

The other thing needed to be expressed in witnessing is the need of repentance of sin. Even in my Christian life, I've learned that repentance is key. Some people may take this to be the whole "turn or burn" style of preaching or witnessing. Which, in fact, with an honest heart...yes that is what it is. I may not say it, but I sure do mean it. I do preach it with grace though. Not trying to be harsh, even though it may come across that way. But the need is there. Repent of sin. Turn from it and live. This came to life for me as I was saved. All I knew was sin and evil. But God allows me to turn from my sin and believe the Gospel. I didn't have to sin anymore! I didn't have to go to Hell! God commands us to repent from sin and put our faith in Christ.

Goin' Back to the Roots: Thoughts of the Weekend

2008-05-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend, let me tell you was great! Spending time with mom and dad, swimming with Amanda, listening to Kenneth preach what I thought was a great sermon, hanging out with Melissa's family, and of course spending time with her as well! I honestly can't wait to be back in Mabank and be around the lake. My desire to be back down there was sparked by something Kenneth said. I'm going to parapharse it, but here we go. In his sermon, he was speaking about Paul in Acts 21 and 22. He mentioned that Paul lived among these people, they knew his old life. But as he gave his defense, Paul made it very clear that he was a changed man.

Kenneth brought up a good point being that for so of us, we live among the same people who knew us in our old lives. Who all they ever knew was the old man. But now since we are saved, we need to live a totally new life. A life in Christ!

For me, I lived among the people of Mabank. People knew me as I once was (you can ask Melissa) but by God's mercy and grace, He saved me! He saved me...

Now, just as Paul, I can make my defense and say that God has worked through my life and change who I am. God did it, not me.

Tonight, many Mabank High School students just graduated. Some know where they are going, some don't. Others don't care, and others..well are just glad they made it this far. I remember that. I knew what I was suppose to do. God told me. I was called to live like Christ and tell people about Him. This is what I'm still called to do. He has provided me with a wonderful family. An encouraging best friend Melissa. A supportive church family, and most of all I have the Holy Spirit. He does all things well!

As I was driving home yesterday from Melissa's house, I crossed a bridge. It's a good size bridge in length. As I drove, I watched the sun fall behind the trees and rays of light peered upon the open face of the lake. I missed that so much. But then I realized that only about 5 miles down the road lies one of the darkness places on the lake. People who don't know Jesus. The "unchurched people". But watching the sun fall, God gave me hope that He is in control of all things. He is in control of all the ones who graduated, the drug addicts, unsaved church-goer, and everyone else around the lake. He put on my heart to pray for revival around the lake. Going back to the roots of Truth, and telling people about the Risen Christ!

As I heard this weekend, open your mouth and let people know about Christ. The Christ of the Bible.

Old Paths Combined With New Roads Make Up My Life

2008-05-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here...alone...in the dark...without any noise, well except for the washer and dryer. But anyway, soooo I've been thinking about some things.

As some of you may know, I've been going through some struggles these past couple of months. I've had some questions, issues, and etc come up in my life and it really brought me down in my faith. But as God's word says, He causes us to walk in His ways, He came and started working, and revealing sin in my life. As God being the loving One He is, He allowed me to repent. But here are some things that have help me grow closer to Him.

Mat 5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Mat 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Mat 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mat 5:13 "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.
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 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.
Mat 5:16 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.

Here are some passages that have helped me out along the way. Also some other things the Lord has used to help me.

God has once again used the book One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill. Along with Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper.

Getting hammered by Paul Washer.

God has also showed me the need to be urgent in my prayers and have faith that in all things He will be glorified!

Knowing that I have the Holy Spirit indwelling. That is all the power I need to walk in this world.

Picking up my old study Bible. The first Bible I actually read after I was born again.

Reading the Way of the Master website.

Praying for the mission field and believing that God will make His name great among the nations.

Something struck me as I was looking at myself and wondering why I felt so dry and weak over the past couple of months. I was trying to think up new ways to serve and worship God. I'm not going to go into detail but in a sense, the things were not me. I know I have grown so much in love and grace but I missed so much about thinking about things that really didn't matter. Trying to look for the things that would work for "me and my personal walk" with Him and not really looking into the Word to find out.

"Even though we may think something might work, we should do what is right, even if it works or not."
- Paul Washer

For me...that is so true. I was trying to find things that worked instead of doing what is right. Right being to repent, forsake sin, love others, and live like Christ. I wanted to love others, and be like Christ. But I couldn't do it unless I repented.

So my point is this, I've learned so much about love and grace. Becoming more mature as a young man, but I forget that I must be like Christ and hate sin. In a sense I'm reverting back to who I was, but in a totally difference sense, I'm becoming more and more like Christ. Amen!

Random Words That Help Clear My Mind

2008-05-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Oh you, why don't you long?
Do you not see the Hope within? That burning flame that point towards...

Can you not bear the pain inside, or live to see the Love that died?
It seems to me that you don't care, oh sweet is the shame that forever tears.

Your life so, let's just say...wasted in your pride and lies. You claim the Name but don't know why.

Well I can say is you're

Lost...

...in what you may ask? In that drink maybe sitting in your glass? Or how about the money you make, that seems to block your mind one frame at a time? Even better, the lies that spill from your mouth, turning the truth into doubt, false into real things that can never come about. Have you taken anything from your friend, mother, daddy? How about looking upon a guy, or girl which ever one you like, just so you could spend some "time" alone in the night? The only thing I can say is that you just don't know the....

Truth, that was, is, forever, Truth, always there, unchanging, Truth.

From grace He came to pay the ransom that no one else can exchange. He is the only One that can be proclaimed to be King over all. He suffered, died, but oh wait there is more, Him rose from the dead so man could live, live forever and not die anymore.

Believe, and turn away from the things I named. The shame, pain, and things will remain until you place your faith in the One who will never change. He is the only One, no one else. He is the name above all names!

Jesus Christ...

Why Does Such a World Exist, and Where is God?

2008-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the cyclones, earthquakes, terrorism, and evil in this world I thought I would post these words from John Piper.

you can find the sermon called Where is God at
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2005/223_Where_Is_God

I think he does a great job of explaining this issue.

Why Does Such a World Exist?
So we ask: Why, Lord? Why is the world you made like this? If you are God—if you are the Christ the Son of the living God—why is this world so full of terror and trouble?

Here is what I believe the Bible teaches in answer to this question. I will give two answers that are not the reason such a world exists, and then four answers that are the reasons such world exists. I deal with each very briefly and point you to the Scriptures where you can search God’s word for yourself.

1. The reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is not because God is not in total control.

The Bible is overwhelmingly clear that God governs everything in the universe from the smallest bird to the largest storm. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matthew 10:29). “Even winds and sea obey him” (Matthew 8:27). “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33). “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?” (Lamentations 3:37). “Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it?” (Amos 3:6). “He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him” (Mark 1:27). “I am God, and there is none like me . . . saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

There is no person or being in the universe that can thwart the sovereign will of God. Satan is his most powerful enemy and does much evil in the world, but he must first get God’s permission, and none of his actions is outside God’s governance. He never breaks free from his leash (Luke 22:31; Job 2:6-7; 42:11).

2. The reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is not because God is evil or unjust.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). “Good and upright is the Lord” (Psalm 25:8) The angels cry before God day and night, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). And when he does things that seem evil to us, the Bible teaches us to speak to man like this: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). God is not evil, even when he wills that evil come to pass. There are good and holy and just purposes in all he does. For those who love him he “works all things together for good” (Romans 8:28). Now and forever.

Now the four positive reasons why this world exists.

1.The reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is because God planned the history of redemption and then permitted sin to enter the world through our first parents, Adam and Eve.
In 2 Timothy 1:9 the apostle Paul said, “[God] saved us and called us toa holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” In other words, before there was any world or any sin in the world, God planned saving grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That means that God knew Adam would sin. He was already planning how he would save us.

Therefore Adam’s sin was part of God’s plan so that God could reveal his mercy and grace and justice and wrath and patience and wisdom in ways that could have never been revealed, if there were no sin and no Savior and no history of salvation. God’s aim for this fallen world is that he be known more fully, because knowing God most fully is what it means for us to be most fully loved. If you turn to Christ, you will discover in God more wonders in this fallen world than could be imagined in any other world.

2.The reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is because God subjected the natural world to futility. That is, God put the natural world under a curse so that the physical horrors we see around us in diseases and calamities would become a vivid picture of how horrible sin is. In other words, natural evil is a signpost pointing to the horrors of moral evil.

Before I say another word, hear this word of clarification: some of the sweetest, most humble, godly, Christ-exalting, heaven-bound people carry some of those signs. Listen to Romans 8:18-21:

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

In other words, God subjected the creation to futility and bondage to decay and misery and death. He disordered the natural world because of the disorder of the moral and spiritual world—that is because of sin. In our present condition blinded by sin and dishonoring God every day, we cannot see how repugnant sin is. Hardly anyone in the world feels the horror that our sin is. Physical pain we feel! And so it becomes God’s trumpet blast to tell us that something is dreadfully wrong in the world. Diseases and deformities are God’s portraits of what sin is like in the spiritual realm. That is true even though some of the most godly people bear those deformities. Calamities are God’s previews of what sin deserves and will one day receive in judgment a thousand times worse. They are warnings. And that is true even when they sweep away Christ-followers and Christ-rejectors.

Oh, that we could all see and feel how repugnant, how offensive, how abominable it is to blackball our Maker, to ignore him and distrust him and demean him and give him less attention in our hearts than we do the carpet on our living room floor. We must see this, or we will not turn to Christ for salvation from sin. Therefore, God mercifully shouts to us in our sicknesses and pain and calamities: Wake up! Sin is like this! Sin leads to things like this. (See Revelation 9:20; 16:9, 11.) The natural world is shot through with horrors to wake us from the dreamworld of thinking sin is no big deal. It is a horrifically big deal.

