Warnings and Hope From a Lighthouse

Is It Time To Purify The IFB?

2012-01-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

I LOVE how his last statement carries such power. CONVICTION does this to a person. "Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted [convinced] of error by the testimony of Scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of Pope or councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning, I stand convicted [convinced] by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word, I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me." (Martin Luther)We have seen in the past 50 years how the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement has been carried towards the same principles that we were fleeing from. Noe-orthodoxy, modernism, liberalism, and a decline from dependence on the Word of God alone for our doctrine and instruction in righteousness. We strongly opposed the downward and backsliding trends of the Conventions and Associations which were prominent in America during the early 1900's. We have made it mandatory to clean the outside of the cup while inwardly we are still full of the same poison and vile thoughts and practices which were before our pseudo-conversion.There is MUCH Catholicism in our churches. There is MUCH modernism in our doctrine. There is much to repent over. I tell you this in sincerity and with much sorrow - I don't believe God will, I do not believe God CAN bless or revive the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement again. We are full of our own apostasy and doctrine in so much that we extinguish all hopes of a prosperous and effectual repentance at a national level much less in a world wide frame. Is it time to purify the IFB? Is it possible to have a unified effort by all to change our ways and get back to the book? I believe it is past the time of grace which God has allowed before judgment to fall. It is time to purge ourselves from those among us who make their agenda to be known instead of the Word of God. Those who adhere to man-made doctrine must be excluded and removed from ALL fellowship and ALL cooperation from our midst. The fallacy of the "Independent" Fundamental Baptists is that we do not know what Independent means. We MUST mature to the point where we do not need a national figure or church to pattern after - we must pattern ourselves after Christ!(added) Just because I quote Luther doesn't make me a Lutheran anymore than sitting in a garage makes me a car.

isms schisms and more

2012-01-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Since the fall of man, there has been the ridiculous need for men to hold others in bondage to their opinions of what God has said. In the garden, this tactic was used by Satan who deceived Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit and disobey the commands of God. We know how that ended. We also see Cain taking his agenda out against his brother because his opinion didnt match up with what he wanted God to accept. All through the Old Testament we see MAN trying to force others into their mold. When Christ came on the scene, his disciples pointed out the fact that there were others who did not follow in their camp but were preaching. They wanted Christ to silence them. Christ would not be a good baptist because he basically said "if they aren't against us they are for us." Christ understood the truth that there are others who do not have to agree 100% with our opinions and operations for them to still be preaching the truth. I dont care if one is an Independent Fundamental Baptist or if they are a Bible believer who is of a non-denominational church. Fact is, if they preach the truth and practice it with a humble heart- I am fine with them. It is interesting that the matter of ecclesiastical separation doesn't matter when it comes to fundraisers or music preference. The "Good Ol' boys club" needs to break up and honesty in the IFB ranks must prevail. WHO CARES if someone breaks "rank" from the teachings of Peter Ruckman or of B.R. Lakin? Did you know that DISPENSATIONALISM was made popular by James Darby? Yep, the guy who "tampered" with the Word of God. All I can tell you is that dispensationalism is not a fundamental tenant of the faith and falls under the category of doubtful disputations. I guess it all goes back to the statement "the fear of man bringeth a snare."It will be a long time before I ever side with a worthless lazy, dishonest, unethical, sidewinder of a missionary who does absolutely nothing but park his blessed assurance on the edge of his desk chair while his ministry consists of his family and NO outreach or personal evangelism to shake a stick at.Somethings bad wrong with IFB and don't intend on being part of it much longer.

The Evidence of Love: Submission (1/15/2012 PM)

2012-01-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Matt 26:36-46, Phil 2:5-8In Ephesians 5 we see the challenge to the husband and the wife in regards to submission. Wives are to submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord. Husbands also are to submit – but not as the wife submits. The Husband is to submit to “each other” as in submission to the relationship. If a man doesn’t provide for his own he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (I Tim 5:8). He is to love his wife even as he loves his own body. No man who loves his body will forget to take care of himself. Even so should the husband take it to consideration that the relationship is just one more “notch” on the belt to maintain and develop.We see that this is a type of Christ’s love for the church.Christ’s love for the church is that he submitted for it. He acted in submission. Now, he doesn’t submit to the church, but the church is to submit to Him. He did submit though. Phil 2:5-8.Jesus being the sinless and complete example that God desires us to be and demonstrate teaches us of Christ’s love; yes, even submission to the will of the Father.Here are some statements which describe and define what Submission is taken from our gathering of Matthew 26 where Christ is in the Garden of Gethsemane.1. Submission is the Surrender of one’s “rights”, priorities, power, will, ambition, and future to another.2. Submission is accepting whatever plans are given to you by the one you submit to.3. Submission is never to be countered or taken back – it is total surrender.Now, Christ being our supreme example willingly chose to submit himself for our redemption.Philippians 2 teaches us this very fact – he HUMBLED himself and became obedient even unto the death of the cross. Now, I have heard of an opinion which states that Jesus was plea bargaining with God to not have to go to the cross. This is against the spirit of Christ which set his face as a flint to Jerusalem and often taught his disciples of his death. I believe what Christ was referring to was the whole agonizing ordeal of sin being placed on him and HIM becoming sin for us. It was against his nature to sin, and to look upon sin, yet he became sin for us (II Cor 5:21, Hebrews 12:1-3).Now, we speak often of our love for God but Christ makes a statement which causes us to question our love for God: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.Now, without damaging context whatsoever – let me draw some simple applications from scripture to provide us with some brief yet non-encompassing conclusions which show of our Love for God.1. We love God when we keep his commandments.2. We love God when we surrender-submit our “rights”, power, will, ambition and desire to Him – Galatians 2:20/Phil 2:5-8, James 4:1-4, Matt 6:24-34, I Cor 6:19-20, II Cor 6:14-17, Phil 3.3. We love God when we accept whatever plans God has for us – Romans 8:28-394. We love God when we totally yield ourselves to him without “strings attached.” Either he is Lord of all or not Lord at all. Luke 6:46, Matt 26:36-46 My stubborn will at last hath yielded; I would be Thine, and Thine alone; And this the prayer my lips are bringing, Lord, let in me Thy will be done. Sweet will of God, still fold me closer; Till I am wholly lost in Thee; Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, Till I am wholly lost in Thee. I’m tired of sin, footsore and weary, The darksome path hath dreary grown, But now a light has ris’n to cheer me; I find in Thee my Star, my Sun. Thy precious will, O conqu’ring Savior, Doth now embrace and compass me; All discords hushed, my peace a river, My soul, a prisoned bird, set free. Shut in with Thee, O Lord, forever, My wayward feet no more to roam; What pow’r from Thee my soul can sever? The center of God’s will my home. -Leila N Morris

The Danger of Compromise (1/15/12 AM)

2012-01-15T20:15:00.001-08:00

(Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6:7-11)The walls of the city were destroyed by the captors due to thedisobedience of God's people. These walls were important for severalreasons and the enemy knew why. (4:1-3)1. Fortification - protection from the enemy2. Sacrifice - sanctifying God in their hearts and lives - dependence of Godto protect from the enemy within.3. Restoration/preservation- to remember what they were known for.Distinction. the walls were known for beauty and holiness.4. Identification - The enemy knew who the Jews were. They knew the difference between God's people and those around them. (:8-11)These are the same reasons why we need walls of separation and conviction once again in our church; in our life.What are the tools of the enemy? What tactics do they use?1. Mocking/Public ridicule (4:1-2)2. Discouragement (4:1-2)3. involvement of others in the world against God's people (4:2)4. Anger (4:1,7)5. Plotting Evil ( Prov 6:16-19, Neh 4:8,11)6. Invasion: (:11)blending in, pretending they are part of the work, cherry picking our own, slay them (spiritually quenching their desire)7. Feed lies and disruption (not always physical - sometimes it disruptsmorale of the people.) 5:1-5 accusations of unfairness and financial misconduct.8. Compromise (6:1-7)The enemy will stop at nothing to discredit the work of the Lord.What does Compromise do? (6:1-7)1. It stops progress2. Causes you to "come down" from where you are at3. always requires YOU to give and never to receive4. Insists even when you turn it down5. Always plans mischeif6. Manipulates with lies and distortion of truth (2:17-20)7. Brings Fear and entrapment or slavery8. never stos with you - always goes after others. (6:17-19, 13:4,28) Rebellion is bred in the hearts and minds of those who are persuaded by compromise.Why we should NOT compromise:1. It is a GOOD work (2:18, Rom 12:1-2)2. It is a GREAT work (tasking, labor) (6:3)3. It is a Finished Work (6:15, Col 2:10) The enemy will not find Christ palatable with their lifestyle and agenda- why should we compromise? We are on the winning side!4. It is a Command by God - for us to be Holy, Separate, Clean. (I Cor 6:19-20, 2Cor 6:14-18, I Peter 1:13-15, James 4:1-4)5. It is of a certainty that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways ( James 1:8, Josh 24:15, Mat 6:24)Face it- when rain compromises with dirt it creates mud and only pigs are attracted to mud.

When We Hurt God (pt1)

2011-12-09T12:03:00.001-08:00

Growing up I always saw my dad as invincible. He was as tough as they came. John Wayne was a boy scout compared to my father. Oh, don't get me wrong; my father was anything but Superman. I witnessed my father suffer multiple back injuries. I saw him limping around after 14 hours on his flat feet and then have to walk a mile home after work. I saw him after he was "jumped" at the store where he worked by three angry riff-raff. I saw him, believe it or not, get frostbite on his hand in the middle of the summer. I saw him fall down a flight of concrete stairs while he was terribly sick with pneumonia. I saw my dad almost rupture his Achilles. I saw my dad in a neck brace following a serious neck injury. I saw my dad's arm in a sling due to him blowing his rotator cuff. I have seen my father collapse and bust his head during an athsma attack. I am telling you, I have seen my dad be ANYTHING but invincible. I do have a point to all of this so let me get right to it. The WORST injury I have ever seen my dad have is the one I am responsible for. I was 7 or so. My younger brother and I were running around in the house despite my father's instruction to stop. It was a Sunday Morning. We were getting ready for church. My dad was boiling a large pot of eggs for the Sunday School "party" during their sunday school hour. As my father was attempting to transfer the large pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink, my brother and I ran between he and the sink and under the extremely hot pot of water. Instinctively, my father pulled the pot towards him and all of the hot water escaped the pot and found its landing all over my father's stomach, legs and loins. Instantly, my father was covered with 2nd degree burns and blisters already forming from the seething hot water. I saw my father writhing in pain on the floor as he dropped to his knees and let out the most painful shriek I have ever heard. Looking at my father in so much pain was something I have never been able to forget. It was a pain that I inflicted on him. The deep seeded remorse and attempts at penance seemed insignificant at the moment. I caused my father to have extreme pain. The Children of Israel caused God pain as well. Sure, it wasnt with a boiling pot of water, but it was a pain that God deemed necessary to proclaim his affliction. I realize that God is a Spirit (John 4:23-24.) However, there is a term used as an example to bridge the pain that a spirit can feel in regards to human or physical pain. It is called "Anthromorphism." For an illustration: "He sat there like a bump on a rock." It is giving Human characteristics or responses to an object or to an inadamant object, in this case, an intangible being- namely God.Having this thought in mind, let me direct your attention to a passage of Scripture which lays out a brief but detailed diagnosis of God's pain which was inflicted by Israel and also by us today.Jeremiah 10:18-25
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so. Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it. My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Right and Wrong in Education

2011-09-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

A man's wife is dying of a rare kind of cancer. A local druggist has developed a cure for this type of cancer but demands far more than the man can afford to pay. Later the husband breaks into the store and steals the drug. Should he have done that? (p.20 "Why Johnny Cannot Tell Right From Wrong" William Kilpatrick)

It is an insight that Mr. Kilpatrick made back in 1992 when is book was published. Here is a situation eithic which is based on the supposition that man will choose what is wholesome and "good." Doesn't God's Word tell us the outcome of this man's choice?
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end therof are the ways of death."

There are two views in philosophy in dealing with teaching morality.

1. Character building - to train our children in What IS right. teaching them what is right. Training them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord in the FEAR of God. Moses held this philosophy. Joshua chose this philosophy. Christ used this philosophy. Paul used this philosophy. Peter used this philosophy.

A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

2. Moral reasoning - This conditions a child to believe that what he would do is ethical and right. There are NO wrong or right answers - This leads us to all kinds of moral decay - as we see every day on the evening news, on the front page of the paper, in our christian education, and in our theology.

Aug5

2011-08-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

Jesus' zealous endeavor to purge the temple of money changers and insincere worshipers was unpopular to those who profited from the synthetic reverence to God and towards his chosen methods of worship. Today, Jesus would be considered a legalist and an extremist.

50 Shekels of Silver

2011-08-04T09:46:00.001-07:00

2Sam 24:24

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

David was desiring to restore fellowship with God after the

sin of numbering the people. He was trying to find out just

how powerful and great he was, neglecting the fact that God

had made him great. He “got too big for his own britches” and

God’s judgment was fiercely punishing King David.

As the destruction of his consequence advanced, David implored

to make peace with God. He went to the threshing floor to

sacrifice to the Lord. It was a good land and he wanted to

build an altar to God and sacrifice to Him a peace offering.

Although Araunah was willing to give David the land for free,

David realized that it had to cost him something for this to be

sincere and meaningful.

Fifty shekels of silver in today's economy is roughly $265.

It wasn’t about paying something that was super expensive.

David learned that if he desired reconciliation with God and

experience His forgiveness, he must sacrifice. What are YOU

willing to sacrifice today for God to effect your life? What are

you willing to part with? What is your “50 shekels of silver?”

Remember, Christ was betrayed for less than that!

Baptist By Conviction, Christian By Pursuasion,, Saved by the Grace of God.

2011-06-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Many friends have recently brought up the contentious debate of what they are in regards to title, doctrine, and practice. Let me tell you this, I am a Baptist by Conviction, a Christian by pursuasion, but Saved by the grace of God.

First, when I was at the ripe young age of 5 years old, I was convicted of my sin, truly for the first time. The weight of the realization and guilt of my sin against a Holy God was so intense that I could do nothing else but to call upon the name of the Lord. Yes, at age 5 I was fully aware of my need of a Savior. As fully as I understood my offense toward God, and of who and what Christ was and what he came to do, I placed my hope and trust in him alone. I know by the testimony of the Word of God, I was born of God by grace through faith. It is nothing that I have done or did not do. It was all of the working of the Holy Spirit of God through the witness of the Word of God and of the faithfulness of other believers who had an influence in and on my life.

As a believer, I began to read the Word of God and develop a prayer life with the Lord. As I matured in the faith, it began to be very clear that my parents, my pastor, my sunday school teachers, friends, and those around me at church not only believed God but patterned their life after Christ's example. I came to realize just how important it was and is to not only walk with the Lord but also to yield to the continuing work of the Holy Spirit as he fashions me to the fullness of Christ-likeness. I was persuaded by my upbringing to be "Christian."

As I read the scriptures I began to notice the application of what I read was more distinct than that of others. I say this with no condescension intended. I began to study other denominations. Although there was things that I agreed with in other denominations, there was so much that I did not agree with. I began to compare what "my" church had for doctrine. Some of what i grew up believing was not found or even hinted at according to Scripture. Those things I renounced. However, I found that the more I studied God's Word, the more I realized the order in which a Baptist Church operates. I did not become Baptist by upbringing. My mother would often say "i am not a Baptist. I am a Bible believer." My Father now attends a Methodist Church (when he does go to church due to his work schedule.) When I say I am a Baptist, it is not because of how I was raised. It isn't because of where I went to college. It isn't by any other reason but because of my own developed Conviction that the distinctions which associate a believer as a "baptist" are found exclusively in the Word of God.

copied

2011-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

http://centralseminary.edu/resources/nick-of-time/324-responding-to-the-scanda

The DNA of Worship

2011-04-13T18:59:00.001-07:00

http://cornerstonebaptist-rockhill.com/StreamingAudio/2010/Q2/TimDelelloTheDNAofWorship.htm

I preached this sermon back in April in 2010 at a great church in Rock Hill, SC.

The Law of God pt 1

2011-03-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

THE LAW OF GOD
EXODUS 20

as we look at these familiar verses of which people have derived the 10 commandments, let us stop to consider the purpose of why the law was given. Many people assume the law was given as a list of requirements of do's and dont's for mankind to live by in attempts for God's forgiveness and favor with God. Perverted doctrine has taught them wrong.

I. Purpose

* The law was to introduce us to Christ - Galatians 4
* The law is to identify us with Christ - law written upon hearts
* The law is to involve our love from Christ to be demonstrated TO man - James 1/ (On these hang all of the law and prophets)
* The law has been interrupted because of Christ (fulfilled the law)

as we look at what the law contains, let us also notice HOW the law was given:

II. precedent

* Divine Authorship (God wrote it)
* Directly Allotted (gave directly to Moses to give to the people)
* Definite Adherence (Deut 6:4-9)
* Determinately Ordered (reason behind everything)
* Distinct punishment for Offenses

III. People To Whom It was given:

* Predestined People
* Peculiar People
* Pardoned People
* Propitious People

Consenting unto his death

2011-03-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

As we close chapter 7 we see that Saul had been incorporated in with the murder of Stephen. As the angry mob picked up stones to kill the faithful deacon, they laid their coats with Young Saul. There is something to say about large masses of people who are in unison. The whole atmosphere of energy that must have surrounded Saul was incredible. It drove these men to violate their own moral code and religious upbringing under the standard of patriotism. They took the law into their own hands in a vigilante justice which was nothing short of a "kangaroo court." As they hurled the stones which began to break the skin of Stephen and crushing his bones, Saul instinctively cheered the men on who took the life of that innocent man. "FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM" Saul was consenting unto his death. As Stephen knelt down, he cried out for forgiveness for those hurling the fatal blows. As the stones struck this first martyr's head, chest, and defenseless body, Stephen maintained his Christlike testimony. As a shark senses the vulnerability of its prey, Saul was driven by an uncanny desire to persecute people of "this way." It was an act of patriotism which would drive these threats to the country and their way of life from popularity. He began his crusade by gaining permission from the high priest to further that unadulterated hatred for all followers of the treasonous Christ. Upon receiving permission and the full support of the Jewish religion, Saul set out to fulfill his venomous "calling." He was regarded as a minister of justice to rid the nation of these pestilent criminals. As Stephen was not yet buried, Saul began to cause havoc of the grieving church. He broke into homes and carried off mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and i am sure entire families who were "followers of this way."

Saul's goal was to snuff out this rebellious congregation and cease the preaching, teaching, and living in the name of Christ. No more would the temple be "threatened" and the holy laws of Moses be spoken against. No more would the common criminal Jesus be promoted among men.

As Saul oppressed the followers of Jesus, they just kept spreading their doctrine of this Christ fellow. Saul's ambition was no match for the very work of God which he attempted to silence. The Word of God abounded. Many people believed. This enraged Saul even more. (More to Come later)

Destruction of An Angry Listener

2011-03-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Scary things happen when I actually study the Bible. I mean, I do it regularly, but when I actually take serious time to study, look what happens? (tongue in cheek)

Look at Acts 7:54-60 and notice the downward spiraling that takes place when one does not reverse their thinking/actions upon hearing the Word of God

1. They were cut to the heart (7:54 -60)
2. Gnashed on him with their teeth
3. Cried out with a loud voice
4. Stopped their ears
5. Ran upon him with one accord

(Acts 19:29, Mark 7:57)

*Note the Spiritual decline

* conviction not dealt with with leads to disdain/disrespect for leadership and or the preacher/message
* disrespect for the message/messenger leads to open rebellion
* open rebellion leads to absolution of ability to listen to reason (point of no return – moral conscience is darkened)
* inability to listen to reason leads to demonic activity (Mark 7:57, Acts 19:29)

too many times that I can remember, my family would "grill the pastor" for lunch rather than talk about how the Sermon was relevant to our life.

Lord, help me to endure the still coming chastisement of the sins of my youth.

3 types of Believers

2011-03-01T13:15:00.001-08:00

I believe there are three "types" of believers.

