Haven't posted for a while.

Been immersed in "intense" preparation time for new series. Hopefull will return to posts in next week or two. Thank you to those who have asked....

Experience

Experience is a very slippery word.
Dr. J. I. Packer said, "Experience coming to imperfectly sanctified sinners cannot help but have dross mixed in with the gold. No experience just by happening can authenticate itself as sent by God to further His work of grace."
The mere fact that a Christian has an experience does not make it a Christian experience. As a matter of fact, the same phenomena that Christians claim to experience have also been experienced by non-Christians.
One of the interesting studies points out that there are people both inside and outside the Christian faith that have had out-of-body experiences. Lost people have the same experiences. Anthropologists know that among primitive, pagan tribes similar incidents have occurred...where folks spoke in unknown tongues, had visions, there were prophetic utterances...there were physical healings, there were casting out of contrary spirits...I mean these things happened among pagans in primitive tribes.
Now, this doesn't mean that all similar Christian experience is false. What it does mean is that such experience cannot authenticate itself. And this is extremely vital to understand. Experience cannot authenticate itself. You cannot say, "I've had this experience and that means it's authentic." You just can't do that. It has no basis because experience is a subjective part of our lives.
Then also in this matter of experience, there is the inclination to make our experience a standard for everyone else. Have you ever noticed that? If God healed me, that means God will heal you. If God made me wealthy, that means God wants all His children to be wealthy. Let God do something extraordinary for one person and we rush to declare that it's the ordinary experience for every Christian. But, it is not.
The sole and final authority must be the Word of God.

TRUST

TRUST


Luke 16:10 (NASB95)
10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."

Trust must be earned. Jesus taught that trust is not just granted with earning it. He says, “if you cannot be faithful over a few things, why should I give you more things?” Think about parents and children for a moment. One of the biggest issues you deal with in the parent/child relationship is the issue of trust. You ask your teenager, “Can I trust you to go where you say you are going and be back on time?” Every time they do it right, they get a little more trust. Every time they do it wrong, parents pull back a little bit. One of the principles a parent learns is, “if I cannot trust you in everything, I cannot trust you in anything.”

That is why a lack of trust in a marriage is one of the most difficult things to deal with. The lack of honesty, leads to a lack of trust. Why is it then that so many think that deception is good? If a man will deceive you in one thing, he will deceive in something else. I have had people say that they deceived because they felt it was necessary for a higher good. That is absolutely ludicrous. How can you use something that is evil to accomplish something good? It goes against all the Bible teaches.
God asks, “Can I trust you?” Trust must be earned. It is not just granted. You cannot say you would be faithful teaching 100, if you haven’t shown your faithfulness teaching 5. The more we earn trust, the more trust is given. The more we show that we don’t deserve trust, the more trust is pulled away.

With how much can God trust you? Can he trust you with time? Talent? Money? How are you using what you have for Him? Don’t say, “If God would just do this or that, then I would do more.” If you are faithful in what you already have, you will not be faithful with more.

I wonder how many blessings we miss because we wait for sometime, somewhere under the rainbow, for that opportunity to hit us. “Am I trustworthy right now?” Why would God give me more if I misuse what I have?

Lord, Help me to be faithful with what you have seen fit to entrust to my care—time, talents, responsibilities. AMEN

Islam on Capitol Hill

Islam on Capitol Hill


Washington, D.C. - On September 25th there will be a national prayer gathering of Muslims on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building. They are expecting at least 50,000 to attend from mosques all across America. They will gather to pray from 4:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The gathering will take place by the site where U.S. Presidents have been inaugurated since 1981. The organizers say that it was Obama's inauguration speech in January and his speech broadcast from Egypt in June that gave them the idea for this prayer gathering on Capitol Hill.
They have a website set up for this event. If you never look at another website look at this one, especially the final words: islamoncapitolhill.com

How about this response from an average American wife/mother.

I did look at the site.....Im sorry but cannot find anything wrong with it as it states:

#
Thousands of Muslims from all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities will gather for the sole purpose of prayer
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Bonds of friendship will be formed between those in attendance, both Muslims and Non-Muslims
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Muslim youth will experience tours of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
#
The peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol.

I think....
prayer lifted up should be celebrated....
and what about freedom of religion....

The single most important belief in Islam, and arguably the central theme of Islam, is that there is only one God
Isnt that what we believe
Other prophets are important in Islam as well, all of which are shared with the Jews or the Christians.
We also teach our children the Bible stories of the prophets....moses, elijah, etc and are key readings in our church services
For a Muslim, the object of life is to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah so that one may gain Paradise. It is believed that at puberty, an account of each person's deeds is opened, and this will be used at the Day of Judgment to determine his eternal fate.
dont we too believe that we need to live as God wants us to so that we can go to heaven - we are saved by our faith. We also believe in a judgement day
Muslims consider their religion to the be the one true religion, and invite people of all races, nationalities and religions to be part of it.Isnt this what all religions are --- belief in their own and inviting all others to believe their way......

