I have been reading The Five Smooth Stones: Essential Principles for Biblical Ministry by Robertson McQuilkin. He was twelve years in Japan with a church-starting ministry and then twenty-two years President of Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C. where he still holds the title of President Emeritus. I first was introduced to Dr. McQuilkin through his writings Life in the Spirit (Broadman and Holman) and later he came to Gadsden to teach sponsored by our association. He is most recently known for his long-term care of his wife who had Alzheimer’s and his latest book A Promise Kept reflects that pilgrimage in his life.
As I am getting older (and now approaching thirty years as a pastor), my heart cries for Biblical revelation to proceed man's programs. My respect for Dr. McQuilkin and the subtitle of the book caused me to buy it for reading.
But as I was reading it, I didn't expect these comments about the Holy Spirit. My heart was greatly encouraged and warmed.
"Why does the church so frequently neglect the Holy Spirit? I asked a group of Baptist pastors and leaders that question ….They had several reasons: It’s so spooky, said one, “we call him the Holy Ghost.” “I’ve never heart it called ‘him,’” said another. But the chief reason they all agreed on was, as one pastor put it, “There’s so much wildfire around him we don’t want to get close or we might get burned.” And indeed there are aberrations in the twentieth century’s “Second Pentecost,” as it has been called.” (page 74)
“Aberrations, yes, but the explosive growth of the church in the southern hemisphere, especially in Latin America, has been largely fueled by the revival of teaching on the Holy Spirit. … True, often there was indeed “wildfire” – unbiblical and extra biblical distortions. But the Spirit’s power was unleashed as never before since the first century.” (page 74)
“Many evangelicals, especially in the Reformed and Dispensational traditions, held that gifts were apostolic and ceased at the death of the last of the original Twelve. The problem with that position was lack of evidence in Scripture to indicate the Bible authors foresaw cessation. “Tongues…shall cease” (I Corinthians 13:8 KJV) was a last-ditch grasping for evidence, a passage clearly misappropriated to teach cessation. The context is “the now” with incomplete gifting and “the then” when all will be perfected in heaven. No amount of exegetical dexterity can claim this phrase for the cessation position, and that is the passage that is marshaled in evidence. As a consequence, the cessation position did not gain ascendancy.” (page 75)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
John Piper's comments on abortion
John Piper, in his sermon this past Sunday (1-27-08) on the issue of abortion:
It is the sacrificing of our sons and daughters to demons. And someday we will see this. And we will be as amazed that it could have endured so long as we are that the enslavement of Africans lasted as long as it did. The issue is just as clear as that one was. And we are just as blind today as they were then. The big difference is that the babies can’t run away. The underground railroad is entirely dependent on you, not them.
The strength to stand up and make a difference in this cause comes not mainly from the raw horrors of abortion, but from the amazing grace of verses (Psalm 106) 44-45: “Nevertheless [that is, in spite of sacrificing their children to demons], he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” This is what Jesus Christ came to achieve for all who will receive it.
If you want to read the full sermon, click here.
It is the sacrificing of our sons and daughters to demons. And someday we will see this. And we will be as amazed that it could have endured so long as we are that the enslavement of Africans lasted as long as it did. The issue is just as clear as that one was. And we are just as blind today as they were then. The big difference is that the babies can’t run away. The underground railroad is entirely dependent on you, not them.
The strength to stand up and make a difference in this cause comes not mainly from the raw horrors of abortion, but from the amazing grace of verses (Psalm 106) 44-45: “Nevertheless [that is, in spite of sacrificing their children to demons], he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” This is what Jesus Christ came to achieve for all who will receive it.
If you want to read the full sermon, click here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Am I Not Better to You?
Our church is doing Jim Cymbala's study "When God's People Pray" and God is greatly encouraging us in the practice of prayer.
This week while doing one of the lessons in the Participant's Guide, we were asked to read I Samuel 1. As I read, God struck me with the question Elkanah ask his wife, Hannah, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (verse 8)
"Am I not better to you than ten sons?" Do you hear disappointment in his voice?