Many believers are those who are just that. Believers. They struggle daily with assurance of their salvation. They don't study the Word. They don't pray. They aren't separated from the world. They show up on Sunday. They might show up 3 times a week. They are Believers...but seriously lack discipleship and commitment to Christ.

The second camp are the disciples. I believe MANY of those faithful to church are in this category. I believe they have come to the place of commitment to Christ and have/doing their best to walk with God and live according to the Holy standards which are required as our "base" obligation to the Lord. I believe they are not perfect. They struggle everyday as do the "believer" camp. I do believe however, they have chosen to "take up his cross daily" and "follow me" I believe this is the most common form of Christianity that is displayed by MANY....including Pastors.

The last camp is a reserved group. I believe there are FEW that have walked the earth in these last days. these people are so in tune with Christ that the world hates them. I believe their testimony and lifestyle are such that it brings unholy anger upon the world and they in turn persecute/martyr them. Every time the word Christian is used, it carries with it a sense of "suffering."

I believe Paul was trying his best to convince Agrippa to become a "Christian" as Paul was.

If I can be so blunt as to say that Acts 1:8 is often misrepresented when it says "and ye shall be WITNESSES"....the word witness comes from the same greek word (according to Strongs) as MARTYR. Everyone wants to claim themselves a witness for Christ but yet few actually take up their cross of sacrifice much less their cross of death.

While I won't make it an official Doctrine....or something I would present as a separating issue of contention.....I do believe this is accurate according to my present understanding of scripture.

any comments?

Stephen The Man Acts 6-7

2011-02-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Acts 6-7: Stephen

By way of introduction:

1. The character of the witness is ALWAYS held in question
2. The testimony of the witness is compared against their character.
3. The worth of the message is measured by the character of the messenger.

(I Tim 4, Titus 2)

I. Stephen’s Character (Acts 6)
A. Full of Faith
1. Godly Discipline
2. Example to the Believers/Of the Believers
3. Walk with God
B. Full of Wisdom
1. Intelligence
2. Biblical understanding put to practice
C. Honest Report
1. From those without
2. From those within

II. Stephen’s Conduct (Chapter 6)
A. Assisted in overseeing the care for the widows (Daily Ministration)
B. Teaching
C. Evangelism
D. Respect for Civil government
E. Reverence for the office which he held

III. Stephen’s Consecration (Acts 6-7)
A. Verbally Attacked ( I Peter 2:22-25)
B. Lied about ( Matt 26:59-60)
C. Incriminated unjustly (Matt 27:1-2)
D. Steadfast in his Faith (Isaiah 50:7,Luke 9:51)
E. Looked to God for strength (Matt 27:46)
1. Christ didn't look to God for Strength but rather for our example
2. Stephen looked to God not because he was in trouble but because it was his "habit"
F. Executed (Matt 27:50)
G. Forgiveness was his dying thought Luke 23:34

FORTRESS

2011-02-23T12:22:00.001-08:00

Here is a sermon I preached recently. I trust it will be a blessing.

http://victorybiblebaptistchurch.com/sermons/2011/february/fortress.wma

Autonomy of Local Churches and Accountability

2011-02-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

One of the guidelines for how a NT Church is cooperation with other churches. Church letters, Baptismal records, prayer, encouragement, fellowship, financial support if possible, assistance in disciplinary measures. All of these things can be found in the New Testament. They do not override each church's autonomy. They do uphold scripture. A pastor who leaves one church having disqualified himself, and goes to another church, and is given an office of which they are disqualified have violated scripture.

there are some possibilities.

A. The disqualified, dishonorable man was not honest (most likely)
B. The disqualified dishonorable man manipulated his way in/or started a church (this is always a favorite among the wolves)
C. The church refused to stand for scripture in hopes to "reform" the "fallen"
D. The Church just did not know what they were doing...they were novices
E. The church believes "what happens in vegas stays in vegas"
F. The disqualified became qualified. (heresy straightened up, divorced spouse passes on - only if the spouse was the one to cause the divorce IMHO/V.V.ology103, correction of moral failure OVER TIME (some time and much deliberation)

Each church remains autonomous- SELF GOVERNING.

There is no governing Body other than the Eternal Godhead. There is no enforcer or executor outside of that local body of believers. Nothing I said has changed.

Interestingly enough, there seems to be a lack of ethics in Fundamentalism especially among certain brethren of the Baptist sect. However, there are STILL many of us who are IFB (even IFB9Xers) who diligently keep themselves from fornication and submit themselves to the Holy Spirit, to their churches, to their wife(ves), families, even to each other for accountability and for "veto".

I have talked with SEVERAL IFB preachers from various colleges, various camps. Each have verified that in the ordination "grilling" the question was made whether or not it was biblical to "resend" ones ordination of that person became unqualified. Each time, the person being ordained would not only testify that it was Biblical, but that they also would hold each person ordaining him accountable for keeping the faith in pure conscience.

Having a VOLUNTARY accountability to co-laborers (as I have said before) does not eliminate the autonomy of any said Bible Believing Church. It is just not something that you hear about among the graduates, staff, or heritage of "prominent" IFB places of learning.

Head of Gold; Heart of Pride

2010-07-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

This week I was reading in Daniel. I got into Chapter two and was immediately smitten with the prophetic context. I also noticed a lesson on economics, politics, and many other sub-points which will keep me busy for a few weeks with lessons to glean out of it.

One lesson in particular, the dream that good ol "Neb" had..the image had a head of Gold.

God had specifically placed Nebuchadnezzar in charge. Daniel called him a "king of kings." He was given his power directly from God. He didn't answer to people. He Answered to God.

In the very next Chapter, Neb puts up an image of GOLD and orders national worship. Now, where did he get the idea to build an image of gold?

Then I got to thinking of the recent blessings that God has bestowed (KJV word) on our church. Not even two years ago, our church was dwindled down to twenty people. They were exhausted from carrying the financial load of our building in bad repair. Shortly after my near death during surgery, our building caught fire. I was sure that my sorry excuse (in my eyes) of a pastorate was over. Then, God put me back in the hospital for another week as I was near to a heart attack.

I have always heard that the three of the 4 worst things a Church can endure is a split (done that) a building program, a fire/flood and a scandal. Thankfully, we have avoided a scandal. However, we were anemic already by morale standards. We honestly didn't expect to make it through a building program after the fire, after a split. We were all frustrated. Then, God brought a Christian Contractor to us to help us in the erecting of our building...and most importantly, building our church back together.

As the building was being built, I began looking for another place to be in the ministry. I began looking for anything and anywhere. I forced myself to work a Full Time Job to make up for the lack of funds needed to complete the building. My goal was to get out of dodge with the only thing I had left...my pride.

I remember the Monday AM like it was yesterday. I went in to work an overtime shift perfectly healthy. Within two hours, I was begging for mercy. I was struck down with a super trifecta infection. Staff, strep, and cellulitis. I was hospitalized for a month and was Four days from my leg being amputated. I was a complete wreck. I wanted out. I wanted my life to end. I was in bad shape. I remember being in such depression that I asked for Mental health to put me on a suicide watch. I was flat on my back, in complete pain, and NO signs of improvement.

God took me to a place where I had only ONE solution....Patience. God left me with nothing but my pride....and I refused to wait patiently on Him.

As I yielded myself to the Lord fully in that hospital bed, I began to heal. I began to regain strength. The medicine FINALLY began to fight the infection. The pain subsided.

The building was completed in Oct. We began to "work out the kinks" of the new building and getting our church family all on the same page.

God removed a few more members of the church...but then allowed us to unite as a family. God has continued to bless us and has added to our church attendance and faithfulness. God has been so good to us.

Recently, I was able to fill in for a pastor who was on vacation. I was talking to one of the men of that church and told him they need to work on getting some more people in the church...more men...for families.

My intention was not to be condescending....however, that is exactly how it came out.....PROUD....SELF GLORIFYING.

Neb was that head of gold. "The best"....an air of pride. He was top dog.

It went straight to his heart. A heart of pride. He failed to give God the Glory.

Let it be a reminder to all of us....what God does or doesn't do.....it is all for his glory and praise.

God ended up taking away Neb's reasoning. The simple fact is, GOD DESERVES THE GLORY. We need to be humble....or we will be humbled.

Cult-Mindedness: The True Story of Evan and "Bob"

2010-06-18T12:53:00.001-07:00

The true story of "Evan" and "Bob". Bob is a Jehovah's witness who was out one day, "evangelizing" one of the ladies that attends church with "Evan". The lady couldn't bring herself to being unsocial and asked "Evan" to come when the man had come in for another "bible study". "Evan" told the lady to call him and he would drop in and handle the situation for her. So, Saturday came around and sure as flies like stink, "Bob" Shows up...and begins to talk about the new world etc. "Evan" was called and he drove to her house and began a conversation with Bob about the doctrine in which he was trying to teach his fellow church member. After a 20 minute "debate" as it were, Evan and Bob decided that it was best to end the conversation. Evan asked Bob if he could ask Bob some questions about his "faith". Bob gladly agreed...I mean....it is WONDERFUL that someone would "come to the truth". So, Evan wrote down Bob's address and took some of Bob's magazines..."for analyzing purpose only".

Evan began asking simple things, and Bob responded with more articles and copy and paste references. Evan asked Bob to respond with his own words...not with the words of others. Bob could not comply.

So, Evan changed gears and asked Bob to explain more detailed questions. Bob answered with articles and clippings from his magazines.

Evan asked more DIRECT questions....no answer.

Evan began to TELL Bob what he believed and why he saw it as the truth. Bob no longer corresponded with Evan...and refuses to call, answer, or acknowledge Evan.

This is a true story.

Now, using that as an illustration...a cult minded person is one who thinks they have all the answers...and cannot be taught. And, if there ever comes a time where you disagree with them....they cut you off...and "ignore" any communication.

They "invest" time, resources, "friendship", and anything they can to "pull" thier "contacts" to thier side. And, when and if they "think for themselves" they immediately claim victim. They immediately draw back...recoil as it were...into thier "corner" and eliminate ALL chances of contact with that person.

They mark that person they have "befriended" as an apostate...as an EVIL person...as a hazzard to thier life. (physically or Spiritually).

They do so under the guise of "biblical seperation" or "discipline". They cut off anyone who nay-says them. They are Cult-minded.

These types of people reside in ALL walks of life. In ALL denominations...in ALL churches.

They are CULT MINDED.

Beware....they are EVERYWHERE.

The Shameful Shepherd: Pastors Who Pamper

2010-06-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met a Christian who needed to be coddled in order to maintain a somewhat normal level of Christianity? You have seen it, I have seen it, countless others have seen it. In today's society, and especially in American Churches, the members constantly need to be pampered in order to serve. They come up to the pastor and inform them of what they did that week for the Lord. "Reporting" what they said to their neighbor and of how their neighbor was rude to them for their attempts of witnessing. They make sure they tell everyone how they cleaned the toilet or restocked the toilet paper. They need to hear "good boy" as it were in order to feel accomplished.

I realize that everyone likes to be noticed, and appreciated in some form or fashion. However, the Pastor that pampers one of these believers leaves a bucket-full of problems for a Pastor who is trying to lead them to Spiritual Maturity. For whatever reason, the pastor who pampers the member (whether newly saved or saved for years)causes the next guy to get a migraine.

The pastor calls for a work day. instead of getting all of the work done in a timely fashion, the pastor is halted by people informing them of every detail. "Pastor, I took out the trash!!" "Pastor, I refilled the hand soap!" "Pastor, I just exhaled!"

Why does the Pastor need to be told what they did or did not do? Their reward is in heaven.

Then, the next work day, the pastor forgets to "praise them" for their Work As unto the Lord and they get offended. The pastor is then "ungrateful" and unloving. There must be a fine line between edifying and pampering.

Baby Christians need lots of encouragement. I agree. Church members who are brand new to the faith or recently returning from a life of disobedience need lots of attention. So do seasoned saints in their time of need. How does a pastor balance it?

Pastors who continually pamper the people and nurture them on praise rather than teaching "as unto the Lord" are doing a disservice to those who follow his pastorate.

Giving grace is one thing, but pampering is another.

The Shameful Shepherd Part 7d

2010-04-14T09:36:00.004-07:00

There are countless other examples of men who are both protected and PROMOTED despite their unlawful and unbiblical deeds. I will spare you the details and shame that continues EVERY DAY.

Would you believe that there are those who still applaud these men as heroes of the faith and implore others in the church to pledge their support to this man who has been “falsely accused” BEFORE the matter has been formerly and completely investigated and cleared? Blind followship to perverted leadership is unbiblical and unethical, and is void of any form of wholesome morality – It is bad stewardship.

Soul winning is not the solve all. It is not the “ajax” which cleans the stains. It is NOT the basis for righteousness. Holiness is more than what I wear, listen to, or how I “serve” God. Holiness is my standing with God and with man. Whatever happened to Accountability within the Body of Christ?
“You build your church, and I will build mine” or “I just want to help hurting hearts” is their cry. The evidence of innocence is “how many do you run in Sunday school?” Or, “How many souls have you seen saved and baptized this year?” I have been asked “How long have YOU been in the ministry?” Do my years negate the truth from being spoken? Does my small corner of the world hinder me from standing up and pointing out the nakedness of the emperor who is parading down the street dressed in deception? Do my minute “numbers” eliminate my voice from screaming “FOUL” on the shameful actions of my “fellow believers” (I will use this term loosely) who bear the same name of Independent Baptists? Like David I stand before the cowardly men of God’s army and passionately resound “IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?”
How long should I remain quiet before I open my mouth and cry against the sins and sickening behaviors radiating from our Pulpits, colleges, churches, and even HOMES? Shall I wait until I am old and gray and feeble? Shall I wait until the problem is out of sight out of mind? Should I refrain from commenting because I want to flippantly quote that “love covers a multitude of sins?”
Shameful Shepherds which protect, promote, and partake in the sins of these criminals need to be removed and forever barred from Church leadership, and or turned over to the police for aiding in the crimes of these vile offenders.

The Shameful Shepherd Part 7c

2010-04-14T09:36:00.003-07:00

A Pastor in North Western South Carolina was arrested for embezzling Hundreds of THOUSANDS of dollars in a pyramid scheme. He was arrested and found GUILTY of his crime. Did he resign from the pulpit? NO! Even worse, he remained the pastor while locked up (still is- last I heard) and PREACHED OVER THE PHONE WHILE IN PRISION! WHY wasn’t he removed from the pastorate? Why would the church standby and allow such foolishness? Oh, because he is a soul winner and the man of God. The money was not found, however, his family NEVER lacked. In fact, they own a BIG house, fancy cars, and stylish clothes without missing a beat – on a PASTOR’s SALARY?
One other illustration and I will move on, there is a man who married the daughter of a pastor in New York. He forged his wife’s name on credit cards, used her social security number and information and opened several charge accounts. He opened a PO Box to which the bills were sent. He ran up close to $100,000 in debt on his wife’s perfect credit. When the wife attempted to open a charge account at the local department store, she was turned down due to bad credit. A credit report was soon sought and she learned of her plight. Soon after, the Post Office called and asked her to empty her box. She never knew she had one. After opening the countless monthly records, she broke down and informed her father/pastor of the crime. The man apologized and vowed to do his part to pay off the debt. The pastor generously assisted in the payments. A few months later, the husband bailed out of the arrangement and began spreading the lie that the pastor was ruining his marriage. He split the church and went to a church across town where he was lauded as a HERO because he was a good bus captain and soul winner. Soul winning negates blatant criminal misconduct? He soon did the same to another woman whom he lived in a sinful lifestyle with.
A pastor who cheats on his wife, thus breaking the solemn marriage vow to his bride, the congregation of witnesses and even to God himself is no more worthy to stand before a gathering of corpses much less a multitude of the saints to proclaim the things of God. Yet, within months of the gross immorality, he stands and speaks often to a group of believers having “proven himself worthy of his calling.” Meanwhile the destruction of his selfish actions cause ripple effects in the church where he was forced to step down from office yet requiring for financial assistance due to his “tenure” of service. I don ‘t need to know this man’s side of the story. He has disqualified himself from the ministry and is no more fit to be in office of a church. He has joined himself to that other woman whom he purposefully violated and deceived for a moment of sinful adulterous pleasure, and never again can he be a candidate for the pastorate. II Timothy 3 describes this character as one who deceives and is yet being deceived. Truly a man without discernment is not leadership material.
The pastor who “restored” such a one by a quick paint job and new tires has failed to push out the dents, and repair the bent frame. Sooner or later, the rust will eat through the new coat of paint and the ugly deteriorating condition will be manifested again. A Shameful Shepherd does not regard the Biblical counsel of Discipline, Repentance, Restitution and Restoration.

The Shameful Shepherd Part 7c

2010-04-14T09:36:00.001-07:00

The Shameful Shepherd Part 7b -

2010-04-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

There was a man who attended our church who was a registered sex offender. Allegations came forward of this man being to “chummy” with some of the children in the church. The first thing I did was remove the child from the presence of this man, and contacted the authorities to come and investigate the matter. This is a simple matter of Common sense, right? Would you believe that there are churches, which dismiss the child and family from the church to preserve the accused because he or she is a “soul winner” and a “bus captain?”
There are dozens of stories and examples that I could reference. There are thousands of court documents and noteworthy news articles. These are credible, ethical, and respectable reporters and investigators who have researched and have published their findings into the criminal acts of those who are to be “blameless” in their office.
I recall the odd request of a church in Florida asking believers around the world to sign a petition asking a pardon from the powers that be in Texas on behalf of two men who “executed corporal punishment” on a student in a day school at their church. The young man was left bloodied, bruised and in Critical Care due to the beating that he received. Now, let me say this, my father and mother did their fair share of corporal punishment on my siblings and I. Yet, never did they leave one of us in critical care with our lives in hanging in the balance. I am all for corporal punishment. I can honestly say that my daughter will also receive corporal punishment when she has demonstrated continual and blatant disobedience. However, there is something terribly wrong when Christians around the world are asked to sign a petition to free BRUTAL child abusers under the guise of “they are soul winners and members in good standing”. These men are not heroes. They are not martyrs. They are MORONS! They did not execute discipline in a BIBLICAL manner much less within the law.
I recall the familiar case of a national group of pastors who were petitioned to stand behind the son of a widely known pastor/speaker whose son was accused of scandals and affairs which should NEVER have been named among the people of God. Instead of executing Church Discipline and even CRIMINAL correction on this pathetic wayward one, they sent him off to another state. Never was he dealt with. He continued the pattern of violations there too. Again, dismissed but not held accountable for his sinfulness and unethical behavior. Again, protected because of who daddy was and because he was a soul winner.
A well known Pastor in Jacksonville, Fl was accused of several cases of sexual misconduct upon the minors of his congregation and day school for decades. Instead of being turned over to the authorities, he was strangely “called to the mission field in Germany”. When he returned from the “mission field” the problems never went away. Soon, he was arrested and began to endure the humility of the legal system, media, and his “stellar reputation” being picked apart and shown for what it really was – SHAMEFUL!!

The Shameful Shepherd -Part 7 (A) Protecting, Promoting, and Partaking in Sins

2010-04-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

This Shameful Shepherd Series has cost me – spared me rather, the friendship of many of those who have had an influence on my life. I did not write this in bitterness or jealousy as some might have assumed. I did so to simply warn others of what God has shown me, and any other student of the Word. I do not claim that I am better than anyone. It baffles me that those who have stated such to me through personal contact that I think I am above others. Maybe my ability to communicate my thoughts clearly is an issue. Or, maybe there is a bit of a “Stockholm syndrome” in their hearts and they don’t see it. Maybe they would rather stay in allegiance to these shameful shepherds and their pernicious ways rather than deal with the situation in a biblical fashion. I seem to remember the children of Israel as they exited Egypt. They CONTINUALLY whined, murmured, and complained that they wished they were back in bondage. Maybe there is a bit of Stockholm Syndrome, but then again, I believe it is an indication of a lack of faith and or motivation.
I slightly understand why the “average Joe” would have a problem leaving this type of church or this type of pastoral leadership, but for other Pastors to patronize and yield support to such Shameful Shepherds is beyond comprehension and or excuse. I have seen and know of MANY pastors who will openly stand against the Joel Osteen’s and Rick Warren’s of the world but not against the Jack Schaap’s, Bob Gray (FL) and other such because of the size of their ministries. “But, they use the KJV, and they had x amount of people saved and baptized last year, and they have x number of people in their church, and YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS!”
When we start justifying the gross and unscriptural practices of Shameful Shepherds, we blemish the cause of Christ. Pastors who “protect” other pastors instead of holding them accountable for their unethical and UNLAWFUL deeds, we are partakers of their sins.
Recently, I have been “harping” on the unethical practices of men in leadership in our churches. However, what about the flat our illegal practices of these men? What about those who have criminal charges against them still preach and lead a church without any restraint? A inter-church investigation into the allegations of the Pastor, Youth Pastor, staff, deacon, Sunday school teacher, or even the “common Joe” in the church regarding a criminal manner should NOT hinder or prevent the investigation that MUST be conducted by the civil authorities.

