By his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
Pilate delivered our Lord over to his executioners to be scourged, and a Roman scourging whip was an incredibly dreadful instrument of torture. It was made of the tendons of oxen cut into straps, with sharp pieces of bone interspersed along each strap. So every time the straps hit the flesh, the pieces of bone inflicted horrible lacerations, literally ripping the flesh from the bones of the victim. There can be no doubt the Savior was tied to a pole and severely beaten in this way. He had been struck and beaten before, but this beating by the Roman executioners was probably the most severe of His beatings.
Dear believer, imagine this scene, then stand over Him, weeping for His poor stricken body. Can you gaze on Him without shedding tears, as He lies before you as the perfect representation of agonizing love? At the same time He is as fair as a lily in His innocence and as red as a rose with the crimson color of His own blood. As you sense the certain and blessed healing "his wounds" have fashioned in you, doesn't your heart instantly melt with love and grief? If you have ever loved our Lord Jesus, surely now you must feel that affection for Him brightly glowing within your heart.
See how the patient Jesus stands,
Insulted in His lowest case!
Sinners have bound the Almighty's hands,
And spit in their Creator's face.
With thorns His temples gored and gashed
Send streams of blood from every part.
His back with knotted scourges lashed,
But sharper scourges tear His heart.
Samuel Hart, 1845-?
We would rather stay in our room this morning and weep, but our work calls us away. Before we leave, however, may we first pray that our Beloved Savior imprint the image of His bleeding body upon the tablets of our heart all day long. Then at nightfall may we return to commune with Him, with true sorrow that our sin cost Him so dearly.
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Redemption is defined as "freedom obtained through a price paid." Today we have considered that price, but who can fully calculate Jesus' pain and suffering, or the value of even one drop of His blood!
We think of so-called precious metals as having great value, but the truth is they have no eternal value. In fact, since the word precious literally means "priceless or beyond the ability to value," metals such as silver and gold are not truly precious. And as we see from the following, they are indeed perishable:
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
"What Justification Is"
I will be sharing about our outreach and singing at Jon Cardwell's church in Alabama later this month. We hope to begin a new table outreach of evangelism and apologetics there this summer. Here is his latest sermon.
My Great Heritage
This came from one of my best friends. I wrote her back last night to let her know that it brought tears to my eyes, too.
Dearest Dwayna,
Keep on living for your eternal reward! I just looked at the Ole Time Religion and Walter Martin on Youtube. That was just great! The tears came when I realized that that little girl was Claudette [my mother], age 3, giving her offering. And the tears are pouring down as I write this. What a heritage you have, and what prayers have been poured into your life by loving family. Bless you on this Passover.
Dearest Dwayna,
Keep on living for your eternal reward! I just looked at the Ole Time Religion and Walter Martin on Youtube. That was just great! The tears came when I realized that that little girl was Claudette [my mother], age 3, giving her offering. And the tears are pouring down as I write this. What a heritage you have, and what prayers have been poured into your life by loving family. Bless you on this Passover.
LTW Update: NYC Last Weekend
Update from Christine:
It was great to be back in the subway after the time out of it the weekend before...Pastor Recker gave an inspiring sermon Sunday a.m. on Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how that very moment was prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27, and I was even more energized by the Spirit to serve our Lord! After facing some obstacles, we were completely set up around 3:30 and stayed until a little after 6:30. We then joined hands in prayer with a fellow Christian who stopped by the table. After we were done praying, we were pleased and surprised to find that an elderly women stood outside our prayer circle and prayed with us. She seemed blessed by our prayers and earnestly asked us to pray for her daughter, Cher, who is the only unsaved member of her family.
I want to mention that we basically share the subway tunnel every Sunday with a couple of Chinese ladies who hand out tracts on the Rapture. Yesterday, I noticed that a lot more people had these tracts in hand as they passed by and some were even reading them as they headed in our direction. I was holding booklets of studies in the Gospel of John or Romans and some of these people stopped to take these or take Bibles or copies of the New Testaments offered. May God use these resources for His good will and purposes! Please keep these people in prayer, as well as the Chinese ladies who are faithfully there every Sunday!
To God be the Glory!
Christine
It was great to be back in the subway after the time out of it the weekend before...Pastor Recker gave an inspiring sermon Sunday a.m. on Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how that very moment was prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27, and I was even more energized by the Spirit to serve our Lord! After facing some obstacles, we were completely set up around 3:30 and stayed until a little after 6:30. We then joined hands in prayer with a fellow Christian who stopped by the table. After we were done praying, we were pleased and surprised to find that an elderly women stood outside our prayer circle and prayed with us. She seemed blessed by our prayers and earnestly asked us to pray for her daughter, Cher, who is the only unsaved member of her family.I want to mention that we basically share the subway tunnel every Sunday with a couple of Chinese ladies who hand out tracts on the Rapture. Yesterday, I noticed that a lot more people had these tracts in hand as they passed by and some were even reading them as they headed in our direction. I was holding booklets of studies in the Gospel of John or Romans and some of these people stopped to take these or take Bibles or copies of the New Testaments offered. May God use these resources for His good will and purposes! Please keep these people in prayer, as well as the Chinese ladies who are faithfully there every Sunday!
To God be the Glory!
Christine
NYC This Week
I will be working with the team this weekend at the outreach table and singing at Heritage Baptist Church this Sunday. I am in the music studio day and night recording three new songs, including one of my favorites I have ever written, "Honest Life." It is so beautiful.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Religion of the "Leftists"
This is well worth reading by Dennis Prager:
http://townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2010/03/30/where_do_jews_and_christians_on_the_left_get_their_values?page=full&comments=true
http://townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2010/03/30/where_do_jews_and_christians_on_the_left_get_their_values?page=full&comments=true
Monday, March 29, 2010
LTW Update: Boulder
Now that the team has moved the table and supplies to a more central storage location, they will be able to set up the table on Pearl Street. This will give our outreach much more depth, due to the resources we can make available via the table. I will fly there this year to work with the team at the table. In the meantime, they have been doing witnessing without the table, and here is a summary from Patty of our evangelism in this area lately.
The past two times I planned to go out in Boulder it snowed but today was sunny and in the sixties and the crowd on the Pearl Street Mall was as big as for a planned festival. Street performers were everywhere, and we noticed a tarot card reader and a woman giving chair massages for $1 a minute. I was there with Dan, a brother from my church, from 2-4 passing out tracts and reminding people of the importance of Easter (that Jesus rose from the dead). Then Melanie, from the Denver street evangelism, joined me for another hour. A man named Steppenwolf said he wore a cross because he believed in Jesus, but his replies to our questions indicated he thought of it more as some sort of insurance against hell. He believed God would let him into heaven because that's where he wanted to go, and he didn't think he had to surrender to Christ. We were blessed talking to a believer named TJ who is homeless but full of hope for his future in Christ. He plays the recorder for donations and is saving money. We encouraged him to find a church home and be part of a covenant group of fellow Christians. --Patty
Testimonial from Team in NYC
From yesterday at table outreach of apologetics in Times Square:
Wow! Yesterday was an intense day!! Seems like we were all engaged in earnestly contending for our faith with many confused souls. We kept pointing them back to the truth of Scripture. That is really all we can do is give a defense for the hope within us and trust that the seeds are being planted. We know some will have ears to hear, and hopefully others will come to a knowledge of the truth in time. At any rate, we always finish by praying for all who received materials and for those we were able to share with. The Lord gave me a simple melody inspired by one of the many emails Heidi sent out last week, and we all sang it together:
Sola Fide
Sola Scriptura
Sola Gratia
Solus Christus
Soli Deo Gloria
That about sums if up!
II Corinthians 4:2
We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
We are excited about you joining us next weekend, Dwayna, and we invited many to join us on Resurrection Sunday at Heritage and look forward to a wonderful time of fellowship and rejoicing in our Lord!!
Blessings,
Suzi
Dwayna,
Despite the fact that I always show up 2/3 of the way through, I'm glad to be a blessing to the New York ministry. I actually consider myself to be the more blessed of us because of the vehicle you've created that allows my gifts not to lie dormant. It's a privilege to serve in the LTW ministry. All of your hard work (and that of the ladies) has created a very high-caliber, niche outreach that is like a lighthouse of truth in a maelstrom of deceptive ideas. It's a simple thing we do, but it's exciting to have such a great outlet to lead people out of darkness and confusion and to show them the realities of the Living God, his Spirit, and his Anointed One...
~Christian C.
-----------------------------Despite the fact that I always show up 2/3 of the way through, I'm glad to be a blessing to the New York ministry. I actually consider myself to be the more blessed of us because of the vehicle you've created that allows my gifts not to lie dormant. It's a privilege to serve in the LTW ministry. All of your hard work (and that of the ladies) has created a very high-caliber, niche outreach that is like a lighthouse of truth in a maelstrom of deceptive ideas. It's a simple thing we do, but it's exciting to have such a great outlet to lead people out of darkness and confusion and to show them the realities of the Living God, his Spirit, and his Anointed One...
~Christian C.
Wow! Yesterday was an intense day!! Seems like we were all engaged in earnestly contending for our faith with many confused souls. We kept pointing them back to the truth of Scripture. That is really all we can do is give a defense for the hope within us and trust that the seeds are being planted. We know some will have ears to hear, and hopefully others will come to a knowledge of the truth in time. At any rate, we always finish by praying for all who received materials and for those we were able to share with. The Lord gave me a simple melody inspired by one of the many emails Heidi sent out last week, and we all sang it together:
Sola Fide
Sola Scriptura
Sola Gratia
Solus Christus
Soli Deo Gloria
That about sums if up!
II Corinthians 4:2
We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
We are excited about you joining us next weekend, Dwayna, and we invited many to join us on Resurrection Sunday at Heritage and look forward to a wonderful time of fellowship and rejoicing in our Lord!!
Blessings,
Suzi
LTW Updates: Boulder, NYC, Venice Beach and W. Hollywood
I am having trouble copying over the image of the team from NYC yesterday at our table outreach there of apologetics. It is a great photo of the team at the busy table. I will keep working on getting it posted. More photos and summaries are soon to follow on that location.
In Boulder, we managed to move all of our resources, storage and table supplies to a new location for storage last weekend. This will make it easier for the team to utilize the table and sign for our books and literature to give to the people in Boulder who approach us on Pearl Street. I am excited about flying out, at some point this year, to work with the team for a couple of days. After all, we have a new co-leader, Patty, and she is certainly an answer to prayer for the team! I have yet to meet her in person.
As for our Venice Beach and West Hollywood locations, we are busy moving the supplies and resources to a new storage facility for that area, too. This will help the team leaders get to the books and resources easier when setting up the table outreaches. We hope to have this done in the next few weeks.
As for beginning a new outreach in Atlanta, everything is on hold until I get back in town around April 10.
In Boulder, we managed to move all of our resources, storage and table supplies to a new location for storage last weekend. This will make it easier for the team to utilize the table and sign for our books and literature to give to the people in Boulder who approach us on Pearl Street. I am excited about flying out, at some point this year, to work with the team for a couple of days. After all, we have a new co-leader, Patty, and she is certainly an answer to prayer for the team! I have yet to meet her in person.
As for our Venice Beach and West Hollywood locations, we are busy moving the supplies and resources to a new storage facility for that area, too. This will help the team leaders get to the books and resources easier when setting up the table outreaches. We hope to have this done in the next few weeks.
As for beginning a new outreach in Atlanta, everything is on hold until I get back in town around April 10.
King Asa, A Lesson of Grace
By Charisse Graves:
King Asa is a fascinating figure in the Old Testament. It was said of King Asa that “...the heart of King Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days.” (1 Kings 15:14) This is a rather provocative statement considering that King Asa did not finish entirely well. King Asa’s life is a lesson of grace from God to us, revealing that even if we are striving with our whole heart to follow Him, we can still fall short unless we heed the Word of the Lord. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
King Asa started his reign with intense zeal for the Lord. “Asa did good and right in the sight of the Lord his God, for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherim, and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to observe the law and the commandment.” (2 Chronicles 15:2-4)
God gave Asa rest, and the kingdom remained undisturbed for ten years until the Ethiopian army (a million men) came against Asa’s 580,000 man army. Asa, realizing he was hopelessly outnumbered, turned to the Lord. “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (2 Chronicles 15:11)
Then the Lord sent the prophet Azariah to instruct Asa. “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him… But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” (2 Chronicles 15:2-4, 2 Chronicles 15:7)
King Asa listened and obeyed. He courageously removed all the idols from the land and restored the altar of the Lord. He also deposed his grandmother from her position, because she made a horrid image as an Asherah pole, which he cut down and burned. Further, all of Judah took an oath to the Lord. “All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.” (2 Chronicles 15:15)
King Asa enjoyed peace and plenty under his reign for approximately twenty-five years. Then, as so often happens in peace and prosperity, Asa failed to ask of the Lord’s counsel when he was faced with war. Instead, (as is our natural inclination) he made a “treaty” with the King of Aram and did not inquire of God. King Asa decided it was better to receive temporal help by way of a human alliance rather than trust God and seek His will in the matter.
God in His mercy sends Hanani to rebuke and instruct Asa in his folly. However, Asa did not accept the reproof and did not repent. What did Asa do? The very same thing most of us would do, he became enraged. Asa, in his anger, had Hanani thrown in prison and shackled. He also mistreated and oppressed some of his people (possibly those who sided with Hanani). Your classic “kill the messenger” scenario, versus that of King David when rebuked by Nathan, heeded the correction which led to true repentance.
But, Asa’s folly does not end there. “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12)
We are again amazed that such a godly man would not even, in his own personal affliction, seek the Lord. This is the same King Asa that cried out to the Lord in his earlier years and witnessed the faithfulness of God, and is the one who had a heart wholly committed to the Lord all of his days.
