1 Thessalonians 2:2-5 Paul writes... We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
What should be our motivation to share the gospel even in the midst of strong opposition. You are speaking as a person approved of God and entrusted with His gospel, and He will test your heart.
Someone has said, "we fear man so much because we fear God so little".
A few months back I was talking with a man and turned the conversation to spiritual things. The man simply and plainly stated what he believed about "many ways to heaven" and "all the gods are really the same thing" and "it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe". Since time was short I simply replied plainly in return that I believed what the bible stated, that "Jesus is the only way to heaven to escape hell". Immediately he said (offended), "well I don't think it's our job to shove our religion on anybody else". My response was, "I completely agree - I don't ever want to shove my religion on anybody, but you'd have to admit" I said, "if I believed I knew the only way to escape hell and find heaven, and that I was supposed to love others, and it didn't cost me anything to share it with others, and I didn't do it, you'd think I was the biggest hypocrite in the world". To which he nodded in agreement and admitted, "you're probably right".
Have you noticed that when the topic of spiritual things comes up the world will state plainly, boldly, and to the point, without apology what they believe. Why is it that so many Christians don't state plainly, to the point, and without apology the TRUTH of our Lord's Gospel?
Paul said, "with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Of course we don't try to be offense, but it is your God given mandate to preach the gospel to all creation. Don't be afraid someone might be "offended", be more afraid they would spend eternity in hell when you could have told them the truth, and with righteous fear be more concerned that God will test our hearts, and we must not be trying to please men, but God.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Captain's meditation on Ephesians 1:3-4
Ephesians 1:3-4 says... Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Jesus not only saves from sin and hell, but from sinning as well.
We are chosen not only to escape hell and be acceptable to God (by faith in Jesus alone because of the work He did on the cross), but we are to be holy and blameless NOW.
Later in chapter 4 of Ephesians Paul says again to live a life worthy of the calling we have received and then again in chapter 4 (in between more basic rules for holy living while here on earth) we read verse 22-24 ... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have been saved from the power of sin, that we can now say NO to every temptation, and we can daily, moment by moment, choose to please and glorify God.
So again today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Jesus not only saves from sin and hell, but from sinning as well.
We are chosen not only to escape hell and be acceptable to God (by faith in Jesus alone because of the work He did on the cross), but we are to be holy and blameless NOW.
Later in chapter 4 of Ephesians Paul says again to live a life worthy of the calling we have received and then again in chapter 4 (in between more basic rules for holy living while here on earth) we read verse 22-24 ... You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have been saved from the power of sin, that we can now say NO to every temptation, and we can daily, moment by moment, choose to please and glorify God.
So again today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Captain's meditation on John 3:19-21 - holiness and transparency
John 3:19-21 says... This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
When we as follower of Jesus begin to live lives of holiness, walking in the light of God, our lives must be one of transparency.
I'm not sure who asked the question first (John Wesley or someone else?) but the question is still relevant now, "Have you nothing you desire to keep secret".
As a follower of Jesus, we must live holy and transparent lives, free of hypocrisy, no double standard, nothing but integrity with our actions matching the life and teaching of Jesus and His Holy Word to us.
Have you nothing you desire to keep secret today? If you do have something, confess it, repent of it, and be free of it.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
When we as follower of Jesus begin to live lives of holiness, walking in the light of God, our lives must be one of transparency.
I'm not sure who asked the question first (John Wesley or someone else?) but the question is still relevant now, "Have you nothing you desire to keep secret".
As a follower of Jesus, we must live holy and transparent lives, free of hypocrisy, no double standard, nothing but integrity with our actions matching the life and teaching of Jesus and His Holy Word to us.
Have you nothing you desire to keep secret today? If you do have something, confess it, repent of it, and be free of it.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Make straight the way for the Lord
John the Baptist did no miracles. Elijah performed miracle after miracle. Daniel interpreted dreams for kings and he and his friends impacted an entire nation. Jeremiah and Isaiah were two of Israel's greatest prophetic voices. Jesus built his church through the twelve disciples. But Jesus made a profound declaration about this man who performed no miracles - He is the greatest among all the prophets.
"I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11-12).
John 7:19-23 tells us... Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "
Jesus said among those born of women there was none greater than John the Baptist, WHY? Because he was the one who pointed and directed others directly to Jesus Himself and told others to make straight the way for the Lord.
How can you be declared great by God today - simply make straight the way for the Lord. Make it your goal to point others to Jesus in all you do. Make sure you tell others that Jesus came and is coming again, and to be ready.
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus today, if not confess (admit it) and repent of your sin (turn away from in and turn to Jesus), and put your faith in Jesus (simply trust in Him alone for your salvation from sin and hell). Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then live like it. Study and obey His word, and accept His Spirit, and live a life of holiness unto the Lord. Finally spend your time telling others about Jesus so that they too can be saved from hell for heaven, and from sinful living to abundant holy living.
You want to be great for Jesus today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11-12).
John 7:19-23 tells us... Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "
Jesus said among those born of women there was none greater than John the Baptist, WHY? Because he was the one who pointed and directed others directly to Jesus Himself and told others to make straight the way for the Lord.
How can you be declared great by God today - simply make straight the way for the Lord. Make it your goal to point others to Jesus in all you do. Make sure you tell others that Jesus came and is coming again, and to be ready.
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus today, if not confess (admit it) and repent of your sin (turn away from in and turn to Jesus), and put your faith in Jesus (simply trust in Him alone for your salvation from sin and hell). Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then live like it. Study and obey His word, and accept His Spirit, and live a life of holiness unto the Lord. Finally spend your time telling others about Jesus so that they too can be saved from hell for heaven, and from sinful living to abundant holy living.
You want to be great for Jesus today...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Balaam 2 - From sorcery to situational ethic to Spirit filled
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A blessed Sunday to you - pondering Psalm 40
Take the time to look up Psalm 40 today and read it through a few times slowly - and consider how worship naturally includes verbal declaration.
We discussed this just last week at church that over and over when you read of God doing something in, around, or through you, the appropriate response always includes a verbal declaration.
Here are just a few verses (read the whole psalm for yourself) and consider how many times the psalmist mentions that he must verbally respond to God.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God... 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. ... 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.... 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
Look again at how his worship causes him to verbally talk with God and pour out his heart.
The right response for all God has done for us includes lives of holiness and lips that forever give Him praise, and tell others of Him.
On this Sunday take some time to verbally give Him praise, not just to Him, but to others.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We discussed this just last week at church that over and over when you read of God doing something in, around, or through you, the appropriate response always includes a verbal declaration.
Here are just a few verses (read the whole psalm for yourself) and consider how many times the psalmist mentions that he must verbally respond to God.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God... 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. ... 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.... 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
Look again at how his worship causes him to verbally talk with God and pour out his heart.
The right response for all God has done for us includes lives of holiness and lips that forever give Him praise, and tell others of Him.
On this Sunday take some time to verbally give Him praise, not just to Him, but to others.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
What is "the gospel" or the good news?
Jesus Christ died and rose again to make a way for you to come to God...
#1 ADMIT IT… You are a sinner
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
Sin is our failing to perfectly live up to the perfect standard of God. If we all tried to throw a rock to the North-Pole, some of us would get closer than others, but we’d all fall short. No one gets into heaven by being good enough.
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
#2 The Wages (or penalty) for your sin is death
Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27) For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a)
All of us, 100% , will die someday. Everyone will someday die and stand before a holy God to be judged, and sentenced, to one of two places for eternity. Everyone failing to be perfect (according to God’s standard—not ours) will miss heaven and be sentenced to a place apart from Him to a prison (called hell) where we face a death sentence of dying forever.
#3 THE BAD NEWS is You can’t save yourself
...All our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
The bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)
The best we have to offer doesn’t earn us a place in heaven, we just aren’t good enough. Imagine someone telling a judge who sentenced you to prison, that although you broke the law, you did some good things too. A good judge would have to say that although you had done good works, that He as a good judge, must sentence people who broke the law. (We have all broken God’s moral law of the 10 commandments, many times, each offense deserving the death.)
#4 THE GOOD NEWS is God made a way to save you through Jesus Christ
God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)
Imagine you had cancer, but a new procedure will let you transplant your cancer cells for Jesus’ healthy ones. Jesus made a way to take your cancer cells and the death they bring (cells called sins) and deposited His right cells (His righteousness) on your behalf (when you accept Him). The transplant means He had to die for you to get a new (eternal) life spent in heaven.
If while sentenced to prison, having no way to “bail yourself out”, someone paid your fine, justice could be served and you could still go free. That’s what Jesus did at the cross, paid your fine so you could go free, but you must accept His gift, or choose punishment.
#5 How do you claim your free gift of salvation?
The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ... “anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:9-11)
To believe (or to have faith - trusting alone in Jesus to save you) requires action. The step of faith (or trust) God requires is “repentance”. To repent means to turn from our sin and live for God. If while drowning in the ocean, the coast guard threw a lifeline, belief alone is not enough. To be saved you must act, reach out, and grab it. Repenting is giving up everything else to grab hold of God.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14;6)
Are you ready to accept Jesus on His terms? If so repent and give Him control of your life. You can pray something like this - Dear God, please forgive my every sin (name them). I believe Jesus died and rose again to save me, thank you for the promise of heaven, I give you control of my life.
Please call us at 907-235-2609, or leave a comment here and we will rejoice with you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
#1 ADMIT IT… You are a sinner
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
Sin is our failing to perfectly live up to the perfect standard of God. If we all tried to throw a rock to the North-Pole, some of us would get closer than others, but we’d all fall short. No one gets into heaven by being good enough.
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
#2 The Wages (or penalty) for your sin is death
Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27) For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a)
All of us, 100% , will die someday. Everyone will someday die and stand before a holy God to be judged, and sentenced, to one of two places for eternity. Everyone failing to be perfect (according to God’s standard—not ours) will miss heaven and be sentenced to a place apart from Him to a prison (called hell) where we face a death sentence of dying forever.