Disclaimer

2010-03-31T05:08:00.001-07:00

I have been writing some VERY critical things against the pastors among our IFB "denomination". I use denomination loosely, but anyway...I'll use it.

I just want you, as a reader, to know that failure to handle a situation scripturally, is not fixing the problem....it is masking it. If you leave without addressing the problem, you could be hurting more people than you "have been hurt".

YOU have just as much obligation to fix the problem than the Pastor. Because YOU have come to the truth on the subject (not my opinions btw...but ACTUAL EVIDENCE) and have done NOTHING about it. You turned and ran. IF the situation is bad enough to leave over, it is bad enough to fight over.

DO NOT do the cowardly thing and leave.... pulling others with you. I am not going to be guilty of insisting rebellion or a riot. However, there are SCRIPTURAL ways of handling it.

First of all, ARE YOU USING THIS AS AN EXCUSE FOR REBELLION?

Did these posts give you the license, in your own mind, to go where the grass is greener? To tell the pastor exactly how you feel? To get even with something he has preached hard about?

Secondly, EXACTLY HOW MUCH TIME have you spent in prayer over it? If you haven't bathed this situation in prayer, you are not acting out of principle...but out of passion. Check yourself....you might be covered in humanism.

Thirdly, WHAT BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES are supporting your decision?

"Well, I read your blog/note...and....." is NOT going to cut mustard before the judgment seat of Christ in heaven when YOU are judged EVERY MAN (person) for the things done in YOUR body...whether good or bad.

Finally, Lets just say you are totally just in your realization...that you have a shameful shepherd.

What are you going to do about it?

DO NOT...I REPEAT...DO NOT do this:
http://timd1011.blogspot.com/2009/09/censoring-controlling-and-consuming.html

The Shameful Shepherd Part 6

2010-01-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Pastors Who Proselyte

As I was reading Matthew 23, I came across the all to familiar verse which describes the actions of the pharisees who were willing to travel the world to make one person twice the child of hell than they were. This got me thinking about "Proselyting Preachers." This is not limited to Pastors though. This problem in our churches reaches to the "average joe" who proselytes.

First of all, let me point out that the Pharisees were sincere in their actions. They were doing exactly what they knew to do. They Were determined to keep the law and to bring as many people under their doctrine as possible. They were blind in their own belief. They honestly thought they were doing right.

Face it, if a man showed up today, and started doing miracles, raising the dead, and calming the seas all while developing a gathering of followers we would mark them off as a false prophet. We jump down the pharisee's throat for their blindness, however, we also are under the same condemnation. David Koresh came professing himself to be the messiah. he gathered a group of followers, and we saw the end of his life unfold when the government was forced to attack his compound in Waco Texas.

We all shook our head in shock and anger when we learned that the Mormon Compound a few years ago was a place where children were being molested. We all said 'good' when the government took out the women and children and put the kids into foster care.

The pharisees were MORAL people! The Pharisees were religious! They were sincere! They were also guilty.

As an Independent Fundamental Baptist, I have not only witnessed, but also took part in proselyting others. What do I mean by Proselyting? Let's look at what the word means.

Main Entry: pros·e·ly·tize
Pronunciation: \ˈprä-s(ə-)lə-ˌtīz\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): pros·e·ly·tized; pros·e·ly·tiz·ing
Date: 1679
intransitive verb
1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith
2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution, or cause

transitive verb
: to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause

Now, I realize that there might be an uneducated reader who perceives what I am about to say as complete heresy. I am well aware of that. However, I will take that into consideration as I continue. Far too many preachers, churches, colleges, "cliques" and organizations are proselyting people by the dozens on a weekly basis.

Atheists have said that Christianity/religion is for the weak minded, women and children. No doubt they say that because that is what we as Independent Fundamental Baptists have focused on. I attended a church where we focused our "soul winning" on the "ghetto" and the "other side of the tracks." We adjust our "plan" of "salvation" to appease to the typical welfare mentality of today's society. We purposely avoided the educated and 'socially affluent' because "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle" than it was for a rich person to be saved. I recall listening to Mr. Bob Gray from Longview,Tx preach that we should go first to the highways and hedges rather than waste our time on those who won't come to Christ.
I have seen what happens when one "builds a church" on the down and out, as a rescue mission, rather than a church. Don't get me wrong, we SHOULD help the down and out. We SHOULD minister to those in need (indeed). However, when all we strive for is to help those whom we can "win to ourselves" and meet their needs thus becoming their "savior".

We proselyte. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are likely to reach out to those who "like us". It is unavoidable. However, if we focus our whole ministry towards those who establish us as HEROES, we have failed them miserably. Proselyting people to follow our values, our slant in theology, in "standards" and "convictions" and not to the Lord Jesus Christ is an unmistakable trait of a shameful shepherd.

I remember hearing my youth pastor and Pastor parroting the statement made by Jack Hyles "if you don't have standards of your own, borrow mine until you can get some of your own". Then, when you DO establish standards that are "lower" than theirs, you are shamed and even disrespected for having lower standards than what "you once had".

Paul told the Corinthian Church "Follow me as I follow Christ" (paraphrased). Hebrews 12 tells us in a round-a-bout way "Look past the cloud of witnesses". Look PAST Moses. Look PAST Noah. Look PAST David. Look PAST Samuel. Look PAST Sarah. Look PAST those countless souls who were persecuted and killed for Christ's sake. Look PAST the angels. Look PAST the ordinances of the law. Look PAST the gifts of God through grace. Look PAST your Christian Liberty and LOOK UNTO JESUS.

Pastors who purposefully counsel, visit, "buddy up" to members who are from other churches for the sole reason to "win them" to their church is equally wrong as one who clones others to themselves. I recall a situation in which an area pastor visited people in the church I was a member of, during the pastor's absence, without the pastor's permission. Cooperation in churches is a must, but must be maintained with ministerial ethics.

"If you come to "my" church, I will give you an office, Sunday school class,a position". Really? Member swapping is just wrong on so many levels. "If you come to my church, boy, we could really use you more than you are at X-church"

I recall hearing stories, and even experiencing where a church would go and invite "bus riders" to their church moments after the church where they are faithfully attending visited them. They persuade the riders that they would have MORE FUN at THEIR church than at the church they HAVE been going to. All under the guise of "the Great Commission."

I have been guilty of these tactics. I am sure there are more that I am unaware of, and when they DO come to light, I will also repent of them.

Shame on the shepherds who proselyte.

Hokey Pokey Christianity - part 5

2009-12-11T09:22:00.001-08:00

While watching a few children who attended Church one day, I watched them sing the song "Hokey Pokey". I got to thinking of what those kids would be like Twenty Years from that day. Would they be "putting their right arm in" about the things of God only to "take their right arm out"? Would they be consistent as putting their leg in and out when it came to the Ministry and service of God?

Are we teaching our kids that "God" is a Sunday AM thing? A Three times a week thing? Are we teaching and training our converts that it is just a song and a dance during Church Services?

Faithfulness is an attribute of God. God is true and Faithful. By Him, ALL THINGS consist. Ever wonder what the universe would be like if He did the hokey pokey the way we do? The universe would be a total disaster.

David Brainerd, missionary to the Indians, died at age 29 of tuberculosis. His diary and writings were filled with his often chastening and pleading with God over his commitment to Christ. He repeatedly questioned his Position with God. Why? He was afraid of "playing the part". He did not want to "put his whole self in" and then put his 'whole self out'. It was all or nothing. He died having lived his 29 years doing MORE in his writings than I have in my 29 years on earth. It is ALL or nothing. It isn't about the Quantity of your ministry or influence on others. It is not about fame or reputation. It is about Reverence and Consecration to the Lord.

Far too often in my own life, I find myself playing the hokey pokey. I see in Paul's writings that he also struggled with Hokey Pokey Christianity. Yet, he made it a point to "die daily". Let's forget about the "Purpose Driven Life" and lets get busy about the "Crucified Christian Life".

The Laodocean Church perfected Hokey Pokey Christianity. They were neither "in" nor "out". They were neither sitting nor were they standing. They crouched. I remember the song "King David had an Army, He had Ten Thousand Men, he marched them up the hill, and he marched them down again, and when you're up...YOU'Re UP (standing) and when you are down, YOU'RE DOWN (sitting) but when you are only HALF WAY UP - You are neither UP nor down". You are caught in the middle. Luke Warm, Half Committed Christians. We are akin to the cake not turned. We are gooey on one side, and crisp on the other.

Hokey Pokey Christianity. We have a whole lot of people in, out, and in the middle. Those in the middle are the ones making the most noise, jirating about, spending all the energy and everything they have, but will soon give out. Because they are NOT committed to Christ.

Hokey Pokey Christianity - part 4

2009-12-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Third Scenario is this. The Person Listens to the preaching week in and week out. Yet, he does not apply what is being presented. He does not care. His heart is far from God. He is not ignorant. He is apathetic. He refuses to discipline himself in the way of the Lord. Rather than obedience to the scripture, this person distances himself from the Word of God. He takes what is openly and clearly shown to be the Truth of God, and they ignore it. Willfully, they shrug off the Biblical commands of separation and adherence to the Word. They choose lasciviousness. They claim everything the Pastor preaches is Legalism. Never studying the Word for themselves, they recluse themselves from the benefits of being a Christian. They lose opportunities for true worship. They heap to themselves teachers having itching ears. They spit and sputter that the Preacher is "too old fashioned." They drum up the excuse that they can't bring themselves to worship with the "old hymns". They must have a contemporary flare. They must have enjoyable music. They don't understand the King James, so they claim it is out dated. They give themselves over to "spiritualism". "Let conscience be your guide." They KNOW the attributes of God, yet they reject them as truth. They count his Holiness and Justice as fables. They tax God's patience under the guise of his Longsuffering. They push God's Love, Mercy, and Grace as an escape to continue in sin. They are in out right rebellion. They alter their view of God in attempt to lesson the Conviction of the Holy Spirit in their hearts as he knocks at their "heart's door". They doubt the existence of God's Sovereignty. They reject his counsel. They diminish the innerancy of the Word of God. The people of God are their victims. Spreading their ideals upon unsuspecting believers around them who are not able to discern. They drag others to their darkness. The Bible speaks poorly of these people. They are the Scorners that Solomon warns his son about. How LONG will ye Scorners love your scorning? The cry of the scorners is drowning out the cries of Wisdom. It resounds above the cries of The fool. The Scorner must be cast out! He MUST be driven away! He MUST NOT prey upon the young and vulnerable. They await like vultures to swoop in on the damaged ones. To pick them apart bit by bit and extinguish all abilities to defend themselves. The Scorner is that member who USED to be involved in the ministries of the church but then allowed Satan to interfere in their personal life. They are the disgruntled church member who attacks EVERYBODY and ANYBODY regardless of the situation. They are the ones who fly off the handle at ANY change to the traditions of men. They are trapped in their own conceit and are steps away from total apostasy. They are the castaways which Paul wrote about to Young Timothy. They are not to be coddled. They have gone the way of Korah. They are vipers. They are to be put out of the congregation. They do not seek unity, they seek discord. They do not seek reconciliation. they seek to distract and detain others to their misery. Those who they cannot distract and detain, they attempt to derail. The Bible tells us they are ravenous wolves. They are not just the person in the pew. They are not just the person who "used to come" they are even in the pulpit!

The Book of Ezekiel speaks of the elders who practiced paganism, witchcraft,idolatry in secret and yet manifesting themselves as ministers in the temple. The Bible says they were so deceived that they even claimed that God could not and did not see their actions. Their ABOMINATION was hidden by God. They are in the pulpits on Sunday while they are perverts on Monday. They pervert others with their neo-evangelical doctrines. They portray a God who desires us to please ourselves and not bring honor to HIM. They present a "List" to keep and not a Lord to serve. It is all about what MAN can do and not what GOD has done.

These people claim Christ, and then deny the very foundation of their being. They sound good on paper, but when the curtain opens, they are the total opposite of the God they claim to know. Apostates. Castaways. Scorners. Their end is derision.They will be cut off and that without remedy.

Hokey Pokey Christianity - part 3

2009-11-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

2. The person falls out of church. They no longer attend. They are bitter at everyone and anyone because they were searching for something and nobody was able to see past Soul winning. They are saved. They are disobedient to the Lord and to the Scripture. Yes, it is their fault. Yes, they have the Holy Spirit residing in them. Yes, they have ignored the conviction of both the Holy Spirit and their own moral conscience. However, to limit the fault to this individual is unjust. Where was the discipleship? Where was "Barnabas"? Who takes them "under their wing"? Everyone is so preoccupied doing the "Great Commission" that they actually forget to "Teach Them To Observe All Things". Yes, I know, "I disciple from the pulpit". Which is exactly why they are now distant and are nothing but a mere shadow from the assembly of the believers and have no walk with God.

I have been told numerous times growing up that SOUL-WINNING is the Main Thing. I cannot tell you the number of times Revelation 2:4 has been taken out of context remind people that the first love was soul-winning. I will take the liberty to not only provide the verse - Revelation 2:4 "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."

If the Great Commission is all about Soul winning, Baptizing people, and teaching them to go Soul-winning, then there should be no reason in furthering our education and study in the things of God. There is no reason for Paul to "ramble on endlessly" about "growing in grace, study to shew thyself approved, and building yourselves up in the Most Holy Faith." There is no need for Biblical separation, Standards, Convictions, or even Diligence to the hidden things of Christ.If all that matters is SOUL WINNING, then there is no need to be part of a local assembly of believers...there is NO need for CHURCH.

The person in our scenario was neglected because the church is more focused on "Winning the Lost" and not "redeeming the fallen". It isn't exactly an Independent Fundamental Baptist "distinctive" ya know. We tend to focus on the outward appearance and on the "display window" and not the "actual inventory". No wonder our churches are dubbed as shallow, unintelligent, and unloving. That person leaves the church because they are no longer enamored by the emotional drive they once had. They are no longer interested in "church" and they move on to the next thing. They are still saved. They still want to "experience God", but they are giving up on the whole concept of "IFB".

Because they are looking for something meaningful, they head down the street and end up at a Pentecostal Church. They end up at a "seeker sensitive church". Maybe even worse, they are going to a Kingdom Hall, etc. What drives them to that place in their walk with God? "They must not have been saved." They went out from us and were never a part of us".

I strongly disagree. They left our churches because they found it lacking something. Maybe they really are saved, but was never "brought to the Barn". The fields are white unto harvest, and it is not just talking about the lost, but about the souls of men as a whole. Until we re-evaluate our shallow, "cookie cut" Christianity that resides within our "denomination", we will never see real fruit; we will never see true Christianity.

A friend and I were talking about this very subject and he reminded me that the person on the other side of "that door" doesn't care if you use the KJV. They are not impressed by our title of "Independent Fundamental Bible Believing, Pre-millennial, Hell fire, sin hating, Bible thumping BAPTISTS!!" They want to know, do you have the Love of God through Christ Jesus being demonstrated...LIVED in your life? That person on the other side of the door doesn't care about "we don't have dress standards" or "we have contemporary music". They want to know, when the "chips fall", do you practice what you preach? Do you have the fruit of the Spirit? Do you have love? Do you express love? Do you know what love is?

That person who is waffling in and out of church does so because they are lacking something and "CHURCH" is supposed to be the closest thing on THIS earth to what they are looking for. The Love of Christ which constraineth us - that is, it SHOULD.

If we truly love God, we will not mishandle His Word or misrepresent His Great Commission. Recently, I was introduced to a situation where a mother was using her body as a "baby factory". All she wanted to continue to do was to have babies and then turn them over to the "system". She didn't want to wean the infant. She didn't want to see the baby walk. She willingly gave birth and then walked away. Sickening isn't it? So it is with those of us who "lead someone to the Lord" and then leave them to fend for themselves. Never teaching them commitment to Christ (Baptism). Never "teaching them to observe all things".

The person in the example leaves church because either nothing has changed on his part, or nobody challenged them or helped them along. (to be continued)

Hokey Pokey Christianity - Part 2

2009-11-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

1. A powerful message is preached. The preacher delivers another riveting message on Hell, Heaven, or "if you are not doing this,this, or this....check your salvation." So, the person checks their salvation. They realizes they are not where they should be. So, they go forward. The altar worker asks why they are there. They tell them, they are checking up on their salvation. So, they take them aside, and lead them down the Romans' Road....again. They try to back out of where it is heading. The altar worker realizes they are balking, and reminds them that tomorrow is not a guarantee. The person again balks. "I already did that." The worker then counters that with the verses for assurance. The individual is now embarrassed because the preacher is saying "Christians, remain in an attitude of prayer for this ONE being dealt with." GREAT! Now they are gonna be looking at them. Yeah, yeah, I know, the preacher says "please keep your heads bowed and eyes closed, blah blah blah" but EVERYONE knows that people are still looking to see who is being "dealt with."
The pressure is to "get reassurance" and "nail it down for good." It is not conviction. It is pressure. It is man-made. The 40th stanza of "Just as I am" is being played. The altar worker is insisting that he/she prays the sinners prayer to ensure that they have their assurance of their salvation. Fine. They utter the words. Praise the LORD! Brother/Sister "so and so" just got assurance of their salvation! The church celebrates. The person stands there totally embarrassed and feels ridiculous. Not because they "made a decision" but because they know in their heart that NOTHING changed. They leave doing the SAME things they did before. Nothing was settled.

Hokey Pokey Christianity - Part 1

2009-11-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

Growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, I not only witnessed the endless cycle of "salvation, reassurance, and dedication/rededicating their life to the Lord, but I also took part in it. Here is what the Holy Spirit has taught me from personal study and self examination.

At face value, it was plain and simple, they got saved. They weren't too sure they were saved. They wanted to live their life for God. They wanted to rededicate themselves to God. They were not sure they were saved. They rededicate themselves to the Lord. Over and over it went. It was very very very very redundant it was (did that on purpose - laugh, get it out of your system). Sensitivity to the Working of The Holy Spirit in one's life is always a plus. There are dangers to this. A visiting evangelist preaches hard on Hell. He preaches on the horrors, screaming, agony, and eternity of the flame. GREAT! However, because we approached it from a humanistic stand point, we painted a picture so terrible about hell that nobody wants to go there, even if you AREN'T going there. People who have confessed Christ are scared into going to Hell and they don't want too. So, what is the natural response? They go forward, and the "altar worker" who lacks discernment, "leads them to the Lord." WELL, GLORY! They GOT SAVED! They get presented to the church, and ushered around back to get baptized. The whole while the person is struggling inside, "wasn't I already saved? I was baptized! I have had spiritual growth, I have had answered prayers. I have a concern for the lost.I love the brethren, I have had fellowship with the Father." They are led up to the Baptismal, and as they war within themselves, they balk. The "helper" speaks reassuring words and they are "guided" to the pool. They are now hold the attention of the entire church on them. Did they REALLY just get saved? Reassurance? who knows. All they know is that the preacher has the napkin to their nose and down they go!