3. The reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is so that followers of Christ can experience and display that no pleasure and no treasure compares to knowing Christ. That is, the loss of every good thing in this world is meant to reveal that Christ himself more than compensates for all losses.

We see it in the New Testament and the Old Testament. The apostle Paul says, “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” (Philippians 3:8). The superior worth of Christ is magnified because in all Paul’s losses, he experiences Christ as all-satisfying.

The prophet Habakkuk said it with amazing and painful beauty:

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Famines, pestilence, persecution—these happen so that the world might see in the followers of Jesus and discover for themselves that God made us for himself and that he is our “exceeding joy” (Psalm 43:4) and at his right hand are pleasures for every more (Psalm 16:11). The losses of life are meant to wean us off the poisonous pleasures of the world and lure us to Christ our everlasting joy.

4. Finally, the reason this terrorized and troubled world exists is to make a place for Jesus Christ the Son of God to suffer and die for our sins. The reason there is terror is so that Christ would be terrorized. The reason there is trouble is so that Christ could be troubled. The reason there is pain is so that Christ could feel pain. This is the world God prepared for the suffering and death of his Son. This is the world where God made the best display of his love in the suffering of his Son.

Romans 5:8, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” All his suffering was the plan of God to reveal redeeming love to us. The sovereignty of God, the evil of the world, and the love of God meet at the cross of Christ. Listen to this amazing statement from Acts 4:27-28 about God’s plan for the suffering of his Son—for you! “Truly in this city [Jerusalem] there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” All the scheming, all the flogging, all the spitting, all the beating with rods, all the mockery, all the abandonment by his friends, all the thorns in his head, all the nails in his hands and feet, the sword in his side, weight of the sins of the world—all of it according to God’s plan. For you to see God’s love more graphically.

God’s deepest answer to terrorism and calamity is the suffering and death of his Son. He entered into our fallen world of sin and misery and death. He bore in himself the cause of it all—sin. And he bought by his death the cure for it all—forgiveness and everlasting joy in the age to come.

On his behalf I invite—I urge—you to receive him as your Savior and Lord and the supreme Treasure of your life.

Jaya Deva Narahari!

2008-05-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Jaya Dev

Sanskrit words by Brahmabandhab Upadhyay
Music by Chris Hale and Peter Hicks

Upachita-chirachin-mukurita pratibimbita
You, who are the blossoming of abundant, eternal knowledge, the reflected one
Brahma-paraatpara-roopa
Form of the infinite, highest of the high

Kanaka-kumaari-baalaka bhava-chaalaka
You, who are the child of the golden virgin, yet ruler of the universe

Nirguna-gunaabhiraama, Nirguna-gunaabhiraama
Full of delightful qualities yet beyond comprehension

Jaya Deva, Jaya Deva, Narahari, Narahari
Victory to God, Victory to God, the man-God

Pandita-mandala-mandana bhaya-khandana
You, who are the radiant gem in the assembly of the pandits, destroying fear

Dandita-bhandana-bhoota
With a rod of rebuke, driving out the evil spirit

Aadhi-vyaadhi-vitaadana para-sevana
You, who dispel cares and destroy diseases, serving others,

Paavana-lilaa-khela, paavana-lilaa-khela, paavana-lilaa-khela
All your works shining with holiness

Vinivedita-nija-vedana bali-jeewana
You, who have offered yourself to suffer agony and dishonor,
the sacrifice of your life

Krita-kilbisha-visha-naasha
Destroying the poison of evil within

Lalita-dayita-hrid-ranjana nayana-anjana
Desired one, beloved, delight of the heart, soothing ointment for straining eyes

Sudalita kaala-karaala, kaala-karaala, kaala-karaala
Victorious crusher of fierce death!

Narahari was introduced as a title for Christ by Brahmabandhab Upadhyay (1861-1907) in 1901. The title first appeared in a Sanskrit stotra by Upadhyay, where he describes how God reveals his love to us by becoming fully human while at the same time remaining independent and free of his creation. Upadhyay was always searching for words that sprung from the soil of India that could be used to describe various aspects of God's nature. Nara-hari means, "man-God." For more information on Upadhyay, read Julius Lipner's, "Brahmabandhab Upadhyay: The Life and Thought of a Revolutionary."

Now I know that you will look at this and wonder "What is he listening to?" Well, all I can say is that this music is beautiful (http://www.aradhnamusic.com/)

I've been praying that the Lord would bring me into a state of consist worship to Him. Not just the the mornings or evenings but all day everyday. Slowly, He has been doing this.

I put these lyrics up here to show, and make a point. My question is..What is worship? Is it music? Lyrics? Actions?

To a lot of Christians you mention worship and they automatically think "Worship Service." Is that what worship really is? Just a service? A one time thing we do for maybe 30 mins?

(Romans 12:1 NASB) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual service of worship.

(Romans 12:1 NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

My point here is to show that these two version of Romans 12:1 have to be the same. I'm not a student of greek but from what I can tell is that your "spiritual service of worship, and your "reasonable service" have to be the same. I think service and worship both come from the same greek root of latreuō.

but anyway....so worship is our service! It is an everyday thing! YEA!!!

I know that going over to India and to see a "worship service" was a blessing. But they lived it out everyday.

Well I was just thinking about this and thought it might encourage you to worship Narahari!

Looking At Things...From a Different Set of Eyes

2008-05-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by Elisabeth Kirkwood

God is slowly but surely making my heart soft. I'm really not the tough, manly man most people think I am. (or the lack there of). I was reading a while ago stories of missionaries and childern that without a doubt broke my heart. So I would like to share a few things that really effect me and stir my heart. Then top it off with a question. There things I'm listing really dont have to do anything with the question, but it may build up to it.

Hearing stories of kids walking into their schools and murdering their class mates.
Reading about a husband/wife losing their life long best friend.
Looking at pictures of childern laying on a sidewalk to die.
Knowing that most western Christian ministries fight each other.
Watching the "adopt a pet" ads on T.V. Yes really, no joke. God loves animals too!
Hearing stories about soldiers laying down their lives for...me and my freedom.
Pretty much any Christian martyr story.
Watching the rain fall on people walking in nice clothes.

These are just a few. There are more, but no need to name them. Now aside from adopt a pet ads, the one of western Christian ministries fighting each other really hurts me. I serve at a ministry and I happen to work in the area of getting events for us to serve at, to promote the ministry and work God is allowing us to do. I have to deal with other ministries telling us we can not put this or that material out, or we can not put child sponsorship packets on the table because they are the only ones that can do that. Or even better than that, ministries telling lies about other ministries. What a whole bunch of backstabbing people! It really upsets me to know that God has given us a duty to carry out the greatest honor on earth, namely preaching the gospel to the ends of the world, but ministries fight and lie just so they can get there way.

I'm reading the book Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper. He mentions in his book that the goal of missions is the gladness of peoples in the greatness of God. I fully believe that! That is the aim. We have the money, time, chance, to see millions saved but yet we have to make sure your doctrinal statement lines up, can't be to Charismatic or Reformed, make sure everything is pretty, "i's" dotted, make sure you have a back up plan just in case you can't fulfil the Great Commission, make sure that western Christians are the ones leading the teaching (cause remember western Christians know best). Now I know, someone is going to read this and get upset or mad at me and say that these things matter. To some manner of reason...maybe. How about this question...How will they hear? Not how can we reach them. Who is we? Usually when we say that, we is actually the westerns. I don't mean to sound harsh or judgmental, which I know some people will view it this way but let's grew up and glorify God. We punch and kick when millions of people are going to hell. Now I'm not saying native missions is the only way, and there is no place for western missionaries. I'm saying ministries need to open their spiritually blinded eyes and reach the world...as a Body. The Body of Christ. We are all an arm, leg, finger, let's do it together!

Now I understand that in Acts it talks about Paul and Barnabas parting from each other. Yes we all have a hang ups of different doctrines. It is a hard thing to work along side of a Calvinist when you don't believe you didn't have a choice, or a Charismatic guy when you really don't understand fully what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is. I get that. But, I highly doubt Paul told lies about Barnabas or didn't love him as a brother just because he wanted to take John Mark along on the trip.

Please read this carefully and think long and hard about it...

Think about a little girl. 12 years old, living in India. Beautiful brown skin, dark brown eyes. She has nice clothes and her daddy loves her. Her family is wealthy. She actually goes to school and is smart. She doesn't know Jesus. She is fed nice rice with chicken every day. She can sing very well. She plays with her friends at the time, because that is her favorite thing to do. She loves life....

Now...

Think about another little girl. 12 years old, living in India. Her skin is rough, and her eyes have dark rings under them. She has one shirt, and a skirt. Her daddy sells her body so he can buy drugs. She is a Dalit, or untouchable. She can't spell her name, and for the most part doesn't know it half the time. She doesn't know Jesus. She finds food that has been chewed by a dog. She has a beautiful voice. She has no friends. She doesn't have a clue about anything better.

now my question...how will they hear the Gospel?

You know what the shame is? That God has given us a chance to reach both of these little girls, but we fail, because we just can't get along. Both of these girls are lost and going to hell. It doesn't matter where they are, who they are, what they do. How will they hear about Jesus? I really don't care if you hold strong to the soverenigty of God, or even if you think the choice is up to man. That really doesn't matter. The Gospel has to go forth.

Think about those girls....what do they think? They don't know the truth. They don't know about missions and all the plans western Christians come up with. They don't know doctrine or theology.

Try looking out from their eyes....

Here are some good reads

Come, Let's Reach the World by K.P. Yohannan
Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper
Revolution is World Missions by K.P. Yohannan

To Be Missional or Not To Be Missional..That is the Question?

2008-04-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

What a day for writing...

So Missional.

Now as some of you know, I'm not big on names.

"I'm a Reformed, Missional, Charismatic, Evangelical, Baptist!"

but

........anyway, I just got through reading a book by Mark Driscoll called The Radical Reformission. Which talks about Missional living and how a Christian is not to seperate himself from the culture. Now this book was a kick in the butt, but good, if you can get over the crude humor in some parts. But aside from that it was good. The message of the book is something that every Christian needs to hear. Remember..we are in the world not of the world. There is a difference.