#3 THE BAD NEWS is You can’t save yourself
...All our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
The bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)
The best we have to offer doesn’t earn us a place in heaven, we just aren’t good enough. Imagine someone telling a judge who sentenced you to prison, that although you broke the law, you did some good things too. A good judge would have to say that although you had done good works, that He as a good judge, must sentence people who broke the law. (We have all broken God’s moral law of the 10 commandments, many times, each offense deserving the death.)
#4 THE GOOD NEWS is God made a way to save you through Jesus Christ
God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)
Imagine you had cancer, but a new procedure will let you transplant your cancer cells for Jesus’ healthy ones. Jesus made a way to take your cancer cells and the death they bring (cells called sins) and deposited His right cells (His righteousness) on your behalf (when you accept Him). The transplant means He had to die for you to get a new (eternal) life spent in heaven.
If while sentenced to prison, having no way to “bail yourself out”, someone paid your fine, justice could be served and you could still go free. That’s what Jesus did at the cross, paid your fine so you could go free, but you must accept His gift, or choose punishment.
#5 How do you claim your free gift of salvation?
The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ... “anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:9-11)
To believe (or to have faith - trusting alone in Jesus to save you) requires action. The step of faith (or trust) God requires is “repentance”. To repent means to turn from our sin and live for God. If while drowning in the ocean, the coast guard threw a lifeline, belief alone is not enough. To be saved you must act, reach out, and grab it. Repenting is giving up everything else to grab hold of God.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14;6)
Are you ready to accept Jesus on His terms? If so repent and give Him control of your life. You can pray something like this - Dear God, please forgive my every sin (name them). I believe Jesus died and rose again to save me, thank you for the promise of heaven, I give you control of my life.
Please call us at 907-235-2609, or leave a comment here and we will rejoice with you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Salvation Army purpose - straight and to the point
The great fact remains that, unless we are saving sinners, our very existence as an Army is not justified. — Catherine Bramwell-Booth
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A great FREE resource - Radio Worship
I said I'd pass this website on to a few of you, so here it is.
This web-site "Radio Worship Network" plays great Christian music of every genre from your computer - you just have to be on-line.
Give it a try and trade time wasted on "worldly" and the non-glorifying music for some good music and lyrics that will honor our Lord and help us stay "on mission".
http://radioworship.net/
General William Booth said, "Why should the devil have all the good music".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This web-site "Radio Worship Network" plays great Christian music of every genre from your computer - you just have to be on-line.
Give it a try and trade time wasted on "worldly" and the non-glorifying music for some good music and lyrics that will honor our Lord and help us stay "on mission".
http://radioworship.net/
General William Booth said, "Why should the devil have all the good music".
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Just GO FISHING
Hello soldiers, friends, family, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just taking a moment to praise God for a fantastic day yesterday. Our C.S.M. (Corps Sargent Major - or our held elder) took our Divisional commander (the head of the Salvation Army in Alaska, his son, and myself out for a day of fishing. It was just a glorious day. God provided fantastic weather, great fishing, a smooth ocean, and the beauty of His creation. It is such a privilege to spend time with fellow brothers in Christ, share scriptures and testimonies, and enjoy time in God's presence. Thank you Lord for your provision.
Needless to say, 8 halibut and countless cod later, we came in and broke bread together around the table with our 3 families.
I thank God for true friends and fellow workers in our Salvation Army mission to be fishers of men.
Please pray that we will take full advantage of our opportunities this week to be fishers of men.
Fishers of fish catch the living and they end up dead. Fishers of men catch those that are dying and they find eternal life.
Go do some fishing for souls today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just taking a moment to praise God for a fantastic day yesterday. Our C.S.M. (Corps Sargent Major - or our held elder) took our Divisional commander (the head of the Salvation Army in Alaska, his son, and myself out for a day of fishing. It was just a glorious day. God provided fantastic weather, great fishing, a smooth ocean, and the beauty of His creation. It is such a privilege to spend time with fellow brothers in Christ, share scriptures and testimonies, and enjoy time in God's presence. Thank you Lord for your provision.
Needless to say, 8 halibut and countless cod later, we came in and broke bread together around the table with our 3 families.
I thank God for true friends and fellow workers in our Salvation Army mission to be fishers of men.
Please pray that we will take full advantage of our opportunities this week to be fishers of men.
Fishers of fish catch the living and they end up dead. Fishers of men catch those that are dying and they find eternal life.
Go do some fishing for souls today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Humble yourself before the Lord
Today's message was by Major Doug Tollerud, the Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Alaska.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What a great time with God last Sunday!
Dear soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
I hope that you experience the moving of God's Holy Spirit like we did just last week. (I'm writing this before today - so I trust we will encounter Him again this morning.)
Last week after a fantastic time of studying holiness and the privilege of all believers to be set free from slavery to sin, to be love slaves to our Savior leading to righteousness - we then moved into the holiness meeting. During worship the Holy Spirit moved people to pray aloud proclamations of the goodness of Jesus, their repentance, and their gratitude for Jesus giving His life so that we can have a relationship with Him that saves us from sin and hell, for holiness and heaven.
We have had students graduate grade levels this week in public school and "finish well". Some of our young people will be entering High School next year, and others moving onto middle school and Jr. High. My Wednesday night declaration was that I expected that they would win every student in their school to Jesus before they graduated.
I have a 14 year old young lady going through soldiership class acknowledging that her heart breaks knowing some of her fellow school mates are headed for hell, and she had righteous anger over other "self-proclaimed" believers who "do nothing" to verbally share their faith.
God is moving here in Homer - praise God. We plan to do some street witnessing on Wednesday (a cruise ship is coming in, so we expect to share with visitors - and plant seeds that will spread out in a pentecostal fashion when they all return home).
We have divisional leaders joining us on this Sunday - pray with us that God will use their visit to allow us to mutually inspire one another and spur one another on to greater accomplishments for our King of Kings.
God bless your Sunday - take time to worship Him today.
As always if anyone reading this isn't 100% sure you would go to heaven if you died tonight - send me a comment or email - I'd love to share with you the truth about what Jesus did to save you from hell and sinful living - to a life of peace and power.
Live holy, preach Jesus.
I hope that you experience the moving of God's Holy Spirit like we did just last week. (I'm writing this before today - so I trust we will encounter Him again this morning.)
Last week after a fantastic time of studying holiness and the privilege of all believers to be set free from slavery to sin, to be love slaves to our Savior leading to righteousness - we then moved into the holiness meeting. During worship the Holy Spirit moved people to pray aloud proclamations of the goodness of Jesus, their repentance, and their gratitude for Jesus giving His life so that we can have a relationship with Him that saves us from sin and hell, for holiness and heaven.
We have had students graduate grade levels this week in public school and "finish well". Some of our young people will be entering High School next year, and others moving onto middle school and Jr. High. My Wednesday night declaration was that I expected that they would win every student in their school to Jesus before they graduated.
I have a 14 year old young lady going through soldiership class acknowledging that her heart breaks knowing some of her fellow school mates are headed for hell, and she had righteous anger over other "self-proclaimed" believers who "do nothing" to verbally share their faith.
God is moving here in Homer - praise God. We plan to do some street witnessing on Wednesday (a cruise ship is coming in, so we expect to share with visitors - and plant seeds that will spread out in a pentecostal fashion when they all return home).
We have divisional leaders joining us on this Sunday - pray with us that God will use their visit to allow us to mutually inspire one another and spur one another on to greater accomplishments for our King of Kings.
God bless your Sunday - take time to worship Him today.
As always if anyone reading this isn't 100% sure you would go to heaven if you died tonight - send me a comment or email - I'd love to share with you the truth about what Jesus did to save you from hell and sinful living - to a life of peace and power.
Live holy, preach Jesus.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Evangelism Quotes
One of England’s greatest preachers, W. E. Sangster, in Let Me Command, said, “The easiest way to embarrass a congregation of twentieth century Christians is to ask them two simple questions. ‘When is the last time you personally led another person to Jesus Christ?’ and ‘When is the last time you tried?’”
"Lord grant that the FIRE of my heart may melt the lead in my feet." - Unknown
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Lord grant that the FIRE of my heart may melt the lead in my feet." - Unknown
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Evangelism Quotes
"Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you 'go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin." Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there." - William Booth
We can’t all witness the same way, but we can all witness some way.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We can’t all witness the same way, but we can all witness some way.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
What if? An article by Kim Josephson
What if it's true? What if there really is a hell? (Matt 10:28) What if that place is a place of eternal torment? (Rev are not figurative but are literal flames (Luke 16:24) that actually burn and torture everyone in them? (Matt 13:41,42) What if the smoke of those torments goes up eternally? (Rev 14:10,11) What if it's a place of eternal darkness? (Matt 25:30) What if you fall forever and ever in a bottomless pit? (Rev 9:2) What if as you are totally cut off from God (Matt 7:23) you are totally cut off from every other human form? What if you are lost forever, burning in physical torment but also burning in lust that will never ever be satisfied? (Luke 16:24,25)
What if the day comes when the Son of God takes His place on a great white throne and sits in judgment on every individual that has ever lived? (Rev 20:11, Eccl 12:14) What if He separates the sheep from the goats? (Matt 25:32) His friends on the right and the hypocrites on the left? (Matt 25:33) What if He actually condemns all those on His left to the Hell fire prepared for the devil and the fallen angels who dared to defy God? (Matt 25:41) What if this place is a place where the only sound you hear is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth? (Matt 13:50) What if there is nothing that can stop the eternal roar of the screams? What if it really is everlasting fire? (Mark 9:45) What if that fact alone is the greatest torment of all?
What if it's true that your memory will be keener than at any time on this earth? (Luke 16:25) What if for time and eternity you remember every time the Holy Spirit begged you to repent (Rev 3:20) and you loathe yourself for rejecting Him?