A few days later, they are reconstructing the events leading up to that service. They were distant in their Bible reading and prayer time. They rushed through their day, week, month, or year without ever acknowledging God. The preacher crafts a sermon so masterfully, that even Paul himself would doubt his Salvation. Ok, not literally. The evangelist came in looking for "lost souls" and whether or not he found them, he wanted to "scare "hell" into them instead of out of them. Is that wrong? Well, on paper it is good. However in execution it was not. If I want to save time and NOT shower before going to church, than I must also realize and accept the fact that I will offend someone in the process. It is a fact of life. People stink. Some people, they are against bathing altogether. Back to the main trail. An evangelist's goal was to preach a GOSPEL message in CHURCH. The likelihood of a REAL lost person in the church is slim to none. However, there is a whole host of people in that church who need to be fed from God's Word. They need that instruction in Righteousness. They need a word of encouragement. They need a rebuke. A reproof. They need correction. They need help. Instead of helping them they seek after "instant fruit".

Is that so bad? Well, yeah. It is. Because He desires Instant fruit he only focuses on instant fruit. I already know what you are thinking, so let me save you the time of looking it up:

Matthew 13:3-9
"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear"

The Immediate response may not always bring about "instant fruit."

Again, I bring up the thought which I discussed previously in "Pastors who Pawn Their People" (Shameful Shepherd part 3). A discerning Pastor, Parent, teacher, or even a church member with insight should be talking to that person who makes repeated trips doing the same exact thing. Someone said "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." If that is true, than we have a "denomination" filled with insanity!

Two or 3 months have passed since that person went forward to 'get assurance'. Their life hasn't changed one iota. The preacher is preaching about a changed life. Instead of being discipled they have been told to stay faithful to the House of God. So, they have been faithful. They were told to read their Bible every day. They try for a few days, but they can't make out what is being said. PRAY! Yep. They now pray before meals and at bed time and the occasional prayer when they are stressed out.

Then, the emotions run out, and they begin to fall back into the same mundane things they had fallen prey to. They aren't reading their Bible. They are out of church or just go out of duty. They no longer pray. They still have a twinge of conscience when they do something wrong. They look over their shoulder before they sin outwardly. They still have the capability to blush.

Jeremiah 8:12 "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."

They fall into a false sense of security. Nobody knows who and what they are. They can get away with their sin. Inwardly, they are at war with themselves. The Holy Spirit is convicting them; warning them against it. Their flesh is urging them on. The sin becomes a habit. They are still in church because they have to maintain a certain "air" of spirituality about them. Maybe they hold a position in the church. maybe they are related to someone who has a position in the church, a father, a brother, a cousin. It continues for some time.

One of three things happen. I will explain what I believe happens in the next few blogs (and will probably revise them as I go along)

"Keep Your Colors" - Old sermon....new post

2009-10-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

“ Keep your Colors”

1Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Psalms 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

I have to admit, autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. Football season starts, the MLB playoffs, and of course homemade apple pie (HINT HINT). It is one of the most beautiful times of the year here in the Adirondacks. The fall foliage is already showing!
I plan on taking my wife up to see all the beautiful colors and might even get a smooch out of it! People come from all over just to see the leaves turn colors.

However, we quickly resent these beautiful leaves when we have to rake them up, bag them, burn them, over and over and over again! OH, I hated raking leaves!

Why do leaves change colors? Why do leaves fall from trees?

They change colors because in a sense they stop eating/photosynthesis*. The trees stop the flow of food. We all enjoy the beautiful show of colors as leaves change each autumn. Did you ever wonder how and why this happens. To answer that question, we first have to understand what leaves are and what they do.
Leaves are nature's food factories. Plants take water from the ground through their roots. They take a gas called carbon dioxide from the air. Plants use sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose is a kind of sugar. Plants use glucose as food for energy and as a building block for growing. The way plants turn water and carbon dioxide into sugar is called photosynthesis. That means "putting together with light." A chemical called chlorophyll helps make photosynthesis happen. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. As summer ends and autumn comes, the days get shorter and shorter. This is how the trees "know" to begin getting ready for winter. During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because the green chlorophyll covers them up.

The bright reds and purples we see in leaves are made mostly in the fall. In some trees, like maples, glucose is trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. Sunlight and the cool nights of autumn turn this glucose into a red color. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves. It is the combination of all these things that make the beautiful colors we enjoy in the fall.

Christians are like leaves. We change our colors also. We have sin laying dormant (well, it should be) in our lives. When water and light are not around us we stop growing also. The Word Of God works as the water, and the light are fellow believers. The bible says that we are the light of the world. ( Matthew 5:16)
If we fail to grow, it is because we have one of three problems:

1. sap is being stopped- the HOLY Spirit is being hindered. John 15:1- 8

2. We are not allowing ourselves around believers - Hebrews 10:24-26

3. We are not in the Word. We are not seeking what God wants

Sure, the foliage of the dying leaves is beautiful. But as Christians, we do not need to be dying. We need not be any other tree but an evergreen tree. An evergreen tree is dependable. They are the most populated trees around. Why? Because they spread the seeds.

We need to be dependable all year long. We need to keep our colors.
How do evergreens stay green year-round? In fact, they do lose their leaves. But they are able to grow new leaves before shedding the old ones! Some evergreens keep the same leaves through the winter and into the summer. Some trees are able to keep the same leaves for several years before they drop off!

Unlike the leaves that die off without sharing life, the evergreen makes sure that there is life growing behind it.

We need to do these things to ensure the livelihood of not only our families and freedom but of this church.

Here are some ways to continue the growth of our church:

1. Spread the seeds – Matthew 28:18-20
2. Share the success - Deuteronomy 6:7- 9

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Joshua 4:5-7 “And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.”

Teach the next generation. Not just kids but those new in the faith. They are babies. Help them grow. (matt 28:18-20)

3. Stabilize your steps. They are coming behind you. They need to see your steps faithful and upright.

You may have started off wrong. You may have messed up in your life. Finish strong. Hold your head high and walk!

Walk A Little Plainer, Daddy
Said A Little Boy One Day
I'm Following In Your Footsteps,
And I Want To Know The Way
Sometimes Your Steps Are Very Plain
And Sometimes Hard To See.
So Walk A Little Plainer, Daddy,
For You Are Leading Me.
I Know That Once You Walked
This Way, Many Years Ago,
And What You Did Along The Way
I'd Really Like To Know.
For Sometimes I Am Tempted
And Don't Know What To Do
So Walk A Little Plainer, Daddy,
For I Must Follow You
Sometime When I Am All Grown Up
You Are Like I Want To Be
Then I Will Know A Little Boy,
Who Will Want To Follow Me.
And I Would Want To Lead Him Right,
And Help Him To Be True.
So Walk A Little Plainer, Daddy
For We Must Follow You
Written by Forrest Flowers
(copied)

One of my favorite songs is the song “ find us faithful”.

This is my prayer, that those who come behind me find my steps faithful.
I pray that like Paul ended his life, they may be able to say, 2Timothy 4:6-8 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Great Reasons To Obey The Great Commission

2009-10-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

Great Reasons to Obey The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20

I . The Great Conservation
A. Lu 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

B. Ro 1:14 – 16 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

C. Luke 7:47 “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

D. Ephesians 2:4-10 “ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
E. Because Christ gave himself for us, we should give ourselves for to him. The Great Commission is just a small way of doing so.

II. The Great Commandment

A. Mark 12:31-32
B. II Cor 5:14-21
C. I John 4:20
D. If we love God like we should, We will tell others like we would

III. The Great Conviction

A. Two young Moravians heard of an island in the west indies where an athiest British owners had 2000-3000 slaves, and the owner had said, “No preacher, no clergyman will ever step foot on this Island. If he’s shipwrecked we’ll keep him in a separate house until he has to leave, but he’s never going to talk to any of us about God. I’m through with all that non-sense.”
3000 slaves from the jungles of Africa brought to an island in the Atlantic and there to live and die without hearing of Christ. Two young Moravians heard about it. They sold themselves to the British planter and used the money to buy passage to the island, for he paid no more than he would pay for any slave and wouldn’t transport them. And as the ship left the pier at the river Hamburg, the Moravians had come to see the two young lads off. Never to return again for this wasn’t a 4 year term. They’d sold themselves into lifelong slavery, simply that as slaves, they could be as Christians were these others were. The families were there weeping for they knew they’d never see them again. And as the gap widened and the hawsers were being curled up on the pier, and the young boys saw the widening gap. One lad, his arm linked through the arm of his fellow raised his hand and shouted across the gap the last words that were ever heard from them… They were these:MAY THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN, RECEIVE THE REWARD OF HIS SUFFERING. This became the call of Moravian missions, and this is the only reason for being, that the lamb that was slain, may recieve the reward of His suffering. – Copied

B. Revelation 5
C. I Timothy 1:15
D. Luke 19:10

IV. The Grand Consolation
A. Partnered with the Holy Spirit – Acts 11:12
B. Powered by The Spirit – Acts 1:8
C. Persuaded with the Scriptures – Isaiah 55:11

V. The Great Consent
A. Matt 28:18-20
B. Acts 1:8

VI. The Great Confusion
A. The G.C. is not limited to “Soul winning”
B. The G.C. is not limited to Baptism
C. The G.C. isn’t limited to Discipleship
D. The G.C. is a command. It isn’t optional
E. The G.C. is a meter of your Christian life and walk with God – I Cor 9:16-17, 2 Cor 4:3-4,
Col 1:28, Col 3:16, Titus 2:12, Col 2:6, Heb 6:1

The Shameful Shepherd (Part 5)

2009-10-07T11:24:00.001-07:00

Pastors who pervert their people.

The Believers at Galatia had a serious problem going on. They were being misled. They were being taught that they had to add the law of Moses to salvation and sanctification. Paul asked the church of Galatia "WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU?". WHO has given you bad doctrine? Who was it? Paul wasn't asking hypothetically. He wanted to know. The church was being led back into Judaism instead of the new and living way. Paul spent much of his writings addressing false doctrines. I and II Corinthians, he had to address the false teachings concerning the Resurrection and the Ordinances of the Lord's supper. Not to mention the misapplication of Biblical Separation and Holiness before God. They had believers going to court to settle lawsuits and grievances against each other. Paul was astonished at the ignorance of the people in Corinth. They were do divided that they didn't even know how to conduct a simple service. "IS CHRIST DIVIDED?" There was a man living in complete incest with his Father's wife. They were eating meats offered to idols. They were ignorantly following seditions and heresies. In I and II Thessalonians, people were being taught that the rapture had already happened. That Christ had already come and that they were already living in the tribulation. Paul sent Titus to set things in order. Young Timothy was sent to delegate leaders to teach and admonish the people of God with the truth of God. False Doctrine is not a new problem facing the church. For centuries people have been PERVERTING the people of God with man made doctrines, heresies, and doctrines of man and not of God.

Independent Fundamental Baptists are not exempt. We stand firm on the Inspiration and Preservation of the Bible, but to a point where we idolize it. We stand firm on the Blood atonement, and then fall into the mysticism which the Pentecostals present.
We are INDEPENDENT BAPTISTS but forget that we are part of the Body of Christ. We exalt numbers and offerings instead of making Christ the end to our means. Instead, Christ is made the means to our end. Pastors all over the globe have fallen into the conquest of Man's praise instead of the Glory of God. Pastors have turned and are perverting their people with doctrines and traditions which add wood, hay, and stubble to their eternal reward. We can measure the length of our skirts but we lack the meek and quiet spirit coupled with fear. We adorn ourselves in fine apparel but inwardly we are full of dead mans bones. We masquerade ourselves as being fashionable and upright in our conduct but inwardly ICHABOD is written across the entrance of our heart. We build bigger buildings and boast of new ministries and great attendances, offerings, and results; but God is not within a million miles of us because we have perverted his people. We have taught damnable heresies. We have turned the sheep against the shepherd. We, like Absalom have turned the people's heart from the king.

Isaiah 10:1-2 "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!"

Ezekiel 13:1-3 "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!"

II Peter 2

It is a sad thought that there are Pastors out there who ignorantly teach their people wrong applications to Biblical Truths. Those who promote a works based goal of sanctification induce a perverted view not only of true holiness but also of God himself. Their entire view of scripture is no longer about a Holy Creator whose purpose in his creation was for His pleasure, but is now that God's whole desire is to make us happy. It produces the mindset that God owes us whatever we desire. He is the whimsical "genie in the bottle." We "rub his lamp" through prayer and "POOF!" He appears and does whatever we ask. There is a sickening doctrine out there called "Prosperity Gospel." They teach that a believer should never be sick and should always be prosperous. If you get sick, either you aren't saved or you don't have enough faith to "cast it out" of your body. It teaches that all you need to do is rebuke it in Jesus' name and to claim the blood of Christ to heal you, because "by his stripes you are healed" (I Peter 2:24). They teach that if a Christian should never be needing because "my God shall supply all your needs." Therefore, if you ever have a need that is not met, you are unsaved, not right with God, or just lacking faith. I used to think this nonsense was just limited to the Pentecostal Movement. Sadly, it is not. Shamefully, The Independent Baptists have also began to proclaim it as truth. "Hey Folks, if you tithe, God will take care of your needs. He says it in his word, Be faithful in your tithes and offerings and God will take care of your needs." Here is the kicker, I believe in tithing. I still tithe. I don't say this to boast. However, just because I tithe my percent and use the rest of the money foolishly, that my obedience is going to cover for my foolishness. It just doesn't work that way. The whole concept falls into the category of prosperity Gospel. We obey to obey, not to ensure God's blessings. Again, God is not the Genie who exists to fulfill our every desire.

Another fallacy is that Soulwinning is the main thing. I have heard someone say that we "win" someone to the Lord, baptize them, and then teach them to go soulwinning and that is the Great Commission. WHAT?! Yeah, that definitely perverts the people. Nice job preacher. way to pervert people to believe that that is all of the great commission. Just teach them how to go soulwinning and all is ok. Phew. If ONLY it was that easy. Perverting the people into a false sense of accomplishing something that is not complete is just like Ephraim being a cake not turned. Nobody likes a runny pancake. Nobody likes a bunch of haughty people thinking they have accomplished something when they haven't. Sanctification is through Christ and Christ alone. He is our righteousness. He is our sanctification. Those climbing up some other way will suffer shame when our works are tried with fire.

Watch out for Pastors who pervert when it comes to the Bible. There are two extremes that I see common in our Independent Baptist Church circles. The premise that the KJV is NOT inspired and that only the originals have been Inspired. The problem is, if the ORIGINALS are the only thing inspired than what does common man have today? Does anyone HAVE a copy of the originals? Oh, right. They were destroyed. So, then we must be talking about the languages. The languages are dead as well. So then, what we can conclude is that the Bible that I hold in my hand every day and preach out of every week is no more inspired than is the Readers Digest. If i can argue away the truth, I can thereby operate on the opinion and thoughts of my wicked heart. I recently talked with an Independent Baptist who told me he does not go by what Scripture says but by what he feels that the Spirit is teaching him. I asked him by what means the Holy Spirit teaches and leads? He informed me that the Spirit went by what He (the person) truly desired. Brother, we have come along way from truth in our circles an it started when we began heeding the question originally asked by satan "Yea hath God said?" The Word of God is Inspired. It was not a secondary Inspiration. Jesus created the world and through him it consists. Through him it continues. He keeps all that is alive and sustains it. By reason, if God inspired his word, he will also preserve his word and sustains it in that state. We have the Word of God available to us today, and it is NOT only in the originals.

The other extreme is that God gave a special Inspiration to the KJV that is not existent on ANY OTHER Bible or manuscripts. "Double Inspiration." Someone attributed this to Dr. Peter Ruckman, but he reports that he only used it in jest. However, the doctrine still exists today. Ignorantly, people idolize the Bible. They believe that the KJV is JESUS. They take John 1:1 and take it to mean that the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and since he became flesh, he is now found back in His "original state" and is the KJV. Whaaaaaat?! The Bible is our SOURCE for faith and practice. Without the Bible we will have minimal spiritual growth. Romans 10:17 says "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Through the Word of God we find truths about God and about the Christian Life. However, the KJV is NOT any more inspired than were the originals. Someone told me that the KJV is the only inspired manuscript because it is complete where as the manuscripts that were preserved were not. "When Paul said "all scripture is given by Inspiration of God" he was prophesying about the KJV." Teachings like this makes me very upset. Pastors ACTUALLY teach these things and they pervert their people.

There are MANY other areas that shameful shepherds pervert the flock of God. Maybe later I will address them. Here are some tell-tale signs of a Pastor who perverts his people:

1. Extra-Biblical Revelation - II Peter 1:18-21

2. Deny the Lord Jesus Christ - I John 4:1, II Peter 2:1

3. Make Merchandise Of The Gospel - II Peter 2:3, Philippians 3:19

4. Arrogance/ Obstinate/Rebellion of the Fundamental Truth II Peter 2, II Tim 4

5. Departure from the Fear of The Lord- II Peter 2, Ezekiel 8

6. Perversion of Lasciviousness and Legalism - II Peter 2, Gal 5

7. Their Popularity indicates End Time Apostasy - II Tim 4, II Peter 2

8 Use of Fear Tactics to control those who listen to them - II Peter 2, Hebrews (the WHOLE Context of the book)

9. Departure From Morality And Things Holy - II Peter 2

10. Unwilling To Serve Without Compensation - Philippians 3:19, II Tim 4, II Peter 2

11. Refusal and Unable to be Corrected - II Peter 2, Romans 1, II Tim 3, I Tim 1:19-20, II Tim 4

12. Must Have the Praise of Man - II Peter 2, II Tim 4

Now, there are pastors that may do these things ignorantly. They may not intend to harm the flock of God. Pray for them. Seek out elders of the church to help approach him out of Love and respect. Never should a pastor be "bombarded" by accusations. They should go to the Pastor and entreat him as a father. They should realize it is NEVER a joyous occasion to rebuke another brother in Christ much less the under-shepherd. There should be self-examination of themselves to discern if it is out of duty that they stand up against the leader. It should NEVER be out of rebellion or selfish desire. It should always be done soberly.

The Shameful Shepherd (Part 4)

2009-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Pastors who Provoke

Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

Their shepherds left them alone to wander in the wilderness. They were no more use to them. They had pried, they had preyed, they had pawned them, they had provoked them to idleness and sinfulness. They have been forced into being provoked. By definition, we can already assume 'provoke' is not the world's greatest condition to be in.

Webster's dictionary cites Provoke as:
PROVO'KE, v.t. L.provoco, to call forth; pro and voco, to call.

1. To call into action; to arouse; to excite; as, to provoke anger or wrath by offensive words or by injury; to provoke war.

2. To make angry; to offend; to incense; to enrage.

Ye fathers,provoke not your children to wrath. Eph.6.

Often provoked by the insolence of some of the bishops--

3. To excite; to cause; as, to provoke perspiration; to provoke a smile.

4. To excite; to stimulate; to increase.

The taste of pleasure provokes the appetite, and every successive indulgence of vice which is to form a habit, is easier than the last.

5. To challenge.

He now provokes the sea-gods from the shore.

6. To move; to incite; to stir up; to induce by motives. Rom.10.

Let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works. Heb.10.

7. To incite; to rouse; as, to provoke one to anger. Deut.32.

The Pastor incites anger and wrath among the people by prying in, preying on, and pawning them instead of being the example and shepherd they should be. This shameful shepherd often uses his pulpit as a chopping block. They have a place for public grievance. They get to stand up and abuse the authority that is given to them by way of their office and force the bondage of legalism on the congregation. If anyone stands against them, even when it is done according to scripture, and has biblical precedent, the pastor can twist scripture and manipulate those whom he has preyed upon to act on his behalf and they get to throw such a one out of the fellowship of the church. Yes, there are times where the accuser is dead wrong and has done everything amiss, and the pastor is well within his place to address a situation before the church. However, the point of that member being provoked was initiated and nurtured long before the public outbreak. Yes, there are those who seek only to Censure, control, and consume the Pastor. I am not referring to them. I am referring to the pastor who purposefully nudges the person who is at ought with him to anger. They knowingly "press the button" of the person who is against them, hoping to set them off. They knock the brick off their shoulder in order to justify using the pulpit and "authority" to "kick them out of the church." The pastor shouldn't EVER be in a shouting match with anyone. I have been in a church service where the pastor was so out of control, he literally ended up in the hospital. I have witnessed such behavior by both the "pastor" and the congregant. Two adults who were to be leaders of the church, and yet they behaved in such a fashion that they caused shame to the cause of Christ, and upon their reputation.