Well, if it was possible for Asa to have a blind spot, what about us? Oh Lord, in your infinite mercy, please reveal any areas inwhich we have been deceived. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 2:21)
We need to be careful when analyzing King Asa’s faults to give him due credit for his devotion to the Lord. If the Bible were being written today, would our name be found on the pages, crediting us for tearing down modern day idols? “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And, we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:19-21)
My prayer is that we will listen and obey the Word of the Lord leading us to all godliness and that by God’s grace we will finish well. “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Pressing towards the Prize,
Charisse Graves
King Asa is a fascinating figure in the Old Testament. It was said of King Asa that “...the heart of King Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days.” (1 Kings 15:14) This is a rather provocative statement considering that King Asa did not finish entirely well. King Asa’s life is a lesson of grace from God to us, revealing that even if we are striving with our whole heart to follow Him, we can still fall short unless we heed the Word of the Lord. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
King Asa started his reign with intense zeal for the Lord. “Asa did good and right in the sight of the Lord his God, for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherim, and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to observe the law and the commandment.” (2 Chronicles 15:2-4)
God gave Asa rest, and the kingdom remained undisturbed for ten years until the Ethiopian army (a million men) came against Asa’s 580,000 man army. Asa, realizing he was hopelessly outnumbered, turned to the Lord. “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (2 Chronicles 15:11)
Then the Lord sent the prophet Azariah to instruct Asa. “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him… But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” (2 Chronicles 15:2-4, 2 Chronicles 15:7)
King Asa listened and obeyed. He courageously removed all the idols from the land and restored the altar of the Lord. He also deposed his grandmother from her position, because she made a horrid image as an Asherah pole, which he cut down and burned. Further, all of Judah took an oath to the Lord. “All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.” (2 Chronicles 15:15)
King Asa enjoyed peace and plenty under his reign for approximately twenty-five years. Then, as so often happens in peace and prosperity, Asa failed to ask of the Lord’s counsel when he was faced with war. Instead, (as is our natural inclination) he made a “treaty” with the King of Aram and did not inquire of God. King Asa decided it was better to receive temporal help by way of a human alliance rather than trust God and seek His will in the matter.
God in His mercy sends Hanani to rebuke and instruct Asa in his folly. However, Asa did not accept the reproof and did not repent. What did Asa do? The very same thing most of us would do, he became enraged. Asa, in his anger, had Hanani thrown in prison and shackled. He also mistreated and oppressed some of his people (possibly those who sided with Hanani). Your classic “kill the messenger” scenario, versus that of King David when rebuked by Nathan, heeded the correction which led to true repentance.
But, Asa’s folly does not end there. “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12)
We are again amazed that such a godly man would not even, in his own personal affliction, seek the Lord. This is the same King Asa that cried out to the Lord in his earlier years and witnessed the faithfulness of God, and is the one who had a heart wholly committed to the Lord all of his days.
Well, if it was possible for Asa to have a blind spot, what about us? Oh Lord, in your infinite mercy, please reveal any areas inwhich we have been deceived. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 2:21)
We need to be careful when analyzing King Asa’s faults to give him due credit for his devotion to the Lord. If the Bible were being written today, would our name be found on the pages, crediting us for tearing down modern day idols? “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And, we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:19-21)
My prayer is that we will listen and obey the Word of the Lord leading us to all godliness and that by God’s grace we will finish well. “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Pressing towards the Prize,
Charisse Graves
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Athiests Are Not So Happy After All
From Daniel Mann
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Fruit of the Spirit
This Saturday, Anita and I went to the Ethical Culture Society to hear a psychologist speak. The talk, sponsored by an atheist group, was followed by Q & A. The psychologist was asked by one incredulous atheist why surveys have consistently indicted that those who believe in God – and the vast majority of these are Christians – are happier than others. Another asked if any studies have shown that atheists exhibit better mental health than others. The psychologist was unable to respond affirmatively to either question.
This is tremendously embarrassing for the atheists, who pride themselves for their rationality and their grasp of reality. They therefore think it just that the good life should belong to them, but this is not what the studies show.
Consequently, it is a bitter affront to them that Christians should be happier. It’s as if Jacob had stolen their birthright. How then do they explain this “illegitimate usurpation” of what should have been their inheritance? Generally, they seem to credit this reversal of fortunes to Christian community.
However, I think that they are mistaken. Although it might be true that Christians generally enjoy a more fulfilling social life, I think that this is the result of certain cognitive-affective fruit that are gradually born out of a relationship with Christ. Let me try to identify some of the fruits of faith in Christ:
1. The Christian has been given a gift of forgiveness and righteousness (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:21). Our identity and significance has been established! When this truth has become cemented into our being, we find that we no longer need to prove ourselves or to impress others. The desires may still remain, but these needs can no longer exercise dominion over us. We no longer need to live in denial about ourselves. There’s nothing left to deny. Our Savior can turn every negative into a positive.
2. The Christian can better accept suffering and failure knowing that, even in the midst of these, Christ is working everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). If instead everything that you have is in this life, then there is a greater urgency about getting what one wants here and now.
3. The Christian can better accept his/her inadequacies and insecurities, knowing that it’s no longer about us, but about Christ who now owns us (Gal. 2:20). This enables us to get our sights off ourselves and onto the One who loves us beyond understanding (Eph. 2:16-20).
4. More concerned about God’s opinions, we become less concerned about humankinds opinions and their enslaving effects (Proverbs 29:25).
5. We can also accept our sin and shame, knowing that His blood cleanses us from everything (1 John 1:9).
6. Despite our painful circumstances, we can still hope, convinced that we have an all-powerful God (Gen. 18:14). What can the atheist hope in beyond himself? And because everything rests on his own shoulders, he must deny those things about himself that aren’t worthy of his self-trust.
7. It is a delight to serve the Lord (Psalm 1:2-3), and this gives us meaning and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
8. It is also so satisfying to have the truth and the understanding that it brings (Proverbs 2: 10-11). It then becomes a wisdom that enables to peacefully navigate the challenges of life.
9. We are co-heirs with Christ for all eternity (Rom. 8:17). Knowing this, we can better endure the disappointments of this life and are less inclined towards envy. We already own the world!
10. When we know that our basic needs are met, we are liberated (John 8:31-32) to attend to the needs of others. Consequently, our relationships tend to become deeper and more fulfilling. Their co-dependent aspects slowly lift as the morning mist.
This is just a partial list of the fruits of a life in Christ. But fruits are produced in season. It had required many years before these truths had percolated down into my heart from superficial believing. Painful trials had to first be transformed by the Spirit, through the Word, into soul-food.
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Fruit of the Spirit
This Saturday, Anita and I went to the Ethical Culture Society to hear a psychologist speak. The talk, sponsored by an atheist group, was followed by Q & A. The psychologist was asked by one incredulous atheist why surveys have consistently indicted that those who believe in God – and the vast majority of these are Christians – are happier than others. Another asked if any studies have shown that atheists exhibit better mental health than others. The psychologist was unable to respond affirmatively to either question.
This is tremendously embarrassing for the atheists, who pride themselves for their rationality and their grasp of reality. They therefore think it just that the good life should belong to them, but this is not what the studies show.
Consequently, it is a bitter affront to them that Christians should be happier. It’s as if Jacob had stolen their birthright. How then do they explain this “illegitimate usurpation” of what should have been their inheritance? Generally, they seem to credit this reversal of fortunes to Christian community.
However, I think that they are mistaken. Although it might be true that Christians generally enjoy a more fulfilling social life, I think that this is the result of certain cognitive-affective fruit that are gradually born out of a relationship with Christ. Let me try to identify some of the fruits of faith in Christ:
1. The Christian has been given a gift of forgiveness and righteousness (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:21). Our identity and significance has been established! When this truth has become cemented into our being, we find that we no longer need to prove ourselves or to impress others. The desires may still remain, but these needs can no longer exercise dominion over us. We no longer need to live in denial about ourselves. There’s nothing left to deny. Our Savior can turn every negative into a positive.
2. The Christian can better accept suffering and failure knowing that, even in the midst of these, Christ is working everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). If instead everything that you have is in this life, then there is a greater urgency about getting what one wants here and now.
3. The Christian can better accept his/her inadequacies and insecurities, knowing that it’s no longer about us, but about Christ who now owns us (Gal. 2:20). This enables us to get our sights off ourselves and onto the One who loves us beyond understanding (Eph. 2:16-20).
4. More concerned about God’s opinions, we become less concerned about humankinds opinions and their enslaving effects (Proverbs 29:25).
5. We can also accept our sin and shame, knowing that His blood cleanses us from everything (1 John 1:9).
6. Despite our painful circumstances, we can still hope, convinced that we have an all-powerful God (Gen. 18:14). What can the atheist hope in beyond himself? And because everything rests on his own shoulders, he must deny those things about himself that aren’t worthy of his self-trust.
7. It is a delight to serve the Lord (Psalm 1:2-3), and this gives us meaning and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
8. It is also so satisfying to have the truth and the understanding that it brings (Proverbs 2: 10-11). It then becomes a wisdom that enables to peacefully navigate the challenges of life.
9. We are co-heirs with Christ for all eternity (Rom. 8:17). Knowing this, we can better endure the disappointments of this life and are less inclined towards envy. We already own the world!
10. When we know that our basic needs are met, we are liberated (John 8:31-32) to attend to the needs of others. Consequently, our relationships tend to become deeper and more fulfilling. Their co-dependent aspects slowly lift as the morning mist.
This is just a partial list of the fruits of a life in Christ. But fruits are produced in season. It had required many years before these truths had percolated down into my heart from superficial believing. Painful trials had to first be transformed by the Spirit, through the Word, into soul-food.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
More on the "Emergent Church" Movement and Doug Pagitt
For those who wish to understand more about how the emergent church foray is disparaging mainstream Christianity, go here.
Demonic Possession in Christian Arenas
They may not be faking it. If this is truly a spirit manifesting, it is no doubt a demonic one. (A fruit of the Holy Spirit is self-control.) These people remind me of the demonically possessed people with whom I have worked at Venice Beach, when this outreach of apologetics first began.
Here is what demonic possession looks like (even in the name of "Christianity"). This is not Christianity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjl5wKso9eU
Here is what demonic possession looks like (even in the name of "Christianity"). This is not Christianity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjl5wKso9eU
Southern Seminary in Dangerous Contemplative Waters
From Lighthouse Trails:
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary May Be Heading into Troubled Contemplative Waters
The Christian Post (see article below) is reporting on the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's new Ph.D. program for "spirituality." Don Whitney, senior associate dean of Southern's School of Theology, will play a significant role in this new program. Lighthouse Trails has had concerns in the past about statements Whitney has made about contemplative pioneer mystic Richard Foster. Whitney acknowledges Foster's influence when he says: "Perhaps the most influential book on spirituality in the twentieth century is Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, but he also states that Foster has "done much good," a statement Lighthouse Trails strongly refutes.
While Whitney does presently reject Foster's mystical propensities, he is not issuing stern warnings about the teachings of Richard Foster and the detrimental affect his writings have had on the Christian church. Although Whitney seems to see Foster's mysticism as a negative, he still identifies Foster as an overall positive influence. However, such a mindset has paved the way for Foster's spiritual formation to become an integral part of Christianity today, and perhaps one of the main reasons that contemplative spirituality has taken hold to some degree in nearly every denomination. Foster's spirituality should be warned against, not in any way exalted.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary may be heading into troubled waters. For example, in a STBS article written by STBS Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Eric Johnson, Johnson writes:
[W]e must consider how to help people access God in more of his beauty for therapeutic purposes. For this we need to consider those spiritual disciplines that have been used for centuries for such purposes: prayer; spiritual reading (lectio divina [brackets in original]), especially the Bible, but also good devotional literature; meditation (or contemplation); and worship. (p. 10)
In that same article, Johnson recommends readers turn to Bernard of Clairvaux and Julian of Norwich for further study on spirituality. Both Bernard and Julian were mystics. Thomas Merton, a Buddhist-sympathizer and mystic, said of Julian of Norwich: "There can be no doubt that Julian is the greatest of the English mystics." Johnson also favorably references John Ortberg, Larry Crabb, and Thomas of Aquinas, all with strong mystical propensities. Either Eric Johnson does not have an understanding of the true nature of mysticism, or he is sympathetic to it. Either way, his contemplative sympathies are pointing students to the mystics. What is sadly ironic about this is that Don Whitney condemns Foster for pointing people to mystical writers, but right in Whitney's own school, this is exactly what Eric Johnson has done! And in Whitney's own book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (1991 edition), he instructs readers in lectio divina (choosing a word or phrase - pp. 34, 52), not to mention makes reference to Foster and Willard nearly two dozen times total in his book.
According to the report below, SBTS' new Ph.D. program will focus on "spiritual formation" and "spiritual disciplines." Spiritual formation, by its very nature, and according to its very pioneers (Foster and Willard) IS contemplative. Even Rick Warren acknowledges Foster and co-contemplative Willard as founders of the spiritual formation movement in his book, The Purpose Driven Church (p. 126).
Will the new spirituality program at SBTS include Larry Crabb's affinity to contemplative prayer? Or Julian of Norwich's pantheistic views? Will lectio divina (where a word or phrase is focused upon) be added to the syllabus'? Or Richard Foster's "school of contemplative prayer," (which will be the same as Thomas Merton's contemplative prayer)? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure, SBTS is flirting with contemplative spirituality, and if they are not careful, those flirtations may lead to the seducing spirits that Scripture warns about. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4:1).
Aaron J. Leichman
out-of-house
Christian Post
"Baptist Seminary to Become First Protestant School to Offer Ph.D. in Spirituality"
The flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention plans to become the first Protestant institution in the United States to offer a Ph.D. in spirituality, according to an announcement this week.
And the men behind the new program say Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's introduction of the new degree this month comes at a key time.
"Spirituality is one of the fastest-growing areas of theological education," noted Don Whitney, senior associate dean of Southern's School of Theology and director of the Center for Biblical Spirituality, according to the news service of the Louisville, Ky.based seminary.
Michael A.G. Haykin, prominent church historian and author of The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality, meanwhile said a heightened interest in spirituality in the culture and the current fascination with piety among evangelicals makes a Ph.D. program in biblical spirituality particularly timely and important.