Hannah was praying for a son while going through the personal disgrace of having no children and facing the ridicule of Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah, who had children. No doubt Elkanah loved Hannah greatly because he gave her a "double portion" (verse 5) and her continual sorrow and distress over not having a child concerned him.
As I pondered his disappointment that "he was not enough," I wondered if God feels the same way about us sometime. We are always wanting something, even reverting to whining to Him because we don't have what someone else has (a child, car, health, whatever). And God looks down to ask us, "Am I not better to you than __________?"
God is worthy of our love, adoration and worship becuase of who He is, not what He gives. Worship Him for who He is, not what He does or gives.
This week while doing one of the lessons in the Participant's Guide, we were asked to read I Samuel 1. As I read, God struck me with the question Elkanah ask his wife, Hannah, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (verse 8)
"Am I not better to you than ten sons?" Do you hear disappointment in his voice?
Hannah was praying for a son while going through the personal disgrace of having no children and facing the ridicule of Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah, who had children. No doubt Elkanah loved Hannah greatly because he gave her a "double portion" (verse 5) and her continual sorrow and distress over not having a child concerned him.
As I pondered his disappointment that "he was not enough," I wondered if God feels the same way about us sometime. We are always wanting something, even reverting to whining to Him because we don't have what someone else has (a child, car, health, whatever). And God looks down to ask us, "Am I not better to you than __________?"
God is worthy of our love, adoration and worship becuase of who He is, not what He gives. Worship Him for who He is, not what He does or gives.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Prophet and a Pastor
January 22 - the day after our nation celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the day we mourn the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision. What a contrast.
While churches all across our land was opened for special services for the Martin Luther King celebration, many of our churches have become quiet about the abortion issue becuase it is now a political issue. I want to say that we need for the church to speak out about both issues.
"Pastors should throw away the muzzles that some wish to impose on them and replace them with megaphones. It was sermons of pastors that fueled the American Revolution. … America needs her pastors to once again speak up and address the religious and moral issues of the day. It is far more likely to be struck by lightning twice than for churches to lose their tax-exempt status over political issues.” —Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, reacting to the “baseless” threats recently lobbied at several primary-state pastors regarding their preaching politics from the pulpit [christianpost.com, 1/14/08]
The threat of church's losing tax exemption and pastor's losing his salary has muzzled many to become silent on moral issues.
John Piper in his book Brothers, We Are Not Professionals said, "The issue of racial prejudice and snubbing and suspicion and mistreatment is not a social issue; it is a blood-of-Jesus issue."
The divide between Jews and Gentiles was much deeper than the division between races today. Paul trumpets that Jesus "has broken down the middle wall of division between us." (Ephesians 2:14)
Our gospel message is every race and every language and every tribe will unite in Jesus Christ. Yes, that will certainly happen in Heaven, but I believe the aspect of "His kingdom come, His will be done" that it should happen in every church. The book of Acts was not a homogeneous church.
But what about abortion. Last night I listened via the internet to the "Rediscovering God in America" rally in Orlando. At the late hour that I joined the proceedings, Governor Mike Huckabee was speaking and he was right on target about the issue of abortion. We need men and women who will uphold our Constitution and correct with an amendment that would restate "all men are created equally, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life..." As Governor Huckabee said last night, "This is not an issue to send back to the states. If it is right for one state, then it is right for every state. Morality does not change state-by-state."
Oh, how my heart yearns for America to repent. May it start with the church and with the pulpit.
While churches all across our land was opened for special services for the Martin Luther King celebration, many of our churches have become quiet about the abortion issue becuase it is now a political issue. I want to say that we need for the church to speak out about both issues.
"Pastors should throw away the muzzles that some wish to impose on them and replace them with megaphones. It was sermons of pastors that fueled the American Revolution. … America needs her pastors to once again speak up and address the religious and moral issues of the day. It is far more likely to be struck by lightning twice than for churches to lose their tax-exempt status over political issues.” —Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, reacting to the “baseless” threats recently lobbied at several primary-state pastors regarding their preaching politics from the pulpit [christianpost.com, 1/14/08]
The threat of church's losing tax exemption and pastor's losing his salary has muzzled many to become silent on moral issues.