Pastors who provoke others through deliberate decisions to "flex" their "authority" on things that do not need to be made at that given time. Any idiot can go through a house and throw things around and change the decor. It doesn't take a contractor to gut a house and alter walls. Changes that need to be made should not be immediate unless they are obviously against scripture and what is the absolute necessity of the church. For instance, when I first became pastor at this current church, I saw it an absolute necessity to assume the responsibility of the Teenage Sunday School class. The Incumbent teacher was not doing anything wrong, but was a single adult teaching both guys and girls. I deemed it necessary to have my wife and I take the class and keep the teacher as an assistant. I did not do this to infuriate anyone. I did not do it to "flex my muscles." I did it because I thought it best to make the change to teach the teens how to behave in church. They had a habit of being loud, disruptive, and a hindrance during the services. This caused problems. I did everything I could to appease those who were provoked. Sadly, it only made matters worse. Some people are bent to anger and use any excuse in the book to "go off." Some people are seriously provoked by the Pastor who knowingly pushes the envelope to the point of explosion so that they can "one up" the person in the "conquest" of the congregation. Looking back at how I handled an 8 month situation, I now realize some other options I may have considered. I sought advice from many on how to handle it, and they didn't see it either. I know that I was faultless in my dealings with certain provoked members. With other provoked members I gave up too soon and "pawned" them off. I will stand before God and give an account of doing so at the Judgment Seat.

The Bible teaches that fathers are not to provoke their children unto wrath. This is not saying we shouldn't make kids mad. What it means, is that we should not make decisions to influence them to a life of Wrath;to destruction but rather to submit to the Holy Spirit's control in their life. In that same chapter, Masters are also directed to not use their authority as employers on their servants/employees. Do not willfully do things to irritate them and thereby causing them to offend or to sin. It is an understood application to Pastors not to provoke "their" people to wrath, however many pastors ignore this so that they can throw out "touch not God's anointed."

The Shameful Shepherd (Part 3)

2009-10-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

"Pastors who Pawn"

"Pastors who PAWN"

The Great Commission is as clear as "In the Beginning GOD". This is one of my pet peeves. Seriously, it is. The Lord said to GO:

1. Teach all nations (Preach, witness, evangelize)

2. Baptize them

3. TEACH THEM

Ok...so we have great big conferences, clinics, college courses, MINISTRIES to go out and only pay attention to 33.3% of the Lord's command. We leave them to their own demise. Sure they nodded their heads to 3-5 spiritual laws. Sure they listened to our memorized speeches. They repeated a prayer. We slap them on their back and call em brother, and we never follow up on them again. We did our part HAYMEN!! We kept them out of hell, HAYYYYMEN?! We get to go back and tell the people at church someone got saved! We get to be SOMEBODY until the next time! WE ARE AHEAD IN THE CONTEST! We have to rush to the next door because we are in a MARATHON and we were taught NOT TO STAY AT ONE DOOR TOO LONG. Forget that someone may actually have immediate needs. BLESS GOD! You are not out there to MINISTER TO ANYONE. You are out there to meet a quota. That person we chalk up as a "soul saved" on our "gun belt" or listed in our "got saved" pages in the back of our New Testament, Only said it to get us off their porch and get us out of their hair. They didn't understand what we were presenting, and GOD FORBID that we actually listen to what they have to say and not stand there like some mindless robots. Our PERSONALITY is just as important as our words. You cannot separate who and what we are from the equation. God chose Saul and his personality to stand before kings. Does God save us and then have us all turn into "Stepford Wives?" The Spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets. That is what the Bible says. Yeah...Like I am going to listen to some zombie tell me about how great it is to be saved. I don't pay attention to those kiosk stands in the mall because the salesmen have this glassed look in their eye. "Buy our product" as they shove it in my face. NO THANK YOU MEANS NO THANK YOU. Or, have you ever gone into one of those health food stores? The ORGANIC health food stores? Talk about black helicopters and "secret ingredients" that the government puts into our food, YIKES! I had a grade school teacher whose goal in the year was to have my parents give me an enema. I am NOT KIDDING. I am all for healthy living. I am all for health food. But, enough is enough! Zombie Teachers insisting on getting an enema and talking about how "cleansing it is". No doubt that is what the person on the OTHER side of the door must feel like.

So, lets just say the person we witness to does actually get saved. Then, because people take TIME to grow, we visit them three maybe 4 times afterward and because we see ZERO fruit or evidences of Conversion, we abandon them. Seriously, everyone knows that by the 4th visit the man should have a 3pc pinstriped suit, a short haircut, tapered in the back, well versed in the KJV, no worldly music, Binaca on the tongue and ready to go soulwinning. After all, There is never a time in our life that we have needed patience, understanding, and lots of TIME to grasp things in our spiritual walk. No sirree Bob. We are CHRISTIANS IN A CAN! Open us up and POOF! Instant perfection!!

I remember a quote in a book from "Cults class" at Landmark Baptist college. Bro. Jay Lewis was the professor, but he had the Executive V.P. Dr. Phil Stringer lecture the beginning three classes. He was reading J.K. Van Baalen's "The Chaos of the Cults" when he emphasized "Cults are the UNPAID BILL OF THE CHURCH." this means that because of our negligence in fulfilling the Great Commission, the converts AND OR contacts that we leave behind wind up joining a cult. Whether it be the Jehovah's Witnesses or the Latter Day Saints they turn to "religion" because we neglected them. Sure, some even fall prey to the Seventh Day Adventists, or Church of Christ, or Pentecostals. Some even do wind up going to a Biblically sound church. However, that does not offset the responsibility of the "soul winner" who neglected the newborn baby to fend for themselves. We get angered (or we used to) when we hear about a baby being dropped down a trash incinerator, or get left at the door of a hospital. We are screaming for vengeance when a Baby is murdered at the hands of "physicians" who willingly carry out the execution upon the whims of a confused mother. WHERE IS THE OUTCRY of the Church when we fail to reach out and MENTOR a young convert? Where is the compassion toward the newborn baby who has yet to be presented proudly before the FAMILY of GOD? Adherence to The Great Commission is greatly lacking.

Why is it the Pastor's fault? I believe it was C.H. Spurgeon who said "Every Church reflects the Personality of her Pastor." If the pastor of the church is self absorbed, lazy and uneducated; the people are unfed, unmotivated, and ignorant towards the need to reach out and MENTOR SOMEONE. The Pastor is more than just someone who stands up and preaches 2-3 times a week and teaches 1-2 times a week. The responsibilities of the Pastor is to OVERSEE the ministry of that said church. Far too often the people of the church are not grounded in the Faith but are taught "Faithfulness to the House of GOD". Again, I point you to my previous writing on "Refusing to be taught to teach". People have this idea that church attendance is not important. It is not required to be faithful to the House of God. Is it possible to grow in the Lord without church? Yes. Especially if your Bible Teachers and Preachers are ignorant and unlearned (novices) in the things of God. [However, anytime and every time one can, they should be faithful to the house of God when Services are being conducted (unless you are in a church which outright preaches heresy and refuses to receive correction).]

Instead of teaching the convert and actually investing into their life, we leave them to fend for themselves. I am not trying to boast here, but I know that I had witnessed to a family for almost 4 1/2 years before I saw any "results". I was able to sit down and show one of the members the plan of salvation. I took as much time as she needed. I answered her questions and showed her respect. I was not out to "get a notch in my belt". I was not in it to 'sell a vacuum.' I was in it for the Glory of God. She finally yielded to the Holy Spirit after years of sowing, watering, fertilizing, and finally she was ready for the harvest. Praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation. It has been almost two months since she surrendered to the drawing of the Holy Spirit. I have gone over steadily to conduct Bible study with her and to help her in her new life. She hasn't been to church as of yet. So, naturally, she isn't saved...right? PLEASE! Patience is required. Many would have already given up. Some would have never started. What I am basically saying is, that in the matter of The Great Commission, we are tarnished by pastors who PAWN off their people.

Another example of Pastors who Pawn off their people is when a "hard topic" comes up. I HAD a preacher friend who insisted that he come to "my" church and tell "my" people how to take care of their pastor and missionaries who come in. I told him that if it needed to be preached on, that I was responsible to handle it. I don't need a hired gun. He assured me that this is how other churches do it. assured him that I was not going to operate that way. If they need to hear it, God will have me address it. However, I have yet to even mention is to the people because if I have to talk about how they need to pay me more, I am no longer a servant but an employee. The whole thought that a pastor would hire someone to come in and do his dirty work is utterly inconceivable. I was sent here and brought here to fix anything that needed to be fixed. I don't call a "preacher" to fix problems that are in the flock that God has entrusted me with. A dear preacher friend of mine took the liberty to address the people about caring for me one service and I interrupted him in the middle of his sermon and told him to get out of the chicken coop. He was not intending to do anything other than to remind the people of the responsibility to take care of me. I apologized after the sermon to my friend and he understood my reasoning. The next night he apologized to the church for overstepping his bounds.

Our movement is full of pastors who Pawn off the responsibility of hitting hard topics to the visiting evangelist who blows in, blows up, and blows out. If I have to have someone come in and preach about submitting to the preacher (never should have to be addressed)then I am basically having someone come into "my house" and spank my kids. That is MY responsibility. That is MY burden. That is MY obligation.

Our movement is full of pastors who pawn off their "young preachers" who are called to the ministry off on colleges. We send them away to get trained how to do everything they should be learning from their own pastor. Yes, I am all for College education. However, what happens is, they go off to college to learn doctrine from a college when they should be taught doctrine by their own pastor. Instead, the pastor gladly pawns off his obligation, joy, rather to someone else. Paul taught Timothy. Timothy was commanded...instructed to teach faithful men so that THEY could teach others also. We have Pastors who pawn off "their" flock onto others because they won't diligently study and give their people the sincere meat of the Word so that they may grow thereby. They toss books out at them and force them to find their own meadows to graze in. The sheep begin to find pasture in weeds and in dangerous places among the rocks and cliffs. They begin to get beguiled by the wiles of the wolves and coyotes. They fall pray to seducing doctrine and traditions of men because of IDLE,LAZY shepherds. The Pastor looks out and sees the sheep following other shepherds and they scream for vengance not realizing that he IS getting vengance - AGAINST HIM!

Zechariah 11:17 "Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened."

Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

The Shameful Shepherd (Part 2)

2009-10-07T11:20:00.002-07:00

"Pastors who Prey"

Sadly, there is a long list of violations and violators when it comes to Pastors who prey. I could bring out accusations which are speculative which are circulating around our Independent Fundamental Baptist churches. There are people out there who glory in the sinfulness of those within our denomination. People rejoice when they find out that a KJV toting, soul conscious, authoritative preacher falls. It is sickening to think that they would celebrate and not rather mourn. Whether it is the son of a large prominent Church in the Midwest who repeatedly sinned against God with other women, or whether it is a Pastor of a southern church who lived such a double life for almost 40 years, or whether it is a Pastor who abused his adopted daughter for a decade. These are open. What about those who have been abused by a Pastor who preys up on them. I resent the fact that pastors prey on the flock of God instead of PRAYING over them.

They make merchandise of God's people. He plays on the people's emotions for financial gain. He decoys genuine care for mental control. He establishes ridiculous rules and regulation to hinder the people from true worship and service of God. One Pastor stated "I don't use my people to build my work; I use my work to build my people." In theory, that is an admirable goal. However, it is not HIS work, and they are not HIS people. The Bible says that "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:" (Psalms 127:1a)In application, forcing people to live up to his expectation and not to their potential is the worst kind of abuse imaginable that a pastor can do. Preying on them sexually is just plain out wicked. However, the deeper abuse goes far beyond rape, molestation and adultery. It goes beyond physical abuse. There are pastors who prey on their loyalty to God and alter it to faithfulness to him and to his agenda. Paul told the Corinthian Church to follow him as he followed Christ- AS HE FOLLOWED CHRIST. If Paul ever stopped following Christ, the Corinthians were to drop him like a bad habit. Sadly, many preachers simply say "follow me in place of Christ". No, not in words but in deed. They replace Christ with themselves. They hold themselves up as deity and play on the emotions of the people to follow them. I remember growing up in a church where we learned a song about the preacher. We were going to sing his praises. GOD ALONE deserves our praise. No, I don't believe we should not appreciate or even be loyal to a pastor who FOLLOWS CHRIST as long as he deflects the admiration and steers it towards Christ.

Ezekiel 34:1-3 "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock"

The Shameful Shepherd (Part 1)

2009-10-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

The Shameful Shepherd
I have been thinking about this topic for some time now. I have prayed about it, thought about it and investigated my own heart and life to see if I am in error. I have put it off "till a more convenient season." Now the time has come to publish it. It is with a sober and serious heart that I attempt to portray my thoughts, warnings, and detest of the shameful shepherds who use their office and influence to ensnare the people of God whom they are appointed and called to defend, protect, and care for.

Some have the understanding that the Pastor is untouchable. He cannot be corrected. He cannot be "touched". Nowhere in scripture does the Lord say that the pastor is beyond the accountability of the people. I have often heard the phrase "touch not God's anointed" used in reference to the Pastor. I have heard the overtaxed phrase "Man of GOD" used out of context and stretched beyond application. The pastor is not in the place of God. He is not excluded from being held in check by the elders of the church. If the Pastor does something unethical, unscriptural, UnChristlike, or even illegal he should be corrected and dealt with scripturally. If he has done something of a criminal nature, he should be turned over to the police without any further questioning. There should not be any question to it. Turn him over to the law. Let the police investigate. Let the police prosecute. The church should assist and comply with the investigation. The church should immediately begin to look to minister to those who were violated or affected by the wrongdoings of the Pastor.

The unethical dealings of the pastor should also be dealt with. The Pastor should also be accountable for his actions regarding his ethical behavior in the church, home, and community. If he is unethical openly in the church, one can only imagine what his reputation is to those without.

Far too often we perceive that the Pastor is super human. I heard a preacher once say that a popular Pastor of a large Baptist Church in a northern Midwest state had died and became the fourth person in the Trinity. Sadly, many cannot differentiate this pathetic joke from their actual "reverence" of the person who is called "Pastor". He shouldn't be worshiped, neither should he be disrespected. The Pastor should carry some bit of "awe", revered even. He is a man whose life should represent the resilience of the power of God. No, he is not super human. He is not the hired hand. He is a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is an under- shepherd.

On the flip side, he IS a minister. That is what he is called to do. Somehow we have reversed rolls. The pastor places himself above being a servant and establishes himself as a lord. No longer does he seek to minister unto his congregation, now the congregation ministers to him.

I see several faults in our "Independent Fundamental Baptist" circles. I will limit myself to discussing five of these faults.

Pastors who PRY -

For whatever reason, some pastors think it is their responsibility to pry into other people's life. They Police the lives and homes of people who go to their church. I have met pastors who hand out questionnaires for their members to fill out regularly. By this they over step their boundaries of leadership from MINISTERING to Meddling. They fail to realize the importance of SOUL Liberty. The position of the Pastor is not to be ignored...nor is it to be idolized. Far too often people try to pattern themselves after the Pastor. They do this because the pastor likes to pry into people's life. When the need arises, and people approach the pastor for help or counsel, they are not asking the pastor to intrude. They are asking to intervene. I have learned that people rarely want opinions or even principles. They want the magic wand to make everything all better. The TRUE pastor will give them Principles without prying into areas of their life that doesn't need tampering.

I have heard it said by a youth pastor, "let me go into your kids room and let me throw out anything that is bad." WHY would it be the pastor's responsibility? I have heard of a church where the Pastor inspects the cars on a monthly basis to make sure it is up to his "standard". I have seen where husbands are called in to the pastor's office and told to make sure his family is in dress code before coming to church. Pastors who pry into the lives of their "congregants" give pastors a bad name.

A certain mission board asks their missionary candidates personal questions about their intimacy including which positions are done in the Marriage Bed. The Bible says those things are not to be spoken of. They are private. Besides that, the Marriage bed is undefiled. things like this are done by "pastors who pry". Instead of conforming people to THEIR image, why not urge them to be conformed to CHRIST? Things done out of drudgery are not done unto GOD but as unto man.

Submission or Subjection?

2009-09-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

Some have the understanding that if a pastor is not in subjection to every whim of the people that he is "unsubmissive." Someone gathered from my last blog that pastors are beyond approach and shouldn't ever be kept in check for their doctrine, conduct, or attitude. Only a reader with an agenda would ignore the the premise of the former and conclude that the pastor answers to NOBODY but God. For Faith, Conduct,and ethics...yes, he is answers to God but he is also held accountable to the people. I stand by what I said in the blog "Censoring, controlling and consuming the pastor". The pastor is not an errand boy to the whims and opinions of the people. He is a servant. A minister. However, he is NOT a "red-headed stepchild". Please take time to think about what was typed yesterday and examine your own heart. If you assume that because I posted what I did in that blog, that i esteem myself above correction. If you want to correct me. I accept Correction. But don't correct me with your personal vendetta and opinions. Bring fact or don't come at all. Same as with your pastor. They (we) at least deserve that little respect.

Censoring , Controlling, and Consuming The Pastor

2009-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Before I get into this touchy subject, let me say right from the start, I am fully aware of people who abuse the office of the Pastor to browbeat, belittle and force people into the bondage of personal opinion and ideology. This blog is NOT supporting such tactics and I OPENLY shame and shun those legalistic and ludicrous lamers who claim to be Leaders.

Recently, I have addressed subjects that were desperately needing to be adjusted and put in order. The response was that of rebellion. The problem should not have gone on as long as it did. I was hesitant to speak up on the subject for fear that people would perceive me as one of those as stated in my opening paragraph. However, the Bible is very clear that the pastor is responsible for maintaining order. Paul wrote a whole epistle to a preacher who had an entire list of "blemishes" to buff out. Paul encouraged the preacher to "man up" and handle the problem. I found it comforting to be in the company as this Biblical example was in. What a joy it is to realize that the "storm" I am in is not uncommon. Others have experienced it too. Praise the Lord!

Instead of realizing the difficult and delicate responsibility it is to correct a subject involving the Body of believers, and what prayer, fasting, thoughts, studying, and agony took place before it became publicly known; the immediate result was to censor the Pastor and starting a small quorum to offset the decision being made. Never have I seen this action result in anything short of a split. Korah comes to mind. There must be a time to stand for what is right if the pastor/leader is steering into apostasy or legalism. The problem is, many people's ideals of legalism and apostasy is based on personal opinion (abstract) and not on tangible fact. Because the Pastor moves the order of service to better maximize the schedule, that is not reason to create a schism. By the way, schedules and time frames are only in existence so that we can get home before kickoff and to not overcook the roast.

Censoring the Pastor - This is usually done on a telephone. It is "altering" what the pastor has "dictated"/decided/ declared. Again, when dealing with the order of services, conduct of ministry, etc the Pastor has the obligation and authority to do as he is led to do. It should not come to a church vote. It shouldn't have to face a committee. The Pastor is the under-shepherd. It is not legalism. It is not lasciviousness. It is "editing the content" to fit the allotted time. Some things in the church need tweaking. It is the Pastor's responsibility to do so.

Instead of "backing him DOWN" (openly or privately), why not "back him up?". It all comes down to trust. DO you trust the pastor to make the decisions necessary to efficiently operate the services? Do you trust him to operate the everyday business of the church? If not, then by all means...vote him out. Get rid of him. that, or get your self in check. The pastor shouldn't be censored when he is within the boundaries of his office.