"The cultural interest in spirituality, though not in religion, compels evangelicals to think seriously about this area," he told SBTS's Towers Online before noting the "massive changes afoot in our culture."...
The doctor of ministry program in biblical spirituality focuses on spiritual formation with seminars on topics including spiritual disciplines, spiritual warfare, evangelism and discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual awakenings.Click here to read this entire article.
From: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary May Be Heading into Troubled Contemplative Waters
The Christian Post (see article below) is reporting on the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's new Ph.D. program for "spirituality." Don Whitney, senior associate dean of Southern's School of Theology, will play a significant role in this new program. Lighthouse Trails has had concerns in the past about statements Whitney has made about contemplative pioneer mystic Richard Foster. Whitney acknowledges Foster's influence when he says: "Perhaps the most influential book on spirituality in the twentieth century is Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, but he also states that Foster has "done much good," a statement Lighthouse Trails strongly refutes.
While Whitney does presently reject Foster's mystical propensities, he is not issuing stern warnings about the teachings of Richard Foster and the detrimental affect his writings have had on the Christian church. Although Whitney seems to see Foster's mysticism as a negative, he still identifies Foster as an overall positive influence. However, such a mindset has paved the way for Foster's spiritual formation to become an integral part of Christianity today, and perhaps one of the main reasons that contemplative spirituality has taken hold to some degree in nearly every denomination. Foster's spirituality should be warned against, not in any way exalted.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary may be heading into troubled waters. For example, in a STBS article written by STBS Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Eric Johnson, Johnson writes:
[W]e must consider how to help people access God in more of his beauty for therapeutic purposes. For this we need to consider those spiritual disciplines that have been used for centuries for such purposes: prayer; spiritual reading (lectio divina [brackets in original]), especially the Bible, but also good devotional literature; meditation (or contemplation); and worship. (p. 10)
In that same article, Johnson recommends readers turn to Bernard of Clairvaux and Julian of Norwich for further study on spirituality. Both Bernard and Julian were mystics. Thomas Merton, a Buddhist-sympathizer and mystic, said of Julian of Norwich: "There can be no doubt that Julian is the greatest of the English mystics." Johnson also favorably references John Ortberg, Larry Crabb, and Thomas of Aquinas, all with strong mystical propensities. Either Eric Johnson does not have an understanding of the true nature of mysticism, or he is sympathetic to it. Either way, his contemplative sympathies are pointing students to the mystics. What is sadly ironic about this is that Don Whitney condemns Foster for pointing people to mystical writers, but right in Whitney's own school, this is exactly what Eric Johnson has done! And in Whitney's own book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (1991 edition), he instructs readers in lectio divina (choosing a word or phrase - pp. 34, 52), not to mention makes reference to Foster and Willard nearly two dozen times total in his book.
According to the report below, SBTS' new Ph.D. program will focus on "spiritual formation" and "spiritual disciplines." Spiritual formation, by its very nature, and according to its very pioneers (Foster and Willard) IS contemplative. Even Rick Warren acknowledges Foster and co-contemplative Willard as founders of the spiritual formation movement in his book, The Purpose Driven Church (p. 126).
Will the new spirituality program at SBTS include Larry Crabb's affinity to contemplative prayer? Or Julian of Norwich's pantheistic views? Will lectio divina (where a word or phrase is focused upon) be added to the syllabus'? Or Richard Foster's "school of contemplative prayer," (which will be the same as Thomas Merton's contemplative prayer)? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure, SBTS is flirting with contemplative spirituality, and if they are not careful, those flirtations may lead to the seducing spirits that Scripture warns about. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4:1).
Aaron J. Leichman
out-of-house
Christian Post
"Baptist Seminary to Become First Protestant School to Offer Ph.D. in Spirituality"
The flagship seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention plans to become the first Protestant institution in the United States to offer a Ph.D. in spirituality, according to an announcement this week.
And the men behind the new program say Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's introduction of the new degree this month comes at a key time.
"Spirituality is one of the fastest-growing areas of theological education," noted Don Whitney, senior associate dean of Southern's School of Theology and director of the Center for Biblical Spirituality, according to the news service of the Louisville, Ky.based seminary.
Michael A.G. Haykin, prominent church historian and author of The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality, meanwhile said a heightened interest in spirituality in the culture and the current fascination with piety among evangelicals makes a Ph.D. program in biblical spirituality particularly timely and important.
"The cultural interest in spirituality, though not in religion, compels evangelicals to think seriously about this area," he told SBTS's Towers Online before noting the "massive changes afoot in our culture."...
The doctor of ministry program in biblical spirituality focuses on spiritual formation with seminars on topics including spiritual disciplines, spiritual warfare, evangelism and discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual awakenings.Click here to read this entire article.
From: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/
Do We Really Have to Practice the Presence of God?
By Charisse Graves:
Good news! If you have received the “Good News” that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ then there is no requirement, law, or regulation that mandates you to “practice the presence “of God.
Good news! If you have received the “Good News” that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ then there is no requirement, law, or regulation that mandates you to “practice the presence “of God.
In fact, it is completely unnecessary. Once a person has confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and acknowledged that Jesus took the punishment they deserved and paid for their sins on the cross, then that person is a new creation through the righteousness of Christ and receives the Holy Spirit. The God of the universe dwells in you through the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
Psalm 139: 7-12 asks, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Psalm 139:17-18 reminds us, "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”
What wonderful Words of encouragement and comfort. If you are indeed a Christian, God is always with you. We cannot hide from His presence. Hebrews 13:5 “…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Such bold assurance only comes from our Omnipresent God.
The only thing capable of disrupting our sweet communion with our precious Savior is that little problem we call sin. Genesis 3:8 explains, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”
What wonderful Words of encouragement and comfort. If you are indeed a Christian, God is always with you. We cannot hide from His presence. Hebrews 13:5 “…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Such bold assurance only comes from our Omnipresent God.
The only thing capable of disrupting our sweet communion with our precious Savior is that little problem we call sin. Genesis 3:8 explains, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”
We hide ourselves from the presence of the Lord in our guilt and shame of unrepentant sin. We retreat behind fig leaves and cower in the shadow of the trees to escape God’s presence.
Isaiah 59:1-2 warns, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His Face from you, so that He will not hear."
To enjoy intimacy with God, our vessel must be clean and ready for His good purposes.
To enjoy intimacy with God, our vessel must be clean and ready for His good purposes.
2 Corinthians 6: 16-18, 7:1: “…For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them I will be their God and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
How do we cleanse our temple? Ephesians 5:26-27 gives us the answer: “…that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church,, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
I pray that we would earnestly say to the Lord Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God and know my heart. Try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
God will gently show us the areas we need to clean up by the light of His word. God will reveal through Scripture any unrepentant sin we need to deal with if we are willing to submit. (The Bible teaches in Psalm 141: “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness and let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.”) We must be willing to repent to be clean.
"Repent" is one of the most significant words ever uttered, and sadly, today is considered almost obscene. Yet, God commands repentance for a relationship with Him:
"Repent" is one of the most significant words ever uttered, and sadly, today is considered almost obscene. Yet, God commands repentance for a relationship with Him:
(Acts 17:29-31) “Therefore since we are the offspring of God we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver, or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained."
(Acts 3:19) "Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
(Revelation 3:18-19) “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich and white garments that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten Therefore be zealous and repent.”
O Lord, please enable us to enjoy Your continual presence with us. May we endeavor to keep our vessels clean and useful for Your service. Help us to repent from all unrighteousness so that Your face is not hidden and that our prayers will not be hindered. Thank You for Your inerrant, unchangeable Word. Isaiah 40:8 assures us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Charisse Graves
Friday, March 26, 2010
More on Witnessing Last Saturday in NYC
Summary from Heidi...
Shalom Dwayna:
The weather this past Saturday was pleasant. We decided to set up on Saturday instead of Sunday since Suzi had a prior obligation. We went back to our original location in front of the post office at 33rd Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan.
Before we even had the materials displayed, we were approached all of a sudden by a large group of different people requesting items. It was amazing to say the least. Many people took our Bibles, tracts, books, cds, apologetics materials, and some engaged in conversation regarding spiritual questions.
As Suzi indicated in her update, she was able to give the true Gospel of Repentance and Salvation unto God to Lawrence. We give thanks for this opportunity to be able to share the Good News!!
For this upcoming Sunday (Palm Sunday), I anticipate that we will be back at our "winter location" underneath Times Square as the weather will not be quite as nice as it was last weekend.
As always, we remain in prayer for helpers and donations. I was blessed as well to be told by several of my friends that they want to help out with the ministry. This is answered prayer!!
To God Be the Glory!!
Hosannah
Heidi
Shalom Dwayna:
The weather this past Saturday was pleasant. We decided to set up on Saturday instead of Sunday since Suzi had a prior obligation. We went back to our original location in front of the post office at 33rd Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan.
Before we even had the materials displayed, we were approached all of a sudden by a large group of different people requesting items. It was amazing to say the least. Many people took our Bibles, tracts, books, cds, apologetics materials, and some engaged in conversation regarding spiritual questions.
As Suzi indicated in her update, she was able to give the true Gospel of Repentance and Salvation unto God to Lawrence. We give thanks for this opportunity to be able to share the Good News!!
For this upcoming Sunday (Palm Sunday), I anticipate that we will be back at our "winter location" underneath Times Square as the weather will not be quite as nice as it was last weekend.
As always, we remain in prayer for helpers and donations. I was blessed as well to be told by several of my friends that they want to help out with the ministry. This is answered prayer!!
To God Be the Glory!!
Hosannah
Heidi
"New Perspective on Paul" at Redeemer Presbyterian NYC?
Anglican author, N.T. Wright who teaches a "new perspective on Paul," is speaking at Redeemer Presbyterian NYC...
N.T. WRIGHT SPEAKING AT REDEEMER NYC OF TIM KELLER
(If the Bible is true, why do we need a "new" perspective on Paul? We don't!)
N.T. WRIGHT SPEAKING AT REDEEMER NYC OF TIM KELLER
(If the Bible is true, why do we need a "new" perspective on Paul? We don't!)
Devotional from 'Look Unto Me'
Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? (Luke 22:48)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
My enemy's kisses are deceitful. Therefore I must be on guard when the world puts on its loving face, for whenever possible it will betray me just as it did my Master--with a kiss. Whenever someone is about to stab my faith in the back he typically pretends to have great reverence for it. I must beware of the slick hypocrisy that is the armor-bearer of heresy and apostasy. Knowing how the ungodly love to deceive I must be "as shrewd as snakes" (Matt. 10:16) in order to detect and thereby avoid the schemes of the Enemy.
May my soul graciously learn today from the "youth who lacked judgment" (Prov. 7:7) when tempted by the woman "with crafty intent" (v. 10). "She took hold of him and kissed him" (v. 13) and "with persuasive words ... led him astray. She seduced him with her smooth talk" (v. 21). May I never be seduced by the "smooth talk" of the world--may it have no effect on me whatsoever.
Holy Spirit, keep me--a poor frail son of man--from being betrayed "with a kiss"!
Yet what if I am guilty of the same cursed sin as Judas, "the one doomed to destruction" (John 17:12)? I have been "baptized into Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:3), am a member of His visible Church, and sit at His communion table, but are all these nothing but "kisses" on my lips? Am I truly sincere? If not, I am the lowest of traitors. Do I live as carelessly and worldly as unbelievers while professing to be a follower of Jesus? If so, I am exposing Christianity to ridicule and leading people to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called. If I live so inconsistently, surely I am a Judas and "it would be better for [me] if [I] had not been born" (Mark 14:21). Do I hope to stay free and clear in this matter?
Then, dear Lord, keep me pure. Make me sincere and true and protect me from every false action. Never allow me to betray my Savior. Dear Jesus, I do love You, and although I often grieve You, my heart's desire is to be faithful "to the point of death" (Matt 26:38). O God, may you keep me from being a smooth-talking hypocrite, simply professing Christ, but ultimately falling into "the fiery lake" (Rev. 19:20) because I betrayed my Master "with a kiss."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
If we live the life of a hypocritical Christian, then in the world's eyes we are "crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace" (Heb.6:6). The things of the world should have no hold on us, for Paul said believers should "use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor. 7:31).
John contrasted Christians with the world by saying:
"The word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:14-15).
"Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). But Jesus said, "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15).
www.LookUntoMe.com
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
My enemy's kisses are deceitful. Therefore I must be on guard when the world puts on its loving face, for whenever possible it will betray me just as it did my Master--with a kiss. Whenever someone is about to stab my faith in the back he typically pretends to have great reverence for it. I must beware of the slick hypocrisy that is the armor-bearer of heresy and apostasy. Knowing how the ungodly love to deceive I must be "as shrewd as snakes" (Matt. 10:16) in order to detect and thereby avoid the schemes of the Enemy.
May my soul graciously learn today from the "youth who lacked judgment" (Prov. 7:7) when tempted by the woman "with crafty intent" (v. 10). "She took hold of him and kissed him" (v. 13) and "with persuasive words ... led him astray. She seduced him with her smooth talk" (v. 21). May I never be seduced by the "smooth talk" of the world--may it have no effect on me whatsoever.
Holy Spirit, keep me--a poor frail son of man--from being betrayed "with a kiss"!
Yet what if I am guilty of the same cursed sin as Judas, "the one doomed to destruction" (John 17:12)? I have been "baptized into Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:3), am a member of His visible Church, and sit at His communion table, but are all these nothing but "kisses" on my lips? Am I truly sincere? If not, I am the lowest of traitors. Do I live as carelessly and worldly as unbelievers while professing to be a follower of Jesus? If so, I am exposing Christianity to ridicule and leading people to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called. If I live so inconsistently, surely I am a Judas and "it would be better for [me] if [I] had not been born" (Mark 14:21). Do I hope to stay free and clear in this matter?
Then, dear Lord, keep me pure. Make me sincere and true and protect me from every false action. Never allow me to betray my Savior. Dear Jesus, I do love You, and although I often grieve You, my heart's desire is to be faithful "to the point of death" (Matt 26:38). O God, may you keep me from being a smooth-talking hypocrite, simply professing Christ, but ultimately falling into "the fiery lake" (Rev. 19:20) because I betrayed my Master "with a kiss."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
If we live the life of a hypocritical Christian, then in the world's eyes we are "crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace" (Heb.6:6). The things of the world should have no hold on us, for Paul said believers should "use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor. 7:31).