John Piper in his book Brothers, We Are Not Professionals said, "The issue of racial prejudice and snubbing and suspicion and mistreatment is not a social issue; it is a blood-of-Jesus issue."
The divide between Jews and Gentiles was much deeper than the division between races today. Paul trumpets that Jesus "has broken down the middle wall of division between us." (Ephesians 2:14)
Our gospel message is every race and every language and every tribe will unite in Jesus Christ. Yes, that will certainly happen in Heaven, but I believe the aspect of "His kingdom come, His will be done" that it should happen in every church. The book of Acts was not a homogeneous church.
But what about abortion. Last night I listened via the internet to the "Rediscovering God in America" rally in Orlando. At the late hour that I joined the proceedings, Governor Mike Huckabee was speaking and he was right on target about the issue of abortion. We need men and women who will uphold our Constitution and correct with an amendment that would restate "all men are created equally, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life..." As Governor Huckabee said last night, "This is not an issue to send back to the states. If it is right for one state, then it is right for every state. Morality does not change state-by-state."
Oh, how my heart yearns for America to repent. May it start with the church and with the pulpit.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
This Sunday is "Sanctity of Human Life" Sunday marking the worst day in American history when in 1973 the Roe v Wade decision was made by the Supreme Court. Since then, over 48 million babies have been aborted with an average of three every minute. Abortion is the leading cause of death in America.
"Abortion is not a disease, it is not an accident, and it is not a medical problem. It is a spiritual and social problem. It is the deliberate taking of a human life. Unlike other causes of death, elective and eugenic abortions are 100 percent preventable," said Dr. Jimmy Draper, former President of Lifeway Resources.
Focus on the Family recently shared this story about Tim Tebow:
Tim Tebow, quarterback for the University of Florida, became the first sophomore in history to win the coveted Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country. With 29 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns, Tebow displayed the kind of versatility and athleticism for which every football coach prays. However, if doctors had had it their way, Tebow wouldn't be here today, according to the Gainesville Sun and lifenews.com
Pam Tebow and her husband Bob were Christian missionaries in the Philippines in 1985 and they prayed for their child even before Pam became pregnant. When she did, she contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. As a result, Pam entered a coma.
The treatment for the medical condition required strong medications which would cause irreversible damage to her unborn son and leave him with devastating disabilities. Doctors advised her to have an abortion.
Pam Tebow refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. She ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a completely healthy baby in August 1987.
"The combination of Timmy's God-given talent, hard work, character and leadership have made a mark on and off the football field," said Pam.
Former New York Giant Chris Godfrey shudders to think of the millions of Tim Tebows who aren't here today. "You just have to wonder how many good things did not come into our world because of our unwillingness to say 'Yes' and to trust in God," he said. (Pastor’s Weekly Briefing, 12-04-07; www.family.org)
If God was to rain fire and brimstone this day on every square mile of these United States, He would be justified. Oh, but for His mercies are we spared so that His goodness might lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). This is a modern day holocaust and God will hold us responsible.
For more info and other web resources: www.thetruthproject.org; http://beavoice.net; www.erlc.com/topics
"Abortion is not a disease, it is not an accident, and it is not a medical problem. It is a spiritual and social problem. It is the deliberate taking of a human life. Unlike other causes of death, elective and eugenic abortions are 100 percent preventable," said Dr. Jimmy Draper, former President of Lifeway Resources.
Focus on the Family recently shared this story about Tim Tebow:
Tim Tebow, quarterback for the University of Florida, became the first sophomore in history to win the coveted Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country. With 29 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns, Tebow displayed the kind of versatility and athleticism for which every football coach prays. However, if doctors had had it their way, Tebow wouldn't be here today, according to the Gainesville Sun and lifenews.com
Pam Tebow and her husband Bob were Christian missionaries in the Philippines in 1985 and they prayed for their child even before Pam became pregnant. When she did, she contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. As a result, Pam entered a coma.