Controlling the Pastor
This really gets my goat. You see it all the time. People give something...usually money...."to the Lord" via the church. They make sure you, as the pastor know about it, and assure you (the pastor) that it is a "love gift" to the church and cause of Christ. Boy have I learned that it is the FARTHEST THING from the truth. What they
really mean is, I am telling you what I gave "anonymously" so that YOU know that I have money/goods/services and that you will give me MY way in the future. Yes, I know not all people are like this. I have to say, with the exception of one particular elderly couple, this has been the standard M.O. They are not giving "as unto the Lord" out of a PURE heart. They are giving so that they can control. They "generously" give money in your hand so that you remember that THEY gave it to you. They make sure others see them giving it to you to "flaunt" their pseudo-generosity. They assume that padding your pockets means you will be paid off to let them off the hook in accountability and to "give them what they want in the vote." A Pastor/Teacher/Leader worth their salt won't give in. The Bible is clear about having respect of persons. I heard a "preacher" preach a sermon "blowing the whistle on the wolves" and he said that the only thing goats are good for is to milk em for all that they are worth." Sadly, even if you do that, you are just misleading them and abusing them. The best way to handle "goats" is to put them out to pasture and keep a close eye on your flock so they don't "mate" with your ewes or attack the weak and vulnerable.

Controlling the pastor with threats is just as foolish as the Pastor trying to control with legalism. Both breed resentment and idolatry.

If you are going to give something to the Lord through the church, GIVE YOUR GIFT IN SECRET. Ananias and Sapphira purposefully planned to lie to Peter (who was the leader at the time) about the gift given. They didn't have to give anything much less the whole price for the land. They did however try to "boost" their gift so they could receive the praise of men.

If you are going to give something to the Lord....you better make sure it is out of a PURE heart and not a strategic move. NO STRINGS ATTACHED. I made it a point a long time ago...even before I accepted the pastorate here to NEVER be sold out to anyone or anything but GOD. I am in clear conscience to this day except ONE thing. I learned the hard way that not every gift given comes from a pure heart. Some people give to "ensure" that they get what they want. Never again will I be blinded by some people's "generosity". If they want to announce it to me, then it is going to be rejected.

They are always quick to blow up and try to censor the pastor openly but then later that week or soon following, they "give a generous gift" to make up for their immaturity and Unchristian conduct. They grin and smile at you like nothing ever happened. They throw "forgive as Christ forgave you" in your face without remembering the part of "repent" and "confess your faults one to another". They attempt to control the Pastor through gain, goods, and pseudo-gratitude. PREACHERS BEWARE! Does "Et tu, Brute" mean anything to you? "Lord, is it I?"

CONSUMING the Pastor
I remember the old joke about the Pastor who joined a family of the congregation for a Sunday dinner. When the ham was brought to the table, the little girl leaned over and told the Pastor's wife 'mom must have changed her mind...she said we were having the turkey for Sunday lunch.'While we chuckle at this cute little joke, we also realize the truth behind the statement. Sure, it doesn't happen all the time. However, when it does (not even going to entertain the idea that it does not) happen, we fail to realize the lasting damage it leaves on the moldable minds of our children. "It is ok to bash the preacher." It is not disrespectful to run him down or even to criticize him as long as we can present it as a prayer request, right?! We teach our children to run down the teacher/pastor/members of the church, and then get all up at arms and on edge when they turn and "render us" as well. "WHERE DID YOU LEARN THAT FROM?". Hello, McFly!! They learned it from YOU! They learned it from US. No wonder our kids today walk around wearing their rebellion on their clothing "NO FEAR". The Bible says to beware of those who speak evil of dignitaries. Yeah, I know, it is hard to not speak evil of our current President (Mr. Obama). It is hard not to defame him. No, he shouldn't be worshiped. However, he should be respected....the office of the president. The office of the Pastor should not be any less diminished. No, it shouldn't be elevated to deity either. Whether we like it or not, the Bible teaches us to respect the man who is in the office of Pastor. We are to follow them as they follow Christ. They are to be prayed for and "revered." Again, please distinguish the SCRIPTURAL STANDARD against the "Man-worship Manifesto."

They Consume the pastor out of rebellion. They hate his preaching, his purity and his purpose. (Again, realize that not all pastors are perverse...and that not all pastors are pure.) They despise the Servant to the people of God and kill him in their hearts. They stiffen their neck against the rebuke given THROUGH the Pastor by the Holy Spirit. They ignore his conduct. They only know to speak evil and to tear him down and to mock and jeer his attempts and failures. The Bible gives us examples of those who withstood Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and even Paul. Remember Paul, he said that there those who sought to take his life! "Beware when men speak good of you". Again, "keep an eye on the goats."

Here is a truth. When Censoring doesn't work, and the Pastor remains steadfast, when control is overturned because he will not be sold out, there is only one thing that is left to do to the pastor...and that is to consume him.

DRIVE HIM OUT!! STARVE HIM! THREATEN HIS LIFE! VICIOUSLY ATTACK HIS FAMILY! SPLIT THE CHURCH! Attack his integrity and Character. Slander his reputation among those without. Curse him. Try to kill him. DO whatever it takes, but make sure you get your way. One way or another, "we will not have this man to rule over us". No, I am not comparing him to Christ, and NO I am not saying every preacher/pastor/leader/teacher is a sterling example of Christian Conduct. There is a scriptural way to deal with wayward leaders. There are principles to purge problematic and perverse/perverted Pastors/Preachers...but Censoring, Controlling, and Consuming the pastor is NOT how it is done.

The Lack of Teaching and Being Taught

2009-09-28T15:18:00.001-07:00

First thing I have noticed among my IFB associates, is their refusal to be taught. Growing up, I remember foolishly making the statement, "I DON'T NEED A BIBLE STUDY...I NEED PREACHING! PREACHING SAVES THE LOST." Yes, preaching does work with the Holy Spirit's convicting and wooing to redeem the lost. The preaching of the cross is effective. However, in the same token, what we lack in the "GREAT COMMISSION" is what was stressed more by Paul and Peter and exemplified by Christ himself...TEACHING. Christ took every opportunity He could to TEACH the men who left all to follow Him. He taught them simple things. He taught them hard things. He taught them things they did not understand. He taught them things they would NEVER understand. He taught the multitudes. He expounded the Word of God to the Rulers in theTemple at a young age. He taught Nicodemus. Christ was known not so much as a PREACHER, although he was, Christ was a RABBI; that is to say, a teacher.

Preaching has its place. I agree. I am horrified that we "break in" our men who have surrendered to Pastor, by teaching them how to PREACH. I can recall the first opporotunity I got to PREACH. I went through my Bible, and put together the best sermon I could muster. I was gonna preeeeeeeeeeeeach amen! I "mounted" the pulpit, pulled out my notes, and began to teach. I didn't mean to. I wanted to preach! I began to teach about making Godly decisions and trusting the omnipotence of God, never going where God didn't lead, and taking a stand against opposition even when it comes from your own family and friends. When I got done, I stepped off the platform, ran to the bathroom, and wept because I didn't hear an ounce of AMENs. My BIG CHANCE..and I flopped. When I finally gained composure, I walked out of the bathroom and there stood my father with tears in his eyes. He told me that was one of the best LESSONS he has ever heard. He told me that it was clear that my gift is not PREACHING as much as it is TEACHING. I went back to the auditorium to hear the pastor preaching. He was making a point that "THIS PULPIT IS FOR PREACHING! THE WORLD NEEDS PREACHING! CHRISTIANS WON'T GET RIGHT WITH GOD BY TEACHING, it MUST BE PREACHING!!".

I constantly questioned my desire to be a Pastor because I couldn't preach like they could. I couldn't hoop and holler without messing up my words and mumbling everything out. I couldn't FLOW. Teaching though, I could get my point accross. It drove me to tears every week when I would attempt to "PREACH" to the Jr.Church kids. They would laugh as I sounded like Porky Pig instead of like "JACK HYLES". I had to learn several lessons, one of which was that there are various kinds of preaching styles. The second lesson I learned is that if a Pastor only PREACHES and never Teaches, he is not a good pastor at all. I believe it was Jack Hyles who said, "if you teach when you preach you are effective. If you PREACH when you Teach, you are shallow in your walk with God". My friend and former pastor, Mike Franklin said, "teaching is a good indication you are being led of the Holy Spirit". One of the Holy Spirit's priorities and ministry is to TEACH us all things.

There is something to be said today of people who "do not endure sound doctrine" and would rather turn to "spectacles" and entertainers than to hear the TEACHING from the Word of God. I am not referring to the lost as much as I am to the believers. We would rather go to hear someone hooping and hollering and think that God is all over it because we can scream and sweat rather than effectively and systematically expound on the Word of God. It takes MORE effort to teach God's Word than to PREACH God's Word. It takes MORE dedication to TEACH God's Word than it does to "BLOW IN, BLOW UP, BLOW OUT".

Yes, PREACHING has it's place. However, we must not limit ourselves to PREACHING. We must not LIMIT ourselves to TEACHING.

Pastors who never TEACH are doing a grave injustice to their congregants. They should realize the Great Commission COMMANDS us to Teach. Our Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches are dying on the vine because they only get preaching. WHERE is the nurturing? Where is the EXPOUNDING. Where is the Teaching? Sunday School attendance is down because people don't get the importance of it. They are PREACHED to in Sunday School, AM service, PM service, and depending on whether or not the church has prayer meeting at the mid-week service, they are PREACHED to/at and not TAUGHT. Does not the Bible say that one of the "qualifications" mentioned for the office of the Pastor is that he must be APT to teach?

I have witnessed sunday school teachers "prepare" for thier class by opening the packet of material, choose the flannel graph people, and never once look at the GUIDELINE lesson to "GEAR IT" for the children they have been ENTRUSTED to teach. The lack of ability to teach is astounding.

Recently, a man in the church approached me and said, "pastor, I just want to thank you for being attentive to us as a congregation. Sometimes when you are preaching, I can see it in your eyes. You look at us and realize that we are not getting it...and you STOP. Change gears, and TEACH us. I LOVE it, because when you do, God ALWAYS has something for me. It is like God tells you, hey...you....So and so needs this...say it...". I am not trying to brag here. I am not trying to compare myself to others. But, hello?! I felt guilty for every time I preach and don't stop to "chase that rabbit" when I "hear the coon dogs howling".

The inability to TEACH is mostly because people have never been taught. We mimmic what we have seen done. We know to "get down on a knee" when we "pop the question" to our girlfriend. We know to "tap" the side of the appliance when it is on the fritz. We know to let out a "ahhhhh" when we take a sip of a cold glass of water or tea on a hot day. We do things out of "tradition" rather than what we desire. An unchurched, and as far as I know, unconverted lady stopped by to talk to me about the building that is nearly completed, and she just let out an "AMEN". I took notice to that. She got all red in the face, and said "where did that come from?". I told her it came from "expectancy". It is like this guy at church, Evan, he says this ALL the time...."Coke coke coke coke coke pepsi". 9 out of 10 times, we will say COKE because it is what we have heard more of. We MIMIC.

So, if all we do is get around PREACHING and NEVER teaching...we will do what? TEACH. It will be our primary response to things. PREEEEEAAACH!! When was the last time we heard someone say TEACHHHH!!? I am certain it has been a while. We imitate. We shouldn't imitate. We should demonstrate that what we really are. People who have no leading to teach, should not use that opporotunity to preach. Sit down. Hush up.

The Bible says there are those who SHOULD be able to TEACH, but can't because they never learned. They must be TAUGHT again. (Hebrews 5). I am finding it very troubling that we have such inadequate teachers in our "Independent Fundamental Baptist" Circles. YES. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. Indeed. However, seeing that Christ spent MUCH of his time teaching, I also must do the same if I expect those whom I influence for Christ to grow.

Stay In Your Lane

2009-09-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

“Stay in Your Lane”

II Timothy 4:1-8

(preached in 2005 at Victory Bible Baptist Church – Porter Corners NY)

Paul was writing to his young understudy and son in the faith, Timothy, for the second time. Paul was writing under house arrest in Rome and fully aware of his near death. Soberly, he penned these important words to Timothy.

I. Paul’s Admonition – II Tim 3:14 – 4:2

A. Stay Faithful in the things you have taught

B. Remain Steadfast in the Word of God and PREACH with all authority and doctrine to perfect the saints – Eph 4:12

II. Paul’s Alertness

A. For the time WILL come – II Tim 4:3-4

B. End Time Attitude – II Tim 3:1-13

C. BUT WATCH THOU in all things II Tim 4:5, I Peter 5:7 – BE ALERT…BE SOBER

III. Paul’s Achievements

A. I have faught – II Tim 4:7

B. I have Kept – II Tim 4:7

C. I have Finished – II Tim 4:7

1. A few years ago a man was running in the special Olympics. He was just about to pass the finish line, he stepped out of his lane and was disqualified. He ran well, but did not finish.

2. Paul was reminding himself that the finish line is before him and to stay in his lane 6-7

a. By telling Timothy, Paul was able to re-affirm, remind and regroup himself as he ends his ministry

IV. Paul’s Assurance (V8,17,18)

A. Because I have FINISHED and am FAITHFUL “I will receive the crown” (Phil 3:9-14)

B. Paul left no room for error. He left no room for compromise. He could resolve himself to stay faithful. To endure HARDNESS II Tim 2:1-5

V. Paul was ABANDONED by friends but was not alone

A. v10 Demas took off

B. v10 Crescens flew the coup

C. v10 Titus got called away

D. v12 Tychus was needed elsewhere

E. v14 Alexander stabbed me in the back

F. No Man stood by me – everyone took off

G. BUT – II Tim 4:17

1. NOT WITHSTANDING The Lord stood by me

2. AND strengthened me

3. I was delivered – Acts 27 “be of good cheer”

VI. Paul’s Appetite (V.13)

A. Bring the parchments – Bring me my Bible. I want to read the Word of God.

B. Oh that we would, at the end of our life, find freedom, comfort, companionship, and satisfaction within our Bible.

Something's bad wrong with this picture

2009-07-29T17:35:00.001-07:00

As a young zealous preacher I have to constantly guard against rash judgmental and ungraceful words that only attack others and promote pride and arrogance in my life, making me unaware, even ignorant of the possibility of sin and or failing in my own life.

The balance between "passive" and passion is often muddied by respect for men, and modernistic principles which have been disguised by both the entertainment world and man-centered Fundamentalism.

Here is something that just should not be too hard to distinguish.

A fellow believer, not too far from me, has resigned from the pastorate due to immorality. Instantly, I hear the rumors and dismiss them as RUMOR MILL and dirty rotten gossip. The man who is accused of the affair has boldly and assertively stood to preach against the sin of immorality, and has urged repentance for those who have fallen into sin. Rightfully so. Preach THUS SAITH THE LORD...AMEN.

However, when immediately offered the audience to publicly apologize for his sin, he leaves it out of his "resignation" address. Pardon me, but, the church had a right to know right then and there why he is resigning from being their pastor. In my honest opinion, it is not a definite indication of a genuinely repentant heart.

Asking those around him if he seems genuinely repentant is surely another indication that he wants to seem repentant, without the evidence of genuine repentance.

The obstinate disrespect of anyone who was trying to defend his honor and reputation to those who believed the gossip and rumor mill by those who rejoice in his "failing" is another sure indication that his believer has not experienced genuine repentance in his heart. Instead, frothing at the mouth, charging others to confront the "loyal" party to hush their defense lacks the gracefulness that would come from being humbled by Holy Spirit Conviction and guilt and or shame of his immoral deed.

Yet another raging egotistical self-pleasing "minister" has fallen prey to the inability to withstand the thwarts of Satan and to resist steadfastly his flesh with personal Integrity and Ethical checks and balances.

To put it mildly, sorry for getting caught is not equivalent to being sorry for the act. RESTORATION cannot happen until those restoring are ABSOLUTELY sure the offending party has repented and is seeking restitution...not ducking away from the responsibility to right the wrong, and bear whatever consequence comes from his/her trespass.

Now I realize that having opened my "mouth" I realize that I too must guard against the same demise.
I am not throwing anyone under the bus. I am praying for those involved, but I can also tell you, that I am hurt that someone whom I know, who boasts themselves on spirituality, would fail to live that what they preach, and yet dismiss any amount of responsibility in the reconciliation, repentance, retrobution matter.

Musing About Candidating

2009-06-15T11:55:00.001-07:00

Ever have something you wanted to explain but could not find a way to express yourself? Have you ever HAD to get something off your chest, but did not know how to start? Have you ever started to explain yourself to others by asking redundant questions? I don't know where to start, but at the same time, I also know that people aren't interested in reading brainstorming, so, here it goeth.

I have been at this church as a Pastor for 4 years. I am in my 5th summer. There had been much disorder while they were looking for a pastor. As I candidated, I was so set on making sure they were following a "list" of questions from a doctrinal statement, that I ignorantly missed some other key things that I discovered down the road. BIG things to me now. Things like Brotherly love. Not the "hugging type" but the kind that binds people together and not in competition. Not trying to outdo one another. Preferring one another in brotherly love. Looking every man on the things of others to help meet their needs. In love, praying for one another with fervent prayer. Admonishing one another in the faith. Forgiving one another and not holding grudges. I failed to see the importance of this when I candidated.

I failed to examine the desire for outreach. I am not talking about once a month going to a soup kitchen, or once a month going to preach at a homeless shelter. I am not talking about once a month going to a nursing home. I am talking about reaching out to others on a daily basis. I am not talking about "soul winning". I am talking about individuals sharing the love of Christ on a daily basis.

I failed to recognize the lack of soul winning among the members. I am not talking about "vacuum salesmanship" I am talking about "when was the last time you purposely shared the gospel".

I failed to realize the lack of "FAMILIES" in the church. Husbands and Wives in Church. Children with their parents, behaving in school, at home, in church.

I failed to detect how important the Word of God was to people's life. Did they know it? When I asked them to turn to a particular passage, did they know where it was? Did they have a knowledge of the Bible beyond John 3:16, Psalms 23 and The Lord's prayer? Did the Word of God have priority in their life, or are they restricted by commandments and doctrines of men?

Do they understand the responsibility to the Pastor. Not treating him as a god, but respecting the pastor and caring for the pastor. Properly compensating the pastor. Financially and Spiritually aiding the pastor to further the work as stewards of God's Church. Is he taken care of, so that he does not get distracted by the cares of the world and having to work a secular job to ensure that his personal responsibilities are cared for? Do they criticize him for petty differences? Do they disrupt the preaching by snoring? talking about bugs on the floor or a light flickering? Do they pray for the pastor? Is the pastor appreciated? "reverenced"?

What is the church's reputation among the other churches of like faith? What is the church's reputation in the community? Is the church recognized as a voice in the community for God?

What about the upkeep of the structure and grounds? Is the Church in good repair? The Grounds? Is the parsonage in good condition? Is there a sense of pride for the appearance of the building? Is it taken care of?

Church Finances? Are they delinquent on bills? Are they self-supporting? Do they faithfully support missionaries? Are they shuffling bills to stay afloat? Savings account? Are they constantly dabbling in the RED? Are the NECESSITIES provided on a monthly basis?

Ministries? Are they Christ Honoring? Are they organized? Are those who are involved in the ministries knowledgeable in them? Is there substance to the ministries or are they pieced together like an old blanket...sentimentalism but not worth daily use?

Missions: Are they supporting missionaries financially? Do they keep contact with the missionaries? Do they promote the need for missions? Missions Oriented?

These are just SOME of the things I did not stop to think about. These are things I was too impetuous to inquire of.

I am finding that the very things I am frustrated with are the very things I overlooked.

If you are candidating....or looking for a church to attend.....take THIS checklist. Consider it. Think about it. Pray about it. Do not jump at the chance to be part of a church without discerning.

By no means am I saying that my particular church has any or all of these factors. I am simply writing what I have been thinking about. In my own life, I see many of these "infractions" and the Holy Spirit has convicted me of them. As the Pastor does, ere goes the church.

Saw This From A Link On Another Site

2009-05-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

And Preach As You Go!

Floyd Doud Shafer

Christianity Today, March 27, 1961

There was a time, about three generations ago, when the minister was known as the parson. Parson, in those days, was not a nickname, but an honorific title, and it meant The Person. More often than not the parson was the best educated man in the community and he ranked with the physician and the pedagogue, and the lawyer in eminence. But our time has seen a complete switch in this situation. The minister is no longer a parson. The advent of a highly educated public has put the minister close to the bottom of the listings in educated persons. Our reaction to this turn of events should have been a determined and disciplined effort to regain and maintain superior excellence in the things which pertain to God. Instead, the clergy retreated in mad scramble behind the breastworks of administrative detail, ecclesiastical trivia, and community vagrancy. Whenever our conscience bothered us, we simply ran off to another meeting to make arrangements for succeeding meetings to flee to. We are no longer parsons, now we are "good Joes" and in place of providing the Church with her needed "Scholar teachers" who are equipped to bring God and man together in reasoned relation, we no find ourselves among those who need to be reached by the "Scholar Teacher" and wise men of God. What is the resolution of this ridiculous farce?