What if in this place you realize that you were ashamed to say yes to God because you were afraid of what your friends would think? (Matt 10:33) What do you think you will think of those friends then? While you grieved away the Spirit of God (Gen 6:3) to appease your pride, how will you stop the hellish ringing in your ears that cries "You Fool - you fool - you fool." You won't be remembering the good times you had in sin. No sir, part of your hell will be remembering how you couldn't be bothered with Jesus, how you had no time for God on earth (Prov 1:24) - but now you have time. You have eternity and now when God won't hear - (Prov 1:26) all you do is pray - Oh God - Oh God - Oh God have mercy. But He doesn't hear and he won't have mercy? (Prov 1:28) Your every thought will be on how you rejected the mercy of God. (Rom 2:4-6) Your every remembrance will be of those who wept over your soul (Ps 126:6) - that mother who prayed for you (Prov 10:1) - that friend, that son, that daughter who begged you to repent and surrender to Christ but you would not! You'll remember every detour that God put up on your road to hell and how you kept on running through the road- blocks to your own destruction. You'll remember laughing with your friends at the things of God (Prov 14:9) and then you'll curse yourself and them because of what has happened to you.
You'll remember how you drank what you pleased - when you pleased but now you'll beg for just one drop of water to quench your burning tongue (Luke 16:24) but you'll never know a moments reprieve. Every blasphemous utterance that ever came out of your mouth will haunt you now - those jokes about seeing all your friends in hell and having a big party will make you loathe yourself and your friends for the sheer stupidity of it. (Prov 14:9) There will be no music - no rock and roll - no friends - no party - only weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth.
What if it's true? What if now you are in a place that God has ordained for the refuse of His universe? (Matt 13:41) What if you're there and you thought you'd be in heaven? (Matt 7:21) What if you allowed some preacher to soft pedal God's truths (Jer 6:14) and somehow you didn't take care of your own salvation? (Phil 2:12) What if some denomination taught you that if you just went to church and took communion you'd be OK? (Luke 13:25-28) What if you bought into the humanistic lie that said "I'm OK and you're OK" when really neither one of us was OK (Ps 14:3) and what we both desperately needed was a Savior? (Rom 3:23) What if you simply didn't believe what Jesus said (Matt 7:21) and you actually thought that you could get to heaven by being "good" or just some other way than what He said? Do you think it will make the flames cooler?
What if its true? What if Jesus really meant it when He said "Not everyone who sayeth unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father"? (Matt 7:21) What if it's not a matter of a prayer that accepts "Jesus Christ as your personal savior" but it actually requires a bowing of your knee to Jesus Christ as your Lord? What if you really have to take up your cross and follow Him? (Luke 14:27) What if you have to repent of your sins (Luke 13:3) and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34) with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength? (Mark 12:30) What if you must be born again by the Spirit of God? (John 3:7) What if you actually have to abdicate the throne of your heart and give the kingship of your life to Jesus? (Luke 6:46) What if you couldn't be ashamed of Jesus and make heaven your eternal home? (Matt 10:33)
Well, the fact is that's the way it is. Many are deceived because in our generation preachers have twisted the scriptures to accommodate their denominational doctrines. Today preachers preach what people want to hear. (2 Tim 4:3) But that's not what Jesus did. He is the one who told us about an eternal fiery hell and He also told us how to avoid it. It would seem to me that nothing would be more important than missing such a place and taking as many as we can out of it too! In fact such truth should rally the church into action as never before. We should herald the truth unceasingly and pray for a mighty move of the Spirit to turn men's hearts from sin and to the Savior. But instead, I'm afraid these truths have been so long neglected and so watered down that many have been deceived and will be eternally damned because they believed not what Jesus actually said but what somebody said He said. (Jer 23:22)
Is Jesus Christ your Lord? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Do you consistently say no to your will when it conflicts with the Word of God? Are you saying yes to God and no to your lusts, not only with your mouth but with your actions? Have you turned from sin? Are you following Jesus? If not then in Jesus' name don't pretend to think you're saved. (1 Cor 6:9,10) If you are your own Lord - your own King - your own Boss, then Jesus is not your Lord nor your Savior and you will be damned. (Luke 6:46) Let no man deceive you. If you do not repent and surrender to Jesus you will split hell wide open. In Jesus' name repent and surrender now. Put down this letter and beg for the mercy of God this instant.
Now, you say you've made Jesus your Master - then act like it. (1 John 2:6) You know that everything I've written in this letter is the truth, so stop messing around and begin to do the job Christ gave us to do. Reach the unreached. Tell the untold. Don't send money to get the job done. Do your job!!! Warn the wicked of the wrath to come. (Matt 3:7) Jesus said go and tell every creature. (Mark 16:15) So you go and you tell. Simple isn't it - no excuses - Just do it!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
What if the day comes when the Son of God takes His place on a great white throne and sits in judgment on every individual that has ever lived? (Rev 20:11, Eccl 12:14) What if He separates the sheep from the goats? (Matt 25:32) His friends on the right and the hypocrites on the left? (Matt 25:33) What if He actually condemns all those on His left to the Hell fire prepared for the devil and the fallen angels who dared to defy God? (Matt 25:41) What if this place is a place where the only sound you hear is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth? (Matt 13:50) What if there is nothing that can stop the eternal roar of the screams? What if it really is everlasting fire? (Mark 9:45) What if that fact alone is the greatest torment of all?
What if it's true that your memory will be keener than at any time on this earth? (Luke 16:25) What if for time and eternity you remember every time the Holy Spirit begged you to repent (Rev 3:20) and you loathe yourself for rejecting Him?
What if in this place you realize that you were ashamed to say yes to God because you were afraid of what your friends would think? (Matt 10:33) What do you think you will think of those friends then? While you grieved away the Spirit of God (Gen 6:3) to appease your pride, how will you stop the hellish ringing in your ears that cries "You Fool - you fool - you fool." You won't be remembering the good times you had in sin. No sir, part of your hell will be remembering how you couldn't be bothered with Jesus, how you had no time for God on earth (Prov 1:24) - but now you have time. You have eternity and now when God won't hear - (Prov 1:26) all you do is pray - Oh God - Oh God - Oh God have mercy. But He doesn't hear and he won't have mercy? (Prov 1:28) Your every thought will be on how you rejected the mercy of God. (Rom 2:4-6) Your every remembrance will be of those who wept over your soul (Ps 126:6) - that mother who prayed for you (Prov 10:1) - that friend, that son, that daughter who begged you to repent and surrender to Christ but you would not! You'll remember every detour that God put up on your road to hell and how you kept on running through the road- blocks to your own destruction. You'll remember laughing with your friends at the things of God (Prov 14:9) and then you'll curse yourself and them because of what has happened to you.
You'll remember how you drank what you pleased - when you pleased but now you'll beg for just one drop of water to quench your burning tongue (Luke 16:24) but you'll never know a moments reprieve. Every blasphemous utterance that ever came out of your mouth will haunt you now - those jokes about seeing all your friends in hell and having a big party will make you loathe yourself and your friends for the sheer stupidity of it. (Prov 14:9) There will be no music - no rock and roll - no friends - no party - only weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth.
What if it's true? What if now you are in a place that God has ordained for the refuse of His universe? (Matt 13:41) What if you're there and you thought you'd be in heaven? (Matt 7:21) What if you allowed some preacher to soft pedal God's truths (Jer 6:14) and somehow you didn't take care of your own salvation? (Phil 2:12) What if some denomination taught you that if you just went to church and took communion you'd be OK? (Luke 13:25-28) What if you bought into the humanistic lie that said "I'm OK and you're OK" when really neither one of us was OK (Ps 14:3) and what we both desperately needed was a Savior? (Rom 3:23) What if you simply didn't believe what Jesus said (Matt 7:21) and you actually thought that you could get to heaven by being "good" or just some other way than what He said? Do you think it will make the flames cooler?
What if its true? What if Jesus really meant it when He said "Not everyone who sayeth unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father"? (Matt 7:21) What if it's not a matter of a prayer that accepts "Jesus Christ as your personal savior" but it actually requires a bowing of your knee to Jesus Christ as your Lord? What if you really have to take up your cross and follow Him? (Luke 14:27) What if you have to repent of your sins (Luke 13:3) and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34) with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength? (Mark 12:30) What if you must be born again by the Spirit of God? (John 3:7) What if you actually have to abdicate the throne of your heart and give the kingship of your life to Jesus? (Luke 6:46) What if you couldn't be ashamed of Jesus and make heaven your eternal home? (Matt 10:33)
Well, the fact is that's the way it is. Many are deceived because in our generation preachers have twisted the scriptures to accommodate their denominational doctrines. Today preachers preach what people want to hear. (2 Tim 4:3) But that's not what Jesus did. He is the one who told us about an eternal fiery hell and He also told us how to avoid it. It would seem to me that nothing would be more important than missing such a place and taking as many as we can out of it too! In fact such truth should rally the church into action as never before. We should herald the truth unceasingly and pray for a mighty move of the Spirit to turn men's hearts from sin and to the Savior. But instead, I'm afraid these truths have been so long neglected and so watered down that many have been deceived and will be eternally damned because they believed not what Jesus actually said but what somebody said He said. (Jer 23:22)
Is Jesus Christ your Lord? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Do you consistently say no to your will when it conflicts with the Word of God? Are you saying yes to God and no to your lusts, not only with your mouth but with your actions? Have you turned from sin? Are you following Jesus? If not then in Jesus' name don't pretend to think you're saved. (1 Cor 6:9,10) If you are your own Lord - your own King - your own Boss, then Jesus is not your Lord nor your Savior and you will be damned. (Luke 6:46) Let no man deceive you. If you do not repent and surrender to Jesus you will split hell wide open. In Jesus' name repent and surrender now. Put down this letter and beg for the mercy of God this instant.
Now, you say you've made Jesus your Master - then act like it. (1 John 2:6) You know that everything I've written in this letter is the truth, so stop messing around and begin to do the job Christ gave us to do. Reach the unreached. Tell the untold. Don't send money to get the job done. Do your job!!! Warn the wicked of the wrath to come. (Matt 3:7) Jesus said go and tell every creature. (Mark 16:15) So you go and you tell. Simple isn't it - no excuses - Just do it!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Captain's meditation on Speaking UP verses
Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, ...
Leviticus 5:1 " 'If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible.
1 Thessalonians 2:2... with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
Let's be honest, speak up, dare to tell His gospel, and don't be ashamed.
Without a relationship with Jesus people will be eternally separated from God in eternal torment. With a personal relationship with Jesus people will spend eternity with our Savior in His presence, which is Paradise.