John contrasted Christians with the world by saying:
"The word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:14-15).
"Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). But Jesus said, "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15).
www.LookUntoMe.com
Articles on Apologetics for NYC and Atlanta Tables
Tonight I made copies of articles for the NYC table, as well as the outreach soon to come in Atlanta. These articles are for people in various religions and belief systems, to point them to saving faith in Jesus. I will send them to Heidi tomorrow, a member of our NYC team, to make copies for the outreach table.
1. List of "other Jesuses" of cults and pagan religions; this lists definitions from cultists and false religions of the different "Jesuses" than the Jesus of the Bible. (We are warned about this in 2 Corinthians 11:4)
2."Are Christians Little Gods?" (article exposing dangers of the "Word/Faith" movement); warns of the occult, mind science spirituality being taught in some nominal Christian arenas
3. "Slain in the Spirit Movement" (exposing dangers of this, admonishing people to test the spirits as we are commanded to do in 1 John 4)
4. Article exposing Feng Shui as a Buddhist spirituality attracting demons.
5. "What's Wrong with the Faith Movement?" (quotes from Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and others involved in this movement that is man-centered, contradicting the Bible.)
6. "Who is the Vicar of Christ?" --This article, written by former Catholic priest, Richard Bennett, exposes the idolatry of looking the Pope as the final authority.
7. "Thy Word is Truth"-article comparing Catholic tradition with what the Bible teaches; article for Catholics
8. "Top 10 Amazing Facts of Mormonism" by Jill Martin Rische (to give to Mormons, showing how the beliefs of Mormonism are not at all Christian.)
9. Articles exposing the Emerging Church and its ties to Rome
10. Article quoting heretical beliefs and teachings Thomas Merton, the mentor of the popular "Christian" author, Richard Foster. (This article exposes dangers of Contemplative Prayer.)
11. Testimonies of former Buddhists who have come to faith in Christ and left Buddhism.
12. "What's Wrong with Scientology?" (for Scientologists)
13. Quotes from Joel Osteen and "Larry King Live" transcript where Joel denied much of the Christian faith and Gospel
14. Quotes about rebellion from the Bible and looking "within" for answers, as people view themselves as their own god. These are quotes from the Satanic Bible to show many New Agers that they are believing essentially the same as Satanism by "doing as thou wilt" and living in rebellion from the Bible.
15. "Enlightenment Test" --shows the difference between Christianity and Hinduism
16. "Unwinding the Labyrinth" (article exposing movement of contemplative prayer)
17. Article for Jehovah's Witnesses, explaining the difference in Christianity and JW's "Jesus"
18. Hell Scriptures--compilation of Scriptures warning about hell
19. List of prophecies Jesus fulfilled from Old Testament to the New
20. "Is Science Finding God?" --article for atheists
21. "Who Gave Us the Bible?"--Article for Catholics and other people who don't trust the Bible as their final authority on Truth; written by former Catholic nun, to show the authority of the Bible and why we can trust it as God's Word
22. Verses against "Positive Confession"--for "Word/Faith" followers (These are verses I compiled when the ministry first began at Venice Beach.)
23. Several articles for Moslems, quoting from the Quran, including the history and meaning of Islam
24. Article/tracts written by Daniel Mann for New Agers, Zen Buddhists and people involved in occult spirituality, including tract called "Magic Anyone?"
1. List of "other Jesuses" of cults and pagan religions; this lists definitions from cultists and false religions of the different "Jesuses" than the Jesus of the Bible. (We are warned about this in 2 Corinthians 11:4)
2."Are Christians Little Gods?" (article exposing dangers of the "Word/Faith" movement); warns of the occult, mind science spirituality being taught in some nominal Christian arenas
3. "Slain in the Spirit Movement" (exposing dangers of this, admonishing people to test the spirits as we are commanded to do in 1 John 4)
4. Article exposing Feng Shui as a Buddhist spirituality attracting demons.
5. "What's Wrong with the Faith Movement?" (quotes from Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and others involved in this movement that is man-centered, contradicting the Bible.)
6. "Who is the Vicar of Christ?" --This article, written by former Catholic priest, Richard Bennett, exposes the idolatry of looking the Pope as the final authority.
7. "Thy Word is Truth"-article comparing Catholic tradition with what the Bible teaches; article for Catholics
8. "Top 10 Amazing Facts of Mormonism" by Jill Martin Rische (to give to Mormons, showing how the beliefs of Mormonism are not at all Christian.)
9. Articles exposing the Emerging Church and its ties to Rome
10. Article quoting heretical beliefs and teachings Thomas Merton, the mentor of the popular "Christian" author, Richard Foster. (This article exposes dangers of Contemplative Prayer.)
11. Testimonies of former Buddhists who have come to faith in Christ and left Buddhism.
12. "What's Wrong with Scientology?" (for Scientologists)
13. Quotes from Joel Osteen and "Larry King Live" transcript where Joel denied much of the Christian faith and Gospel
14. Quotes about rebellion from the Bible and looking "within" for answers, as people view themselves as their own god. These are quotes from the Satanic Bible to show many New Agers that they are believing essentially the same as Satanism by "doing as thou wilt" and living in rebellion from the Bible.
15. "Enlightenment Test" --shows the difference between Christianity and Hinduism
16. "Unwinding the Labyrinth" (article exposing movement of contemplative prayer)
17. Article for Jehovah's Witnesses, explaining the difference in Christianity and JW's "Jesus"
18. Hell Scriptures--compilation of Scriptures warning about hell
19. List of prophecies Jesus fulfilled from Old Testament to the New
20. "Is Science Finding God?" --article for atheists
21. "Who Gave Us the Bible?"--Article for Catholics and other people who don't trust the Bible as their final authority on Truth; written by former Catholic nun, to show the authority of the Bible and why we can trust it as God's Word
22. Verses against "Positive Confession"--for "Word/Faith" followers (These are verses I compiled when the ministry first began at Venice Beach.)
23. Several articles for Moslems, quoting from the Quran, including the history and meaning of Islam
24. Article/tracts written by Daniel Mann for New Agers, Zen Buddhists and people involved in occult spirituality, including tract called "Magic Anyone?"
LTW Update: Last Weekend in NYC
From NYC team:
I just want to express my thanks to each of you and for the opportunity we have to work together in sharing our faith which is more precious than gold!
The weather was so lovely last week; it was great to set up outside! We always pray and trust that God will lead people to our table and that He would grant us His love and wisdom in sharing our hope.
Almost immediately folks began to gather around the table. Lawrence wanted to know what we were passing out, and I told him what Jesus did for him on the cross. He pulled a golden elephant out of his pocket and told me he prayed and worshiped it. I asked him why he would worship a lump of gold that couldn't hear or know him when he could have a relationship with the God of the universe. I explained that it was God's will for all of us to repent of our idolatry and love and serve Him only. By God's grace, he understood and wanted to pray. He received a Bible and said he would not make an idol of the elephant any longer. Praise the Lord for His conviction and faithfulness in draw Lawrence to Himself! The angels rejoice over one sinner who repents and we rejoice right along with them!
The reason I love sharing our faith is because Jesus is the only thing completely true and reliable in life. Satan, on the other hand, has been lying and deceiving people since the beginning. The challenge is to refute those lies with the truth of God's Word. We realize there is nothing special about us; we are simply passing on the goods! For he who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the son does not have life. I John 5:12
Especially during this season when we consider all that Jesus did for us, what a joy to pass on this good news of His life, death and resurrection. May we continue to lift Him up and see many come to know Him!
By His grace,
Suzi
I just want to express my thanks to each of you and for the opportunity we have to work together in sharing our faith which is more precious than gold!
The weather was so lovely last week; it was great to set up outside! We always pray and trust that God will lead people to our table and that He would grant us His love and wisdom in sharing our hope.
Almost immediately folks began to gather around the table. Lawrence wanted to know what we were passing out, and I told him what Jesus did for him on the cross. He pulled a golden elephant out of his pocket and told me he prayed and worshiped it. I asked him why he would worship a lump of gold that couldn't hear or know him when he could have a relationship with the God of the universe. I explained that it was God's will for all of us to repent of our idolatry and love and serve Him only. By God's grace, he understood and wanted to pray. He received a Bible and said he would not make an idol of the elephant any longer. Praise the Lord for His conviction and faithfulness in draw Lawrence to Himself! The angels rejoice over one sinner who repents and we rejoice right along with them!
The reason I love sharing our faith is because Jesus is the only thing completely true and reliable in life. Satan, on the other hand, has been lying and deceiving people since the beginning. The challenge is to refute those lies with the truth of God's Word. We realize there is nothing special about us; we are simply passing on the goods! For he who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the son does not have life. I John 5:12
Especially during this season when we consider all that Jesus did for us, what a joy to pass on this good news of His life, death and resurrection. May we continue to lift Him up and see many come to know Him!
By His grace,
Suzi
Tim Keller (Redeemer Pres. NYC) is wrong about "Cultural Renewal" and Theistic Evoultion
Comment on Tim Keller's theistic evolution from mature Christians in NYC:
Sinners pollute the world because of sin, and it is only when sin is eliminated that God creates a new heaven and a new earth. We are sinners by nature; it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. It is God who calls us out and draws us to Him, not the other way around.
...."They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:8-10
I found some more disturbing audio from Tim on “cultural renewal” and bashing Christians.
This is from the 2006 Entrepreneur's Forum.
http://www.faithandwork.org/index_page842.php
The audio is here:
http://www.faithandwork.org/uploads/photos/461-1%20Cultural%20Renewal_%20The%20Role%20of%20th.mp3
Tim Keller says,
"Conservative churches say, 'this world is not our home -- it's gonna burn up eventually, and what really matters is saving souls... so evangelism and discipleship and saving
souls is what's important.'
And we try to say that it's the other way around almost. That the purpose of salvation is to renew creation. That this world is a good in itself. That God loves and cares for his creation, the material creation. And if you see it that way, then the old paradigm if you're going to put your money and your time and your effort as a Christian into doing God's work in the world, you wanna save souls which means the only purpose of your ministry and your effort is to increase the tribe, increase the number of Christians.
... there's nothing wrong with that, but I think in the past the theology that says all that matters is salvation so that we can go to heaven some day. And doesn't understand the goodness of material creation, as a result, everybody but ministers and missionaries and so on, your job was just to get out there and earn a pay check and then give us the money in order to do God's work.
I think the good theology shows that it is God's work for you to do something about the unraveling of God's creation. When you see it physically unraveling, psychologically unraveling, socially unraveling, falling apart because of sin. For you to use your best efforts to re-weave it right there, in order to work for the common good. Because God saw salvation as eventually for the good of the whole world. That's God's work.
In the past Christians have tended to do things that only Christians would be interested in and only Christians would give to. I mean who else besides a Christian would give money to get something started that's going to win many many people to Christ? Just pretty much only Christians.
BUT, when you have something that's going to improve the schools in a particular city for everybody. When you have a venture that's going to re-weave creation physically --that's going to deal with health problems that's going to deal with poverty. When Christians do that - out of their theology - they do that effectively because they're dealing with the common good, because you have the theology to deal with the common good -- you're going to find that all kinds of non-Christians are not only going to invest in that and want to partner with you in that but a lot of them are also going to be attracted to the gospel because of that."
...
"The material world is an end in itself. Then you can move out and work for the common good instead of just simply building up the tribe (i.e. sharing Christ with people and winning converts). And what that's going to do is build up the tribe in the long run, but it's also going to be doing God's work and it's actually going to weave together Christians and non-Christians in your community in a way that a lot of other Christian ministry just doesn't. [i.e. those Christian ministries that share Christ with people and win converts]."
Tim Keller has referred to himself as an "optimistic amillennialist"-- which says he believes that we are living in the 'kingdom now,' and that Christ is reigning on earth (even if it is from heaven). His point seems to be that we must WORK now to save the world and make it a better place for Christ when He returns-- and working doesn't mean working to save souls from hell but to save creation from destroying itself. It is like their goal is not to save sinners from hell, but to "save sinners" in order to save this material world! Do they think so little of the power of God? They must, as they hold to the position of theistic evolution, so their "theory" makes sense (to them). As if God needs our help!
Here is a quote:
"Jews and Christians believe that this material world is permanent – it’s a good thing in itself. That an eagle’s flying and great music and the ocean pounding on the shore and a great cup of wine are good things in themselves, because God is not temporary-- ‘God is here so someday we’re going to live in heaven,’ --but the whole purpose of salvation is to make this world a great place. God sees this world as not a temporary means to an end of salvation, but actually salvation is a temporary means to an end – to the renewal of creation. Saving souls is a means to an end of cultural renewal. Does the Christian church understand that? I’m not sure.” - Tim Keller
But Tim is wrong. 1 Tim 1:15 "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."
Here is a quote:
"Jews and Christians believe that this material world is permanent – it’s a good thing in itself. That an eagle’s flying and great music and the ocean pounding on the shore and a great cup of wine are good things in themselves, because God is not temporary-- ‘God is here so someday we’re going to live in heaven,’ --but the whole purpose of salvation is to make this world a great place. God sees this world as not a temporary means to an end of salvation, but actually salvation is a temporary means to an end – to the renewal of creation. Saving souls is a means to an end of cultural renewal. Does the Christian church understand that? I’m not sure.” - Tim Keller
But Tim is wrong. 1 Tim 1:15 "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."
Sinners pollute the world because of sin, and it is only when sin is eliminated that God creates a new heaven and a new earth. We are sinners by nature; it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. It is God who calls us out and draws us to Him, not the other way around.
...."They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:8-10
-----------------------
Another comment with more telling quotes from Tim Keller:I found some more disturbing audio from Tim on “cultural renewal” and bashing Christians.