But this whole concept of being Missional has been on my mind a lot lately. Becoming a missionary to our own culture and people. That is true, but me like most American Christians forget the fact that.....Missionaries to lands overseas have to learn the culture, language, traditions, religions, and so much more to be effective. But most American Christians, don't know much about their next door neighbor. How about your culture? Do you know how your local government is run? How about where the best place to witness is?

Now of course we know where the sinners hang out, but do we dare go to them and save souls? I'm not saying we should go into bars and witness (it's pretty hard to witness to a guy who can't even say his name without spitting on you). But as Christians we have things to do, places to go right? How about Wal Mart? Can that be a mission field? Car Wash? School?

Now I'm not an expert on Missional Living (check with Buddy Holt, he knows) but it is something we are called to.

I don't know...these are just thoughts that I've had.

Aimless Thoughts that Never Seem to End, but Keep Coming as a Result of the Never Ending Cycle of Something Called Aimless Thoughts.

2008-04-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking....

That my head and heart is so clouded with information that I don't know how to process it all.

Is bible study and prayer the only thing a Christian suppose to do when they have free time?

I sure can't wait to be in Mabank.

Do 20-25 year old blogging Calvinist really wanna take over the world? - Mark Driscoll

Is there really that much joy in brokeness? If so, why doesn't someone preach it?

Why does God allow me to have a wonderful family. Not only mom and dad, but church.

Why did God allow me to fall in love with a beautiful Princess, when I feel so much like a Beast most of the time?

How can I truly love my brothers as myself when my brothers aren't like me at all?

Does fasting really play a huge part in your walk as people say it does?

I wondering if I should write a book about this?

Would living in a box make me more spiritual?

How about wearing 3 year old underwear with holes in the butt just so I could send more money to the mission field?

Is it wrong to want an amazing wife, beautiful kids, great home, cute dog, when I should hate my own life?

I really don't want to waste my life...thanks Piper, I love you!

Is bible college unbiblical?

Is street witnessing effective? One on one evangelizm? AHHH!!! Who cares, preach the Word!

How long before Jesus comes back? I sure hope He lets me get married and a job? haha

I love small town politics.

....so here are some thoughts that I have. Some of them I have answers to, and some I don't. Others are just things I've been thinking. Some are kinda odd sounding but I'm kinda an odd thinking person. Different ones sound kinda sarcastic...which..yeah I know that, but my point is this.....be like Jesus, and repent when you don't act like Him.

In a land..Not So Far Away

2008-04-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

In a land......not so far away, there is a group of people... and this group of people seem and act a little stranger then most people. These weird and odd little people don't enjoy the pleasures that most people enjoy. In fact, they flee from things such as R rated movies, MTV, and the alcohol section in Wal Mart. It seems that when they watch the daily news, they get upset and maybe a little depressed, tears may well up in their eyes and say to themselves

"There is Hope."

This odd bunch of folks don't send their kids off to some public teaching program,or associate much with people outside of the fold, and for this they viewed as a...
cult.

Most people call them judgmental, mean spirited, and sorrowful people but actually it is the total opposite.

They have
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
and most importantly self-control.

People outside of this group,
don't understand why these people
are the way.......
they are.

Something that makes these people stand out is that everyone loves each other just as they love themselves. No one gets upset if they don't get their way...though their flesh may rise up, they repent, ask for forgiveness and move on. Why?...cause love wins.

In this land they view each other as
brothers and sisters,
seeking to fulfill two main goals....

Love God..
and...
Love Others....

They enjoy building relationships with others. Growing close to each other in ways that people outside of the fold seem a little...hummm lets say..wrong?!?

But this one trademark sets them apart from everyone else...

...Christ..

Their love towards Him..devotion...honor....worship......praise! It seems like everytime they go out to the market they have to tell someone about Him. They meet in homes on weekdays just to talk about Him. They spend most of their time reading the Bible, or praying to Him for those who are outside of the group.

They love Him with their
heart,
mind,
soul...and then...everything else they offer to Him.

They meet on Sundays...sing to Him, learn about Him, read about Him, and then do things for Him. Not to wim His favor ...but to please Him because because they love Him.
and you know what....He loves them back. You wanna know why they truly, madly, deeply love Him?
...He first loved them...

They are pilgrims in a land that isn't really their home
and their True Land really isn't that far away................

The Difference between Darkness and Light

2008-04-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

I had a very interesting message on my facebook wall the other day. As most of you know, I’ve seen and got a picture taken by the Taj. Okay…ever American tourist who has been to see this work has a picture of them “pulling up” the Taj. But this message was not about me, but about my view on religion. As the message was something of the sort “Since you’re a Christian, it is disrespectful of you to stand in front of a heathen monument.” I prayed and the Lord led me to this….

“Well actually, it's because of my Christian views that I can fully respect the Muslim work such as the Taj, the story and the religion. My view on Religion makes no difference on how I look upon work like the Taj. To call such a thing heathen would limit and restrict my views on True Biblical Christianity and make me just like every other limited, narrow minded, and blind Western Christian that doesn't view work like this as a means of grace from the True God. This does not say I think Islam is right, by no means do I think that, what I am saying is that most Western Christians have the mind set of labeling and limiting God by not showing respect and calling things as such heathen and not allowing Christ to be represented to a lost and dying world. We have too many "christians" today pointing fingers at heathen things and NOT acting like Christ about it. In view of scripture is that Christian? Paul said "I'm all things to all people. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23." Same way with Hinduism, I respect their views and to be honest most Hindus are more spiritual then most Western "christians". In India I would not touch or try to move a cow, or step in the wrong spot on a boat because I paid my respects to their thought on religion and their god(s).This in fact sets apart those who are and those who think they are Christian. Their view on world religion and their own. These are not my words but it's Biblical. I'm not speaking about universalism, because scripture is clear that Christ is the only way, but I'm speaking about allowing Christ to pour out to cause men to repent and believe the Gospel of Christ. Acts speaks about that. Paul says it's not by His words that men are saved but he knowing Christ died and rose again that gives Him the ability to speak. No doubt Muslims, Hindus, Satanist, Atheists, are all going to hell unless they repent and believe, but actually we all are, doesn't matter how you label yourself and what name you fall under. It's not my job to stand and yell at everyone to "turn or burn" but it is to speak the Gospel with humility and grace the best way I can through the power of the Holy Spirit in hopes God will gives grace to those who will believe the Truth. The fact is, scripture says people will turn to their own ways (Isaiah 53:6) and I can not help that, and to call things heathen is the right way to look at things of this world and all the workings of Satan but doesn't allow me to place myself above them on this world in anyway because once I do that, it takes the grace and mercy away from the One who gave it in the first place. But because I'm saved, it allows me to have the righteousness of Christ that all men will need on Judgment Day. But if they do not repent and truth the Savior their eternity is literally Hell. In fact I'm called to love them with all my heart and pray they will be saved from the bondage of sin and the hand of Satan. Narrow is the path that leads to Life, not narrow-mindedness and someone’s limited view on humanity. I pray this explains why I love Muslims and caused me to want a picture with the Taj.”

I’ve been thinking about un saved people and their view of Christianity. I remember not wanting to be like them, or having a judgmental attitude about the world. I didn’t want to look down upon someone who wasn’t a Christian. But once God saved me, I didn’t have that thought of myself being better than anyone else. Actually I was once an enemy of the Cross as well. I have no reason to look down upon someone just because they are not a Christian…but…but but but….I must not neglect sound Biblical truth.

Regardless of Muslims, Hindus, Witches, Agnostic, or Evolutionist. We must proclaim the truth with humility and grace. Not going out of our way to offend or make ourselves look higher than others. Like I said in the email, the only thing that matters is that you have the Righteousness of Christ. For those in Him, you do. For those who aren’t, they need to repent and believe.

7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason it says,
Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you."
- Ephesians 5:7-14

Christ is Supreme

2008-03-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Romans 3:23-36

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Revelation 5:9-10

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."

Ephenians 1:4-14

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 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,so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 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, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Act 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Titus 3:3-7

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

I love Jesus, but most people will not....

Matthew 7:14

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

These are some verses the Lord is using in my life...God bless. Christ is worthy!

Something New

2008-03-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Diagram A

Diagram B

So my lovely best friend was really blessed by the Life Group that happened last night over at the Blacks. Melissa with her "new look" noted that everyone was talking about blogging a lot. She enjoyed hanging out but no one seemed to notice anything "different" about her....

Note Diagram B

She called me and we were talking about who would be the first to notice the "change"

1. Cherie
2. Dreama
3. Julie
4. Mike (Hopeful but not likely)

...but it seemed like no one noticed or paid attention....what gives guys. I'm disappionted in y'all.

There is a change between Diagram A to Diagram B.

If you notice the "transformation" give call her or leave a comment. It broke her heart...(not really) and made her not love you guys anymore (sorry i lied, I'm adding to make effect)

Website

2008-03-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hi there.

Robert and I started a website.

www.lovejesushatesin.com

I'm keeping the blog to be able to leave comments and read. I'm not leaving!

I'll also be posting thoughts on both pages.

Persecution

2008-03-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

"Those who try to catch the wind burn church buildings in Nigeria, but cannot burn what they cannot see. They weld doors shut in China, trying to keep Christians inside. They nail church doors shut in Indonesia, trying to keep Christians outside. They shooot Christians in Colorado in an act of hatred. Enemies of the gospel try to catch the wind using every kind of weapon to attack Christians - gasoline, welding torches, nails, bullets, or even the secular news media - but they can never succeed. God opens doors which no one can shut (Revelation 3:8). Let us ride His resurrection wind, graciouly lifting up our Savior. Just as He caught us, He will catch some of them!"
- Tom White, Director for The Voice of the Martyrs, excerpt from The Voice of the Martyrs: Pakistan His Stones Cry Out

Latly, I've been reading the book Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand, and the Lord is really showing me the reality of the intense persecution that goes on in many countries all around the world. I find it hard to accept someone slamming a door in my face, not to mention hanging upside down in a ice box until almost dead. The book shows how the Pastor went through extreme torture just because he would not stop preaching the Gospel. Throughout the first couple of chapters he points out that persecution is still happening, probably more than ever. The statement is still true "It didn't end in Rome".....