What are you waiting for - SOLDIER UP - SHARE YOUR FAITH - SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
Live holy, Preach Jesus.
Leviticus 5:1 " 'If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible.
1 Thessalonians 2:2... with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
Let's be honest, speak up, dare to tell His gospel, and don't be ashamed.
Without a relationship with Jesus people will be eternally separated from God in eternal torment. With a personal relationship with Jesus people will spend eternity with our Savior in His presence, which is Paradise.
What are you waiting for - SOLDIER UP - SHARE YOUR FAITH - SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
Live holy, Preach Jesus.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Balaam 1 - God can use anyone and anything
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A day for prayer and rest
A blessed Sunday to you.
In between "doing ministry" and "doing ministry" Mark 1:35-36 tells us...Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Maybe you are tired from being busy about the Lord's work, or maybe you are just tired of everyone on the planet needing your attention, phone, cell phone, instant message, text, email, on, and on... everyone is looking for you.
Jesus knew that the only way to stay properly connected to The Father, and empowered by His Spirit, was to intentionally be alone with God in prayer.
The world can survive without you for a while, get yourself to a solitary place and spend some time in prayer today.
By the way, after you have allowed God to recharge you, remember that there is a world that needs you, go to tell them of the Savior. Recharge in private, then be spent doing the work of telling the world about Jesus.
Note: As always if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, who lived, sacrificially died in your place, and rose from the dead, then repent of your sins (confess and turn from them), have faith in Jesus alone (faith is simply placing your full trust solely in Him), and receive Him by faith today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
In between "doing ministry" and "doing ministry" Mark 1:35-36 tells us...Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
Maybe you are tired from being busy about the Lord's work, or maybe you are just tired of everyone on the planet needing your attention, phone, cell phone, instant message, text, email, on, and on... everyone is looking for you.
Jesus knew that the only way to stay properly connected to The Father, and empowered by His Spirit, was to intentionally be alone with God in prayer.
The world can survive without you for a while, get yourself to a solitary place and spend some time in prayer today.
By the way, after you have allowed God to recharge you, remember that there is a world that needs you, go to tell them of the Savior. Recharge in private, then be spent doing the work of telling the world about Jesus.
Note: As always if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, who lived, sacrificially died in your place, and rose from the dead, then repent of your sins (confess and turn from them), have faith in Jesus alone (faith is simply placing your full trust solely in Him), and receive Him by faith today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
3 SPURGEON quotes on evangelism
The most terrible warning to impenitent men in all the world is the death of Christ. For if God spared not His only Son, on whom was only laid imputed sin, will He spare sinners whose sins are their own?
I would sooner bring one sinner to Jesus Christ than unpick all the mysteries of the divine Word, for salvation is the one thing we are to live for.
If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I would sooner bring one sinner to Jesus Christ than unpick all the mysteries of the divine Word, for salvation is the one thing we are to live for.
If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
3 Salvation Army Evangelism Quotes...
The Army’s objective has not altered. Its call is to save. Its tactics and maneuvers may change, but they must always aim without compromise directly at undermining the Devil’s kingdom by aggressive means. — Florence Booth
If you cannot go to the rescue one way, go another. — William Booth
How many compassionate tears does this perishing world get from you? — William Booth
Live holy, preach Jesus!
If you cannot go to the rescue one way, go another. — William Booth
How many compassionate tears does this perishing world get from you? — William Booth
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A simple but powerful prayer request
I don't normally do this, but check out this prayer request left behind at the corps (church) on Sunday by one of our young people.
"Help me do what God asks me - the first time - and without hesitation."
Sounds like a prayer that God wants to answer for all of us. Lord make that all of our prayers today.
How about this scripture to back it up...
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Now check it out in the amplified translation: Confess to one another therefore your faults - your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins - and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored to a spiritual tone of mind and heart. The earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available -dynamic in its working.
Do what God asks, the first time, without hesitation today!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Help me do what God asks me - the first time - and without hesitation."
Sounds like a prayer that God wants to answer for all of us. Lord make that all of our prayers today.
How about this scripture to back it up...
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Now check it out in the amplified translation: Confess to one another therefore your faults - your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins - and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored to a spiritual tone of mind and heart. The earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available -dynamic in its working.
Do what God asks, the first time, without hesitation today!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Captain's meditation on "the look of Jesus"
This thought is not complete in my heart and mind yet, but I have had the thought of "being watched by Christ" on my mind while pondering these scriptures.
As soon as the disciple Andrew met Jesus he took his brother Simon to meet Jesus also and we read... John 1:42 And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
After Jesus arrest Peter followed at a distance and we read these words in Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus loves us so much that He constantly has His eye on us, not as a mean and condemning God, but as one who loves us so much that whether we are accepting a call to follow, or denying Him in public, He is watching over us. Of course our actions will invite a blessing or a curse, and we will choose life and death, by our conduct - no matter what Jesus is watching and with love wants to see us choose to Honor Him.
Today you will choose to follow closely after Him and proclaim His message, or you will follow at a distance, as one of the crowd, and deny Him with your words or actions.
Choose this day if you will bring Glory to Him or grieve His heart. Either way He is watching.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
As soon as the disciple Andrew met Jesus he took his brother Simon to meet Jesus also and we read... John 1:42 And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
After Jesus arrest Peter followed at a distance and we read these words in Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus loves us so much that He constantly has His eye on us, not as a mean and condemning God, but as one who loves us so much that whether we are accepting a call to follow, or denying Him in public, He is watching over us. Of course our actions will invite a blessing or a curse, and we will choose life and death, by our conduct - no matter what Jesus is watching and with love wants to see us choose to Honor Him.
Today you will choose to follow closely after Him and proclaim His message, or you will follow at a distance, as one of the crowd, and deny Him with your words or actions.
Choose this day if you will bring Glory to Him or grieve His heart. Either way He is watching.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday's sermon- Relationship NOT religion
Captain Tim Carr brings today's message....
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!Live holy, preach Jesus!
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Special prayer request
I just had a Corps member (church member) call and specifically ask that we add someone she knows to the blog as a prayer request. This woman has had a back problem for some time, and it causes her terrible pain. She can have surgery, but they have told her there would be a 98% chance that she would be paralyzed from the waist down. Our Corps member said it broke her heart so she would begin praying for this woman she met, she then called right back to say she wanted to rephrase her comment, "not that it broke her heart, but that it broke God's heart" to see this woman in such pain.
God does care about each of our every hurt and needs, so agree with me in prayer that God would not only touch this woman physically and provide by any means He would choose, from surgery to a supernatural healing right this very second, but even more that He would use this opportunity to show His love to a woman in need that their relationship would become all God wants it to be.
Lord we pray for a touch of you in this woman's life, and further opportunities to see her come to know you in a new and more full way.
Live holy, preach Jesus... & always be in prayer.
God does care about each of our every hurt and needs, so agree with me in prayer that God would not only touch this woman physically and provide by any means He would choose, from surgery to a supernatural healing right this very second, but even more that He would use this opportunity to show His love to a woman in need that their relationship would become all God wants it to be.
Lord we pray for a touch of you in this woman's life, and further opportunities to see her come to know you in a new and more full way.
Live holy, preach Jesus... & always be in prayer.
Marching Orders & Mother's Day
Hello Soldiers, followers of Jesus, friends, and family,
3 notes today....
1. "Marching Orders" came out Friday and we have been given orders to remain in charge of the Homer Corps another year. God is Good! We are believing God that this will be a year of growth like none this corps has seen before.
2. Today is "Mother's Day" so honor those who birthed you, raised you, or were a "spiritual mother" to you in some way. Call, write, or email them a letter of thank you and encouragement today. Ladies, if you have children of your own - train them up to love and serve the Lord and to lead others to Jesus. If you don't have any kids of your own - adopt a corps (church) kid, or a neighbor, or some young one you can influence for Jesus today.
3. A scripture thought for today. We read in scripture that Jesus was teaching and the following occured in Luke 11:27-28 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." He (Jesus) replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Not to take anything away from the blessed position of Mary who was chosen to be an instrument for God to use in bringing God's Son to physical life on earth, but Jesus reminds us that it is just as blessed to be one who hears God's Word and who obeys it, for they too become an equally important vessel for God to use, and to show Himself to the world even still today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
3 notes today....
1. "Marching Orders" came out Friday and we have been given orders to remain in charge of the Homer Corps another year. God is Good! We are believing God that this will be a year of growth like none this corps has seen before.
2. Today is "Mother's Day" so honor those who birthed you, raised you, or were a "spiritual mother" to you in some way. Call, write, or email them a letter of thank you and encouragement today. Ladies, if you have children of your own - train them up to love and serve the Lord and to lead others to Jesus. If you don't have any kids of your own - adopt a corps (church) kid, or a neighbor, or some young one you can influence for Jesus today.
3. A scripture thought for today. We read in scripture that Jesus was teaching and the following occured in Luke 11:27-28 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." He (Jesus) replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Not to take anything away from the blessed position of Mary who was chosen to be an instrument for God to use in bringing God's Son to physical life on earth, but Jesus reminds us that it is just as blessed to be one who hears God's Word and who obeys it, for they too become an equally important vessel for God to use, and to show Himself to the world even still today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
A week of quotes - Quote of the day
“The way to stimulate and provoke others unto good works is to strive to outrun them in the race. The way to rebuke the cold and indifferent is to be always full of zeal and ‘abounding in the work of the Lord’ yourself. Men will be much more ready to answer a call to come up to your level, than a command to advance beyond you.”
"The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness."
- Record of Christian Work, May 1909
"The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from hell rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness."
- A. W. Pink
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A week of quotes - Quote of the day
“The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.”
- R. A. Torrey
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A week of quotes - Quote of the day
“The chief danger of the Church today is that it is trying to get on the same side as the world, instead of turning the world upside down. Our Master expects us to accomplish results, even if they bring opposition and conflict. Anything is better than compromise, apathy, and paralysis. God give to us an intense cry for the old-time power of the Gospel and the Holy Ghost!”