This is from the 2006 Entrepreneur's Forum.
http://www.faithandwork.org/index_page842.php
The audio is here:
http://www.faithandwork.org/uploads/photos/461-1%20Cultural%20Renewal_%20The%20Role%20of%20th.mp3
Tim Keller says,
"Conservative churches say, 'this world is not our home -- it's gonna burn up eventually, and what really matters is saving souls... so evangelism and discipleship and saving
souls is what's important.'
And we try to say that it's the other way around almost. That the purpose of salvation is to renew creation. That this world is a good in itself. That God loves and cares for his creation, the material creation. And if you see it that way, then the old paradigm if you're going to put your money and your time and your effort as a Christian into doing God's work in the world, you wanna save souls which means the only purpose of your ministry and your effort is to increase the tribe, increase the number of Christians.
... there's nothing wrong with that, but I think in the past the theology that says all that matters is salvation so that we can go to heaven some day. And doesn't understand the goodness of material creation, as a result, everybody but ministers and missionaries and so on, your job was just to get out there and earn a pay check and then give us the money in order to do God's work.
I think the good theology shows that it is God's work for you to do something about the unraveling of God's creation. When you see it physically unraveling, psychologically unraveling, socially unraveling, falling apart because of sin. For you to use your best efforts to re-weave it right there, in order to work for the common good. Because God saw salvation as eventually for the good of the whole world. That's God's work.
In the past Christians have tended to do things that only Christians would be interested in and only Christians would give to. I mean who else besides a Christian would give money to get something started that's going to win many many people to Christ? Just pretty much only Christians.
BUT, when you have something that's going to improve the schools in a particular city for everybody. When you have a venture that's going to re-weave creation physically --that's going to deal with health problems that's going to deal with poverty. When Christians do that - out of their theology - they do that effectively because they're dealing with the common good, because you have the theology to deal with the common good -- you're going to find that all kinds of non-Christians are not only going to invest in that and want to partner with you in that but a lot of them are also going to be attracted to the gospel because of that."
...
"The material world is an end in itself. Then you can move out and work for the common good instead of just simply building up the tribe (i.e. sharing Christ with people and winning converts). And what that's going to do is build up the tribe in the long run, but it's also going to be doing God's work and it's actually going to weave together Christians and non-Christians in your community in a way that a lot of other Christian ministry just doesn't. [i.e. those Christian ministries that share Christ with people and win converts]."
LTW Update: Guadalajara, Mexico
Josef wrote to let us know he got the 200.00 for Spanish Bibles and will order them for his table outreach today.
The Great Need for Bible Literacy
By: Josef Urban
www.puregospeltruth.com
Update from Guadalajara, Mexico
One great, lacking, and desperate need of the people of Guadalajara is Bible literacy. What I mean by that is there is such a gross ignorance to the most basic truths of the Bible among the vast majority of the population to such a degree that the average person is not only Gospel-ignorant (as to the true meaning of the Gospel) but is also Bible-ignorant to the most basic Bible knowledge. Now this is to be expected in los campos (the remote, small-town farming regions) where many don’t know how to read, but here in the city, education is given high value. There are very few who can’t read. Therefore, it’s mind-boggling to think of how great a lack there is of knowledge of the Bible itself!
Of course, the fact that Catholicism has reigned here for centuries doesn’t help, nor the fact that Guadalajara is in what is arguably (by the word of the people we talk to around Mexico, and by certain missiologists) the most Catholic region of Mexico. A religion that holds precious souls in bondage to ceremonies and superstitions, with a form of godliness but denying the power of true salvation by grace, is the major culprit behind much of the evils we find ourselves confronted with here as we labor to spread the knowledge of the glory of God in the Gospel of grace. A religion that has historically discouraged the reading of God’s precious Word and martyred those who fought for such liberty, drunken with the blood of the saints of Jesus, is certainly guilty of veiling the message of God’s salvation from the common people all in the name of “the one true church." The power of tradition is a stronghold that only the mighty power of the love of Christ can break, and only the Word of God taught and followed can unleash the truth that will set souls free from the bondage of such religious deception (John 8:31-32).
Some Christians think that Catholicism isn’t so bad –that we have much common ground between us and Catholics, and that such is helpful in trying to evangelize them and win them over to truth. While the few things we have in common must be used as a bridge to relate to them, (i.e. the Trinity, the Deity of Christ, the virgin birth, etc.) they have mixed these truths with so many lies which contradict God’s written Word that most of what they have learned in the religion of their fathers needs to be unlearned before they can understand grace aright. The whole system is the Devil’s crafty counterfeit of the true church, and since it gives the outward appearance of godliness, it is all the more deceptive.
Charles Spurgeon said: “Did the apostles preach the sacrifice of Christ?—the devil’s apostles preached the sacrifice of the mass. Did the saints uplift the cross?—the devil’s servants upheld the crucifix. Did God’s ministers speak of Jesus as the one infallible Head of the Church?—the devil’s servants proclaimed the false priest of Rome as standing in the self-same place. Romanism is a most ingenious imitation of the gospel: it is the magicians “doing do with their enchantments.”
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)
In the face of this harlot that rides the back of the kingdoms of the earth (Rev. 17), we are battling for truth. I firmly believe that the best, more sure, and effective strategy is by getting God’s written Word into the hands, heads, and hearts of the common people.
First, is getting God's Word into their hands. Every person must own their own copy of the Holy Scriptures. If they don’t have immediate access to the Bible, they are far less likely to read it. Putting a Bible in every home gives everyone access to the saving truth of God. It opens the door for the Holy Spirit to enlighten their understanding, which is the first step of conversion. Without knowledge people perish (Hos. 4:6).
Second, is getting God's Word into their heads. The people must read their Bibles. To facilitate this, they should be taught how to understand the Bible and its’ most basic truths regarding its key salvation-related themes; to see Christ in the Scriptures (Luke 24:27) that He may reveal Himself to them in a saving way (2 Cor. 4:6). The Word must also be preached, because it is the foolishness of preaching which God has ordained to save those who believe as a result of that preaching (1 Cor. 1:21). Good preaching and teaching will simplify the truth of the Bible so everybody can understand (Neh. 8:8) “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.” (Psalm 25:8)
Third, is getting God's Word into their hearts. Once they possess the basic knowledge of salvation from God’s written Word, they will have a firm foundation upon which the Holy Spirit can impart saving faith to their hearts; a faith by which they can lay hold on eternal life. When the people come to understand God’s redemptive purpose and the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and why they need it, God will be gracious to sovereignly give the increase and bring forth an inward work of grace in salvation among those who are appointed to eternal life (1 Cor. 3:6-7, Acts 13:48), and thus He will glorify His name in the work of redemption by demonstrating the riches of His grace to those who least deserve His favor.
Historically, the Bible being put into the hands of the common person by translation and distribution, and put into their heads by preaching and instruction, is what resulted in that truth penetrating their hearts, and in the response of their hearts which liberated world history from the dark ages of Catholic reign. –THESE are the things which sparked and fueled the great Reformation. THESE are the things which changed the entire course of world history. THESE are the things which have given us all the privilege of sitting right here, right now, knowing the truth of God and rejoicing in the salvation that has been revealed to us. And, it’s because of this that, in addition to proclamation evangelism, the ministry of distributing Bibles to the common people is such an essential, important ministry anywhere, especially on the mission field in regions where Biblical Christianity has not seriously penetrated the pagan beliefs and culture of the common people who lounge under the shadow of darkness. That is why we are committed to purchasing and distributing Bibles in Guadalajara, in addition to preaching and teaching God’s Word wherever the opportunity comes, that God may get glory where He is currently not worshipped in spirit and truth.
The ignorance to the Bible among the majority of Guadalajara is staggering. Many do not even know what the New Testament is when we have given them out alone, looking at it as some strange book, not knowing that it’s a part of the Bible! (NOTE: This is one reason why we must distribute complete Bibles and not just New Testaments.) Many do not know the most basic facts about the Bible, or have even heard the names of the books of the New Testament. Many have never even heard the 2nd Commandment of the Decalogue which forbids making and worshipping images (the Papacy conveniently removes this command from their version and splits the 10th Commandment into 2 in order to keep an appearance of having 10). Many exalt and pray to Mary to the extent that Jesus Christ is delegated to a second place position of honor, and they will freely admit this. One time, we even found that a group of children actually thought that Jesus Christ was the husband of Mary, and that He was still dead, not knowing He was the Son of God, that He bore our sin, nor that He is risen and alive.
There is gross Gospel and Bible ignorance in Guadalajara, as well as in the rest of the country of Mexico. Therefore, we must stand up and combat the forces of darkness and shine the glorious light of the truth of God’s Word to the farthest corners of the city and nation. We must distribute Bibles in the marketplaces. We must assimilate Bible-saturated literature. We must proclaim Christ in the public squares. We must instruct sinners in Gospel truth. We must meet the people where they are and confront them with the truth of God in love. We must take a stand against religious traditions which nullify the commandments of God. And, we must equip the remnant of saints who are already here to be solid disciples of Jesus who can effectively reach their own people, demonstrating for them how to reach the lost most effectively, that the task may be finished, the elect may be harvested, and the Lord of glory may return.
Marketplace Ministry and Bible Distribution
We have been blessed to obtain a central location in a local tianguis (outdoor street market) close to our house in Guadalajara, where we’ve been given permission to set up a table every week in order to distribute Bibles and Gospel literature and to share the Word with passers-by. The Lord really opened this door, and we were offered the booth for free. Every Tuesday the entire street is shut down and early in the morning it is filled with vendors selling everything imaginable. It is a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and other groceries, so nearby residents frequent the same market every week –an untold number of people. It’s a wonderful place to set up a booth from which to evangilize, and that’s what we’re doing.
So far we have been there a couple of times, and both times were a real blessing. We were able to share the Gospel clearly with quite a few people, young and old alike. Most are practicing Catholics and proud of their religion, but God has given us grace to share the truth in love with those who talk to us, and we have found some open hearts.
Here’s what it looks like: We have a little table with Bibles, tracts, and booklets, and a little sign on it that says, “Un Regalo Gratis Para Usted” (A Free Gift for You). We set up from about 9A.M. to 2P.M. while the market is busy. We are right between a women selling fresh cut chicken and a man selling flea market type trinkets. As people walk by, we give them tracts and tell them that we’re giving out everything on the table for free. Those who stop, we quickly engage with the Gospel and try to engage in meaningful conversation about their eternity. Some at this point will proceed to browse through the items on our table, and when they find something interesting, they will ask, “How much does it cost?” (despite the sign and despite us having already said it’s all free). We tell them again, “It’s all free.” Then, they will take something and thank us. But, though we have a variety of appealing Catholic-looking tracts and other booklets, the thing that excites some people the most is the Bibles.
The Lord is giving us divine appointments and sending those to receive Bibles who really seem to be on the verge of encountering the true God. I can’t describe here every person who’s come for a Bible and what they’ve said, but those who had recently intended to read the Bible and seek the Lord yet didn’t own a Bible have run into our booth. They have received not only a free Bible, but a divine confirmation that God is calling them, and that now it’s time to seek the Lord.
We’ve only set up twice thus far, but both times the Gospel went forth. The first time, we gave out about 10 Bibles. The second time, we gave out 15 Bibles. In addition, hundreds of tracts and many booklets were distributed. Dozens of great conversations were held with individuals, some of whom were holding back tears. Amazingly, those receiving a Bible had not owned one and were clueless as to how to start reading it, so we explained to them where to start and how to read it.
Last week, there were a number of good encounters:
-A middle-aged man got blindsided with the Gospel and seemed deeply impacted. He did not own a Bible nor know what Jesus did to save him. By appearance, he looked like he would never have considered the things of God, but he was extremely open to talk to us and hear the truth about salvation, humbled under the Word. He left after we put a Bible in his hand, saying he would seek the Lord.
-A group of young girls (early teens) stopped by the booth as Lina shared the Gospel with them. They were gathered all around the booth. One of them, though so young, was already very Catholic. Yet, there was something different about her. She said that almost every day she would read the Bible. She knew many stories from it. Lina was able to take them through the Law, show them their need for a Savior, and explain to them what Jesus did to save them. They saw their sin and their need for repentance.
-A middle-aged woman who was a devout Catholic stopped by our booth. She was excited to find Bibles, and very gratefully took one. As we engaged her in conversation, the subject of Mary came up quickly as she asked us, “What religion are you?” "Christians," we answered. “Do you believe in Mary?” “We believe she was a blessed woman, but we do not believe she is a mediator between us and God nor that she is to be worshipped or prayed to.” With that, we took her to Exodus 20 to read the Ten Commandments. She was shocked to read the second commandment. Then, she told us that she had built a shrine to Mary! As we talked, she appeared to see her error and saw her need to study the Bible for herself and not just accept religious traditions blindly.
There are more such encounters I could share with you, but time and space fail me. Yet needless to say, this is a great way to reach out to our surrounding community in this corner of this vast city of countless multitudes. I know the Lord has opened the doors for this, and I’m hoping to get other believers involved in this type of ministry in other parts of the city, namely from our local church. It’s a lot less intimidating to sit behind a table and pray for God to lead those to you He’s preparing, and to talk to those who approach giving them free gifts than it is to randomly approach strangers on the street and confront them with the Gospel, especially in an open air preaching context; thus I think it will be easier to get others involved who really have a desire to reach out to the lost.
The Lord has also brought us to partner with an apologetic ministry called Lighting the Way Worldwide (www.lightingthewayworldwide.org) which has already been doing this type of table ministry around the USA and in different parts of the world for years. They are graciously helping us with Bibles and materials for the table as they’re able. We can never have too many Bibles to distribute, especially at a pace of giving out 50 or so per month! And, more Bibles would mean more opportunities to expand the outreach. We are so grateful for all who help us to be able to labor in this type of ministry and make the Word of God available free of charge to the people of Guadalajara. It will certainly bring forth eternal dividends as God gets glory for His name!