Minister of the Word

The answer ought to be obvious. Actually, it is in the nature of a cabala. Here it is in taunting simplicity: Make him a minister of the Word! But what does that mean? What could be more esoteric? Very well, we will say it with more passionate bluntness. Fling him into his office, tear the office sign from the door and nail on the sign: STUDY. Take him off the mailing list, lock him up with his books (get him all kinds of books) and his typewriter and his Bible. Slam him down on his knees before texts, broken hearts, and the flippant lives of a superficial flock, and the Holy God. Throw him into the ring to box with God till he learns how short his arms are: engage him to wrestle with God all the night through. Let him come out only when he is bruised and beaten into being a blessing. Set a time clock on him that will imprison him with thought and writing about God for 40 hours a week. Shut his garrulous mouth forever spouting "remarks" and stop his tongue always tripping lightly over everything non-essential. Require him to have something to say before he dare break silence. Bend his knees in the lonesome valley, fire him from the PTA and cancel his country club membership: burn his eyes with weary study, wreck his emotional poise with worry for God, and make him exchange his pious stance for a humble walk with God and man. Make him spend and be spent for the glory of God.

A Life Aflame

Rip out his telephone, burn up his ecclesiastical success sheets, refuse his glad hand, and put water in the gas tank of his community buggy. Give him a Bible and tie him to his pulpit and make him preach the Word of the Living God. Test him, quiz him and examine him: humiliate him for his ignorance of things divine, and shame him for his glib comprehension of finances, batting averages, and political infighting. Laugh at his frustrated effort to play psychiatrist, scorn his insipid morality, refuse his supine intelligence, ignore his broadmindedness which is only flat headedness, and compel him to be a minister of the Word. If he wants to be gracious, challenge him rather to be a product of the rough grace of God. If he dotes on being pleasing, demand that he please God and not man. If he wants to be unctuous, ask him to make sounds with a tongue on which a Holy Flame has rested. If he wants to be a manager, insist rather that he be a manikin for God, a being who is illustrative of the purpose and will of God.

One Thing Needful

Form a choir and raise a chant and haunt him with it night and day: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." When, at long last, he dares assay the pulpit, ask him if he has a word from God: if he does not, then dismiss him and tell him you can read the morning paper, digest the television commentaries, think through the day's superficial problems, manage the community's myriad drives, and bless assorted baked potatoes and green beans ad infinitum better than he can. Command him not to come back until he has read and re-read, written and re-written, until he can stand up, worn and forlorn, and say, "Thus saith the Lord!" Break him across the board of his ill-gotten popularity, smack him hard with his own prestige, corner him with questions about God, and cover him with demands for celestial wisdom, and give him no escape until he is backed against the wall of the Word: then sit down before him and listen to the only word he has left: God's Word. Let him be totally ignorant of the down-street gossip, but give him a chapter and order him to walk around it, camp on it, suffer with it, and come at last to speak it backwards and forwards until all he says about it rings with the truth of eternity. Ask him to produce living credentials that he has been and is true father in his own home before you allow him license to play father to all and sundry. Demand to be shown that his love is deep, strong, and secure among those nearest and dearest to him before he is given contract to share the superfluity of his affability with all sorts and conditions of persons. Examine his manse whether it be a seminary of faith, hope, learning, and love or a closet of fretting, doubt, dogmatism, and temper; if it be the latter, the quarantine him in it for praying, crying, and conversion, and then let him go forth converted, to convert.

Sign and Symbol

Mold him relentlessly into a man forever bowed but never cowed before the unconcealed truth which he has labored to reveal, and let him hang flung against the destiny of almighty God; let his soul be stripped bare before the onrushing purposes of God, and let him be lost, doomed, and done that his God alone be all in all. Let him, in himself, be sign and symbol that everything human is lost, that Grace comes through loss; and make him the illustration that Grace alone is amazing, sufficient, and redemptive. Let him be transparent to God's grace, God himself. And when he is burned out by the flaming Word that coursed through him, when he is consumed at last by the fiery Grace blazing through him, and when he who was privileged to translate the truth of God to man is finally translated from earth to heaven, then bear him away gently, blow a muted trumpet and lay him down softly, place a two-edged sword on his coffin and raise a tune triumphant, for he was a brave soldier of the Word and e'er he died he had become spokesman of his God.

And who shall return us to this ministry? "Therein the patient must minister to himself."

Traditional Marriage

2009-04-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

Mark tells us of the account where John The Baptist took a bold stand for traditional marriage and told Herod and Herodias* how it was. Ultimately, he lost his life for it.

I couldn't help but think of the new wave of homosexuals trying to legalize same sex marriages. What happens when they DO get married in those states that voted in favor of destroying traditional marriage in their state. What happens when/if those homosexuals come to the saving knowledge of Christ...and then come to the harsh truth that they are living in sin? Do they divorce? Do they leave their lifestyle?

Then...i got to thinking about the SILENT threat to traditional marriage that has grown to be accepted in our sinful culture. Globally, homes are broken because the husband or wife decides to end their marriage after years of HOLY matrimony. They divorce because they are tired of each other. One or the other commit fornication. However, the ONLY Biblical reason for divorce is for Fornication. I have wrongfully stated that I could see divorce would be permissible in cases of abuse. This is not found in scripture. I ignorantly took part in destroying traditional marriage.

Sure, same sex marriages have NO place in the world much less America. However, I cannot help but examine what marriages have ALREADY taken place between fornicators. We are so adamant that homosexuals should divorce from their same sex partner after salvation (AFTER), but what happens to the adulterous couple? Should they also divorce?

How many homes would be broken because of Biblical repentance? How REAL it would be to those involved and acquainted with the changed lives of believers who actually follow this biblical mandate.

Doesn't Ezra record a whole nation casting off their strange wives, ending their NON-TRADITIONAL marriages?

Shouldn't we be much more sober in the protecting the sanctity of traditional (HOLY) matrimony?

Thinking.

2009-01-08T04:33:00.001-08:00

One of my biggest failures has always been that I am a perfectionist. It is something I never even realized until WLS support meeting. Jamie told me that a perfectionist sets unrealistic goals and then expects everyone else, including themselves to meet such an unrealistic list of demands. Mixing that with a fresh look at the Ministry of God's grace while studying John Calvin's view of Theology, it assisted...no...it GAVE me a fresh outlook on the ministry and on my own life. The entire 2007 year was spent anylizing myself to see what expectations were realistic or unrealistic. The church began to explode with spiritual growth. People began to come back to the church and there seemed to be a moving of the Spirit in our services. Bills were being paid, lives were being stregnthened. Relationships were being restored. People were coming to church with questions and sharing thier blessings that God gave them that week via blessings or devotions. There was an obvious Spirit of revival. All along, we knew that Satan was out there...working. We knew that the flesh was still being flesh. We knew that, and we warned each other of that. Halfway through the year, we had a key lady in the church make a really bad decision and caused her to step out of church. Depending on the financial aspect of life and not trusting God, they changed jobs and within DAYS of being out of routine, she committed adultery on her husband. The family fell apart, and the rebellion against God was manifested. No longer did they contact us. No longer did the family who was the most faithful to the services, concern themselves about thier own spiritual growth or the status of the many lives they influenced. The Ripple effect continued. STILL, I found God's Grace sufficient. But, something happened that month. The month they left, something changed, even with the evidence and promotion that God was giving through Grace and growth.Continuing on with that year, I began to minister and befriend the husband of the said lady. He had been incarcerated for several years but she had remained faithful to him. We shared letters and he'd call and we'd encourage each other in the faith. I became his Pastor. I became his ONLY outlet to the real world. God showed me the importance of faithfulness and fidelity, not only in the ministry but in my walk with God. The 2007 year ended and I kept in mind the lessons learned from that year. I was ready for 2008, or so I thought. The beginning of the year brought MORE tempest to our taxed church when some of our people passed away. One lady in particular, who was a dear sweet lady, a "grandma" to many in the church, passed away. The similarities of her death compared to my own mother's death 8 years before. I was able to minister to the family during her passing. Then, almost as if God was using this as a parable to me, the family fell apart. Sister turned against sister. Brother against Sister. Cousin against cousin. Son against mother, Mother against daughter. within 24 hours, my friend in prison ended his own life out of despair and desperation. It was a selfish thing to do, but I do understand his mindset. Despair and discouragement only lead to depression. Again, God blew my mind away with reassurance that His presence and grace assist a believer when they realize HIM. I had an opporotunity after 8 months to demonstrate God's love and compassion and forgiveness to the family of the deceased. Still, they rejected it. The "grieving" widow, while making funeral plans, chose to act on her carnal and sinful impulses with her boyfriend before my wife's eyes. Willful disobedience and purposeful abandonment to any sense of morality or decentcy, she shamed my wife and I while expecting us to "take it" because we were Christians. God showed me that day that GRACE was abused by MANY...even myself when I wilfully disobey because I JOHN 1:9 is "ALWAYS THERE". However, I began to ask God whether expecting that family to react differently was another unrealistic expectation? Ever since I was confronted with my faulty mindset, I found/find myself questioning the difference between unrealistic goals and VISION for the work of God here in Porter Corners. About 5 days from this instance, another church member's aunt passed away. Again, I found the opporotunity to demonstrate God's grace and love and compassion to the grieving family. Again, it seemed unheeded and almost "EXPECTED" of the church to "bend over backwards" for the family who would never darken the doors to the church and only slander the church with vicious attacks. Again, I saw grace being abused by those who claimed it as "amazing".About 4 days later, a man, whom the church had been working on restoring to fellowship after being disciplined for immorality, passed away due to his sinful lifestyle. Again, I was able to demonstrate God's love and compassion to the family. Again, we showed God's comfort and with a broken and weary heart I gave all that I could give to the family and offered myself for them. I don't regret doing so, but I do stand amazed at the blatent disrespect and disregard for God and his goodness. Never again did I see the family in church. Never since have I seen one of them even NEAR the services. When I attempt to reach out to them, they reject me...they reject God. 4 deaths and funerals in less than 3 weeks...it was actually close to 15 days that all this happened. Accompanied by my OWN personal struggle with the upcoming surgery, I found myself in a dismal abyss. I found myself weary, worn, spent, and exausted. Instead of depending on God's grace and strong arm to keep me in perfect peace, my mind and heart strayed. The very thing that I was astounded by with these other people and instances that I had experienced the previous weeks, I did.Out of shame and out of a broken heart, I confessed my failure and exaustion to a friend. We wept and cried and prayed out to God. God forgave me and comforted me with abounding grace and peace. Shortly after this, I had my operation. I remember an overwhelming sense of peace and joy that God gave me even when I was fighting for my life in ICU. God wasn't done with me in his work. 2 weeks after getting out of the hospital, the church had a fire. An electrical short in the attic set the church ablaze. We had an afternoon service that sunday and I was at another church that night. Within seconds of leaving the sister church's property I recieved the phone call from a distressed church member "Pastor, the building is on fire". I cried out to God while turning my car around to get help from someone to drive me home. "GOD, I can't deal with this...I can't do this anymore".My friend Mark drove me home and encouraged me as we traveled. God spoke to my heart again bringing up scriptures "when ya pass through the fire..I am there with you". I leaned on God again and found his grace all sufficient.2008 continued with even MORE personal attacks and ministry battles/trials/blessings and God continued to extend grace. God began to show me a different kind of grace though. I cannot really explain it, but it was grace in knowing "it was not in vain". But, going back to my thoughts of "perfectionism" I have come to the realization that without something to strive for, something attainable, there is no sense in serving. YES, we should strive to please God. YES we should strive to serve because he is Worthy. YES, for his honor. But, God also gives us something to look forward to. CROWNS. "well done thou Good and faithful servant". Even Paul said that he pressed toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Even Paul desired to apprehend what he had not attained. He desired to KNOW HIM...and to be made conformable unto HIS death. And to have fellowship in Christ's Sufferings.A passionate desire is burning in me to have a dynamic walk with Christ. To Serve HIM. To Exalt and extol HIM. To Glorify HIM.I want people to have the same desire. I want people to fall in love with the things of God. I want for people to not be mindless drones but to be GROUNDED...to KNOW what they believe and WHY they believe it. I want people to intermeddle with Wisdom and knowledge of the Holy. Everything I do, I do it for that purpose. Is it an unrealistic expectation to want people to do this? The Bible says "where there is NO VISION...THE PEOPLE PERISH". I dont think I am better than other people. I am not. I am just as they are when I abandon and abuse the Grace of God. I am capable of failing even as they are. I am capable of doing exactly that today...tomorrow. But by the Grace of God go I.Unrealistic expectations vs FAITH.

Sure Sign Of A False Teacher - Extra-Biblical Revelation

2008-11-12T03:57:00.000-08:00

All over the world there are countless numbers of people who are falling prey to "prophets" who claim they have received a "special" message...a word of knowledge...extra Biblical revelation. They are decievers. They are charletons. They are Imposters. They, to be quite frank, are false prophets.

I could start naming certian "denominations" or "sects" or cults that call themselves Christians, but sadly, the false teachers and false doctrine reach into EVERY denomination of Christianity. Personally, I am an Independent Fundamental Baptist, but it does not exclude me from having faults, flaws, blemishes or the possibility that I could err from the truth. I know of some Independent Fundamental Baptists who think they have the corner on the truth. However, they are sadly mistaken.

ExtraBiblical Revelation comes in many forms. One of the most common and widely accepted forms of "extra biblical revelation" is through what is known as "gifts of the Spirit" or more pointedly, "Speaking in tongues" and "Word of Knowledge". The whole gist of "Speaking in tongues" has been twisted and tainted and torn from its original purpose.

First, when those we read about in Acts spoke in tongues, it was not an unknown unorganized language. It is not the "language of heaven." I heard some people supposedly speaking in tongues and it sounded nothing more than a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle starting up. "Peeping and Muttering." Sometimes, when my mind is going faster than my mouth, I trip up on my words and I sound pathetic. My father would give me "what fer" when I did that. "TIM, STOP and THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK OR DON'T SPEAK AT ALL." Doctors call it a speech impediment, Pentecostals call it "the gift".

More to come later on.

Sure Signs Of A False Teacher

2008-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

As I was reading II Peter recently and I saw some warnings from Peter about false teachers. I will post the list and maybe I will come back sometime and expound on them.

1. Extra-Biblical Revelation - II Peter 1:18-21

2. Deny the Lord Jesus Christ - I John 4:1, II Peter 2:1

3. Make Merchandise Of The Gospel - II Peter 2:3, Phillipians 3:19

4. Arrogance/ Obstinance/Rebellion of the Fundamental Truth II Peter 2, II Tim 4

5. Departure from the Fear of The Lord- II Peter 2, Ezekiel 8

6. Perversion of Laciviousness and Legalism - II Peter 2, Gal 5

7. Thier Popularity indicates End Time Apostasy - II Tim 4, II Peter 2

8 Use of Fear Tactics to control those who listen to them - II Peter 2, Hebrews (the WHOLE Context of the book)

9. Departure From Morality And Things Holy - II Peter 2

10. Unwilling To Serve Without Compensation - Phillipians 3:19, II Tim 4, II Peter 2

11. Refusal and Unable to be Corrected - II Peter 2, Romans 1, II Tim 3, I Tim 1:19-20, II Tim 4

12. Must Have the Praise of Man - II Peter 2, II Tim 4

BIBLICAL CHURCH DISCIPLINE

2008-10-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

I. the Purpose of Dicipline is three- fold
A. To Remind the BODY of CHRIST (Church) of the severety of sin - I Timothy 1:18-20, I Corinthians 5, Acts 5
B. To Reprove The World Of Sin (a responsibility of the Holy Spirit which he executes through the lives of believers) - John 16:7-11, I Cor 5,
C. To Bring About Repentance in the heart, life, mind of the Wayward Believer- - I Cor 5/II Cor 2, Galatians 6:1
II. The Product of Dicipline is two-fold
A. Done Properly 1. repentance - II Cor 2 2. Restitution/Retribution -Phm 1:15-19 3. Reconcilliation - II Cor 2, Gal 6:1, Phm 1:15-19
B. Refused 1. Cause of Christ Blasphemed - I Cor 5:1-2 2. Corruption In The Church - I Cor 5:6-11
III. Pattern of Dicipline
1. MUST be conducted via the church - I Cor 5:4, II Cor 2:6, Matt 18:15-17
2. MUST be for a legitimate "infraction"
1. Gross Sin
a) Fornication 1) Beastiality 2) incest 3) adultery 4) molestation/pedophilia 5) homosexuality
b) Blasphemy - ( to vilify; specially, to speak impiously:--(speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil) - I Tim 1:20
c) Covetous - ( holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder):--covetous) - I Corinthians 5:11
d) Extortion - ( rapacious:--extortion, ravening.) - I Cor 5:11
e) Idolatry - (an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively):--idolater) - I Corinthians 5:11
f) Railing - (abusive, i.e. a blackguard:--railer, reviler) - I Cor 5:11
g) Drunkenness - (tipsy, i.e. (as noun) a sot:--drunkard) - I Cor 5:11
2. Unresolved differences which cause division- Matthew 18:15-17, Matthew 5:23-24
*** Discipline is not permitted to "Chase away" people who DISAGREE with authority (Romans 14) but those who Avidly, and defiantly stand against or teach against the BIBLE. (Romans 16:17-18, I Tim 1:20) There SHOULD be a span of THREE interventions as Paul duly notes in Titus 3:8 (AFTER THE SECOND ADMONITION REJECT)
If Biblical DISCIPLINE is going to be observed and obeyed, it MUST involve the LOCAL CHURCH, to whom the command and pattern of Discipline was issued.
If it is NOT through the church, Local New Testament Church) it is NOT Biblical.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, imputs, and questions about this. I will be doing a seperate note on Reconcilliation at a later time.