-A. B. Simpson
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A week of quotes - Quote of the day
"As I was walking in the fields, the thought came over me with almost overwhelming power, that every one of my flock must soon be in heaven or hell. Oh how I wished that I had a tongue like thunder, that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like iron, that I might visit every one and say, 'Escape for thy life! Ah sinner! You little know how I fear that you will lay the blame of your damnation at my door."
- Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday's sermon, "Are you ready for marching orders?"
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options. No notes this week - just the audio.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!Live holy, preach Jesus!
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Anvil of God's Word
"Last eve I paused beside the blacksmith's door,
and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then looking in, I saw upon the floor,
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time."
'How many anvils have you had,' said I,
'To wear and batter all these hammers so?''
Just one,' said he, and then with twinkling eye,
'The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.'"
And so, I thought, the Anvil of God's Word
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The Anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone."
-------Attributed to John Clifford -------
Why not spend some time in God's Holy and unchanging word today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Why not spend some time in God's Holy and unchanging word today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Captain's thoughts on Swine Flu H1N1 Update
To Salvation Army Soldiers, followers of Jesus, friends, and family,
A recent report on swine flu says the following...
SEE WHY I MENTION IT BELOW...
Some Key developments on swine flu outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and government officials:
A recent report on swine flu says the following...
SEE WHY I MENTION IT BELOW...
Some Key developments on swine flu outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and government officials:
- Deaths: 159, all in Mexico, seven confirmed as swine flu and rest suspected.
- Sickened: 2,498 suspected and 19 confirmed in Mexico; 66 confirmed in U.S.; 13 confirmed in Canada; two confirmed in Scotland; 14 confirmed in New Zealand; two confirmed in Spain; and two confirmed in Israel.
- Confirmed U.S. cases, by state: 45 in New York, 11 in California, six in Texas, two in Kansas and one each in Indiana and Ohio, according to CDC and states.
- Public health emergency declared and roughly 12 million doses of Tamiflu from federal stockpile to be delivered to states.
- Cuba bans flights to and from Mexico; Argentina suspends flights from Mexico; U.S., European Union, other countries discourage nonessential travel there. Arriving travelers questioned at Mexico's U.S. border and world airports. Cruise lines avoid Mexico ports.
- Mexico suspends all schools until May 6. In U.S., some schools closed in New York City, Texas, California, South Carolina, Connecticut and Ohio.
- In Mexico City, surgical masks given to the public, venues closed and public events canceled. President assumed new powers to isolate infected people. World Bank loaning Mexico more than $200 million.
- World Health Organization (WHO) alert at Phase 4 of 6, meaning disease spreads easily but isn't pandemic.
If you are looking for a way to share your faith today...
1. Everyone is talking about "swine flu". Just like swine flu, sin is a disease that knows no boarders, can be carried by anyone, can be deadly, and the best defense is to continually wash yourself clean (with the forgiveness of Jesus).
2. If there is a cure, or treatment to make someone less susceptible to a disease, wouldn't you want to get it. There is a cure for the destructive consequences of sin, it is to repent and turn from sin (quit playing with swine like activities), ask God's forgiveness, and then accept His power to live above sinning. We won't ever be perfect - true, but we can live a life without any know intentional sin against our Lord. (see Titus 2:11-14 as just one example of many).
3. If you need a conversation starter or a way to transition into a spiritual conversation - after "so what do you think about all this swine flu stuff", or "have you heard about all the illness and death this 1 disease is causing", simply ask one of the following...
- "It's amazing to think we can't even guarantee we will wake up tomorrow"
- "what do you think happens when you die"
- "what do you think happens when someone leaves this world"
- "whether it's swine flu or not everyone (100% - 10 out of 10 people) will die someday and eternity is a really long time"
- "we will be dead a lot longer than we are alive on this planet make sure you have the right answer"
All of these are ways to get people thinking about eternity, and then we can share our hope that for all who call on the name of Jesus (trust in Him alone for our salvation), who repent and turn from their sins, and agree to live for God on His terms, we have the hope of avoiding hell and finding heaven for eternity. We also find God's Holy Spirit to give us strength, comfort, and peace in the middle of every "scare" of life.
Share your faith in Jesus today - tell your salvation story - and tell how you repented and accepted Jesus so they could do it too.
100% of everyone you meet today will die and face eternal death, but Jesus has provided a cure for all mankind. Let's win the world for Jesus, share your faith, and plant a seed, God can make it grow.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A good witnessing day
Philemon 1:6 says... I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
There are some gifts, blessings, and opportunities for empowerment that will only come as we fully obey the Lord.
God has no need to equip you for a task you are unwilling to perform, but settle in your heart and mind you will witness for Him, and He will supply you abundantly more than all you need for the task.
If we follow Jesus He says He will make us fishers of men, so don't just be seen swimming with them in casual conversation, actually cast out a line and mention Jesus.
Today was a good day, unfortunately the sharing of my faith is often quite sorry - but God forgives and then empowers us to press on.
Here's the report of the day...
1. I had the opportunity to make a phone call to someone the Lord has had on my heart. I simply told them I had a question for them, but now that I've done it, there will be an opportunity to talk.
2. I also had opportunity to talk and pray with someone at the thrift store who recently lost a loved one. I simply asked, "what do you think happens after this life", after their answer I was able to affirm the hope we have in Jesus.
3. I spoke with someone who is battling cancer - not having much time to talk I simply said that knowing that we will all leave this world someday, I just want to make sure that everyone I know has put their hope in Jesus so that we can be reunited with Him someday.
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
You'll never fully know how great God is, until you step out in faith and see Him move on your behalf, and who knows maybe lead someone to the Savior today.
Shoot back a comment and let me know how your witnessing is going.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
There are some gifts, blessings, and opportunities for empowerment that will only come as we fully obey the Lord.
God has no need to equip you for a task you are unwilling to perform, but settle in your heart and mind you will witness for Him, and He will supply you abundantly more than all you need for the task.
If we follow Jesus He says He will make us fishers of men, so don't just be seen swimming with them in casual conversation, actually cast out a line and mention Jesus.
Today was a good day, unfortunately the sharing of my faith is often quite sorry - but God forgives and then empowers us to press on.
Here's the report of the day...
1. I had the opportunity to make a phone call to someone the Lord has had on my heart. I simply told them I had a question for them, but now that I've done it, there will be an opportunity to talk.
2. I also had opportunity to talk and pray with someone at the thrift store who recently lost a loved one. I simply asked, "what do you think happens after this life", after their answer I was able to affirm the hope we have in Jesus.
3. I spoke with someone who is battling cancer - not having much time to talk I simply said that knowing that we will all leave this world someday, I just want to make sure that everyone I know has put their hope in Jesus so that we can be reunited with Him someday.
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
You'll never fully know how great God is, until you step out in faith and see Him move on your behalf, and who knows maybe lead someone to the Savior today.
Shoot back a comment and let me know how your witnessing is going.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
How's your persecution?
Isn't that a great question to ask - "How's your persecution".
2 Timothy 3:12 says - In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
John 15;18-20 Jesus said... "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
1 peter 4:12-14, 16, 19 tells us... Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ... 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ...19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
I believe it was John Wesley that said, "when you preach the gospel people will get mad or converted".
Let's preach the whole gospel and let God do the rest.
If we suffer or are insulted for Christ - the Spirit and glory of God rests on us.
We can't loose - Either we win souls to Jesus, we plant some seeds, or we are persecuted because we have boldly proclaimed the saving gospel of Jesus (and find God's blessing and empowerment through the persecution). Sounds like a win, win, win to me.
How's your persecution?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
2 Timothy 3:12 says - In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
John 15;18-20 Jesus said... "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
1 peter 4:12-14, 16, 19 tells us... Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ... 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ...19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
I believe it was John Wesley that said, "when you preach the gospel people will get mad or converted".
Let's preach the whole gospel and let God do the rest.
If we suffer or are insulted for Christ - the Spirit and glory of God rests on us.
We can't loose - Either we win souls to Jesus, we plant some seeds, or we are persecuted because we have boldly proclaimed the saving gospel of Jesus (and find God's blessing and empowerment through the persecution). Sounds like a win, win, win to me.
How's your persecution?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Bryan Farrow's memorial service 4,25,09
This is an audio file of Bryan Farrow's memorial service in Homer Alaska.
The Captain's remarks are recorded, but the audio of words of remembrance, the song "I can only imagine" by Mercy Me, and the honor guard's reading we too poor to post.
You can hear the rifle volley and taps at the end of the service.
You can play the service from this "play arrow" or look up this service by title on the sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page and download it to your computer as a permanent record.
Life is short, make sure you are right with God through faith in Jesus Christ today.
The Captain's remarks are recorded, but the audio of words of remembrance, the song "I can only imagine" by Mercy Me, and the honor guard's reading we too poor to post.
You can hear the rifle volley and taps at the end of the service.
You can play the service from this "play arrow" or look up this service by title on the sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page and download it to your computer as a permanent record.
Life is short, make sure you are right with God through faith in Jesus Christ today.
May God bless Bryan's freinds, familiy, and loved ones.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday's sermon - No crossing over
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
Sorry, no sermon notes this week, but enjoy the audio file.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sorry, no sermon notes this week, but enjoy the audio file.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
True worship includes obedience.
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus.
Yesterday we held a memorial for a past corps (church) member. As always I don't know who makes it into heaven or not, anyone can call out and put their complete trust in Jesus alone for their salvation at any time, and many who call Jesus Lord will hear God say I never knew you, so I will never know who is in heaven - that is completely up to God Himself.
You might ask... What does this have to do with me, worship, or obedience?
Just remember today as you spend time in worship of your Lord...
Make sure He gets more than just music although it's right to praise Him in song...
Make sure He gets more than just words from your lips although it's right to praise His Name and give witness and testimony to who He is and everything He has done in your life...
Let's make sure He gets obedience to His command to go into all the world and preach His gospel that there is no other name under heaven by which men must be saved.
Let's move beyond "Sunday morning worship" although it's right to give Him, and let's obey His call to spread the news, so here it is...
Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven by His death and resurrection.
You must trust in Jesus alone for your salvation.