In Christ,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
The Great Need for Bible Literacy
By: Josef Urban
www.puregospeltruth.com
Update from Guadalajara, Mexico
One great, lacking, and desperate need of the people of Guadalajara is Bible literacy. What I mean by that is there is such a gross ignorance to the most basic truths of the Bible among the vast majority of the population to such a degree that the average person is not only Gospel-ignorant (as to the true meaning of the Gospel) but is also Bible-ignorant to the most basic Bible knowledge. Now this is to be expected in los campos (the remote, small-town farming regions) where many don’t know how to read, but here in the city, education is given high value. There are very few who can’t read. Therefore, it’s mind-boggling to think of how great a lack there is of knowledge of the Bible itself!
Of course, the fact that Catholicism has reigned here for centuries doesn’t help, nor the fact that Guadalajara is in what is arguably (by the word of the people we talk to around Mexico, and by certain missiologists) the most Catholic region of Mexico. A religion that holds precious souls in bondage to ceremonies and superstitions, with a form of godliness but denying the power of true salvation by grace, is the major culprit behind much of the evils we find ourselves confronted with here as we labor to spread the knowledge of the glory of God in the Gospel of grace. A religion that has historically discouraged the reading of God’s precious Word and martyred those who fought for such liberty, drunken with the blood of the saints of Jesus, is certainly guilty of veiling the message of God’s salvation from the common people all in the name of “the one true church." The power of tradition is a stronghold that only the mighty power of the love of Christ can break, and only the Word of God taught and followed can unleash the truth that will set souls free from the bondage of such religious deception (John 8:31-32).
Some Christians think that Catholicism isn’t so bad –that we have much common ground between us and Catholics, and that such is helpful in trying to evangelize them and win them over to truth. While the few things we have in common must be used as a bridge to relate to them, (i.e. the Trinity, the Deity of Christ, the virgin birth, etc.) they have mixed these truths with so many lies which contradict God’s written Word that most of what they have learned in the religion of their fathers needs to be unlearned before they can understand grace aright. The whole system is the Devil’s crafty counterfeit of the true church, and since it gives the outward appearance of godliness, it is all the more deceptive.
Charles Spurgeon said: “Did the apostles preach the sacrifice of Christ?—the devil’s apostles preached the sacrifice of the mass. Did the saints uplift the cross?—the devil’s servants upheld the crucifix. Did God’s ministers speak of Jesus as the one infallible Head of the Church?—the devil’s servants proclaimed the false priest of Rome as standing in the self-same place. Romanism is a most ingenious imitation of the gospel: it is the magicians “doing do with their enchantments.”
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)
In the face of this harlot that rides the back of the kingdoms of the earth (Rev. 17), we are battling for truth. I firmly believe that the best, more sure, and effective strategy is by getting God’s written Word into the hands, heads, and hearts of the common people.
First, is getting God's Word into their hands. Every person must own their own copy of the Holy Scriptures. If they don’t have immediate access to the Bible, they are far less likely to read it. Putting a Bible in every home gives everyone access to the saving truth of God. It opens the door for the Holy Spirit to enlighten their understanding, which is the first step of conversion. Without knowledge people perish (Hos. 4:6).
Second, is getting God's Word into their heads. The people must read their Bibles. To facilitate this, they should be taught how to understand the Bible and its’ most basic truths regarding its key salvation-related themes; to see Christ in the Scriptures (Luke 24:27) that He may reveal Himself to them in a saving way (2 Cor. 4:6). The Word must also be preached, because it is the foolishness of preaching which God has ordained to save those who believe as a result of that preaching (1 Cor. 1:21). Good preaching and teaching will simplify the truth of the Bible so everybody can understand (Neh. 8:8) “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.” (Psalm 25:8)
Third, is getting God's Word into their hearts. Once they possess the basic knowledge of salvation from God’s written Word, they will have a firm foundation upon which the Holy Spirit can impart saving faith to their hearts; a faith by which they can lay hold on eternal life. When the people come to understand God’s redemptive purpose and the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and why they need it, God will be gracious to sovereignly give the increase and bring forth an inward work of grace in salvation among those who are appointed to eternal life (1 Cor. 3:6-7, Acts 13:48), and thus He will glorify His name in the work of redemption by demonstrating the riches of His grace to those who least deserve His favor.
Historically, the Bible being put into the hands of the common person by translation and distribution, and put into their heads by preaching and instruction, is what resulted in that truth penetrating their hearts, and in the response of their hearts which liberated world history from the dark ages of Catholic reign. –THESE are the things which sparked and fueled the great Reformation. THESE are the things which changed the entire course of world history. THESE are the things which have given us all the privilege of sitting right here, right now, knowing the truth of God and rejoicing in the salvation that has been revealed to us. And, it’s because of this that, in addition to proclamation evangelism, the ministry of distributing Bibles to the common people is such an essential, important ministry anywhere, especially on the mission field in regions where Biblical Christianity has not seriously penetrated the pagan beliefs and culture of the common people who lounge under the shadow of darkness. That is why we are committed to purchasing and distributing Bibles in Guadalajara, in addition to preaching and teaching God’s Word wherever the opportunity comes, that God may get glory where He is currently not worshipped in spirit and truth.
The ignorance to the Bible among the majority of Guadalajara is staggering. Many do not even know what the New Testament is when we have given them out alone, looking at it as some strange book, not knowing that it’s a part of the Bible! (NOTE: This is one reason why we must distribute complete Bibles and not just New Testaments.) Many do not know the most basic facts about the Bible, or have even heard the names of the books of the New Testament. Many have never even heard the 2nd Commandment of the Decalogue which forbids making and worshipping images (the Papacy conveniently removes this command from their version and splits the 10th Commandment into 2 in order to keep an appearance of having 10). Many exalt and pray to Mary to the extent that Jesus Christ is delegated to a second place position of honor, and they will freely admit this. One time, we even found that a group of children actually thought that Jesus Christ was the husband of Mary, and that He was still dead, not knowing He was the Son of God, that He bore our sin, nor that He is risen and alive.
There is gross Gospel and Bible ignorance in Guadalajara, as well as in the rest of the country of Mexico. Therefore, we must stand up and combat the forces of darkness and shine the glorious light of the truth of God’s Word to the farthest corners of the city and nation. We must distribute Bibles in the marketplaces. We must assimilate Bible-saturated literature. We must proclaim Christ in the public squares. We must instruct sinners in Gospel truth. We must meet the people where they are and confront them with the truth of God in love. We must take a stand against religious traditions which nullify the commandments of God. And, we must equip the remnant of saints who are already here to be solid disciples of Jesus who can effectively reach their own people, demonstrating for them how to reach the lost most effectively, that the task may be finished, the elect may be harvested, and the Lord of glory may return.
Marketplace Ministry and Bible Distribution
We have been blessed to obtain a central location in a local tianguis (outdoor street market) close to our house in Guadalajara, where we’ve been given permission to set up a table every week in order to distribute Bibles and Gospel literature and to share the Word with passers-by. The Lord really opened this door, and we were offered the booth for free. Every Tuesday the entire street is shut down and early in the morning it is filled with vendors selling everything imaginable. It is a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and other groceries, so nearby residents frequent the same market every week –an untold number of people. It’s a wonderful place to set up a booth from which to evangilize, and that’s what we’re doing.
So far we have been there a couple of times, and both times were a real blessing. We were able to share the Gospel clearly with quite a few people, young and old alike. Most are practicing Catholics and proud of their religion, but God has given us grace to share the truth in love with those who talk to us, and we have found some open hearts.
Here’s what it looks like: We have a little table with Bibles, tracts, and booklets, and a little sign on it that says, “Un Regalo Gratis Para Usted” (A Free Gift for You). We set up from about 9A.M. to 2P.M. while the market is busy. We are right between a women selling fresh cut chicken and a man selling flea market type trinkets. As people walk by, we give them tracts and tell them that we’re giving out everything on the table for free. Those who stop, we quickly engage with the Gospel and try to engage in meaningful conversation about their eternity. Some at this point will proceed to browse through the items on our table, and when they find something interesting, they will ask, “How much does it cost?” (despite the sign and despite us having already said it’s all free). We tell them again, “It’s all free.” Then, they will take something and thank us. But, though we have a variety of appealing Catholic-looking tracts and other booklets, the thing that excites some people the most is the Bibles.
The Lord is giving us divine appointments and sending those to receive Bibles who really seem to be on the verge of encountering the true God. I can’t describe here every person who’s come for a Bible and what they’ve said, but those who had recently intended to read the Bible and seek the Lord yet didn’t own a Bible have run into our booth. They have received not only a free Bible, but a divine confirmation that God is calling them, and that now it’s time to seek the Lord.
We’ve only set up twice thus far, but both times the Gospel went forth. The first time, we gave out about 10 Bibles. The second time, we gave out 15 Bibles. In addition, hundreds of tracts and many booklets were distributed. Dozens of great conversations were held with individuals, some of whom were holding back tears. Amazingly, those receiving a Bible had not owned one and were clueless as to how to start reading it, so we explained to them where to start and how to read it.
Last week, there were a number of good encounters:
-A middle-aged man got blindsided with the Gospel and seemed deeply impacted. He did not own a Bible nor know what Jesus did to save him. By appearance, he looked like he would never have considered the things of God, but he was extremely open to talk to us and hear the truth about salvation, humbled under the Word. He left after we put a Bible in his hand, saying he would seek the Lord.
-A group of young girls (early teens) stopped by the booth as Lina shared the Gospel with them. They were gathered all around the booth. One of them, though so young, was already very Catholic. Yet, there was something different about her. She said that almost every day she would read the Bible. She knew many stories from it. Lina was able to take them through the Law, show them their need for a Savior, and explain to them what Jesus did to save them. They saw their sin and their need for repentance.
-A middle-aged woman who was a devout Catholic stopped by our booth. She was excited to find Bibles, and very gratefully took one. As we engaged her in conversation, the subject of Mary came up quickly as she asked us, “What religion are you?” "Christians," we answered. “Do you believe in Mary?” “We believe she was a blessed woman, but we do not believe she is a mediator between us and God nor that she is to be worshipped or prayed to.” With that, we took her to Exodus 20 to read the Ten Commandments. She was shocked to read the second commandment. Then, she told us that she had built a shrine to Mary! As we talked, she appeared to see her error and saw her need to study the Bible for herself and not just accept religious traditions blindly.
There are more such encounters I could share with you, but time and space fail me. Yet needless to say, this is a great way to reach out to our surrounding community in this corner of this vast city of countless multitudes. I know the Lord has opened the doors for this, and I’m hoping to get other believers involved in this type of ministry in other parts of the city, namely from our local church. It’s a lot less intimidating to sit behind a table and pray for God to lead those to you He’s preparing, and to talk to those who approach giving them free gifts than it is to randomly approach strangers on the street and confront them with the Gospel, especially in an open air preaching context; thus I think it will be easier to get others involved who really have a desire to reach out to the lost.
The Lord has also brought us to partner with an apologetic ministry called Lighting the Way Worldwide (www.lightingthewayworldwide.org) which has already been doing this type of table ministry around the USA and in different parts of the world for years. They are graciously helping us with Bibles and materials for the table as they’re able. We can never have too many Bibles to distribute, especially at a pace of giving out 50 or so per month! And, more Bibles would mean more opportunities to expand the outreach. We are so grateful for all who help us to be able to labor in this type of ministry and make the Word of God available free of charge to the people of Guadalajara. It will certainly bring forth eternal dividends as God gets glory for His name!
In Christ,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Health Care as a Moral Issue for Christians to Consider?
[From www.InformingChristians.com ]
For those who feel that this is a moral issue and believe that people who have something more than others, should allow the government to take from us to give to others, I have the following to say:
"If you are so much for not having more than the next person, then you need to sell all that you have and give the money to your local hospital and town pantry and live as the poorest person in your town, on the streets."
Until such a person can give up all that he has that is more than the poorest person in his town has, he has no right to tell any of us to sit back and allow the U.S. Government to steal from us and make us slaves to the poorest people in our country, via the government. Until then, he is simply using the government to ease his own guilt.
No matter what, it is not the government's job to tell me that it is "moral" for me to have my household go with less than we earn, so that another household can have more than they earn.
Debra J.M. Smith
www.InformingChristians.com
For those who feel that this is a moral issue and believe that people who have something more than others, should allow the government to take from us to give to others, I have the following to say:
"If you are so much for not having more than the next person, then you need to sell all that you have and give the money to your local hospital and town pantry and live as the poorest person in your town, on the streets."
Until such a person can give up all that he has that is more than the poorest person in his town has, he has no right to tell any of us to sit back and allow the U.S. Government to steal from us and make us slaves to the poorest people in our country, via the government. Until then, he is simply using the government to ease his own guilt.
No matter what, it is not the government's job to tell me that it is "moral" for me to have my household go with less than we earn, so that another household can have more than they earn.
Debra J.M. Smith
www.InformingChristians.com
Preparing for NYC
Today I plan to work more in the storage unit, gathering books on the Bible which I plan to donate to the women at the NYC shelter when I share my testimony there. I also spoke with a team member from our NYC outreach location last night. She needs more articles for the table to give to people to answer questions on various topics, especially for Moslems. If I have time before I leave, I promised to make her copies of articles on apologetics for the table, for the team to then copy and keep on hand.
I also have to gather music for singing while I am there, and I plan to post a new update from Guadalajara, Mexico. Josef, the leader of the table outreach, has been sick, but he wrote me to say he will get his latest update to me today.
After I post the latest update on the table outreach in Guadalajara, Mexico, I plan to write an e-newsletter to send out to everyone. This is a priority before my trip to NYC.
"But as for me the nearness of God is my good..."
Dwayna
I also have to gather music for singing while I am there, and I plan to post a new update from Guadalajara, Mexico. Josef, the leader of the table outreach, has been sick, but he wrote me to say he will get his latest update to me today.
After I post the latest update on the table outreach in Guadalajara, Mexico, I plan to write an e-newsletter to send out to everyone. This is a priority before my trip to NYC.
"But as for me the nearness of God is my good..."
Dwayna
Preparing for New Ministry in Atlanta
After I return from NYC on April 8, I plan to focus on beginning the new outreach at Little Five Points here in Atlanta. Here are the steps I will take to hopefully get this off the ground by the end of the month of April.