I've been asking myself a few questions...

1. Why isn't there intense persecution in America?
2. Is persecution going to come to America?
3. What produces persecution?
4. Who will last if persecution comes?

I think here is the answer...

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

*Why isn't there...not living like Christ
Is persecution comiing....if we live like Christ
What produces it.....living like Christ
Who will last......those who live like Christ.

We're not Gospel hardened, but Gospel ignorant! -Paul Washer

*just thoughts

This Brother

2008-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

This brother by Gods grace has had a huge impact on my life. I'm not by any means putting man before God. But I would just like to mention him and encourage you to listen to his sermons.

I was born again for about 2 months before I first heard of Paul Washer. Like many others the first sermon I heard was "The Shocking Youth Message" or as some call it "Modern American Christianity" and the Lord has used that to move me into a different mind set towards Christianity in America. The "radical" type. Or as he puts it the true Christianity. At first I couldn't listen to the sermon all the way through due to the fact that I felt he was speaking directly to me. That is my testimony, saying a prayer, asking Jesus to come into you heart and then you're set to go to Heaven. But after I was truly converted, I knew that there had to be something deeper than just "asking Jesus to come into your heart". Brother Washer explained that in that sermon, and the Lord has used it.

His name is not famous, unlike some preachers in America. Most Christians have not heard of him. Some Christians don't like him. But the more I look at websites, news articles, sermon forums, and Christians blogs I see his name come up. In my group of people I hang around, his name is top on our lists. The brothers and sisters I speak to, I encourage them to listen to his sermons. Not to make him famous, not to boast, but to challenge them with preaching and teaching with sound doctrine.

In the coming weeks I will be putting his sermon links on the blog.
for more information about his ministry go to www.heartcrymissionary.com

Are we not moved?

2008-02-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

This question came up last Wednesday. Sitting on the side of the road in a section of town where the houses aren't even 6 feet from each other, you would think that there would be people looking up at the lunar eclipse. It struck me funny that as I stood across the street I could see multiple TVs on. Now don't get the idea that I'm bashing TV or trying to be all super spiritual, but here is something that will not happen until 2010. I can understand that some people can't go outside, kids need to get in bed, and all the everynight events that have to happen, but how many times in your life do you see things like this happen? How come we are more entertained by hollywood and TV shows and not moved by the things of God? Or even if there not Christians, why wouldn't you come outside to see it? I don't know if it is just me, but i'm entertained by stars. I may have to much time on my hands but I truly love looking at stars. Gazing at a black sky, fulled with little drops of light makes me feel so small and helpless. Also, the sky is the only form of entertainment I have due to the fact I have no TV, DVD player, etc. But beside that point, I know I would be outside trying to find the moon.

Are we more moved by watching someone stuck on an island, someone make of fool of themselves, someone spin around a floor, someone walk across a stage, then watching the moon turn red? Once again, I'm not saying TV is bad, nor am I judging anyone for watching TV. Please don't get that idea because I know someone people will think I'm saying that I'm more spiritual than they are because I watch a stinkin lunar eclipse. No, I'm saying that we are more shocked and awed over some girl getting kicked off a TV show then watching God yes God Himself turn the sky into a spectacle.

Sorry, I had to vent.

Also I have to make a pitch:

If you haven't read Revolution in World Missions pick up a copy from Cornerstone Church or check out the website www.gfa.org

Another good one is The Road to Reality!

Inside the heart.....

2008-02-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sitting here at the office I can’t help but think about the events that we call “School Shooting” This is a touchy subject in regards on who you talk to about why it happens. I was just reading about the NIU shooting that happened just yesterday. The shooter was a young boy who was very good in his school work. Smart boy I guess you could say. It was a theory a couple of years ago that music effects the actions, which interned caused the Columbine Massacre. Okay I can give you that, but my reasoning and thought may come to an offence to you or even over biblical and super spiritual.

I’ve read articles in titled “Inside the minds of school shooters” and saw how the upbringings, music, school life, social life, video games, etc can affect the mind to make them go on a rampage. True…but my question is…where does that thought to kill come from?

Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Now here me out before you say “There has to be something else wrong” I don’t believe there is. Honestly I don’t. God deals with the heart.. The only problem with the kids is their own depravity, just like every single person on the face of this earth. We are dead in our sin and hate God therefore we rebel. Christ said hatred is the same as murder, and now think about this. Remember the last time you got angry. How did you feel, what was your first reaction towards them. The modern phase we use to express anger towards someone is by saying “I’ll kill them”. Now I know that there isn’t anybody on the face of this earth that wouldn’t kill if the strings of common grace were to be lifted off of us. Why because the heart is radical depraved and God hating, therefore we need the Holy Spirit to convict and regenerate. That is some pretty strong words but we follow the heart. Our conscience bears witness that it is wrong, which is a gift from God, but the heart is wicked. It’s not the music, or video games, which yes they do effect but it is so much more. The question isn’t what is inside the mind of a shooter, but what is in the heart? I can tell you that from scripture it says that an unregenerate heart produces murders. That is why the Gospel must go forth. There must be a change of heart in order to be saved. You must be born again. Only a loving, holy God can change a heart made out of stone. People aren’t going to change, until Christians can stand up and speak truth. Jesus Christ died, was raised from the dead and sits at the right hand of God. Therefore all men everywhere must repent and believe the Good News.

Outside of the Walls

2008-02-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been working in my heart. Showing me things, convicting me, and teaching me about myself. Since being back from India I've been shown a lot. Before India I without a doubt lost my passion to see the lost saved. Before India I was dry and selfish. Now I'm not saying that seeing India did it, I'm saying that the Lord has and still is chipping away pieces of my selfish heart and allowing me to see His glory. It's hard to work for a missions organization but not really be a missionary yourself. It's really hard to say I want to see the lost saved but not take the same Gospel that the brothers and sister have on the mission field to the people around me. Little by little God is showing me that we are all called to be missionaries. Missions is not what we do but who we are. That is our call! Something stuck out to me last Sunday at church. Brother Buddy kept on saying the phrase "outside of the walls". I've heard that before I was even born again. My dad said that. But over the past few weeks, God has drilled it in my brain. We must be missionaries in America. Just because we have 10 churches every 2 miles doesn't mean that people are born again. We must grab these people who are drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, liars, etc and show them the love of Christ.

I was so moved to see a family I know sell their home and move down to Mexico just to preach the Gospel and show the love of Christ to the lost and dying. It's time we start moving outside of the walls of the church and start loving people. Reaching out the community. Showing people the Gospel through our actions not only in words. Being a people sold out to win the lost at any cost.

I'm excited to start going to school and living back down in Mabank. I feel the Lord calling me there to help the church reach out. Who knows start a street ministry team, meeting in peoples homes in the middle of drug traffic, and do all this by Gods grace! I'm not saying I'm going to do all this, it is just what the Lord has laied upon me. If He chooses to use me, praise Him..but if He also wants me to sit in a room praying for the souls of that area...then praise Him. We must be missionaries. Think missions, be missions.

Revival Hymn

2007-12-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Paris Reidhead

The philosophy of the day became humanism and you can define humanism this way: Humanism is a philosophical statement that declares the end of all being is the happiness of man. The reason for existence is man's happiness. Now according to humanism salvation is simply a matter of getting all the happiness you can
out of life. This group of my people the fundamentalists that say:

"We believe in the inspiration of the Bible"
"We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ"
"We believe in hell, we believe in Heaven"
"We believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ"

And remember the atmosphere is that of humanism. Humanism says the chief end of being is the happiness of man. And so it wasn't long until we had this, the
fundamentalists knew each other because they said 'We believe these things.' They were men for the most part that had met God. But you see it wasn't long until having said 'these are the things that establish us as fundamentalists', the second generation said, "This is how we become a fundamentalist;"

"Believe in the inspiration of the Bible."
"Believe in the deity of Christ."
"Believe in His death, burial, and resurrection."

And thereby become a fundamentalist. And so it wasn't long until it got to our generation where the whole plan of salvation was to give intellectual assent to a few statements of doctrine. And a person was considered a Christian because he could say 'Uh huh' at 4 or 5 places that he was asked to and if he knew where to say 'Uh huh' someone would pat him on the back, shake his hand, smile broadly and say:
"Brother, you're saved." And so it had gotten down to the place where salvation was nothing more than an assent to a scheme or a formula. And the end of this salvation was the happiness of man because humanism has penetrated. And so if you were to analyze the fundamentalism in contrast to liberalism of a hundred years ago, as it developed, it’d be like this: The liberal says the end of religion is to make man happy while he's alive. And the fundamentalist says the end of religion is to make man happy when he dies.

Until we find something like this;
"Accept Jesus so you can go to Heaven, you don't want to go to that old, filthy, nasty, burning hell when there's a beautiful Heaven up there. Now come to Jesus so that you can go to Heaven." And the appeal could be as much to selfishness as a couple of men sitting in a coffee shop deciding they are going to rob a bank to get something for nothing. It becomes so subtle ... it goes everywhere. What is it?
In essence it is this: that this philosophical postulate that the end of all being is the happiness of man has been sort of, covered over with evangelical terms and Biblical doctrine until God reigns in Heaven for the happiness of man, Jesus Christ was incarnate for the happiness of man, all the Angels exist in the... Everything is for the happiness of man! And I submit to you that this is un-Christian!
Christianity says... "The end of all being is the glory of God."