You must turn from your sin and sinning out of obedience to Him.
True worship includes obedience to share your faith. We're not responsible for the results, but we have to do our part to take the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Yesterday we held a memorial for a past corps (church) member. As always I don't know who makes it into heaven or not, anyone can call out and put their complete trust in Jesus alone for their salvation at any time, and many who call Jesus Lord will hear God say I never knew you, so I will never know who is in heaven - that is completely up to God Himself.
You might ask... What does this have to do with me, worship, or obedience?
Just remember today as you spend time in worship of your Lord...
Make sure He gets more than just music although it's right to praise Him in song...
Make sure He gets more than just words from your lips although it's right to praise His Name and give witness and testimony to who He is and everything He has done in your life...
Let's make sure He gets obedience to His command to go into all the world and preach His gospel that there is no other name under heaven by which men must be saved.
Let's move beyond "Sunday morning worship" although it's right to give Him, and let's obey His call to spread the news, so here it is...
Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven by His death and resurrection.
You must trust in Jesus alone for your salvation.
You must turn from your sin and sinning out of obedience to Him.
True worship includes obedience to share your faith. We're not responsible for the results, but we have to do our part to take the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Missionary Living
Are you sharing the saving truth about Jesus Christ alone as the only way of salvation?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, April 24, 2009
15 reasons why I should unplug my TV (11-15)
This was taken from a Keith Drury writing from 1994 -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 11-15. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
11. TV is the great "agenda setter."
It irritates me. It embarrasses me too. Part of the reason I watch TV is to "keep up." To make sure I am "current," up-to-date, and "in the know" concerning the latest. Television tells me what is important to talk about at coffee break, over lunch, with fellow travelers at the airport. The great sin in modern society is to be "out of touch." I want to be aware of my world, so I can talk intelligently about what is going on.The trouble is, what the TV tells me is important really isn't. It is trivial, silly, even idiotic. Last year it constantly instructed me to talk about Michael Jackson, the Bobbits, and Tonya Harding. Last fall, O.J. Simpson was the issue. Next year it will have a whole new agenda. Not one of these things is really important at all, let alone biblically important. TV-watching causes me to adopt a secular agenda in my discussions. I need to talk more about God, godliness, holiness, righteousness, and the eternal truths, not the passing trivia of the TV agenda. I resent being controlled by this one-eyed master in my family room. Don't you think I ought to just unplug the thing?
12. Even the news doesn't redeem TV.
I wish it did, because I'm one of those persons with a special affinity for CNN and C-SPAN. But, to be honest, most of the news is not about the eternal issues facing men and women today. Since local news shows generate significant income for local TV stations, they fall to the tremendous pressure to grab ratings by scandalous stories, titillating topics, and staged video. Murders, rapes, tragedy, and a host of stories reflecting a dangerous world are the constant fare. The more I watch, the more I'm taught that people are not to be trusted and the world is a dangerous place. National news is worse. I remember how I was glued to CNN during the Gulf War. It seemed like such an important thing at the time. But, now that I reflect on it, just what was I watching? I was watching the terror of war—thousands of people being killed, sent to eternity without God—and I sat in my living room, with a snack, watching it all as if it was an entertaining video game. Shame on me! Even the news hasn't redeemed the overall general negative effect of television. I really ought to quit fooling myself by saying otherwise. I ought to just unplug it.
13. TV is addictive.
Sixty-four percent of Americans say TV has a negative effect on family life, according to Gallup. A full two-thirds say that TV has a negative effect on children, and 62% argue that TV promotes negative values. Then why do we watch? Why to I watch? Because it is a habit. TV is the "plug-in drug." It is more addictive than tobacco or alcohol or pornography. How do you know you are addicted? You try to stop! You unplug all the TV sets in your home. You see how you feel. See what happens. See how long you can go without television. As for me, I'm addicted. I need it. But it's bad for me. Isn't this a perfect example of addiction? I ought to unplug it. I shouldn't be addicted to anything. Except God.
14. It's getting time to vote.
I don't mean in a political election. I mean vote for something bigger. Christians in North America are rapidly coming to the place where we are going to have to "vote"—either for the culture or against it. Many Christian leaders are increasingly convinced that the only Christians in the future will be those who have "come out" of the culture to live different lives, based on the values of the Bible, not the latest values of the Phil Donahue Show. Perhaps we do not yet live in "Sodom." But once we do, separation is the only option. When this time comes (and it may not be far off,) my hunch is that many Christians will vote to stay in Sodom. They will have been so seduced by the world that they will keep on trying to be "salt" until they eventually "lose all their savor." Yet a few—a "remnant"—will vote to reject the culture and will start to live their lives on Christian principles and behaviors. It has happened dozens of times through history. It may be about to happen again. When that time comes, how will I vote? Will I be so softened and seduced by Sodom that I'll try to stay with an anemic attempt to "be a witness"? Or will I have the guts to reject Sodom's culture and become "peculiar" or "separate"? If I can't make a little decision on something like unplugging our televisions, how will I be able to make a decision on the really big vote coming later? This could be a good test for me. I ought to unplug my TVs as a test of my ability to resist the evil culture. Even if I only did it for a week, it would show me something. Wouldn't it?
15. Because of where TV is going.
I've been studying the TV-media industry the last few months. I've got a feel for where it's headed. In the future, we will have 500 cable channels to watch, providing a vast array of "whatever you want." Since cable is not restrained by broadcast standards, it will be able to provide even more of "what people want." What do they want? They want sex. They want violence. They want nudity. They want blood. No, they don't say they want these things. In fact, they condemn them noisily in all surveys, acting as if they're the silent "moral majority." They condemn them, but they watch such shows. They consistently drive up the ratings of shows featuring sex and violence. Titillation sells. And TV is about selling. It is about ratings. When we only had three channels, the TV executives provided some restraint among themselves. But with 500 channels, the competition will drive all of the shows to feed the base desires of men and women. Will TV get worse? The answer is obvious.And what about interactive television? In the future, we will no longer just watch a couple go to bed or undress, we will be able to control their actions interactively. In the future, we will see a merger of the TV, the CD-ROM, the computer, and the phone line. It is a leap of significant moral consequences from watching to directing actions of sex or violence.And all this is just the beginning. In the next fifteen years, homosexual "love" will be normal. Total nudity will be common. The "seven deadly words" will be eliminated, and we will hear everything imaginable (and quite a bit we can't yet imagine). God will be openly mocked. There will be "artistic joking," picturing goats, women, or two lesbians hanging on a cross. There will be direct promotion of anti-Christ values and, just perhaps, even promotion of the Antichrist himself. Certainly, this is where it will go, won't it? All you have to do is continue the line on the graph—project the rate of past change into the future.But all of this will happen gradually. That's the terror of television. It seduces us. It tempts us a tiny bit at a time, never overtly, and always with our willing participation—we go along. So most of us will gradually accommodate all of these things, and worse. Why not? Most of us now watch things we never dreamed we'd watch ten years ago. How did we get here? Gradually.
So, what should we do? I wonder what it would be like if our church went together and just unplugged our televisions. Possible? OK, maybe not. How about trying a one-week "unplugged" experiment? Just one week? Are you up to it? Think you can go off TV cold-turkey ... even for a week? Just one week? Shall we try it? If we all went off the plug-in drug together maybe we could do it?What do you think? Wannna' try?
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 11-15. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
11. TV is the great "agenda setter."
It irritates me. It embarrasses me too. Part of the reason I watch TV is to "keep up." To make sure I am "current," up-to-date, and "in the know" concerning the latest. Television tells me what is important to talk about at coffee break, over lunch, with fellow travelers at the airport. The great sin in modern society is to be "out of touch." I want to be aware of my world, so I can talk intelligently about what is going on.The trouble is, what the TV tells me is important really isn't. It is trivial, silly, even idiotic. Last year it constantly instructed me to talk about Michael Jackson, the Bobbits, and Tonya Harding. Last fall, O.J. Simpson was the issue. Next year it will have a whole new agenda. Not one of these things is really important at all, let alone biblically important. TV-watching causes me to adopt a secular agenda in my discussions. I need to talk more about God, godliness, holiness, righteousness, and the eternal truths, not the passing trivia of the TV agenda. I resent being controlled by this one-eyed master in my family room. Don't you think I ought to just unplug the thing?
12. Even the news doesn't redeem TV.
I wish it did, because I'm one of those persons with a special affinity for CNN and C-SPAN. But, to be honest, most of the news is not about the eternal issues facing men and women today. Since local news shows generate significant income for local TV stations, they fall to the tremendous pressure to grab ratings by scandalous stories, titillating topics, and staged video. Murders, rapes, tragedy, and a host of stories reflecting a dangerous world are the constant fare. The more I watch, the more I'm taught that people are not to be trusted and the world is a dangerous place. National news is worse. I remember how I was glued to CNN during the Gulf War. It seemed like such an important thing at the time. But, now that I reflect on it, just what was I watching? I was watching the terror of war—thousands of people being killed, sent to eternity without God—and I sat in my living room, with a snack, watching it all as if it was an entertaining video game. Shame on me! Even the news hasn't redeemed the overall general negative effect of television. I really ought to quit fooling myself by saying otherwise. I ought to just unplug it.
13. TV is addictive.
Sixty-four percent of Americans say TV has a negative effect on family life, according to Gallup. A full two-thirds say that TV has a negative effect on children, and 62% argue that TV promotes negative values. Then why do we watch? Why to I watch? Because it is a habit. TV is the "plug-in drug." It is more addictive than tobacco or alcohol or pornography. How do you know you are addicted? You try to stop! You unplug all the TV sets in your home. You see how you feel. See what happens. See how long you can go without television. As for me, I'm addicted. I need it. But it's bad for me. Isn't this a perfect example of addiction? I ought to unplug it. I shouldn't be addicted to anything. Except God.