The treatment for the medical condition required strong medications which would cause irreversible damage to her unborn son and leave him with devastating disabilities. Doctors advised her to have an abortion.
Pam Tebow refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. She ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a completely healthy baby in August 1987.
"The combination of Timmy's God-given talent, hard work, character and leadership have made a mark on and off the football field," said Pam.
Former New York Giant Chris Godfrey shudders to think of the millions of Tim Tebows who aren't here today. "You just have to wonder how many good things did not come into our world because of our unwillingness to say 'Yes' and to trust in God," he said. (Pastor’s Weekly Briefing, 12-04-07; www.family.org)
If God was to rain fire and brimstone this day on every square mile of these United States, He would be justified. Oh, but for His mercies are we spared so that His goodness might lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). This is a modern day holocaust and God will hold us responsible.
For more info and other web resources: www.thetruthproject.org; http://beavoice.net; www.erlc.com/topics
Monday, January 14, 2008
Update on "Call to New Beginning"
I apologize for not writing over-the-weekend but I was literally on the road all day Friday taking me to new places in Alabama where I've never been. Part of my travel took me from Tuscaloosa west to Millport, AL and then back up Highway 17 to Hamilton, AL. Then I was home most all day Saturday and never had internet connection long enough to write and send my blog.
God has still been speaking to me about the life of Ishmael and Isaac. Here are some observations:
I wonder how many sons and daughters "the church" has birthed in the flesh over the years promoting a gospel of saying a prayer or walking down the aisle. While we may have meant well and did not mean to deceive, just doing those things or a host of other things that could be mentioned does not result in being an authentic son of God.
But I noticed that after the birth of Ishmael God renewed the covenant with Abram and Sarai (Genesis 17) and even changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. This speaks to me of the God who is still committed to get it right even with imperfect beings. That sounds like my case. I am glad God will give preachers and churches second chances and renew them to His purposes even if they have produced a lot of "flesh" instead of "spirit" babies.
God has still been speaking to me about the life of Ishmael and Isaac. Here are some observations:
I wonder how many sons and daughters "the church" has birthed in the flesh over the years promoting a gospel of saying a prayer or walking down the aisle. While we may have meant well and did not mean to deceive, just doing those things or a host of other things that could be mentioned does not result in being an authentic son of God.
But I noticed that after the birth of Ishmael God renewed the covenant with Abram and Sarai (Genesis 17) and even changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. This speaks to me of the God who is still committed to get it right even with imperfect beings. That sounds like my case. I am glad God will give preachers and churches second chances and renew them to His purposes even if they have produced a lot of "flesh" instead of "spirit" babies.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day One of "Call to a New Beginning"
Today is the first day of our "Call to a New Beginning in 2008" where we are using the dates set forth in Exodus 12. Day Ten of the first month is where we are beginning.
Today I didn't have a special direction from the Lord on some Scripture passage to study so I just started reading in Genesis and found myself reading about Ishmael in Genesis 16. From that the Lord seemed to say, "David, are you willing to wait for what God can do or had you rather run ahead and produce something that everyone else can see? Are you doing this to satisfy yourself or to give yourself a sense of vindication in the eyes of others? Doing it your way may seem to be quicker but in the long run it will never be what you really want. Spiritual growth takes time and sometime the promises of God only come to those who are willing to wait."
Today I didn't have a special direction from the Lord on some Scripture passage to study so I just started reading in Genesis and found myself reading about Ishmael in Genesis 16. From that the Lord seemed to say, "David, are you willing to wait for what God can do or had you rather run ahead and produce something that everyone else can see? Are you doing this to satisfy yourself or to give yourself a sense of vindication in the eyes of others? Doing it your way may seem to be quicker but in the long run it will never be what you really want. Spiritual growth takes time and sometime the promises of God only come to those who are willing to wait."