1) Take photos of mission field/area of Little Five Points
2) Get all articles copied for file bins to give to Moslems, atheists, Mormons, JWs, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. who approach our table
At that point, I will have all the supplies needed to begin and will be in touch with the Christians in the area who have expressed interest in doing evangelism, based on apologetics, at the new table outreach. I already have the table and banner reading, "A Free Gift for You." We may need another sign for the table, but we will definitely have enough to begin.
1) Take photos of mission field/area of Little Five Points
2) Get all articles copied for file bins to give to Moslems, atheists, Mormons, JWs, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. who approach our table
At that point, I will have all the supplies needed to begin and will be in touch with the Christians in the area who have expressed interest in doing evangelism, based on apologetics, at the new table outreach. I already have the table and banner reading, "A Free Gift for You." We may need another sign for the table, but we will definitely have enough to begin.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Quote of the Week
"The more prominent you are in Christ's service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny [slander]. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the earlier days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work's sake." -C.H. Spurgeon [This is what it feels like when God is everything to me, and I love Him more than friends.]
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Singing at the Bowery Mission Battered Women's Shelter NYC
I have never been more excited about any opportunity than I am about singing and sharing my testimony soon at a Christian battered women's shelter in NYC. I was on the phone for over an hour today finding out details about my forthcoming visit to the NYC Bowery Christian Mission. Since it is a Christian shelter, I will have freedom to share my testimony and tell the women what it means to let Jesus be everything to me.
This turned out to be a much busier day than I had planned. I got in three boxes of resources, which I needed to open and sort through for our ministries. One box had materials based on Psalm 91, donated for military families with books for kids about trusting in the Lord and not fearing. I realized, as I looked through the materials, that many of these books about finding strength in the Lord will be a blessing to the women and kids at the battered women's shelter in NYC. I plan to leave a few of the books with the mission after I share my testimony there and sing and donate a few music CDs for the women to enjoy.
This turned out to be a much busier day than I had planned. I got in three boxes of resources, which I needed to open and sort through for our ministries. One box had materials based on Psalm 91, donated for military families with books for kids about trusting in the Lord and not fearing. I realized, as I looked through the materials, that many of these books about finding strength in the Lord will be a blessing to the women and kids at the battered women's shelter in NYC. I plan to leave a few of the books with the mission after I share my testimony there and sing and donate a few music CDs for the women to enjoy.
Work Goals Today
I am off to the post office and then plan to file more receipts from various ministry location expenses. I need to write a letter of recommendation for someone who used to lead our ministry in West Hollywood. She has asked me to write a letter recommending her for community service, because she is applying for a scholarship in going back to school. I am more than happy to do this.
Then, I plan to follow up on materials for West Hollywood, call some of our ministry partners and begin working on the next ministry newsletter, which I plan to send out this week.
The weather is warming up here in Atlanta. Other than making copies of articles (to give answers to people on a wide array of topics), I am all ready to begin the new outreach in Little Five Points. I will try to get to Staples this week to make copies of articles (for Buddhists, JWs, Mormons, Moslems, atheists, etc.) for our new ministry table. Then, we will be ready to begin, hopefully, the end of April or the end of May (juggling the schedule around my trips out of town to sing in various churches.)
I woke up this morning and prayed, thanking God for His provision, realizing the best thing I can give Him is all of me.
With Jesus as my Prize and Provider,
Dwayna
Then, I plan to follow up on materials for West Hollywood, call some of our ministry partners and begin working on the next ministry newsletter, which I plan to send out this week.
The weather is warming up here in Atlanta. Other than making copies of articles (to give answers to people on a wide array of topics), I am all ready to begin the new outreach in Little Five Points. I will try to get to Staples this week to make copies of articles (for Buddhists, JWs, Mormons, Moslems, atheists, etc.) for our new ministry table. Then, we will be ready to begin, hopefully, the end of April or the end of May (juggling the schedule around my trips out of town to sing in various churches.)
I woke up this morning and prayed, thanking God for His provision, realizing the best thing I can give Him is all of me.
With Jesus as my Prize and Provider,
Dwayna
LTW at Angola Prison
Here is how God has used a recent shipment to Angola prison. We are hoping to provide materials for apologetics to pastors and prisoners there. I am planning on returning to share my testimony and sing in God's timing. This update came from a pastor there at Angola.
"Concerning the material. I have used it here and passed it out to our pastors. They loved it! I read through many of the pamphlets myself and they are extremely informal and eye opening. I know that ministry that you are doing is blessed, because you are opening up the eyes of a blind world. Thank you so much for what you do. I hope that we can schedule you to come to Angola soon. Our budget has just been cut by another 8 million and we are having to cut back on services due to the number of officers."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ireland
God may let us begin a new table outreach of apologetics in Ireland. This opportunity has come about from a very solid connection with Pastor Jon Cardwell. (See a link to his sermons on this blog, as well as his church, Sovereign Grace Baptist.) Jon and his wife, Lisa, are such examples of people with lives truly built on the solid Rock of Jesus. They introduced me to Miles McKee. I hit it off with the Irishman from TN immediately! As you will read in the following newsletter from Miles, he is quite busy now doing evangelism with a team in Ireland. I look forward to talking to him more about a table outreach of apologetics there, focused on reaching Catholics.
--------------------------------
Ireland, March Ministry Trip
God forbid that we should ever tire of the Lord Jesus. God is just and, therefore, must punish sin. In fact, He must punish us for sin unless someone else suffers in our place. Thank God for Jesus! -----He has died in place of all those who ever have believed on Him and who do believe in Him, or ever shall believe in Him.
What a suitable substitute He was and is. Having no sin of His own, He was able to be charged with ours. If He had had any sin of His own, He could only have died for Himself, and no one else. His sin would have made Him guilty and thus rendered Him under wrath and subject to the vengeance of God. But Christ Jesus was perfectly free from sin and could, therefore, die for His people! What a suitable substitute for sinful men! What a privilege to tell everyone about Him.
This ministry trip is proving very eventful, and I thank you for your prayer and support. We heard just the other day of a family of believers who lived somewhere outside New Ross and spent one entire morning trying to locate them. As we drove around, we stopped and asked quite a few people about their possible whereabouts and finally found ourselves being given directions to their house. I rang the door bell and enquired as to whether or not this was the home of the Rothwell family. The lady of the house looked me up and down and then replied, “Yes, it is, and you are Miles McKee.” I was amazed. It turns out that she and her husband had recently discovered my website http://www.milesmckee.com/ and had been reading the articles and listening to my sermons. It is wonderful to see the hand of the Lord at work.
On Friday night I ministered the gospel at an outreach in the North of Ireland. The place was packed with every seat taken while others stood. I preached on the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s hatred of sin. In the assembly that night there were Roman Catholics and Protestants, former IRA men and former Protestant terrorists. The Lord showed up in great power as the gospel was preached. Thank you for your faithful prayers. We talked to many people afterwards about the truth of salvation. We believe there will be eternal fruit from that meeting.
--------------------------------
Ireland, March Ministry Trip
God forbid that we should ever tire of the Lord Jesus. God is just and, therefore, must punish sin. In fact, He must punish us for sin unless someone else suffers in our place. Thank God for Jesus! -----He has died in place of all those who ever have believed on Him and who do believe in Him, or ever shall believe in Him.
What a suitable substitute He was and is. Having no sin of His own, He was able to be charged with ours. If He had had any sin of His own, He could only have died for Himself, and no one else. His sin would have made Him guilty and thus rendered Him under wrath and subject to the vengeance of God. But Christ Jesus was perfectly free from sin and could, therefore, die for His people! What a suitable substitute for sinful men! What a privilege to tell everyone about Him.
This ministry trip is proving very eventful, and I thank you for your prayer and support. We heard just the other day of a family of believers who lived somewhere outside New Ross and spent one entire morning trying to locate them. As we drove around, we stopped and asked quite a few people about their possible whereabouts and finally found ourselves being given directions to their house. I rang the door bell and enquired as to whether or not this was the home of the Rothwell family. The lady of the house looked me up and down and then replied, “Yes, it is, and you are Miles McKee.” I was amazed. It turns out that she and her husband had recently discovered my website http://www.milesmckee.com/ and had been reading the articles and listening to my sermons. It is wonderful to see the hand of the Lord at work.
On Friday night I ministered the gospel at an outreach in the North of Ireland. The place was packed with every seat taken while others stood. I preached on the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s hatred of sin. In the assembly that night there were Roman Catholics and Protestants, former IRA men and former Protestant terrorists. The Lord showed up in great power as the gospel was preached. Thank you for your faithful prayers. We talked to many people afterwards about the truth of salvation. We believe there will be eternal fruit from that meeting.
Yesterday (Sunday) we had 16 people at the New Ross meeting---our biggest group yet. I spoke again on the ‘Wonderful Lamb of God’.
Matthew Owens (from Nashville) joined us during the weekend. He arrived Saturday morning, and for these next three months, he will be working with the young people in the area.
Please keep us in prayer for this coming Sunday night as it is then we are having our public outreach at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross. We have rented a large room and have placed ads in the paper concerning the event. This week we are handing out thousands of invitations. I will be ministering on “How Jesus gets us to Heaven.”
May this event glorify the name of Jesus!
Grace alone,
Miles
Miles McKee Ministry
Po Box 541,
Kingston Springs, TN, 37082
http://www.milesmckee.com/
http://www.milesmckee.com/
Jewish History and Divine Intervention (by Daniel Mann)
The Jews: The Sign-People of God
Rumor has it that a certain Russian Czar asked his advisor, “How can you prove to me that there is a God?” The advisor surprisingly answered, “Just look at the Jewish people!”
What did he mean by this? The Hebrew Bible’s prophecies about this wandering nation have been unusual and fulfilled it dramatic ways. Moses declared that God had chosen Israel and had blessed them exceedingly but prophesied:
• You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. (Deut. 8:17-19)
In accordance with God’s direction, Moses had specified the many blessings that would be Israel’s if she remained faithful to God’s covenant (Deut. 28). Since that time, no people has ever been so successful, learned and wealthy as the Jewish people. Achievement has followed them into whatever place Israel had been exiled. Their degrading exilic circumstances, which have destroyed other peoples, have not interfered with God’s blessings to His sign people. He has always brought forth His broken and persecuted people against all the odds and the hatred of the surrounding peoples.
However, as Moses had prophesied in many places (Deut. 32), their successes had allowed them to stray away from their possessive God. Moses had consistently warned them of the consequences:
• The LORD will drive you and the king you set over you to a nation unknown to you or your fathers. There you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone. You will become a thing of horror and an object of scorn and ridicule to all the nations where the LORD will drive you…Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. (Deut. 28:36-37; 65-66)
There has never been a people as hated and persecuted as the Jewish people. Yet, from the midst of this hatred, their God had promised restoration to exiled and tormented Israel:
• But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers--their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies--then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the [My promise about the] land.” (Leviticus 26:40-42)
On three occasions, God had rescued His repentant people, brought them back to the land, and re-established their nation.
1. In response to the cries of enslaved Israel’s cries, after hundreds of years of cruel bondage in Egypt, God sent Moses to lead them to redemption and freedom.
2. After the fall of the Babylonian empire in 532, God placed it in the Persian Cyrus’ heart to equip the Jews to return to their own land and rebuild their Temple.
3. Following the two rebellions against Rome (66-70 CE and 132-136 CE), the Jews were expelled from their land. After centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust in Nazi Europe, once again, Israel was restored as a nation in 1948.
No people group has ever returned to its ancestral land -- even once -- after entirely leaving it. Israel has been restored to their Promised Land on three occasions. This is not merely an historical anomaly, it is a sign of Divine intervention, and it doesn’t stop there.
Prophecy reveals that, in the end, Israel will once again be a nation and again without faith towards her God. Her assailants will mercilessly break her, but this time her God will intervene decisively and permanently:
• The LORD will judge [“vindicate” ESV] his people and have compassion on his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left [to oppose the enemy], slave or free…Rejoice, O nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people. (Deut. 32:36; 43)
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Rumor has it that a certain Russian Czar asked his advisor, “How can you prove to me that there is a God?” The advisor surprisingly answered, “Just look at the Jewish people!”
What did he mean by this? The Hebrew Bible’s prophecies about this wandering nation have been unusual and fulfilled it dramatic ways. Moses declared that God had chosen Israel and had blessed them exceedingly but prophesied:
• You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. (Deut. 8:17-19)
In accordance with God’s direction, Moses had specified the many blessings that would be Israel’s if she remained faithful to God’s covenant (Deut. 28). Since that time, no people has ever been so successful, learned and wealthy as the Jewish people. Achievement has followed them into whatever place Israel had been exiled. Their degrading exilic circumstances, which have destroyed other peoples, have not interfered with God’s blessings to His sign people. He has always brought forth His broken and persecuted people against all the odds and the hatred of the surrounding peoples.
However, as Moses had prophesied in many places (Deut. 32), their successes had allowed them to stray away from their possessive God. Moses had consistently warned them of the consequences:
• The LORD will drive you and the king you set over you to a nation unknown to you or your fathers. There you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone. You will become a thing of horror and an object of scorn and ridicule to all the nations where the LORD will drive you…Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life. (Deut. 28:36-37; 65-66)
There has never been a people as hated and persecuted as the Jewish people. Yet, from the midst of this hatred, their God had promised restoration to exiled and tormented Israel:
• But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers--their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies--then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the [My promise about the] land.” (Leviticus 26:40-42)
On three occasions, God had rescued His repentant people, brought them back to the land, and re-established their nation.
1. In response to the cries of enslaved Israel’s cries, after hundreds of years of cruel bondage in Egypt, God sent Moses to lead them to redemption and freedom.
2. After the fall of the Babylonian empire in 532, God placed it in the Persian Cyrus’ heart to equip the Jews to return to their own land and rebuild their Temple.
3. Following the two rebellions against Rome (66-70 CE and 132-136 CE), the Jews were expelled from their land. After centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust in Nazi Europe, once again, Israel was restored as a nation in 1948.