14. It's getting time to vote.
I don't mean in a political election. I mean vote for something bigger. Christians in North America are rapidly coming to the place where we are going to have to "vote"—either for the culture or against it. Many Christian leaders are increasingly convinced that the only Christians in the future will be those who have "come out" of the culture to live different lives, based on the values of the Bible, not the latest values of the Phil Donahue Show. Perhaps we do not yet live in "Sodom." But once we do, separation is the only option. When this time comes (and it may not be far off,) my hunch is that many Christians will vote to stay in Sodom. They will have been so seduced by the world that they will keep on trying to be "salt" until they eventually "lose all their savor." Yet a few—a "remnant"—will vote to reject the culture and will start to live their lives on Christian principles and behaviors. It has happened dozens of times through history. It may be about to happen again. When that time comes, how will I vote? Will I be so softened and seduced by Sodom that I'll try to stay with an anemic attempt to "be a witness"? Or will I have the guts to reject Sodom's culture and become "peculiar" or "separate"? If I can't make a little decision on something like unplugging our televisions, how will I be able to make a decision on the really big vote coming later? This could be a good test for me. I ought to unplug my TVs as a test of my ability to resist the evil culture. Even if I only did it for a week, it would show me something. Wouldn't it?
15. Because of where TV is going.
I've been studying the TV-media industry the last few months. I've got a feel for where it's headed. In the future, we will have 500 cable channels to watch, providing a vast array of "whatever you want." Since cable is not restrained by broadcast standards, it will be able to provide even more of "what people want." What do they want? They want sex. They want violence. They want nudity. They want blood. No, they don't say they want these things. In fact, they condemn them noisily in all surveys, acting as if they're the silent "moral majority." They condemn them, but they watch such shows. They consistently drive up the ratings of shows featuring sex and violence. Titillation sells. And TV is about selling. It is about ratings. When we only had three channels, the TV executives provided some restraint among themselves. But with 500 channels, the competition will drive all of the shows to feed the base desires of men and women. Will TV get worse? The answer is obvious.And what about interactive television? In the future, we will no longer just watch a couple go to bed or undress, we will be able to control their actions interactively. In the future, we will see a merger of the TV, the CD-ROM, the computer, and the phone line. It is a leap of significant moral consequences from watching to directing actions of sex or violence.And all this is just the beginning. In the next fifteen years, homosexual "love" will be normal. Total nudity will be common. The "seven deadly words" will be eliminated, and we will hear everything imaginable (and quite a bit we can't yet imagine). God will be openly mocked. There will be "artistic joking," picturing goats, women, or two lesbians hanging on a cross. There will be direct promotion of anti-Christ values and, just perhaps, even promotion of the Antichrist himself. Certainly, this is where it will go, won't it? All you have to do is continue the line on the graph—project the rate of past change into the future.But all of this will happen gradually. That's the terror of television. It seduces us. It tempts us a tiny bit at a time, never overtly, and always with our willing participation—we go along. So most of us will gradually accommodate all of these things, and worse. Why not? Most of us now watch things we never dreamed we'd watch ten years ago. How did we get here? Gradually.
So, what should we do? I wonder what it would be like if our church went together and just unplugged our televisions. Possible? OK, maybe not. How about trying a one-week "unplugged" experiment? Just one week? Are you up to it? Think you can go off TV cold-turkey ... even for a week? Just one week? Shall we try it? If we all went off the plug-in drug together maybe we could do it?What do you think? Wannna' try?
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
15 reasons why I should unplug my TV (6-10)
This was taken from a Keith Drury writing from 1994 -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 6-10. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
6. TV affects my vocabulary.
I haven't started saying all the things I've heard on television, but I'm far less shocked when I hear them. And I wonder, how long will it be until I start saying the words I hear? For instance, in the last decade, I have noticed a significant increase in the use of God's name in a casual way by Christians. I wonder if this is somehow connected with the frequent use of God's name on TV. I remember when I first heard this, how I reacted. It was clear to me that this was a violation of God's third commandment. In fact it is the clearest violation of that commandment you can imagine. Using God's name in a casual way. Now God's name is finding it's way into the language of Christians. How long will it be before I allow myself to say "My Lord," or "Oh God," or "For God's sake"? But it's not just God's name. Television constantly tries to adjust all of my vocabulary. I hear it every day. TV is constantly correcting, constantly teaching, constantly "discipling" me. It tries to teach me to say "partner" instead of "wife." It wants me to say "in a relationship" instead of "married," and "gay" instead of "homosexual." It is so effective at teaching me what is right and wrong in speech, that gradually the vocabulary of the world seems "politically correct." But, along with this new vocabulary come the world's values. I don't like what the TV does to my vocabulary. And what this new vocabulary does to my values. Why don't I just unplug it?
7. TV constantly models put-down humor.
It's most evident in shows like The Simpsons, Rosanne, and Married...With Children. But it's everywhere else as well. The relational modeling of TV is to deride others and criticize and put down loved ones. All this is done for the sake of humor. And it works. It is humorous. No wonder these same kinds of critical put-downs show up at home, in schools and at church. TV is a bad model for interpersonal relationships. It makes it easier for me to use put-down humor. I ought to just unplug it, I suppose.
8. TV promotes the sin of materialism.
Why would advertisers spend millions of dollars if their advertisements did not cause me to want things? TV engenders coveting, materialism and idolatry—finding joy in things. How much has this "materialistic pornography" influenced me already? What has it already persuaded me to find happiness in—besides God? What has the TV taught me to want? To want so badly that I consider it a need? I should simply unplug it, shouldn't I?
9. TV is a social evil.
It's like alcohol, or tobacco, or gambling. The net result is socially negative. TV executives argue that there is no connection whatsoever between violence on television and crime in the streets, or between TV's sexual titillation and the behavior of the individuals watching these programs. Yet, the same TV executives will collect a million dollars for a 30-second advertisement during the Super Bowl. How do they collect money for these advertisements? Who pays for them? Why would advertisers pay such sums if the medium has no affect whatsoever on behavior? C'mon. Quit kidding us! TV does change the way we act. The average child sees 8000 killings on TV by the eighth grade. Is this in no way connected with the fact that violent crime is up 560% over the last 30 years? So, even if the TV had absolutely no affect on me personally, I ought to unplug it—simply as a social protest or boycott against the evil it promotes in society.
10. TV depresses educational achievement.
The studies are decisive. The more TV that children watch, the less studying they do, the later they will stay up at night, and the more tired they will be the next day at school. The more TV that students watch, the lower they score on achievement tests. Besides these proven facts, TV works against reading and discussion, two primary ways people learn. But what if I'm an empty-nester and all the kids are gone? What does it do to my educational achievement? Does it inspire me to read more? Discuss things more? Does it define the really deep issues? What issues does television raise which will be around in 100 years? Even ten years? I'm afraid TV even depresses my own learning, not just the children's learning. If I had the guts, I'd just unplug it.
So, what should we do? I wonder what it would be like if our church went together and just unplugged our televisions. Possible? OK, maybe not. How about trying a one-week "unplugged" experiment? Just one week? Are you up to it? Think you can go off TV cold-turkey ... even for a week? Just one week? Shall we try it? If we all went off the plug-in drug together maybe we could do it?What do you think? Wannna' try?
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 6-10. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
6. TV affects my vocabulary.
I haven't started saying all the things I've heard on television, but I'm far less shocked when I hear them. And I wonder, how long will it be until I start saying the words I hear? For instance, in the last decade, I have noticed a significant increase in the use of God's name in a casual way by Christians. I wonder if this is somehow connected with the frequent use of God's name on TV. I remember when I first heard this, how I reacted. It was clear to me that this was a violation of God's third commandment. In fact it is the clearest violation of that commandment you can imagine. Using God's name in a casual way. Now God's name is finding it's way into the language of Christians. How long will it be before I allow myself to say "My Lord," or "Oh God," or "For God's sake"? But it's not just God's name. Television constantly tries to adjust all of my vocabulary. I hear it every day. TV is constantly correcting, constantly teaching, constantly "discipling" me. It tries to teach me to say "partner" instead of "wife." It wants me to say "in a relationship" instead of "married," and "gay" instead of "homosexual." It is so effective at teaching me what is right and wrong in speech, that gradually the vocabulary of the world seems "politically correct." But, along with this new vocabulary come the world's values. I don't like what the TV does to my vocabulary. And what this new vocabulary does to my values. Why don't I just unplug it?
7. TV constantly models put-down humor.
It's most evident in shows like The Simpsons, Rosanne, and Married...With Children. But it's everywhere else as well. The relational modeling of TV is to deride others and criticize and put down loved ones. All this is done for the sake of humor. And it works. It is humorous. No wonder these same kinds of critical put-downs show up at home, in schools and at church. TV is a bad model for interpersonal relationships. It makes it easier for me to use put-down humor. I ought to just unplug it, I suppose.
8. TV promotes the sin of materialism.
Why would advertisers spend millions of dollars if their advertisements did not cause me to want things? TV engenders coveting, materialism and idolatry—finding joy in things. How much has this "materialistic pornography" influenced me already? What has it already persuaded me to find happiness in—besides God? What has the TV taught me to want? To want so badly that I consider it a need? I should simply unplug it, shouldn't I?
9. TV is a social evil.
It's like alcohol, or tobacco, or gambling. The net result is socially negative. TV executives argue that there is no connection whatsoever between violence on television and crime in the streets, or between TV's sexual titillation and the behavior of the individuals watching these programs. Yet, the same TV executives will collect a million dollars for a 30-second advertisement during the Super Bowl. How do they collect money for these advertisements? Who pays for them? Why would advertisers pay such sums if the medium has no affect whatsoever on behavior? C'mon. Quit kidding us! TV does change the way we act. The average child sees 8000 killings on TV by the eighth grade. Is this in no way connected with the fact that violent crime is up 560% over the last 30 years? So, even if the TV had absolutely no affect on me personally, I ought to unplug it—simply as a social protest or boycott against the evil it promotes in society.
10. TV depresses educational achievement.
The studies are decisive. The more TV that children watch, the less studying they do, the later they will stay up at night, and the more tired they will be the next day at school. The more TV that students watch, the lower they score on achievement tests. Besides these proven facts, TV works against reading and discussion, two primary ways people learn. But what if I'm an empty-nester and all the kids are gone? What does it do to my educational achievement? Does it inspire me to read more? Discuss things more? Does it define the really deep issues? What issues does television raise which will be around in 100 years? Even ten years? I'm afraid TV even depresses my own learning, not just the children's learning. If I had the guts, I'd just unplug it.