Report on Donna Akers
I've just spoken with Mrs. Martha Trousdale (Donna's mom) and they have just heard from Donna. Tim, her husband, said the surgery went well, Donna is already without the pinched nerve pain that she has been dealing with for so long and is up walking. Praise the Lord!!!
Thank you for praying. And again, praise the Lord!
Thank you for praying. And again, praise the Lord!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Weekend Update
We have had a good weekend at CrossRoads even though I have been battling a cold since Saturday morning. Sunday was a good day of worship, spirit and attendance at CrossRoads. Here are some of the highlights of the day:
* We voted to call Mrs. Shae Walton as our Children's Pastor and our church is very blessed to have this great lady in our church and now joining our ministerial staff.
* We had a New Member Orientation and will be welcoming eight new members into our fellowship plus others attending the orientation that have joined in the past but are just know going through orientation. I am glad our church requires the class before becoming a full member and I do believe its best to attend this class before expressing one's "public" decision to join the church.
* Sunday was an emotional day for Jeff Whaley and his family. Jeff has been trying for several years to get full custody of his son and after many disappointments and delays, it finally happened December 26. This past Sunday Jeff's son, Preston, joined our fellowship. It was an emotional time for us all.
* I began a series of messages, that for a lack of a better term I am calling it "Our Core Values." Sunday I preached from John 3:13-17 "Jesus is the Only Choice." My main point was that Jesus cannot be your choice until He is your only choice. When you realize who you are, how sinful you are and deserving of hell, and then realize who Jesus is and what He has already done - then you are left with no option except to believe in Jesus. As long as you think you have other options, I don't care if you say a prayer, walk an aisle, or join a church - you are not saved. Jesus can not be your choice until He is your only choice. You don't "try" Jesus - when you come to Him He is your only option.
* Sunday night we had our monthly "Church Family Night" and hosted Dr. Frank Whitaker and Barton's First Baptist Church. Bro. Frank, the Pastor, has been a friend for over twenty-five years and he brought a great message on Worship from Deuteronomy 6. Barton's very fine music ministry under the direction of Archie Hubbard led the music and it was a great night of worship. I am very grateful for Barton and Bro. Frank coming to Elgin and having a joint service with us. (In my opinion, these types of services need to happen more).
* Then today several of us guys have been at the church re-arranging our auditorium. We had a member of our church to donate another screen, video monitor and another projector, so we are arranging our auditorium differently in order for our people to see the platform and the two screens. It is going to have a good feel to the auditorium when finished.
LSU is winning 31-10 so it looks like my final bowl picks is going to be 25-6. I picked LSU to win 25-22 so since they can't take points away from LSU I've come under their final point total. But it looks like the SEC will once again prove to the entire nation how good football is here in the South.
* We voted to call Mrs. Shae Walton as our Children's Pastor and our church is very blessed to have this great lady in our church and now joining our ministerial staff.
* We had a New Member Orientation and will be welcoming eight new members into our fellowship plus others attending the orientation that have joined in the past but are just know going through orientation. I am glad our church requires the class before becoming a full member and I do believe its best to attend this class before expressing one's "public" decision to join the church.
* Sunday was an emotional day for Jeff Whaley and his family. Jeff has been trying for several years to get full custody of his son and after many disappointments and delays, it finally happened December 26. This past Sunday Jeff's son, Preston, joined our fellowship. It was an emotional time for us all.
* I began a series of messages, that for a lack of a better term I am calling it "Our Core Values." Sunday I preached from John 3:13-17 "Jesus is the Only Choice." My main point was that Jesus cannot be your choice until He is your only choice. When you realize who you are, how sinful you are and deserving of hell, and then realize who Jesus is and what He has already done - then you are left with no option except to believe in Jesus. As long as you think you have other options, I don't care if you say a prayer, walk an aisle, or join a church - you are not saved. Jesus can not be your choice until He is your only choice. You don't "try" Jesus - when you come to Him He is your only option.