Humanism says, "The end of all being is the happiness of man." This is the betrayal of the ages!! And it's the betrayal in which we live and I don't see how God can revive it! Until we come back to Christianity. Isn't man happy? And God intends to make you happy. But as a by-product and not a prime product. Now I ask you, what is the philosophy of mission? What is the philosophy of evangelism? What is the philosophy of a Christian? If you’ll ask me why I went to Africa, I’ll tell you I went primarily, to improve on the justice of God. I didn’t think it was right for anybody to go to hell without a chance to be saved. And so I went to give poor sinners a chance to go to Heaven. Now, I hadn’t put it in so many words. But if you’ll analyze what I just told you, do you know what it is? It’s humanism. But I was simply using the provisions of Jesus Christ as a means to improve upon human conditions of suffering and misery. And when I got to Africa, I discovered that they weren’t poor, ignorant, little heathen running around in the woods,
waiting for, looking for someone to tell them how to go to Heaven. That they were monsters of iniquity. They were living in utter and total defiance, of far more knowledge of God than I ever dreamed they had. They deserved hell
because they utterly refused to walk in the light of their conscience and the light of the law written upon their heart and the testimony of nature and the truth they knew. And when I found that out, I assure you, I was so angry with God that one occasion in prayer, I told him that it was a mighty, little thing He’d done, sending me out there to reach these people that were waiting to be told how to go
to Heaven and when I got there I found out they knew about Heaven, didn’t wanna go there. And they (were) loved their sin and wanted to stay in it.
I went out there motivated by humanism. I’d seen pictures of lepers. I’d seen pictures of ulcers. I’d see ``pictures of native funerals. And I didn’t want my fellow human beings to suffer in hell eternally, after such a miserable
existence on earth. But it was there in Africa that God began to tear through the overlay of this humanism. And it was that day in my bedroom, with the door locked, that I wrestled with God. For here was... I was coming to grips with the fact that the people I thought were ignorant and wanted to know how to go to Heaven, and were saying “someone come and teach us” actually didn’t wanna take time to talk with me or anybody else. They had no interest in the bible and no interest in Christ. And they loved their sin and wanted to continue in it. And I was to the place at that time where I felt the whole thing was a sham and a mockery and I’d been sold a bill of goods. And I wanted to come home.And there alone in my bedroom as I faced God honestly with what my heart felt, it seemed to me I heard Him say, “Yes, will not the Judge of all the earth do right? The heathen are lost and they’re going to go to hell not because they haven’t heard the gospel. They’re going to go to hell because they are sinners who loved... their ..sin.. and because they deserved hell. But, I didn’t send you out there for them, I didn't send you out there for their sakes." And I heard as clearly as I’ve ever heard though it wasn’t with physical voice but it was the echo of truth of the ages finding its way into an open heart. I heard God say to my heart that day something like this: “I didn’t send you to Africa for the sake of the heathen. I sent you to Africa for My sake. They deserved hell but I love them and I endured the agonies of hell for them. I didn’t send you out there for them. I sent you out there for Me. Do I not deserve the reward of My suffering? Don't I deserve those for whom I died?” And it reversed it all. It changed it all and righted it all. And I wasn't any longer working for my cup and ten shekels and a shirt but I was serving the living God.
________________________________________

The Haystack Revival

2007-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

It was 1806 and divine circumstances were about to reveal to the world its new unlikely heroes. Samuel J. Mills, James Richards, Francis L. Robbins, Harvey Loomis, and Byram Green were about to decide their destiny. These five students at Williams College in Massachusetts found themselves in a time when revival and awakening were sweeping across America and this small college town. There were many prayer meetings being maintained by students. One, to which these five men belonged, met in Sloan’s meadow north of the college. On a hot Saturday afternoon in August these five left to pray and discuss William Carey’s small booklet, An Inquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen. It was a controversial book that laid on all believers the weight of responsibility of world missions. There were threatening clouds in the distance, but the group met faithfully despite the thunderstorm that was approaching.

As they discussed world missions and specifically the needs in China, their attention was focused so intently on their responsibility to the unreached that they failed to notice the speed with which storm had approached. The young men were too far away to run for adequate shelter and were soon trapped by the angry thunder clouds. Within minutes the sound of the thunder was deafening and the pouring rain and strikes of lightening drove the students to scramble for the first shelter available - a haystack. Even as the storm rolled over the five continued their building discussion. Beneath the cover of the haystack, Samuel Mills, the leader of the group, continued to insist that the gospel must be taken to the lost in Asia.

All were inspired to act by Mills’ passion except for Loomis, who argued that it was too dangerous in China. “We must wait until they are civilized,” he maintained. Samuel suggested that they make it an issue of prayer, and they began to pray over the wail of the storm. All prayed except for Loomis. Mills, remembering the objections of Loomis, prayed, “O God, strike down the arm, with red artillery of heaven, that shall be raised against a herald of the cross.”

Finally after singing a hymn, Mills looked at the others, and over the roar of the drenching rain, and with flashes of lightening reflecting in his eyes, cried out, “We can do this, if we will!” Something broke loose in that moment within the hearts of all five. All pointed back to that moment as the one that changed them forever. The five later consecrated themselves to full devotion to the Great Commission and taking the gospel to all the nations. They felt that it was the job of the American church to send its own missionaries and proposed to the General Association of Massachusetts that the first American missions agency be created, later given the name “The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions” in 1810. Adoniram Judson was among the first five men that the American Board sent to Calcutta, India. Mills went on to inspire the creation of several other mission agencies and works such as The United Foreign Missionary Society, the American Baptist Missionary Union, and the American Bible Society.

This Haystack Prayer Movement became known all over the surrounding area, especially among college students. Samuel had began a group in 1808 called the Society of Brethren, which bound its members together by the single-minded purpose of giving themselves to extend the gospel around the world. Several missions societies began to spring up on campuses all across the U.S. in the footsteps of Mills.

Years later, several women purchased with one gold dollar, the spot of land which Bryam Green identified as the location of the haystack that day. Today the Haystack Prayer Monument stands at Williams college as a reminder of what God did, not only in the lives of the five, but also in the life of Luther Wishard 80 years later. Luther, inspired by the Haystack Prayer Movement, initiated the mobilization of 100,000 college students through the Student Volunteer Movement. That moment in 1806 under the haystack was the spark for the greatest missionary movement that the world has ever seen.

They were ordinary young men - college students. Life forced them to search out their life purpose, maybe before it was too late; before the world had a chance to steal away their passion and talents into other great endeavors; before the roots of careers, and comfort grew too deeply into the American dream. These five had no idea that all of history was watching that day and what weight of responsibility lay on them. God uses moments like this, not to test our hearts, but to reveal them. He is unveiling to us what holds our true loyalty. Neil McClendon says, “Life’s interruptions are God’s invitations.” Heroes like this are made, not born. Let us press on to know Him deeply and know His heart so that in times of testing and interruption it might be revealed that our heart has been replaced with His. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Out of the deepening of our passion for His renown and glory will come an overflow: our lives heralding a message to the world, “We can do this, if we will!”

Evil in the World

2007-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Why is there evil in the world?

The terrorized and troubled world exists to make a place for Jesus Christ, the Son of God to suffer and die for our sins. The reason there is terror in the world, is so that Christ could be terrorized. The reason there is trouble in the world, is so that Christ could be troubled. The reason there is pain in the universe, is so that Christ could feel pain. This is the world that God prepared for the suffering and death of His Son. This is the world, that the best display of Divine love could happen.
-John Piper
Romans 5:8
But God shows his love towards us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Two Dead, Two Wounded, After Gunman Opens Fire Inside Colorado Christian Missionary Center

Sunday, December 09, 2007

The manhunt for a gunman who killed two people and wounded two others when he opened fire inside a Christian missionary training facility near Denver dragged on Sunday, as police appealed to the public for help catching a killer on the loose. The shooter entered a dormitory on the campus of Faith Bible Church, a Youth With a Mission training facility for Christian missionaries, in Arvada, Colo., a Denver suburb, at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday and shot four people, killing two of them, before fleeing on foot. The gunman, described by witnesses as a white male in his twenties wearing a dark skull cap and jacket, who may also have had a beard and eye glasses, remained at large, Arvada Police spokeswoman Susan Medina told Fox News.
Authorities used reverse 911 early Sunday to warn residents that an armed and dangerous gunman was on the loose and to lock their doors and windows and stay inside. Police were also asking residents to report any sightings of fresh footprints or disturbances in the snow. About four inches of snow had fallen overnight, and authorities were hoping tracks left in the snow would lead them to the shooter, Medina said.

The four victims were all YWAM staff members, Peter Warren, director of Youth With a Mission Denver, told KUSA-TV. YWAM identified the victims who have died as Tiffany Johnson, 22, of Minnesota and Peter Krause of Alaska. The third victim, a male in his 20s, sustained a bullet wound to the neck and was in critical condition; the fourth victim, also a male in his 20s, suffered gun shot wounds to his legs and was in stable condition. Both were being treated at area hospitals. According to YWAM's Web site, the victims' families had been notified.
Warren said the group was just finishing a Christmas banquet when the shooter entered the facility and asked staffer Tiffany Johnson if he could be housed for the evening. When Johnson told the man that they could not provide him with a place to stay, he opened fire, Warren said.
Warren said he did not think the victims knew the gunman, but that the campus was open to the public for worship services.

A search of the area, both by canine and patrol officer units, had failed to locate the suspect, Medina said. Medina said the search area was quite large, a mix of residences and businesses.
About 50 people were inside the center at the time of the shooting, Medina said. The 45 people remaining at the center were moved to an off-site facility for questioning.
"There's no blueprint for this, we're just going to be honest and pray for one another, cry with one another," Warren told KUSA-TV. "Who knows what was going on in this young man's life," he said.

Mimi Martin, who lives near the center, said she received the warning call at about 9 a.m. warning neighbors to keep their doors and windows locked.

"Why would anybody want to hurt those kids?" Martin said. "I just pray for their families."
People bundled up against freezing cold arrived for Sunday services at the sanctuary, about 300 yards from the dormitory.

Darv Smith, director of a Youth With a Mission center in Boulder, said people ranging from their late teens to their 70s undergo a 12-week discipleship course that prepares them to be missionaries.