I just dont want fear to fuel my existence---- I dont want to believe they are there to pray to turn everyone against americans because they too are americans....

Not trying to argue...just had to add my own opinion ----- I just cant critize prayer --- it is too powerful and I'd like to believe God-- allah -- yahweh -- jehovah---its him and he hears all prayers



Now my words…Does anybody see a problem here? Do we not realize that this is NOT what Islam teaches. The Koran teaches that they are not to stop until the entire world is Islam (which means submission). That whatever means necessary to make it happen is acceptable (even violence and terrorism). Don’t believe this propaganda put out by Islam. It is deception to the highest. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 “see to it that no one deceives you, many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,” and shall deceive many.”

Come on now! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. Study history and the founding documents, etc.

I am not saying they don't have a right if they are Ameican Citizens, but this is telling about our direction, and Islamic efforts to "evangelize" the world. Look at what has happened in Britain and Europe. I personally don't want to go that way.

BTW, the President would not even have prayer bkfst at Whitehouse this year--- first time in years. Brian McLaren and his church are joining the Muslims celebrating Ramadan.... check this out (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-18-ramadan-christians_N.htm?csp=usat.me) Where are we headed?
God help us.

? what?

After the last post someone asked me, "What about Brian McLaren, Mark Driscoll, Doug Paget?"

My response.... ?what?

Passing the Baton

Passing the Baton


The critical point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. We are now seeing the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next in the SBC and really evangelical Christianity in America. In the last decade many of my heroes of the faith have gone to glory—men like Adrian Rogers, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, etc. Not that I always agreed with them, but they had a public voice and when they spoke, people listened. They had a commanding presence and were willing to stand in the public square and boldly proclaim the Word of God.
Recently, we have seen the retirement of the Executive Director of the SBC (Morris Chapman), the president of the International Mission Board (Jerry Rankin) and the vacating of the presidency of the North American Mission Board (Dr. Hammonds). Who will rise to fill these positions of leadership in the flagship of evangelical churches in America? It is truly a telling moment.
While there are leaders today with the ability, who will rise to the task? Who, in our day has the respect of both Christians and the fear of public officials? James Dobson is left, but retired and slowing down. Joel Olsteen? I don’t think so—Rick Warren? No chance. Bill Hybles? Naw…..
Our brightest and our best seem to be at the helm of our seminaries, but we need role models standing weekly behind the pulpit and challenging Christians, prophets who will stand in the public arena, point a finger in the face of politicians (as Nathan dud), media and society, and be willing to say, “YOU are the man!” Evangelicals have been the conscience of this country since her inception, but there voice has become a whisper. Instead of fearing the Christian community and her influence, Christians have become the whipping boy and the butt of the jokes.
The church needs revival and reform from the leadership down. I say from the leadership down, because it seems to rise and fall on leadership (check out the Scripture). We are in great danger, however, because the call of the Emergent leaders is not to revival and authenticity, but to change the message—(that is another topic). The common ground is becoming smaller and smaller. “The Bible says” has been replaced by “I believe the Bible teaches.” Where is the dogma? Is there no black and white anywhere? Are there no absolutes? The emergent leadership are asking the question of Pilate—what is truth? Do they not know? Where are the leaders who have the knowledge and the skill to reprove and rebuke?
When I go to the doctor, I don’t want him to say, well it could be the tonsils, it might be the gall bladder, so I think we will take out a kidney and see what happens. No. I want a diagnosis and a treatment that will cure the ill. We know the disease, we know the cure. Who will answer the call to stand in the public arena and address these issues?
Beginning in the pulpits of the smallest rural church and continuing to the largest mega-congregation, we need men of God who are willing to stand and preach the Word of God (not their opinion) without apology---The reason we may have a lack of authenticity in the pew is because we have a lack of authenticity in the pulpit. Certainly we are in difficult days (2 Timothy 3), and it seems that many are “holding to a form of godliness” but having none of the power.
When Isaiah was commissioned, we read in Isaiah 6:8-11 (NASB95)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate,
We never give up preaching the Word of Truth until the land is utterly desolate.
The baton is being passed, the runners seem to have stumbled, let’s not drop the baton.

Negative People

Negative People


Negative people expect only tarnish off a silver platter. They are seasick during the entire voyage of their life. They have adopted Chisolm’s Law—“Anytime things appear to be getting better you have overlooked something.”
My grandmother said to me one time, “I am so worried things are going too smooth, something must be wrong.” She worried that there was nothing to worry about.
Negative thinkers don’t build churches. In fact, they don’t believe great churches can be built.
The most important thing about us is our attitude. Attitude is important because your thoughts govern your action. The question is, “Are you guided by negative or positive thoughts?” I personally have a hard time tolerating a negative attitude. Why? Because I battle a negative attitude all day everyday, and if I can have victory over a negative attitude, you can as well. And while I battle with a negative attitude, I don’t need someone with a bad attitude pulling my good attitude down.
Do you live by Murphy’s law? It says, nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than you expect; and if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible moment.
Or you can say, “Nothing is as hard as it looks; everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right it will, and at the best possible time.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Where's The Authenticity?