* Sunday night we had our monthly "Church Family Night" and hosted Dr. Frank Whitaker and Barton's First Baptist Church. Bro. Frank, the Pastor, has been a friend for over twenty-five years and he brought a great message on Worship from Deuteronomy 6. Barton's very fine music ministry under the direction of Archie Hubbard led the music and it was a great night of worship. I am very grateful for Barton and Bro. Frank coming to Elgin and having a joint service with us. (In my opinion, these types of services need to happen more).
* Then today several of us guys have been at the church re-arranging our auditorium. We had a member of our church to donate another screen, video monitor and another projector, so we are arranging our auditorium differently in order for our people to see the platform and the two screens. It is going to have a good feel to the auditorium when finished.
LSU is winning 31-10 so it looks like my final bowl picks is going to be 25-6. I picked LSU to win 25-22 so since they can't take points away from LSU I've come under their final point total. But it looks like the SEC will once again prove to the entire nation how good football is here in the South.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Pray for Donna Akers on Thursday, January 10
Most of the ones who read this post would know Donna Akers from the Shoals. She and her husband, Tim, serve our Lord with the International Mission Board as missionaries in the Ukraine. Donna is scheduled for surgery on Thursday, January 10 in Budapest on her back. Please pray for this surgery to be successful. Donna's mom and dad (Don and Martha Trousdale)are part of our fellowship at CrossRoads as well as Donna's sister (Michelle), brother (Allen), brother-in-law (Mike)and family.
Call for a New Beginning in 2008
I shared this message last Wednesday night (1-2-08) with my church and thought I would let you know what God is speaking to us about.
Using Exodus 12 as a signpost noting that it was in the "first month, on the first day" that God spoke to Moses and Aaron, we are believing God to do something special in this first month of our year.. There is significance about the "first month, first day" in the Bible (see Genesis 8:13; Exodus 40:2, 17; Numbers 9:1; Joshua 4:19; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17 and several places in Ezekiel (29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21).
In Exodus 12 God told them on the tenth day to get a lamb according to His requirements and prepare it to be eaten on the fourteenth day. On the fourteenth day they ate the lamb/goat and put the blood on the doorposts for protection. From the fourteenth til the twenty-first day was days of Unleavened Bread.
With the coming of 2008, we know that eight in the Bible is the number of new beginnings. The number seven represents perfection and completion. God created the world in seven days. But eight is the number of new beginnings. There are eight recorded resurrections in the Bible.
It is also interesting to note that in the Hebrew calendar the year is 5768. So is there something special about 2008?
And is there something special about "the first month, first day,tenth day, etc.?"
Using this as an example, I am calling for a "New Beginning in 2008" and to submit ourselves to a period of dedicated reading of the Word of God and to fasting.
January 10-14: Prepare yourself by reading only the Word of God. It is the way that "we cleanse ourselves." (Psalm 119:9; Ephesians 5:26).
January 14-21 - Period of fasting and devoted reading of God's Word.
Join us at whatever level you can for a week of fasting. Some cannot participate in a food fast due to health reasons, but what can you abstain from? Television, internet, sugar, caffeine, tobacco, some activity, etc?
The most important thing about fasting is abstinence for a spiritual goal or purpose.
What do you want to see God do in this fast?
* Release from past burdens
* A sin or habit broken in your life
* Financial breakthrough
* Relationship breakthrough
* Move out of a personal emptiness or void
* Move into the land of victory
* Experience total release from an experience of the past
* Needing a mate or praying for a child
* Wisdom for decisions
Then as a church, seek God for:
This is a critical year as we build. Pray for God to move with the prices of material, our Building Team, the Builders for Christ, favor with an interest rate, God to raise up additional finances so we won't have to borrow so much
* Renewed power and passion for Him and others
* Fresh fire in our personal and corporate times of worship
* The calling of a Children's Pastor and Student Pastor
* For God to continue to grant unity to our body
* For Him to add to the church "such as should be added"
* For us to reach our community and connect with "unreached people groups"
Join us January 10-21 for a "New Beginning."