He said the center trains about 300 people a year. Youth With a Mission was started in 1960 and now has 1,100 locations with 16,000 full-time staff, Smith said. The Arvada center was founded in 1984.

Praise God He is in control. I can read this and just rejoice and fall to my knees in worship, because of the fact that our Father is still on the throne, and that God had in view, His Son, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Why? For us. In all the horror, pain, terror, and lost in this world, Christ died for it. In a time as now, with the fear of terrorism, suicide, and all wickedness and evil that may come to pass, our treasure, our hope is in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of His who died. Christs passion, His duty was to die. To redeem His people, from a world as this. In all trials, Christ is all. He Himself, paid for it. God has a plan, and in that plan, His Son died. God, in that plan has allowed such things as terrorism, pain, trouble, so His Son could pervail over all the evil that this world holds. God has not let the reigns of humanity slip from His hands. His sovereignty is still reigning. His love, power, and holiness is still in charge. In times as this, God will be glorified. In life or by death, His glory will fill the earth and will scream from all creation, and in this....we can say thank you. Thank you Father for your grace and mercy that you have shown to poor sinners as us. In this very fact of His glory being the foundation of our lives as believers should push us to love Him more. His glory is being revealed from His creation, His grace, and even His glory is being set forth by the death of His only begotten Son.

Please pray for the families. Please pray for the man who fired the shots. Please pray that God will be glorifed and His Son will be honored.

...worship...

2007-11-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?

Over thirty years ago, the great philosopher Paul McCartney asked, “What’s wrong with silly love songs?” Having given this over three decades of serious consideration (OK, at least several months), I have Sir McCartney’s answer.

It depends.

If you want to fill the world with silly love songs, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you want to fill the church with them, I say, “Stop it!”

Tune into your “get you through your day” Christian music station and you will hear grown men, whining like love sick puppies, “Nothing else can take your place, or feel the warmth of your embrace.” Who are they singing to? The One who holds the universe together by the power of His word, or a chick?

Take the Quiz
Here are six phrases from six contemporary songs. Can you pick which phrases belong to secular songs and which to the sacred?

1. All I need to do is just be me, being in love with you.
2. My world stops spinning round, without you.
3. I never want to leave; I want to stay in your warm embrace.
4. I’m lost in love.
5. Now and forever, together and all that I feel, here's my love for you.
6. You say you love me just as I am.

The first three are from a popular Christian band called Big Daddy Weave, the second half are from Air Supply.

More and more of our Christian music is sounding one note: Jesus loves you soooooo much. Do I doubt for a second that Jesus loves His children? Nope, but it depends on what your definition of “love” is.

God “agape” loves His children. Agape love is not an emotions based, warm and fuzzy kind of love. Agape love is a self sacrificing, “I will help you despite how I feel” love.

William Tyndale was the first translator to use the word “love” for agape. Prior to the 16th century, the word “charity” best described agape. Leaving that debate aside, since Tyndale’s time, the English definition for love has expanded. Our modern day use of love ranges from a love for an object to physical love/sex (eros love). I love that new car. I love that girl. I love that God. That God loves me.

Not only do we use “love” in romantic ways to sing about God, we have added other romantic phrases to our Christian music repertoire: hold me, embrace me, feel you, need you. This criticism is not new, in fact, it has existed since Godly men began endeavoring to sing anything but the Psalms.

John Wesley considered an “amatory phrase” to be language that was more feelings based love than self-sacrificing agape love. John deleted “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” from one of his brother Charles’ collections because it was too romantic sounding.

Amatory Phrasing
Not only are musicians guilty of writing amatory phrases, but they are singing with amatory phrasing. Christian men sing with such romantic longing and neediness it makes me want to scream, “Man up!”

Christian women are singing with such throaty breathiness you would think they had just run from their home to the studio. To whom exactly are they singing? Brad Pitt or the Savior?

There are two consequences to this “Jesus is my boyfriend/girlfriend” music. Needy, emotional women continue to need more counseling, self help books and conferences where they can spread their wings and soar. Men simply are not showing up for church. It is my belief they simply can’t stand the mood manipulating worship times designed to help them “feel the Lord’s embrace.”

Musical Mermaids
Without theology in music, we are offering fluff that will not comfort when bridges collapse and test reports are negative. Songwriters could provide true hope if they would write about the sovereignty of God rather than crying about “how safe I feel when Jesus is holding me.”

Charles Spurgeon had the same criticism of “Hymns for Heart and Voice” published in 1855. He condemned the hymns as being “little better than mermaids, nice to look at but dangerous because they cannot deliver what they promise.”

Is there anything wrong with being reminded that our God is our help from ages past? Of course not, the Psalms are loaded with promises of God’s comfort. But unlike the Psalms (and theology based hymns), contemporary music is void of the reason why we should not worry. We do not worry because someone purrs that we shouldn’t fret, but because God is our shelter in the stormy blast and our eternal home. Our comfort comes from knowledge, not caterwauling.

If you enjoy a silly love song now and then, knock yourself out. But leave them where they belong, in the world or in the bedroom, not in the church.

http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/2749/Todd_Friel

Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

Sovereign Grace Music

...it's the most wonderful...

2007-11-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas...everybody loves Christmas. I mean... hot chocolate, family, Christmas movies, Christmas music, lights, snow(if your in Texas ..ice..) and the list goes on....but we all know the meaning of Christmas is Christ. right? I mean come on, we live in America where you can hear the name of Christ thrown around like a rag doll. Of course everybody knows we celebrate His birth on Christmas. Everybody knows about Jesus....(just go witnessing), but why is Christmas so lacking in the true message?

"A day" last week, Melissa asked me if I wanted to go to Wal Mart with her to buy some Christmas lights and etc. Well of course I said "yes", and I said yes to going into Wal Mart during one of the craziest times one could possibly imagine. Saturday...now Saturday in general is crazy...but Saturday after Thanksgiving...insane. But we went. Now Melissa can decorate anything, so the first place we went was of course the place where all the decorations were. I stood by the cart as she picked out some stuff. *Next we went somewhere else, then we picked out a card for "lil miss Holt" who was turning 9 that day. After that we walked around some more...and more...then we finally came to a stop. By this time...honestly I'm tired of people, I'm tired of walking....but over all the voices...over all the colors jumping out at your eyes...above everything else....there it was. A song...I dont even remember the name or the lyrics except "Christ is born, God's own Son." That was from God....for me...

Why is the true message missing? Because we can walk through Wal Mart and see all these pretty things with our eyes, get upset by all the people and not focus on the things above. God allowed me to go through Wal Mart to hear this song that touched my heart. That's Christmas. Who knew that God could reveal something to you in the middle of Wal Mart? I'm so thankful that we can celebrate the birth of Chrst. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

*(I'm more than likely adding more to it for the writing effect)

By the way...Melissa had fun!

...what is the Gospel...

2007-10-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

What is the Gospel

For it is written, not to be ashamed of the Gospel,1 even though it is foolishness to those who are perishing,2 but God gives a yes through the preaching of the Gospel which brings glory to Him,3 because the Gospel is not of man,4 but it is the message of truth, in which we are sealed by the Holy Spirit,5 resulting in conducting ourselves in a manner only worthy of that truth,6 because it is working in us and helping us understand the grace of God,7 only because the Gospel is not of word only, but by the Holy Spirit which brings conviction,8 but also a vengeance from God to those who do not believe its truth,9 even though the Law is for the sinner to show sin, and makes the truth "good news",10 because God saves us, calls us according to His own purpose by the light of the Gospel which abolishes death,11 and brings eternal life,12 even though we will face suffering, pain, and trials for its truth,13 but by the power of Christ, it purifies us from our sin.14

1. Romans 1:16; 2. 1 Corinthians 1:18; 3. 2 Corinthians 1:19-22; 4. Galatians 1:11; 5. Ephesians 1:13; 6. Philippians 1:27; 7. Colossians 1:5-6; 8. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 9. 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 10. 1 Timothy 1:9-11; 11. 2 Timothy 1:8-11; 12. Titus 1:1-3; 13. Philemon 1:13; 14. Hebrews 1:3

...missionaries...

2007-10-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

We here at GFA do a lot of work...outside of the country. As you know, our focus is Asia. But a problem has flooded my thinking. What about my own country? Some of the things I'm going to say in this blog may shock some of you, so be warned.

I'm reading a book now called Persecution. It is talking about how the modern American socieity has pushed Christianity aside. More or less, True Believers are the minority. We have some many differents things here to catch our attention. Even inside the church. I went a church...well i guess you could call it that. They taught out of the bible, but everthing else was all worldly, and carnal. From the music....100s in the choir, trumpets, timpini, strings...and the big dramatic, over emotion, song leaders. My first thought.....door to door sells men and women. Then comes the video bragging about the pastor and his ministry....they mention the name of our Savior twice. Then the message...."weak gospel, who wants to accept Jesus into their hearts, well if so say this prayer." Then everyone left this monster of a building. Where is the humility??

What would Luther, Spurgeon, Wesley, Calvin, Edwards think about this form of "christianity"? Guys that spent their lives fighting for Christ....Better yet....what would Christ think? What is that verse....Rev 3:15-16? Enough said

What are our motives? I or Christ?

Let's just make everyone feel good, while their dying in their sins....no big deal. Tell them God loves you, when the cross is foolishness to them. It is this "pop christianity" focus and what God can do for us. Or like John Macarthur called it the Madison Ave Jesus. The Gospel is about freedom from sin, hell, and the wrath of God....not getting me a fluffy feeling, or a buzz off of Jesus. Like america is preahing. I'm sure everyone has their own opinions about america....i'm not anti american. i'm thankful God out of His grace let me be born here. i'm not proud to be an american. that is pride...which is sin. i will not place my hand over my heart and pledge my allegiance to a flag. My allegiance is to God and God alone! In Christ alone! God has commanded us to submit to the government....as i do. That is my conviction. america needs it's own missionaries.

Just like Tozer along with Ravenhill

" One man who isn't afraid to be called a hertic and a fool " why....for the True Gospel of Christ.