Joshua's Fool-Proof Plan (entire)

2008-10-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

We will be looking at Joshua chapter one. This chapter outlines something I will call "Joshua's fool-proof plan."
Like Timothy, Joshua had some fears of leadership. Those he was leading were known for being hard headed. When I read these verses and pay close attention, I can sees that Joshua had some insecurities about leadership. Joshua's mentor, Moses, had just died and thus the responsibility for leadership fell on Joshua. Moses was full of life and strength, yet died before his natural time because of his disobedience and his failure to trust God. Joshua didn't want to make the same mistake. As a leader, he wanted to follow the good things he had seen his Moses do, but he did not want to fall in the same trap of not taking care of problems or leading as he should have. Therefore, Joshua was very careful about his decisions. He was almost afraid to take authority because he didn't want to come across as an overbearing person, yet he didn't want to be viewed as weak. This made his role in leadership quite a challenge. However, God stepped in to help silence Joshua's fears. We read that in Joshua 1:5, which says this: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." God used these words to let Joshua know the God would always be there.
Many people think that apart from Christ, Moses was the greatest leader Israel ever had. I'm under the persuasion that this is not accurate. Although Moses led people out of Egypt, Joshua led them into the promised land. Moses led the people into the wilderness, and Joshua led them out. Where Moses failed to properly lead because of his disobedience and disbelief, Joshua was able to lead the people and throughout the bible, not one negative thing is said about Joshua. However, we turn to Moses and we see a number of personal failures. Moses married an Ethiopian. He was shaky in his own self. Moses had a temper, which as a young man led him to be a murderer. We find more evidence of that temper even later in life, when Moses became angry and disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. Please don't get the impression that I'm trying to bash Moses. There were many great things about the man. He was able to intervene on Israel's behalf and change the mind of God concerning the people, but the temper of Moses is always seen. There was a time when Moses wanted to reverse God's new plan and tried to bring it back to the table, saying "let's wipe these people off the face of the earth because they don't deserve you or what you're going to give them."
Moses still had his temper all the way through his Christian life. He always struggled with it, whereas Joshua constantly had to be affirmed to be of good courage. "Be of good courage, be not afraid, be strong and very courageous." The Scriptures shows us God repeated those words at least at least three times in the first chapter of Joshua, and later in the same chapter the people also said it, and later on we see it yet again. That Joshua had to be reminded several times to be strong and be of good courage means that Joshua had some insecurities about himself and his role as leader. God then gives instructions for Joshua. When God gave these instructions, it was as if he said "Joshua, here's a fool-proof plan. If you listen to this and live by these instructions, you will succeed as a leader."
I want to share this fool-proof plan with you. Some people may never be a leader in the way we commonly think of them. Some of us may never become a pastor, a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, or junior church leader. Some people will never become a parent or be a supervisor at their job site, but we are Christians and this leadership plan applies just because of that. The written word of God is not written to us, but for us. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God is profitable.
Number one: In order to have a fool-proof plan, you need to rely on God's principles. Every Sunday and Wednesday night, for over a year now, I have challenged the people of Victory Baptist Church with different off the wall questions. It may have been about smoking, drinking, birth control, or dress codes. The challenge was to prove the answer to me from the Bible. I did this because I want people to act on the principles of God. Look at Joshua 1:7-8. 7. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."What is the good success that is spoken of here? It is not wealth. It is not possessions. It is not popularity, and neither is it the number of people in church attendance. He was talking about living on God's principles. Second Timothy 2:2 says "and the things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." We can also read that we are supposed to study to show ourselves approved, we're supposed to be continually in the word or meditating on the word of God. The more we study and the more knowledge we gain, the more we will have these scriptures imbedded in our minds. In Bible college there's a term that says "catch all that you can," because you can never get everything. They said don't worry about getting everything, just catch what you can. In a different message I discussed how sometimes we have things come to mind that we hadn't realized were memorized or hadn't thought of in quite a while. When we read about the word of God and memorize it, this is what happens. God's principles come alive and we will be able to respond to situations based on God's principles.
In general, most Americans that are baby boomers and older may not be Christians, but even so they have strong principles. This is because those principles were instilled into them by their parents. They have often kept themselves away from sin and have morals, even being unbelievers. This is because the Judeo-Christian ethic of practical principles and how to live our lives were still being passed down. I was talking to someone this past week who I believe has strong morals. This person doesn't attend church and I don't know the condition of this person's eternal soul, but the principles being applied are obvious. This person has morals and guidelines. In the book of Joshua you see God saying we need to rely on God's principles. While many things may seem right in your own eyes, they aren't always right. I was at Linway Baptist church this afternoon and Pastor Carpenter was down there preaching and he said this: "The right thing to do may not always be God's thing to do." I though "huh?" I sat there and thought about that, that the right thing to do may not always be God's thing to do. Pastor Carpenter talked about Jacob. Jacob was going to Egypt to be with his son after 23 years of separation and when he was leaving he was praying and asked "Lord, should I be going down to Egypt? Is this your will? Is this what you want me to do? The pastor said that in his personal opinion, this was a chance for Jacob to be with his family after 23 years and he wouldn't have thought anything about it because it seriously seemed like the right thing to do. But even though it seemed right, Jacob stopped and asked the Lord "Is this what I should do?" That really got me thinking! It's a really good thought. I was impressed and it actually got me thinking about this topic. Yes, we should rely on God's principles, such as the concept of turning to God and relying on Him. These are principles from the Word. The more we turn to the Word of God and read the principles and dwell on the Scriptures, the more richly the things of God will dwell in us. These principles will make themselves known through our lives and we'll find that more and more, we'll make sound decisions based on God's words.
When I was working in the juvenile prison I had to study a manual, and I hate those types of manuals! For a week straight I had to just sit down and study this manual. It was about 600 pages long and every little detail was numbered 601.3-2, 607.2-4 and the like. I had to go through this facility operator's manual and learn all these different rules. The supervisors had me do this for a reason. When I learned all these different rules and was put on the floor where a problem arose, I could identify what the rule was, the infraction of the rule, and then fix the infraction properly, according to the rule. That's what we have to do with our manual. "Thy Word have I hid in my heart." Why? Why should I hide God's word in my heart? "That I might not sin against Thee." The more we study God's principles, the more we realize that God's word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. This is how we learn. To quote Psalms, "The entrance of thy word giveth light." We ought to rely on God's principles.
Number two for Joshua from the Lord: not only do I want you to rely on God's principles but I want you to rely on God's promises. Joshua, I know you're preparing to lead a stubborn, hard-headed people. Joshua, you knew their parents, and the people you're leading are at least 60 years old and younger. Nobody there is under 60. Joshua, you're getting ready to go in there, you're about to take over these people and lead them out of the wilderness. Joshua, I just want to let you know what kind of people you're dealing with. They're hard headed. These people do not want to listen. They're set in their ways. They murmur, complain, and gripe. They forget who I am. Joshua, I want to let you know something that Moses found out the hard way. The people are stubborn and I'm trying to give you principles Joshua, but the principles will not be enough. There will be times when you're going to be weary. There are going to be times when you will become frustrated and Joshua, my second part of the fool proof plan is this: I want you to remember God's promises. I want you to remember my promises. Look at Joshua 1: 2-5. [2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.God said " I'm giving these promises Joshua, I'm giving them to you and if you apply these principles and these promises, you will do well." Joshua 1: 7-8[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
He is told "you'll have good results, you'll have success. Not by worldy standards Joshua, but by my standards. Joshua, if you want to be successful by my standards, if you want to be prosperous, obey my principles. Obey my principles, and obey my promises.Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
God continues to instruct Joshua. " Joshua, it doesn't matter if you go to the North Pole or the South Pole, Joshua it doesn't matter. I'm with you. `And this is a promise, I'm with you. You will feel like you're going through it all alone. You will feel as if you are going through the valley of the shadow of death, but Joshua, I want to let you know you have my principles and have been given my promises.
Hebrews 13:5 says "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.":Deut. 33:27 teaches us "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."
Looking through the Bible, I find promise after promise. Certainly we could sit here and claim promise after promise after promise of God, but one promise I can claim that is of God is found in two passages. I can go back and claim two for promises for my life and ministry. Revelation 22:20 says "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." That keeps me going because not only is Jesus never going to leave me or forsake me, He is coming back to get me! He will not leave me here burdened with this world, Christ will come back and when He does, He will take me out to be with Him. The other part of this promise is found in John chapter 14. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." Does it say he might come again. No! Jesus Christ says I will come again. He will. He tells Joshua "You're going through a lot of trials now but you've got my principles." Joshua listens to those principles. They're profitable for instruction. They're profitable for reproof and rebuke and exhortation. They're profitable for doctrine and profitable for righteousness. God says "Joshua, the principles will help you but I also want you to remember my promises, because you will need them to carry you on. When you face hardship, you must remember these promises. When you face a brick wall and feel like I'm just not there anymore, you will remember my principles and my promises."
"Number three Joshua, I want to let you know that you are going to go through these situations and trials and there will be temptations, but you can rest on God's protection. You need to do this. You see Joshua, there will be people out there who don't want you in their land. These people will try to overthrow you, try to kick you out, but remember the promise I made to you. I am with you and I will drive them out. Joshua, know that nobody is going to be able to stand against you. Nobody will be able to harm my people as long as they follow my principles, and as long as they are listening to me and following my principles. Joshua, I will give you protection. Don't forget that. I will give you protection."
I love what the Bible says in Romans 8:35-39
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There's nothing that's taken us that isn't common to man, but God is able to bring us out of it. The Bible says in Joshua 11:6 "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire." With a size almost five times greater than Israel, Caanan was going to be going up Joshua and his people. They outnumbered Israel by far, and Joshua was fearful about going through this battle. God told Joshua "Listen, I'm protecting you. You need to rest on my protection." This concept is reiterated in Deuteronomy 33:27 where we read "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them." God will take care of our enemies. God's protection is there. We can rest in God's protection. There is nothing that God puts on us that has not been ordained. We are only put through what God allows. Do you remember Job? He had the worst things happen to him. His health was taken. His wealth was taken. His family was taken. His wife turned against him and his friends turned against him. Although he was all alone and vexed in his soul, Job looked up to God and he said "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him". That was honest trusting. He had an understanding of God's principles and promises and he rested in God's protection. He said his thoughts were that even if God slayed him, he would trust him. Believe that we can rest in God's protection!
So God told him "Joshua, I'm going to give you a fool proof plan. Number one, rely on God's principles. Number two, remember God's promises. Number three, rest on God's protection. Joshua, I know you will be scared but I want you to just rest in God's protection." Remember in the Garden of Gethsemane the soldiers came to take Christ away and arrest him? Peter took out his sword and swung it and cut off Malchis' ear, but Jesus reached down and picked it up, telling Peter "Put your sword away. We don't need your sword. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.". And Jesus yet protected them. I love the part about Jesus and the disciples on the sea and as they're crossing the sea, Jesus is sleeping in the back of the boat. There in the midst of a fierce storm, he's taking a nap. The disciples become frantic with fear and wake Him up. With fear in their voices, they call out "Jesus! Don't you know the storm is raging? Don't you know we're about to perish? Don't you care that we're about to die?" Then Jesus wakes up and what does He say? "Oh you of little faith! Then he comes up to the deck and speaks to the storm. "Waves, peace, be still. Wind and waves, stop. Peace, be still." And they stopped immediately at his beckoning call. Jesus brings protection. Rest on God's protection. There's nothing that's befallen us that's not common to man. We may not be able but God is able, so we need to rest on God's protection.
Let's review before we move onto number four. 1. Rest on God's principles. 2. Remember God's promises. 3. Rest in God's protection.
Number four is to recognize God's provision. Joshua recognized God's provision. There are many things in the first chapter of Joshua, but there are three that really stand out. One is that we find God's provision in providing a manual. The Bible is truly a gift. Aren't you glad we have God's word right here, readily available? Think of what our lives would be like without it. If that happened, I might relate to you what God told me in a different way than it was said. You might relate what God tells you in a different way than it was said. That would make anyone lose faith! I am so glad that no scripture is of private interpretation, but instead is wrotten in the volume of Truth. I am thankful for the word of God that allow us to go to it and ask "What did God say?" Yea, God hath said. I'm thankful for the tool we have with the Bible. Do you know it tells us we can resist the devil and he will flee from us? We know this is true because the Bible is true! and we know this because the bible is true. God gave Joshua a manual, and I thank God that we have a manual today.
The second part that really stands out to me is God's provision in giving Joshua the message. In verse number three of this chapter, it says "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses." It was a done deal. God said "I've given it unto you. Does it say "that I might give unto you?" No, look again at verse three. That's past tense. It's a done deal. Where else can you find that type of security? Look at the popular game shows on television. You can win a grand prize, even a brand new car, but is it a done deal when they say you have won it? No, it isn't. The winner must go to a dealership. They will have to sign paperwork, sign the title, register the vehicle, pay sales tax, and take care of anything else involved in the process of taking possession of that prize. Can I tell you something? When God gives something away, it is signed, sealed, and delivered. It is signed, sealed, delivered, and it is ours. It's a done deal. God's provision is giving us the manual contained in the messages of the Bible. I'm thankful that the message God gives us has been and continues to be tested through time and time again. Moses was a generation before Joshua, yet God gave the same message again. I find this message methodical and I also find the message being given for us to each and every generation. It is given, it is preserved, and it is passed down.
The third thing that jumps out from Joshua's first chapter is that we should recognize God's provision. We have a great example of this in the story of Israel being given manna in the wilderness. God rained bread from heaven to fulfill the needs of the Israelites. What I find here is that God gave His children manna not just in the form of bread wafers but for other daily needs as well. In the wilderness they had shoes that did not wear out. Praise the Lord! I don't know about you, but I'm about due for some new shoes and not just the padding, I feel the shoe grid under my feet, so it's with a new appreciation that I can look at this part of the Bible and be amazed that the children of Israel's shoes never wore out. God gave them that daily need. Their clothing never tattered. God provided all that they needed. But there came a time, even with the manna, that they crossed into Caanan and partook of maturity. They didn't need these things anymore. It was time to grow up. There comes a time when we all have to do that. I remember when I took my first job and I started paying car insurance At first I didn't have a car, but as soon as I had a job I started paying bills. I could no longer rely on my dad to always pay my way. If I need socks, t-shirts, or any other type of clothing, it came out of the money I worked for. Once I received that job, I could no longer depend on my parents. I helped pay for electricity. I had to help pay for car insurance even though I didn't have my own car. I gave my tithes and offerings and gave to missions, then my dad starting giving me bills and I realized I was growing up! We see that with the Israeliter. The manna ceased and it was as if God was saying "Here, it's time to grow up." And once they partook of that corn, once they ate of Caanan, the manna and provision for their previous needs ceased. So God's provision was the message, the manual, and the manna.
So now we have 1. Rest on God's principles. 2. Remember God's promises. 3. Rest in God's protection. 4. Recognize God's provision.
Number five was given when, as part of this fool-proof plan. Joshua was told "I want you to reverence God's person. I want you to be in reverence of who I am. You can rely on God's principles Joshua, and you can rely on God's promises and you can rest in God's protection and you can recognize God's protection, but if you never reverence God's presence, you will have missed the whole picture." I want you to remember this: reverence who God is. I was driving through Corinth today and looking at the teenagers walking up and down the street. Many were dressed in what is known today as Goth style, with dark clothing and fingernails painted black. To me, they looked like they had no hope. None of them were committing a crime that I knew of at that time, in a sense they had morals per se, but in just looking at their dress and at their attitudes as they walked, it became apparent that they are missing something in their lives. In churches we can see people who come in and they respect who God is. Don't get me wrong, we need to respect who God is, but that in itself is not enough. We must reverence Him. We must worship Him for who He is. In the book of Joshua I see a pattern that strikes me as interesting. In chapter one, verse five, it's God of Moses. In verse six, he was the God of Israel's fathers. In verse eleven, he was the God of his people. In chapter two, verse eleven, he was now Rahab's God. Even though Joshua described God and described his might and power, it is not until chapter 5, verses 13-15, that Joshua is recorded as having worshipped, or actually reverenced, God. I'm not saying he never did before, I just found that interesting. Let's read Joshua 5: 13-15. 13. And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unti him, Art thou for me or for our adversaries? 12. And he said, Nay: but as captin of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15. And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off they foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. The person Joshua met was the Lord. The captain of the Lord of Hosts is Christ. How do I know this is true? I know because Christ is coming back with ten thousand of his angels. Joshua finally met up with Christ. I'm not going to say that he didn't before, but I see a progression happening in his life and that Joshua had a different attitude towards God from here on out.
It is not enough to just know about God. We must have a personal encounter and a personal relationship with God. It is vitally important to have that personal relationship with God. Moses had his encounter or, his experience with a personal relationship with God at Sinai. Jacob had his at Penai, where he met and wrestled with God. Paul had his on the road to Damascus. Joshua had his outside of the gates of Jericho.
When have you have had yours? When have you reverenced God for who he is? When have you experienced God?
I was at Bible Baptist Church in Patrick Springs, Virginia for a pastor's jubilee. A group of preachers got together and preached, and it turned into a type of Bible conference. A man named Pastor Franklin got up front and he said "Look, I think we can take the rest of the day, it's just a couple hours, and just go and get into a corner somewhere and use the time to pray." I ended up in an empty teen girls classroom, and it was the hottest room of the church. When I got in there and went to my knees, I started began to pray. It was just your typical, every day type prayer, thanking God for the day and so on and so forth, but then I stopped and I got real with God. And when I got real with God, this is what happened. God got real with me! I was there with God. I was praying and God became ver real to me and I was intensely aware of his presence. I prayed like never before. It cause me to worship God and reverence who God was. It caused me to reverence who God is. If you've lived your entire Christian life and you cannot look back to a time when you've had some form of this personal experience with God, you're missing out on the greatest blessing in life outside of salvation. Some people have this experience at salvation. Some people have it several other times. There have been a few in my life, but that particular one just stuck in my mind like never before. It was as if God just reached down and put His hand upon me. God reached down and touched me personally. It was awesome!
Here in Joshua five, when he met with the Lord of Hosts, is where I believe Joshua had his first encounter of this nature with God, and for Joshua, it was face to face. When Moses met with God, his face glowed. I believe something was different about Joshua. With Joshua, it was on a more personal level. What about you? Have you met with God?
There are some things that help us meet with God. First, when we meet with God we need to have an alter that alters and that idea is found in these verses: Romans 12:1-21. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and pervet will of God. Secondly, we need to sacrifice at that alter. We need to have an alter that changes us. We need to have a conversation that converts us. David says "Be still and know that I am God." When we come to that point and we're still, and not just know but experience, it can happen. The word "know" that David used indicates not just knowledge, but experience. We need that experience. Third, we need to have a relationship that recoils and repels. If it recoils back to God when we fail, it repels sin. That puts sin away. It keeps us from sin and keeps sin out of us. 1 John 1:6 - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Romans 13:11-1411. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. These words show us to walk soberly in the day and in the night. We need to be ready at all time to repel sin.
Now we have five things to do: 1. Rest on God's principles. 2. Remember God's promises. 3. Rest in God's protection. 4. Recognize God's provision. 5. Reverence God's person.
My sixth and final admonition for you is this: You have the responsibility to God's posterity. You are to disciple those who follow you. You must teach them. Joshua 4:5-94. Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:5. And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:6. That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their father's in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7. Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. 8. And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
Let's review this. Joshua looks across the river, picks out 12 guys and says "You guys get some stones and we'll put them in the river when we pass. The reason for this is because when we pass through here, the children of Israel will ask you what these stones mean, and you're going to tell them that this is where God caused a miracle. When this happens, it will be an opportunity to teach those people when they ask you about the stones. Joshua made it known that he was going to serve God and he was going to teach others to serve God. Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.So not only does Joshua let it be known that he will serve the Lord, he points out that we should teach our children, our posterity, about God and God's ways.
What do you think Joshua will teach his children? I think he will teach them to rely on God's principles. I think he will teach his children to remember God's promises. I think he will teach them how to rest on God's protection and recognize God's provision in order to reverence God's person. I also think he will teach them the responsibility of teaching their posterity these same things.
Do you want success? Then live your life God's way. 1. Rest on God's principles. 2. Remember God's promises. 3. Rest in God's protection. 4. Recognize God's provision. 5. Reverence God's person. 6. Teach your posterity. Do you want success? Learn to know who He is and what He wants from us, and then apply these things to your life on a daily basis.

ARE YOU A FANATIC FOR JESUS?

2008-10-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.esnips.com/doc/7fa56471-23df-46c5-9962-50eb2c646cef/Fanatic-for-Jesus-4-6-08am

2008-10-13T09:33:00.001-07:00

Definite Declarations Describing God
Tim Delello 1/27/08
Sunday AM @ Victory Bible Baptist Church

Joshua 2:11c...For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

I. God Is Involved In The Affairs Of

A. Creation (Genesis 1)

1. God Planned It...And It was so

2. God Labored....And It was so. Nothing can be added to it. Nothing taken away from His Work.
Ge 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Ec 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

3. God's Handiwork Leads Men to Repentance And Realization That He Is - Psalms 19:1

4. God Is Without Human Counsel - Job 37-41

5. Divine Order Of Life: Genesis 2-3

a. Male With Female
b. Human Subduing Earth- Not Earth Subduing Man
c. Reproduction
d. Distinction of Simple from Stupid
1) God did not want Man To know sin (Simple)
2) Simple does not mean stupid

B. In Salvation

1. God Planned It All - Acts 13:48

2. God Labored (He did it all) And Rested -Hebrews 10:10

3. God's Handiwork Puzzles Heaven's Heralds - I Peter 1:12

4. God Provides Salvation Without Human Counsel - Rom 9:15

5. Divine Order Of Life

a. Representation Of His Kingdom- Matt 28:19-20, Luke 19:13, Eph 3:21

b. Righteousness Not Attained but Applied - I Cor 1:30

c. Receptacles of The Holy Spirit - John 15, Eph 5

d. Ignorance Retards Responsibility - Eph 5:17

e. Sinfulness Stunts Sanctification - II Peter 1:15-16

f. Disobedience Dictates Direct and Deliberate Disrespect
Titus 3:3-5