Using Exodus 12 as a signpost noting that it was in the "first month, on the first day" that God spoke to Moses and Aaron, we are believing God to do something special in this first month of our year.. There is significance about the "first month, first day" in the Bible (see Genesis 8:13; Exodus 40:2, 17; Numbers 9:1; Joshua 4:19; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17 and several places in Ezekiel (29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21).
In Exodus 12 God told them on the tenth day to get a lamb according to His requirements and prepare it to be eaten on the fourteenth day. On the fourteenth day they ate the lamb/goat and put the blood on the doorposts for protection. From the fourteenth til the twenty-first day was days of Unleavened Bread.
With the coming of 2008, we know that eight in the Bible is the number of new beginnings. The number seven represents perfection and completion. God created the world in seven days. But eight is the number of new beginnings. There are eight recorded resurrections in the Bible.
It is also interesting to note that in the Hebrew calendar the year is 5768. So is there something special about 2008?
And is there something special about "the first month, first day,tenth day, etc.?"
Using this as an example, I am calling for a "New Beginning in 2008" and to submit ourselves to a period of dedicated reading of the Word of God and to fasting.
January 10-14: Prepare yourself by reading only the Word of God. It is the way that "we cleanse ourselves." (Psalm 119:9; Ephesians 5:26).
January 14-21 - Period of fasting and devoted reading of God's Word.
Join us at whatever level you can for a week of fasting. Some cannot participate in a food fast due to health reasons, but what can you abstain from? Television, internet, sugar, caffeine, tobacco, some activity, etc?
The most important thing about fasting is abstinence for a spiritual goal or purpose.
What do you want to see God do in this fast?
* Release from past burdens
* A sin or habit broken in your life
* Financial breakthrough
* Relationship breakthrough
* Move out of a personal emptiness or void
* Move into the land of victory
* Experience total release from an experience of the past
* Needing a mate or praying for a child
* Wisdom for decisions
Then as a church, seek God for:
This is a critical year as we build. Pray for God to move with the prices of material, our Building Team, the Builders for Christ, favor with an interest rate, God to raise up additional finances so we won't have to borrow so much
* Renewed power and passion for Him and others
* Fresh fire in our personal and corporate times of worship
* The calling of a Children's Pastor and Student Pastor
* For God to continue to grant unity to our body
* For Him to add to the church "such as should be added"
* For us to reach our community and connect with "unreached people groups"
Join us January 10-21 for a "New Beginning."
Friday, January 4, 2008
Ray and Anne Ortlund
One of the daily emails that I receive is from Nancy Leigh DeMoss's daily manuscript of her radio program. Her web address is www.reviveourhearts.com.
Yesterday and today her guests were taped interviews of the past with Ray and Anne Ortlund (he is now with the Lord). Here are some quotes that blessed me from the Ortlunds:
"How is anyone going to live a godly life in today’s world not having time alone with God? There’s not the slightest chance, guys, for you to be a man of God if you’re not spending time each day just feasting on His Word. "
“Your danger and mine is not that we become criminals, but rather that we become respectable, decent, commonplace, mediocre Christians. The 21st century temptations that really sap our spiritual power are the television, banana cream pie, the easy chair and the credit card.”
"Every one of us. You don’t have to be a superstar to live in the glorious presence and the wonderful, wonderful, miracle working power of Christ in your life. He wants to do more than to bring His sons to glory. He wants to bring glory to His sons. He has more in mind than just taking His saints to heaven. He wants to bring heaven to His saints. "
"We haven’t talked much about fasting, Nancy, not anything with Ray and me on this program. And I haven’t done a lot of it, but I know that sometimes we get so desperate to be with God, for God to do something in our lives, something. When my tummy would growl that would call me to pray. And that was a very precious time in my life. "
"When we go into corporate worship this is not for what we get out of it. That’s so self-centered. It’s for what the Lord gets out of it. It’s for Him. So we make His heart happy with our songs and our listening and our giving. "
"...the average church is like a bag of marbles clanging up against each other, hard, not really connecting to each other. But we should be like a bag of ripe grapes. Sushed together and our lives as we’re blended together in love and in Christ producing a juice of sweetness that ministers to others. ... so many people go to church today and stay unknown and lonely sitting in their place in their pew, giving their offerings, maybe even serving in some way in the church, but not really connected to the people of God. "
What is revival or spiritual renewal? "We’re not talking about sawdust trails, although there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re talking about an inward work of God where the Holy Spirit comes in and fills you again with the love of God and worship of God."