...humility..

2007-10-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

" That of His great goodness He would make known to you, and take from your heart, every kind and form and degree of pride, whether it be from evil spirits, or your own corrupt nature; and that He would awaken in you the deepest depth and truth of that Humility, which can make you capable of His and Holy Spirit."
- Andrew Murray

I've been studing a lot, thinking, and praying over books i'm reading, sermons i'm listening to and stories that impact my heart. This one subject has shown up everywhere i've turned.

Humility is the hardest, without a doubt, the hardest thing a human could become. I say become, in the sense that Christ Himself was Humility. So many times, i want to throw out my own tasks and say " look what i'm doing" or not even that, just say "i'm going to do this". how selfish of me. that is just mere flesh. True humility is from God. Murray says that humility brings on death. death to ones self.

some many times in Christianity we see the big names, hot shots, the ones that know it all. the ones that prance around the stage, pulling out knowledge, impressing everyone with their big theological views. Is God moved by that?

or would He take pleasure in one man preaching the simple Gospel, then being martyred?

...what's important..

2007-09-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

When you're sharing the Gospel with someone, what is the most important thing?

It is taking time out of your busy day to mention Christ? Showing someone love by hugging on them? Shoving hell, sin, and judgement down someones throut? Making someone feel comfortable in their own flith or darkness? Is it speaking in big words trying to blow peoples minds?

These are some questions that have been running around in my ignorance lil mind.

As I have been reading about some old guys ( Spurgeon, Whitefield, the Wesley boys, Edwards, etc ) they preached a very simple message.

God Himself became flesh and was named Jesus, who was Gods Son..born of a virgin. This man lived a sinless life, unlike us. This man Jesus was without blemish or spot, perfect. He suffered death, death upon a cross. On the third day after that death, God raised His Son from the dead. This Man Jesus, died for the sins of the world. He died because we are all condemned and going to hell because of our sins. Therefore, place your faith in this Man, and you have to forsake the things your once knew. Once you do that, live like this Man.

Why is it so hard today to get that across. Why??

No one wants to worship a Man who died upon a tree. This message is foolishness to the world!

When Edwards preached "Sinners in the hands of an angry God" he didn't preach in this loud booming voice.....he was monotone. It doesn't matter how big you can get the Gospel to be, God can use it!!

The most important thing is that God loved us while we were dead in sin. He sent His Son to die because God hates sin. He put His full wrath upon His Son, the wrath we deserve.

the Gospel is easy, Christ made it easy, preach it easy. God convicts, be a tool He can use.... Forsake your sin, and believe. Follow after the Lamb.....and live.

..remembering 9/11..

2007-09-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

6th years after 9/11 I still remember that day. I was sitting in Texas History in the 7th grade with my eyes glued to the TV. Really didn't know what was going on, but knew my world was about to turn upside down. From that day we still see the images of our planes rip apart lives on the day in New York. Sitting here yesterday at work I read report after report of events, prayer services, and other speaking and mourning memorials that went on. Remembering the feeling I felt. I remember wanting to join the Navy to go over there and get even with those terrorist. Watching news reports of and video of us going into Iraq and our boys and girls risking their lives to enter war. But I've grown up since then.

I'm not out to the get them, I can't do that anymore. No...I can't even think about taking ones life. they need Jesus. I feel a burden for the terrorist. The radicals that want to kill us. I can't join the army or anything but I have some thing bigger then the army. My Father in Heaven.

Not to be the super American but we better drop our heads before the Lord and worship Him because He betowed His grace upon us, letting us be born here. He didn't have to. I know that American Christianity has its downfalls and the Church has problems. That doesn't mean we should just give up on our nation. America has been blessed, but we have to remember that we aren't God's chosen nation either.

I live in a world that scares me. Watching the news gets me depressed. War, terrorism, murder, porn, and other evil acts. Lord Jesus come quick!!

But I can't run and I. I must embrace the battle. I can't do anything on my own. I must have the Lord. Pray for America, and for those who shattered our lives.

282,338,631 Americans

2,976 lives lost

19 hijackers

4 planes

2 buildings

1 True God

pray they'll experence the Lamb of God.

....standing in AWE...

2007-09-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend it was the intern camping trip!! We left Saturday and didn't get back until Monday at around 2 or so. It was some much fun, but....

When you really meet with God, He wont let you go.

The place was Witchita Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Mountain, hills, wildlife, heat, and sleeping on the ground. But it was amazing to go up to the top of a mountian at sunset . The first night I sat down on a rock along with Nathan ( Intern leader, and one of the only other Texans at GFA) and watched the clouds roll over head. We sat there and didn't saw a word for at least 15 mins until I said " And people believe this happened by chance." ( talking about creation )

But it wasn't until the last night that God spoke to me. A group of us were on the same mountain watching the sunset and I saw the beauty that our Father had laied before us. God painted a picture right before our eyes. The colors, clouds, and the sight of Lords hand at work. As we sat there, we exchanged stories of the sunsets we've seen at home. The ones that I can remember are the ones driving back from Mels house to my house. On the bridge to the left, over the lake, there....God was painting before me a picture of His mercy, excellence, love, power.....

i am so little....and praise God i am.

...values...

2007-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Gospel for Asia

"Our mission in life is to be devout followers of Christ and fulfill the Great Commission among the unreached in Asia through training, sending out and assisting qualified laborers in partnership with the body of Christ"

10 Core Values

1. Knowing the Lord Jesus more fully and intimately
2. Being a people of integrity and excellence
3. Living in submission to God's Word
4. Being a people of faith
5. Being a people committed to prayer and worship
6. Having a servant lifestyle
7. Being a people of grace and love
8. Serving sacrificially
9. Being a people sold out to win the lost at any cost
10. Being a people who work together with the Body of Christ

The first 5 address your private life
the last 5 address your outer life

If these 10 values were to be preached in america today, human nature would reject it just at the 1st value. But that's the only way for God to work through us.

I've been reading this book called The Calvary Road and i want to share a quote

"Revival is just the life of the Lord Jesus poured into human hearts"

People ( some believers ) read Revolution in World Missions and get this total misconception about GFA. Kinda to the point of were we have to sell everything, life in our cars, use half a stick of DO and only have one pair of shoes. ( and Buddy I'm not talking about you lol ) It's not that at all!! It's about being like Christ in every way possible. If that involves selling everything, then yes! But it doesn't matter about that at all, the only thing is that you reflect Christ, and you pray that God will save Asia.

...yeah....

2007-08-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a couple of days since I left home.

At first I was scared, just ask Melissa. Text after text to her for pray and encouragement....wow...so here is the run down

I was really intimidated because I am the youngest, one girl is 19 and then everyone else has been to college. They all have been on there own, all this super college level knowledge, and then me from lil mabank texas. I was laying there on my bed the first night asking God to close my eyes and soak up the tears that were about to start flowing from my eyes. But then ....praise God...He gave me peace.

verse after verse was coming to me. I texted Melissa, because she is going through the helpless, lonely feeling that I was going through as well and sent her verses that were encouraging and gave hope to both of us. I have a list of about 14 or so, and I imagine it is going to grow!

After that day everything has been great!! All the interns get along just fine, and all the GFA staff are like family already. It reminds me of Cornerstone a lot. It's all about building relationships with each other, and at the same time winning Asia! God is good....

Praises

1) Melissa is doing good at college, learning a lot...and I can't wait to learn from her!!
2) I haven't had any cokes for 5 days.
3) Interns are getting along well.
4) God is opening up my eyes through prayer, and reading
5) and I'm meeting people that remind me of home....which brings forth love

Please still be praying for Mel and I

...sweetly broken...

2007-08-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Well tonight was something else. Something I really needed.

Melissa came down from DBU to hang out with me (well mainly because of High School Musical 2) what a blessing it was. We had lunch, talked a lot bit, had dinner, talked some more, watch HSM2, and then had a great time just praying, reading, and worshiping together for a couple of hours.

But I was taken back. I began to cry before we started praying. Not becausing I'm leaving. Not because I'm going to miss her ( which I will but we'll work around that ).... but because I felt weak, helpless, and broken. All I could do is cry. I know that God is totally going to break me. I'm scared....honestly because I know He will. Melissa and I both know it. That's why I'm weak.

Sweetly Broken
To the cross I look, to the cross I cling
Of its suffering I do drink
Of its work I do sing

For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified

You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled

In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness

I ask, just pray for Melissa and I as we go off. That's it for tonight......

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

....picky i would call it....

2007-08-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Gadsby's Hymns
William J. Irons 1812-1883

What sacred fountain yonder springs,
Up from the throne of God,
And all new cov'nant blessings brings?'
Tis Jesus' precious blood.

What mighty sum paid all my debt
When I a bondman stood,
And has my soul at freedom set?
'Tis Jesus' precious blood.

What stream is that which sweeps away
My sins just like a flood,
Nor lets one guilty blemish stay?
'Tis Jesus' precious blood.

What voice is that which speaks for me
In heav'n's high court for good,
And from the curse has made me free?
Tis Jesus' precious blood.

What theme, my soul, shall best employ
Thy harp before thy God,
And make all heav'n to ring with joy?
'Tis Jesus' precious blood.

"Gadsby’s Hymns, published in several stages during the first half of the 19th century, is a collection of hymns from multiple writers containing songs dating back to the 17th century. Some of the 1,156 songs in this hymnal are familiar, but most of these great lyrics have simply been forgotten in the modern church."

I've been listening to a band called Red Mountain Church. Instead of taking newer modern music and making it there own, they will take older hymns and put music to it. I think it is true godly music. I just believe many of the "christian" songs today are focused on becoming popular .....well sorry but the gospel of Christ isn't . Rather lifting the singer up in the lyrics than God. I grew up listening to hymns in a baptist church, and hated it i might add.(before I knew the Lord)... as I grew up in my teens and started listening to different music, I found that I enjoyed listening to metal.