No people group has ever returned to its ancestral land -- even once -- after entirely leaving it. Israel has been restored to their Promised Land on three occasions. This is not merely an historical anomaly, it is a sign of Divine intervention, and it doesn’t stop there.
Prophecy reveals that, in the end, Israel will once again be a nation and again without faith towards her God. Her assailants will mercilessly break her, but this time her God will intervene decisively and permanently:
• The LORD will judge [“vindicate” ESV] his people and have compassion on his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left [to oppose the enemy], slave or free…Rejoice, O nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people. (Deut. 32:36; 43)
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
My Work Day
Every now and then someone will ask, "So, what does an average day look like for you in ministry?" I always think to myself, "If they only knew how busy I stay!" I try to explain all that goes on behind the scenes to keep everything organized. Here is what I have done today, which represents how busy I stay every day with work.
1. Sorting through receipts; meeting with bookkeeper to print out a Profit/Loss Sheet, Balance Sheet and General Ledger for 2009. (We had to work on it before sending it in tomorrow to the ministry's accountant.)
2. Running errands included 1) going to the storage unit 2) my daily visit to the post office (where I normally have to stand in line for 30 minutes) to send out packages
3. Phone meetings with our team members in CA and a few friends and supporters of this ministry who had questions about various things/ prayer with a member of our Board of Directors
4. Preparing for my time soon in NYC--1) I had to write out a lyric sheet for a medley I am going to be recording, "I Must Tell Jesus/ We Will Understand It Better By And By" 2) I placed calls to find out details about my time singing and sharing my testimony at a battered women's facility in NYC 3) more scheduling with the music producer, to make the most of my days in NYC economically.
5. Receiving many research emails, through which I have the pleasure of sorting and posting.
6. Listening to new sermons/ testimonies/ or radio interviews on CD for copies to be made for all of our LTW outreach locations on various topics such as The Shack, Evolution vs. Creationism, the "Blessing of Eternal Assurance of Salvation"... and Current Affairs through Lens of Scripture.
7. Picking up bills from post office and paying them, as well as boxing up supplies and shipping envelopes to be shipped out tomorrow to various locations of ministry.
8. Meeting with the ministry's tech guy tonight (about right now) who is coming to discuss our Internet tech needs.
(The night is not over yet, and neither is the work. This is just an idea of how busy I stay to get everything done.)
Tonight, after I meet with the tech guy, I plan to follow up on some needed resources for West Hollywood.
9. Today I also mailed in 200.00 for Bibles in Spanish, donated specifically for the table outreach in Guadalajara.
10. Web site updates have been done for "LTW to Widows" and "LTW to Orphans." Our goal by the end of the month is to have the online store up and running to make our witnessing materials available to other Christians, as well as my music CD. Our other recent update describes our partnership in Jerusalem with Rami's table ministry HERE.
[I find it almost humorous when people say, "Have you thought about starting a ministry in so-and-so town?" or "Why don't you write more?" Answer: "I don't really have any time for anything new!" Yet, what does God do? He keeps growing this ministry for Himself! (I just found out, we may get to expand to do a ministry table in Ireland in a partnership there with a church.) I pray for more funds, so I can get an assistant. Our prayer is to keep all of the domestic table ministries and international partnerships going as well as possible for God's glory, keeping our lives, motives and the Gospel pure.]
1. Sorting through receipts; meeting with bookkeeper to print out a Profit/Loss Sheet, Balance Sheet and General Ledger for 2009. (We had to work on it before sending it in tomorrow to the ministry's accountant.)
2. Running errands included 1) going to the storage unit 2) my daily visit to the post office (where I normally have to stand in line for 30 minutes) to send out packages
3. Phone meetings with our team members in CA and a few friends and supporters of this ministry who had questions about various things/ prayer with a member of our Board of Directors
4. Preparing for my time soon in NYC--1) I had to write out a lyric sheet for a medley I am going to be recording, "I Must Tell Jesus/ We Will Understand It Better By And By" 2) I placed calls to find out details about my time singing and sharing my testimony at a battered women's facility in NYC 3) more scheduling with the music producer, to make the most of my days in NYC economically.
5. Receiving many research emails, through which I have the pleasure of sorting and posting.
6. Listening to new sermons/ testimonies/ or radio interviews on CD for copies to be made for all of our LTW outreach locations on various topics such as The Shack, Evolution vs. Creationism, the "Blessing of Eternal Assurance of Salvation"... and Current Affairs through Lens of Scripture.
7. Picking up bills from post office and paying them, as well as boxing up supplies and shipping envelopes to be shipped out tomorrow to various locations of ministry.
8. Meeting with the ministry's tech guy tonight (about right now) who is coming to discuss our Internet tech needs.
(The night is not over yet, and neither is the work. This is just an idea of how busy I stay to get everything done.)
Tonight, after I meet with the tech guy, I plan to follow up on some needed resources for West Hollywood.
9. Today I also mailed in 200.00 for Bibles in Spanish, donated specifically for the table outreach in Guadalajara.
10. Web site updates have been done for "LTW to Widows" and "LTW to Orphans." Our goal by the end of the month is to have the online store up and running to make our witnessing materials available to other Christians, as well as my music CD. Our other recent update describes our partnership in Jerusalem with Rami's table ministry HERE.
[I find it almost humorous when people say, "Have you thought about starting a ministry in so-and-so town?" or "Why don't you write more?" Answer: "I don't really have any time for anything new!" Yet, what does God do? He keeps growing this ministry for Himself! (I just found out, we may get to expand to do a ministry table in Ireland in a partnership there with a church.) I pray for more funds, so I can get an assistant. Our prayer is to keep all of the domestic table ministries and international partnerships going as well as possible for God's glory, keeping our lives, motives and the Gospel pure.]
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Curious Associations (Tim Keller's "Missionshift")
Read here about Ed Stetzer, Dan Kimball and Tim Keller in "Missionshift."
Also see this post by Ken Silva on Tim Keller's affinity for contemplative prayer.
Also see this post by Ken Silva on Tim Keller's affinity for contemplative prayer.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
When Church Becomes Cultish (Church Resource Ministries)
This blog post is about Church Resource Ministries, which began in 1980. It has become a proponent of the emerging church and contemplative prayer. They have become rather cultish, as the walk they suggest with Christ is in fact based on the "works" and "disciplines" of contemplative prayer. Becoming a member of CRM is not without "expectations." Who can read this below and still believe 'contemplative prayer' makes one free?
Within the Imago Christi website, we find the 'Basics' about CRM http://imagochristi.org/AboutCrm.aspx . In the final paragraphs are listed the expectations of CRM for their members. Focusing upon Imago Christi for this article, even though you can go onto various rabbit trails in the others, there are many curious things going on within the teachings and seminars. Under 'About Us' and clicking onto the 'Covenant' you find some, let's say, interesting 'requirements' for taking the courses they offer. http://imagochristi.org/covenant.aspx
Some direct quotes: 2c says "... Devote at least a half-hour a day to listening prayer. By 'listening prayer' we mean meditation and contemplation that is responsive to God’s leading."
In 3b one can't make it on their own? "Maintain monthly personal or telephone contact with a Core Community accountability partner, in the context of my Personal Spiritual Formation Plan, disciplines, and weekly journals (accountability partners will rotate annually)."
In 3e you must "Maintain active accountability for the covenant to Imago Christi, by developing a CRM Role Description with annual goals and submitting a written annual review to the Core Community, to be reviewed by the Leadership Triad. ..."
On the home page http://imagochristi.org/default.aspx , Tom Ashbrook, the director, leads you to read his book, 'Mansions of the Heart'. This is a '...process of spiritual growth...' using Teresa of Avila's Seven Mansions:
"Imago Christ is developing a series of Coaching Manuals that will help leadership coaches and spiritual directors coach important spiritual growth experiences:
• Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius as a six month daily prayer experience
• Abiding Prayer
• Using the Seven Mansions of Teresa of Avila as a spiritual formation paradigm
• Developing a Spiritual Formation Plan
• Use of Spiritual Disciplines that Fit Us and our Place in the Journey
The Coaching Manuals are offered with coaching training by Imago Christi. Projected release is winter of 2010."
Also on the 'Organization' page http://imagochristi.org/organization.aspx under 'Novitiate Members' is this: " As God calls people to become part of the Imago Christi Core Community, sharing in its Rule of Life and ministry, they enter a year of practice and discernment, called a Novitiate. During this time they participate fully in the Core Imago Christi Community, but only pledge themselves to a covenant relationship at the end of the Novitiate period. "
In the 'Links' portion, Renovare http://www.renovare.org / , Potter's Inn http://pottersinn.com/ and a fairly new website/ministry of Talbot Theological Seminary called Metamorpha http://www.metamorpha.com / are recommended by Imago Christi.
Tom Ashbrook's extensive article about the Seven Mansions is found here http://www.metamorpha.com/tabid/75/xmmid/445/xmid/743/xmview/2/Default.aspx
well worth the read to find out what Talbot and CRM are promoting.
Digressing a little to Talbot, within 'Metamorpha' is this http://www.metamorpha.com/tabid/75/xmmid/445/xmid/744/xmview/2/Default.aspx
which has these paragraphs:
"... As recorded in The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila (1515–82) experienced visions (perceptions of the mind’s eye), locutions (inner voices), and ecstasies that culminated in the experience of spiritual marriage. Teresa’s mystical experiences impelled her not only to a deeper life of prayer, but also to a life of active service to the church."
Anglican spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941) envisaged mysticism as the establishment of intimate, conscious relation with the Infinite, or God. Underhill encouraged both advancement on the mystical journey and commitment to practical social action. While reluctant to describe himself as a mystic, C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) readily acknowledged the mystical core of Christianity:
“The best is perhaps what we understand least.” Henri Nouwen (1932–96) described mysticism as “the discipline of dwelling in the presence of the One who keeps asking us, ‘Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?’ It is the discipline of contemplative prayer. Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own and God’s heart.”
"Mystical union with Christ was championed by other authorities, including Pseudo- Macarius (fourth century), John Ruysbroeck (1293–1381), Julian of Norwich (1342–ca.1416), Thomas à Kempis (ca.1379– 1471), John of the Cross (1542– 91), Brother Lawrence (ca.1610–91), George Fox (1624–91), Mme. Jeanne Guyon (1648–1717), William Law (1686–1761), John Woolman (1720–72), many Puritans and Pietists, and Thomas Merton (1915–68). ..."
Should you contact them be aware that the president, Sam Metcalf, might tell you this: "...CRM is committed to serve the emerging church and to help in any way possible to develop and empower the leadership of this movement...While some would attack the emerging church on theological grounds, my suspicion is the real backlash is primarily cultural. In most respects, the emerging church movement is profoundly biblical. Unfortunately, too much of the response from the established evangelical world to what God is doing in the emerging church movement is akin to a mother eating her young. I cannot help but believe that this grieves God..."
Update from Ireland
LTW is praying about partnering with Miles McKee in resources, as we pray for the people of Ireland. Here is his latest newsletter:
What a gospel we have! As someone once said, “God Himself gave Himself to save us from Himself.” This is good news! We deserved wrath, but God would now be unjust to send us to Hell. “Hold on a second “someone says, “we deserve to go to hell and God would be just to send us there!--- No, He wouldn’t! The wrath of God has been exhausted against our sin. Christ has died, Christ has risen----it is finished. The demands of justice against us have been satisfied. Jesus our redeemer has paid for us.
Each day, here in New Ross, a number of us have been hitting the streets, talking to people about the Lord Jesus and His gospel. What a reception! Some people have basically told us to go to a place much warmer than New Ross at this time of the year. Others, however, listen and ask questions. On Sunday morning we had a man who had been reached through our literature attend the meeting. He listened intently as I preached on ‘Christ our Passover’.
Today, the local priest was engaged in a lengthy conversation. He will not now be able to say that he has never heard the gospel. An invitation was issued to him to attend our special meeting on Sunday evening 28th March----please pray for him.
Tomorrow we will go to the Saint Patrick's Day parade----May the Lord bless us with many new contacts.
Thursday night we will have our midweek meeting---we have a pledge from a new family that they will attend (husband wife and three teenagers).
On Friday I travel to the North of Ireland to preach at an outreach event organized by Seamus O’Conner, a former IRA gunman. Please pray for power in the ministry of the Word at all our meetings
I appreciate being able to call on you for prayer.
Every blessing
Miles
Miles McKee Ministries
PO Box 541
Kingston Springs, TN 37082
http://www.milesmckee.com/
http://www.thegracechurch.ie/
What a gospel we have! As someone once said, “God Himself gave Himself to save us from Himself.” This is good news! We deserved wrath, but God would now be unjust to send us to Hell. “Hold on a second “someone says, “we deserve to go to hell and God would be just to send us there!--- No, He wouldn’t! The wrath of God has been exhausted against our sin. Christ has died, Christ has risen----it is finished. The demands of justice against us have been satisfied. Jesus our redeemer has paid for us.
Each day, here in New Ross, a number of us have been hitting the streets, talking to people about the Lord Jesus and His gospel. What a reception! Some people have basically told us to go to a place much warmer than New Ross at this time of the year. Others, however, listen and ask questions. On Sunday morning we had a man who had been reached through our literature attend the meeting. He listened intently as I preached on ‘Christ our Passover’.
Today, the local priest was engaged in a lengthy conversation. He will not now be able to say that he has never heard the gospel. An invitation was issued to him to attend our special meeting on Sunday evening 28th March----please pray for him.
Tomorrow we will go to the Saint Patrick's Day parade----May the Lord bless us with many new contacts.
Thursday night we will have our midweek meeting---we have a pledge from a new family that they will attend (husband wife and three teenagers).
On Friday I travel to the North of Ireland to preach at an outreach event organized by Seamus O’Conner, a former IRA gunman. Please pray for power in the ministry of the Word at all our meetings
I appreciate being able to call on you for prayer.
Every blessing
Miles
Miles McKee Ministries
PO Box 541
Kingston Springs, TN 37082
http://www.milesmckee.com/
http://www.thegracechurch.ie/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