Where’s The Authenticity?
George Barna has noted that research among those who avoid churches suggests that the main obstacle in people attending church is the “busyness of these people.”
Jim Henderson, in his 2007 book, Jim and Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, states in the introduction, “In my opinion, some professed Christians are not actually following Jesus but are instead following religion. These people should more accurately be called religionists. Atheists are more honest about their unwillingness to follow Jesus. . .”
Henderson (a believer) and Casper (an atheist) visit congregations to try to experience what visitors must feel when they attend. They ask the question, “What does a nonbeliever find attractive—or repellent—about Christians and church communities?”
Casper (the atheist) said about a friend named Jason. (He is)“. . . my kind of Christian: He walks the walk. . .”
Christianity today suffers from a lack of authenticity. That is the reason that many have left traditional churches for the emergent movement. Brian McLaren suggests that if Evangelicals have the truth, then why are so many living hypocritically?
Walk the walk, talk the talk, live the life--- Be Real! When you aren’t, you hurt the kingdom.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB95)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF ME?
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB95)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

When I was younger I was greatly concerned with acceptance of the people I admired or wanted to be like. I wanted to “fit in” with the popular group.

As a young preacher, I wanted to hear people say that I did well when I spoke.

Even today in mid-life, I want to be liked and accepted by people.

It is natural for people to want approval and acceptance; but to what extent are we willing to go to gain social approval or acceptance?

If you aren’t careful you will let the wrong people determine your self image or give direction to your life. Of course you should be concerned with godly counsel, but many times we are more concerned with what people think than we are with what God thinks and wants in our life. We go where we go, do what we do, etc. because we want social acceptance, rather than considering what God desires in our life.

It is too bad that we have to be much older to realize the truth of what somebody said one time:
• at 20, we worry about what people think about us.
• at 40, we don’t care what people think about us, and
• at 60, we find out that nobody has been thinking about us!

As a pastor, most people don’t really care what I think or say. That is why I consider my ONLY authority to be the Word of God. It they reject that, they have a problem with God. I am much more concerned with what God thinks of me than I am what others think of me.
God wants your life and mine to be so different that you make a difference in the life of others.
Father God, may my life be one of obedience to You and a desire to please you by following as You direct my paths. In Jesus name, Amen.

When Believers Differ

Who is the Weaker Brother?
Romans 14
"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.”
Romans 14 is a pretty tough chapter for those who make it a hobby to judge brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope you will take time to read the entire chapter in a version you can understand. In verse 4, Paul asks, “Who are you to judge the servant of another?” (We are each God’s servant if we are believers.) “To his own master (Jesus) he stands or falls.”
Paul talked about some who were weak in the faith and some who were strong in the faith. Some of the weaker brothers were judging the stronger brothers. And there were some stronger brothers who were despising weaker brothers.
The weaker brothers walked very straight and very narrow and there were some things they just absolutely would not do, say, touch, etc. They said, "That's wrong and we're not going to participate in it."
You say, "That sounds like a stronger brother." He was really the weaker brother. There were some stronger brothers who knew that these things were not really wrong in and of themselves and so they did them.
The weaker brother would judge the stronger brother and say, "He ought not to be living that way." And the stronger brother would despise the weaker brother and say, "He ought not to be so narrow minded." There was a division.
This was compounded in that the weaker brother thought he was the stronger brother. It was a very confusing issue. It is still around today on issues such as worship styles, political involvement, dress codes and many other issues.
St. Augustine, an ancient Christian talked about how we are to react to one another. He said, "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love."
Paul wrote in Romans 14:19-20 (NASB95) “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God. . . . “
Too often today I hear those who call themselves believers tearing down the work of God rather than making peace and building up one another. I am concerned that so many are majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. They make mountains of molehills and molehills of mountains. Too many struggle with knowing what is "essential" and what is "nonessential." Most of all, the spirit of their words is quite often vitriolic rather than charity.
Let me build on Augustine’s statement:
· in essentials, unity. Jesus is Lord.
· In nonessentials, liberty. You're going to have to answer before God at the judgment seat of Christ.
· but in all things charity. We are to love one another.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful if everybody in the church were walking so carefully we didn't want to do anything that would cause anybody else to stumble? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no man or woman would wrap his sanctimonious robes about him and start to judge somebody else about the way they worked, the way they sing, the way they preached, the way they speak, but we just all began to praise God and love one another? Don't you want to be a member of a church like that? Then you be that kind of a man or woman and we'll have that kind of a church.

Father me not to judge others with a judgment that I would not have passed on me. Help me to forgive others as yo have forgiven me. May I do my part to be a person of peace and building up, not tearing down the work of God.
In Jesus Name, Amen.