Well once I was born again, the whole music issue was slammed in my face. I couldn't listen to that stuff anymore!! So I turned to "christian" metal.....(ummmm wow) It looked like the world, sounded like the world, I would guess they smelled like the world as well. The only thing that was different between them and Slipknot was instead of the cuss words the "christian" band would throw the name of Christ in there. So if I were to write the lyrics out it would look like this....

"I ( insert scream) love( insert really long scream) sin, ( insert someone growling) I (insert really high piched scream) cut ( you can't hear the lyrics here because of the drop d tuning on the guitar and the double bass drum) my (insert growl )wrist (insert someone screaming wrist) help ( add another growl) me, ( oh wait pause in the music) JESUSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!"

It just seems like everything that the world has, the Christian has the "christian" alternative

christian rock
christian myspace=His holy space
christian youtube= Godtube
christian business websites
christian coffie shops
christian this and that

"Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective." Rob Bell

Now some Christian alternatives are godly, but some well I doubt it. I guess I'm just showing my age. (18) ???? But honestly I'd rather listen to my hymns and a few select modern artists, have my bible, and pray Christ comes quick....

John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

...wow...

2007-08-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Wow

1.an exclamation of surprise, wonder, pleasure, or the like: Wow it's salmon.....

2.to gain an enthusiastic response from; Wow, another speeding ticket!!

3.an extraordinary success: Wow, praise God more support!

4.excitement, interest, great pleasure, or the like: Wow, food on top of the hood of the truck!

Oh wow... can a word change a group of people and yes I believe it has.

See around your group, that's the cool thing to say.
That's Groovy...ummm no..
That's Rad....not really..
That's Tight.....ouch!
That's Bad....sometimes it is.

All you need is....wow

I picked this amazing word up from Trace Brown. He has a great way of using that simple three letter word! Some examples are to show excitement, praise, rebuke, and even conviction.....lol...wow...

But it's little words like these that could really brighten up your day.

wow

It is well....

2007-08-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

I was sitting there last night, praying and reading really trying to search for the Lord. I had my ipod going and this song started playing. It is my favorite hymn, but really never understood what it meant. As the group started to sing the this verse, I asked the Lord to show me what it meant. After about 3 times repeating the verse, finally it sank in.

I bear it no more!!

I preached a message at Oakstreet a couple of weeks ago about Christ, how He became a curse for us. How Jesus Christ became sin on our behalf. I thought I understood what sin was. ( which i'll never fully know, cause i'm not God) but until last night...i didn't..but it finally hit me, now I understand it.

See... my sin, is a sickness. A deadly infectous virus that kills. The sin places me in a position where I'm utterly hopeless, sin loving, and God hating. But as our Savior was on the cross, He bore our sickness, every single bit of it! Not just the stuff that's really bad, but the whole sickness. My God said " Your sin is mine and I'll take it to the grave"

As I sat there, I realized that I don't have to sin anymore. The sickness has been washed away forever. I hear people say, "well everybody sins that's just what we do." NO!!!! Christ put an end to it. That's just like saying, " I don't have any control over my actions, all I do is sin." Well if all you do is sin, you need to find God. I'm not saying that I never sin. When I do I'm broken over it. But now I don't have to walk around with this 10 million pound ball of sickness on my back. Christ leveled it once and for all.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!!

this story...

2007-08-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

"This story like any other story worth telling is about a girl"

That was the first line to my 10th grade TAKS essay. It was about a girl, who is very close to me. Well she was cheerleader, smart, beautiful, dated a football guy, and is perfect in my book. Me...on the other hand...well ummm...I was a band nerd. I spent more time drumming than studing for school. I still remember the first time I saw her, it was the 2nd day of the 6th grade and she was walking through the lunch line. *** awww what a day*** We went out off and on through middle school, but once high school came around I went my way...and she went hers. I made a lot of dumb mistakes, and she didn't. I didn't care, she did. She wanted to help, I didn't want it..... But what she didn't know is that the same feelings she had for me, I had for her. I wanted to ask her out, but I was to scared of rejection. Good reason too, she would have rejected me because I wasn't a Christian. Everytime I saw her I would get cottonmouth, sweat, and would want just run away. But just ever so often I would get the courage to talk to her.

She grew with the Lord....I was pushing myself farther away for Him...for 3 years we lost almost complete contact of each others life.

Until the summer leading into our senior year. God came and convicted me, and totally ruined my life ( for the better) lol...and then, praise God just then....I would be able to talk to her. It started with an instant message on AIM....and wow did God cross our paths.

My senior year was amazing because of God. He has given me a new heart, nature, and a desire I never would have thought of. He has given me people in my life, and I just thank Him everyday for this great and amazing young woman of God. She prays with me, reads the Word with me, encourages me when i'm down, and most of all puts up with me!

...but as I write this blog....just after walking her out to her car...I can't help to think about how are little lives are going to change. God is going to take control and total do a work on us. She is about to leave in a couple of days, and then three days I follow her lead. But I know God is in control, and that brings me peace. I have no idea about my future, nor do I know about hers, but one thing is for sure....God knows. He has relaxed my nerves about us, and I know according to His will everything will turn out!

While these tears help me write this, I remember all the ups and downs growing up together. The first date, the time my parents took us to Chilis for my birthday, when her parents took us to the State Fair for her birthday, late nights on the phone, middle school football games, movie nights in 7 points, high school games, indoor drumline practices, talks outside the band hall, break ups, back togethers, the first ride in the car, etc...

"....she was cool... I wasn't, but as I'm in the stands watching her cheer I just hoped that she would look up at me and remember...."

I know she wouldn't want me to take the glory from God... but it's because of Him that we are so close.

Thank you, and I love you Melissa

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

P.S. If you were wondering about the essay I wrote. I received a 4 ( the highest score you could get) I was one out of five in my class to receive it, and some of the english teachers to this day use my essay as an example to show students a good paper.......oh yeah!!!

...a time to

2007-08-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

This morning as I sit here, I've been thinking about some things. But the one thing that keeps popping up is how life is going to change. Not only for me but for my friends. Just yesterday my best friend moved up to Arkansas to go to college. Today Pam Black went off to Wayland Baptist, and more people are soon to follow. Melissa leaves the 15th, and I leave 18th. But it's been good. On myspace I have been sending messages, getting phone numbers, telling people stories about the past growing up. Just like my friend said "it's a blur"

I was talking to Pam for about an hour last night and just sharing some things that have been happening in our lives. Blessing from the Lord, memories, etc. But she said " the old gang has moved on" Wow that's so true. The group of us that grew up for Central Elementary School are all moving away. We have all grown up. Some of us are going to college, missionary programs, some already have kids. But in the words of Dee "It's all good"

As for me, I'm not scared, nor that nervous. It's not like I'm going to a country where no one speaks your language ( well not just yet) I'm excited!! GFA is going to change my life and I can't wait to be drilled by God. My concern is for my friends that don't know Christ. How temptation is going to raise its evil head, and the some that know Christ, how satan is going to buffet them the most. I pray God will just guild them and show them His will. It's all in God's time.

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecc 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Ecc 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecc 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Ecc 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Ecc 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Everything has a time, but it's all in Gods time.

What a day

2007-07-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

What a day. A day of excitment, brokeness, and sadness. Along with a bit of....well lets just say Nathan.....

The exciting part about today was church. Wow how God a move throughout a little building. It is so amazing to see the fellowship grow. All the way from the kitchen table to a jam packed building! Praise and worship was awesome and Buddys sermon really moved a lot of people.....

Now for the brokeness. I came home to study and pray before I preached tonight at OSO (Oakstreet Outreach), and I wasn't sure what God wanted me to do. He gave me some verses and I prayed for God just to put me in a state of complete brokeness. Which without a doubt, He did. The Lord really moved upon me and showed me a lot. I praise Him for that!

What a sad night. Dad got a call from Dee at OSO and said that a girl over there couldn't stay. Well we took her to the Genesis Center in Kaufman, and got her a place to stay. I just pray that God would reveil Himself to her.

Nathan...what a character! Nathan is the son of Lisa, a woman that stays at OSO. I don't know what kind of disease he has but it really doesn't matter, he is something else. According to him, I'm MC2 and dad is MC1. Nathan and Lisa came with us to take the girl to GC. Also Lisa stayed at the GC for 2 months so she knew how things went there. But Nathan....wow ummm lets just say he is a chick magnet. Not only was he getting the girls at the GC, he was trying to hook me up with 2 of them! I found out that he loves to hot rod in cars, can't wait to kiss Jesus when he gets to Heaven, loves Christian rock music, and is scared to fall out of a truck. What a blessing it is to get to be around the guys at OSO. I love it, and God is good!

...so I've been thinkin'

2007-07-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

......how things come soooo fast in life, and you don't even have a chance to look back and see what really happened. As for me being an 18 year old, my life hasn't been just some ol' walk in the park. I have times where I've been asking myself questions and trying to figure them out on my own. Oh you know, with the whole growing up thing.... trying to figure out who I am..... what I'm suppose to do with my life.....what is the truth....what's for dinner....how am I going to get some money to take Melissa out to eat....why doesn't the regular skittles package have a blue skittle( you know taste the rainbow) ???? The normal things any teen/young adult goes though daily.

wow

But sometimes when I'm alone I have to think about this. Does that all matter? Do those things really matter? I know that I'm suppose to grow up and live the American dream, nice house, pretty wife, great kids, wonderful job....but why? How I am nothing. I don't have any special talents. I am just a worm, but I am something with God. Sometimes question can flood my mind, and get me side tracked but the most important thing is God. He is my everything. That's what I want to express to everyone. I just praise Him for wrapping Himself in human flesh and coming down and dying for me. When I am no good for nothing human being, God came to deliever me. People can answer all my questions, but I have the answer for them. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things shall be added to you.

That's the only answer to my question.

.....even though some of those little issues still stay in my little 18 year old mind I know one thing

"The best of all is, God is with us." -John Wesley

P.S. Please pray for Gospel for Asia, and me leaving Aug 18th.