"It means practice the presence. That means live in continual awareness of Jesus. Like right now I want to be aware of Jesus. Again, it’s not about me. It’s about Jesus. More than being aware of we’re on radio. You know, that can be scary, but know we’re in the presence of Jesus."
Yesterday and today her guests were taped interviews of the past with Ray and Anne Ortlund (he is now with the Lord). Here are some quotes that blessed me from the Ortlunds:
"How is anyone going to live a godly life in today’s world not having time alone with God? There’s not the slightest chance, guys, for you to be a man of God if you’re not spending time each day just feasting on His Word. "
“Your danger and mine is not that we become criminals, but rather that we become respectable, decent, commonplace, mediocre Christians. The 21st century temptations that really sap our spiritual power are the television, banana cream pie, the easy chair and the credit card.”
"Every one of us. You don’t have to be a superstar to live in the glorious presence and the wonderful, wonderful, miracle working power of Christ in your life. He wants to do more than to bring His sons to glory. He wants to bring glory to His sons. He has more in mind than just taking His saints to heaven. He wants to bring heaven to His saints. "
"We haven’t talked much about fasting, Nancy, not anything with Ray and me on this program. And I haven’t done a lot of it, but I know that sometimes we get so desperate to be with God, for God to do something in our lives, something. When my tummy would growl that would call me to pray. And that was a very precious time in my life. "
"When we go into corporate worship this is not for what we get out of it. That’s so self-centered. It’s for what the Lord gets out of it. It’s for Him. So we make His heart happy with our songs and our listening and our giving. "
"...the average church is like a bag of marbles clanging up against each other, hard, not really connecting to each other. But we should be like a bag of ripe grapes. Sushed together and our lives as we’re blended together in love and in Christ producing a juice of sweetness that ministers to others. ... so many people go to church today and stay unknown and lonely sitting in their place in their pew, giving their offerings, maybe even serving in some way in the church, but not really connected to the people of God. "
What is revival or spiritual renewal? "We’re not talking about sawdust trails, although there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re talking about an inward work of God where the Holy Spirit comes in and fills you again with the love of God and worship of God."
"It means practice the presence. That means live in continual awareness of Jesus. Like right now I want to be aware of Jesus. Again, it’s not about me. It’s about Jesus. More than being aware of we’re on radio. You know, that can be scary, but know we’re in the presence of Jesus."
What is the gospel?
I got my first IPod (its a IPod Touch) for Christmas and I am really enjoying it. I was already in the Itunes world, but not mobile with the IPod.
Someday I'll share some of the podcasts that I subscribe to, but I had found some seminary courses at Reformed Theological Seminary that has been fun to listen to. One of the lecturers is Dr. John Sittema. He challenged his students to be able to articulate the gospel in 25 words or less. So I took the challenge. Here is my response (24 words, count them):
The gospel is the result and reason for man's fall will be restored by faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
What do you think? What would you add, delete, elaborate. Remember - only 25 words.
Someday I'll share some of the podcasts that I subscribe to, but I had found some seminary courses at Reformed Theological Seminary that has been fun to listen to. One of the lecturers is Dr. John Sittema. He challenged his students to be able to articulate the gospel in 25 words or less. So I took the challenge. Here is my response (24 words, count them):
The gospel is the result and reason for man's fall will be restored by faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
What do you think? What would you add, delete, elaborate. Remember - only 25 words.
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