So, what should we do? I wonder what it would be like if our church went together and just unplugged our televisions. Possible? OK, maybe not. How about trying a one-week "unplugged" experiment? Just one week? Are you up to it? Think you can go off TV cold-turkey ... even for a week? Just one week? Shall we try it? If we all went off the plug-in drug together maybe we could do it?What do you think? Wannna' try?
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
15 reasons why I should unplug my TV (1-5)
This was taken from a Keith Drury writing from 1994 -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 1-5. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
1. TV is the number one secularizing influence in my life.
The Devil has a million ways to get at me, but television is his best way of "getting into my head." TV is the most effective influence to make me a less-committed Christian. If I keep watching it, I'll become even more secular in my mind-set. I should unplug my TV.
2. TV is my biggest time robber.
I waste time on other things, but TV is the biggest black hole of all. Where does TV time come from? It is time which could be spent on better things. Working in my wood shop. Working in the garden. Spending time with my kids. Having a chat with my wife. Going for a walk. In fact, the average person logs more time in front of the TV than doing anything else, except sleeping. The average American adult spends 3½ hours per day watching TV. That is 52 complete 24-hour days every year. We adults spend a full 12 years of our life span watching TV (we spend four months in Sunday school).I sometimes complain, "I don't have enough time." But the truth is, I have the same amount of time Jesus Christ had—24 hours each day. It's not how much time I "have," but how I use my time that is my problem. I watch TV far less than the average adult, but it's still my single biggest time robber. I should unplug it.
3. TV softens me toward sin.
The television is highly effective at brainwashing. It seduces me into accepting sins the Bible clearly rejects. Its story-telling and interview formats raise feelings of sympathy, compassion and understanding for behaviors I know are wrong. TV has already made me softer on divorce. Right now it is trying to convince me that marital unfaithfulness is normal—even attractive. And, increasingly, TV will persuade me that homosexual behavior is simply an alternative lifestyle of people "born this way."If I keep watching TV on a regular basis, it will surely convince me to soften, then fully accept, these sins. I have watched how this happens to me. I am at first outraged by what I see. I angrily switch to another channel or turn it off completely. But, over time, the outrage dissipates. Eventually I allow the offense to pass by with only a verbal rejection like "that's not true" or "that doesn't fit with what the Bible says." Finally, I quit making verbal comments and hardly notice. Sin has lost its shock. The more I watch TV, the more "understanding" I become toward sin. I should unplug my TV, shouldn't I?
4. TV presents a false view of marriage.
Because it is an emotional medium, TV constantly focuses on falling in love, having sex, and breaking up. This is a false view of marriage. Most of marriage is, well...boring. It's not all stimulation and excitement, with wild and wonderful trips to Acapulco. Marriage is mostly routine, based on commitment—not the romantic ideal presented on TV.And beyond this false view of marriage, TV is constantly biased against the biblical pattern of marriage. While two-thirds of US adults are married, television constantly focuses on singleness and single parenting, and brainwashes us to believe married life is neither average nor normal. And even when it does feature married couples, these couples are awful examples of regular married life, let alone a Christian marriage. Marriage is tough enough work in today's world, without the influence of television dragging me away from the biblical model. I suppose I should simply unplug my TVs—all of them.
5. TV gives me a distorted view of religion.
Secular shows are constantly portraying ministers as corrupt, greedy, greasy hypocrites. I don't like that. I don't want my kids being brainwashed against preachers and the ministry. But while preachers do poorly, religion itself does little better. The media's anti-religion bias is deep. Researchers from Duke, Northwestern, and The University of Dayton studied 100 episodes of prime-time TV shows including 1,464 speaking characters and 70 hours of programming. Ninety-five percent of the people showed no discernible religious affiliation whatsoever. And of the 5% which made some reference to religion (mostly to prayer, such as "thank God" or something similar), a full half of these presented the religious message in a negative light. This shouldn't surprise me. Only 7% of TV executives attend church regularly, while 97% are pro-abortion and 80% pro-homosexual. It shouldn't shock me that the television constantly brainwashes me toward a negative and distorted view of religion. I suppose I might argue that my mind is made up. But what does this do to children? And religious programming is no better. Religious TV portrays such a sick view of true religion that viewing secular programming might be safer. I should just unplug the thing.
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I'd love your comments on what He writes. He has 15 reasons, here are numbers 1-5. Keith Drury writes...
Fifteen Reasons Why I Should Unplug My TV
I've been thinking about watching TV. I ought to unplug my TVs—at least for a week. Even if just to see if I could do it. I can think of 15 reasons why I, personally, ought to unplug:
1. TV is the number one secularizing influence in my life.
The Devil has a million ways to get at me, but television is his best way of "getting into my head." TV is the most effective influence to make me a less-committed Christian. If I keep watching it, I'll become even more secular in my mind-set. I should unplug my TV.
2. TV is my biggest time robber.
I waste time on other things, but TV is the biggest black hole of all. Where does TV time come from? It is time which could be spent on better things. Working in my wood shop. Working in the garden. Spending time with my kids. Having a chat with my wife. Going for a walk. In fact, the average person logs more time in front of the TV than doing anything else, except sleeping. The average American adult spends 3½ hours per day watching TV. That is 52 complete 24-hour days every year. We adults spend a full 12 years of our life span watching TV (we spend four months in Sunday school).I sometimes complain, "I don't have enough time." But the truth is, I have the same amount of time Jesus Christ had—24 hours each day. It's not how much time I "have," but how I use my time that is my problem. I watch TV far less than the average adult, but it's still my single biggest time robber. I should unplug it.
3. TV softens me toward sin.
The television is highly effective at brainwashing. It seduces me into accepting sins the Bible clearly rejects. Its story-telling and interview formats raise feelings of sympathy, compassion and understanding for behaviors I know are wrong. TV has already made me softer on divorce. Right now it is trying to convince me that marital unfaithfulness is normal—even attractive. And, increasingly, TV will persuade me that homosexual behavior is simply an alternative lifestyle of people "born this way."If I keep watching TV on a regular basis, it will surely convince me to soften, then fully accept, these sins. I have watched how this happens to me. I am at first outraged by what I see. I angrily switch to another channel or turn it off completely. But, over time, the outrage dissipates. Eventually I allow the offense to pass by with only a verbal rejection like "that's not true" or "that doesn't fit with what the Bible says." Finally, I quit making verbal comments and hardly notice. Sin has lost its shock. The more I watch TV, the more "understanding" I become toward sin. I should unplug my TV, shouldn't I?
4. TV presents a false view of marriage.
Because it is an emotional medium, TV constantly focuses on falling in love, having sex, and breaking up. This is a false view of marriage. Most of marriage is, well...boring. It's not all stimulation and excitement, with wild and wonderful trips to Acapulco. Marriage is mostly routine, based on commitment—not the romantic ideal presented on TV.And beyond this false view of marriage, TV is constantly biased against the biblical pattern of marriage. While two-thirds of US adults are married, television constantly focuses on singleness and single parenting, and brainwashes us to believe married life is neither average nor normal. And even when it does feature married couples, these couples are awful examples of regular married life, let alone a Christian marriage. Marriage is tough enough work in today's world, without the influence of television dragging me away from the biblical model. I suppose I should simply unplug my TVs—all of them.
5. TV gives me a distorted view of religion.
Secular shows are constantly portraying ministers as corrupt, greedy, greasy hypocrites. I don't like that. I don't want my kids being brainwashed against preachers and the ministry. But while preachers do poorly, religion itself does little better. The media's anti-religion bias is deep. Researchers from Duke, Northwestern, and The University of Dayton studied 100 episodes of prime-time TV shows including 1,464 speaking characters and 70 hours of programming. Ninety-five percent of the people showed no discernible religious affiliation whatsoever. And of the 5% which made some reference to religion (mostly to prayer, such as "thank God" or something similar), a full half of these presented the religious message in a negative light. This shouldn't surprise me. Only 7% of TV executives attend church regularly, while 97% are pro-abortion and 80% pro-homosexual. It shouldn't shock me that the television constantly brainwashes me toward a negative and distorted view of religion. I suppose I might argue that my mind is made up. But what does this do to children? And religious programming is no better. Religious TV portrays such a sick view of true religion that viewing secular programming might be safer. I should just unplug the thing.
----------------------------------------
Let me know your thoughts?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Psalm 23 Remix - the "anti-scriptural" version?
PSALM 23 REMIX - I found this at www.sendthefire.ca
The T.V. is my shepherd I shall always be in want.
It makes me to lie down on the sofa,
it leads me away from the faith,
it destroys my soul.
It leads me to the path of sex and violence for the advertiser’s sake.
Even though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities,
there will be no interruption, for the T.V. is with me;
its cable and remote control, they comfort me.
It prepares a commercial for me every few minutes.
And anoints my head with secular humanism and consumerism;
My cup of ‘greed’ and ‘want’ runs over.
Surely ignorance and laziness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall loaf around in the house of wretchedness watching T.V. forever.
Questons for consideration and meditation...
- How much T.V. do you watch?
- What affect do you think T.V. has on your life?
- How is it shaping your attitudes towards things? Actions? Mind? Relationships with others?
- How do you decide what to watch and what not to?
- Have you ever switched the channel because content wasn’t appropriate?
- Compare your time watching T.V. to prayer time. Which is greater? Why is that?
- Does God get your "prime time" or your leftovers?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The T.V. is my shepherd I shall always be in want.
It makes me to lie down on the sofa,
it leads me away from the faith,
it destroys my soul.
It leads me to the path of sex and violence for the advertiser’s sake.
Even though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities,
there will be no interruption, for the T.V. is with me;
its cable and remote control, they comfort me.
It prepares a commercial for me every few minutes.
And anoints my head with secular humanism and consumerism;
My cup of ‘greed’ and ‘want’ runs over.
Surely ignorance and laziness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall loaf around in the house of wretchedness watching T.V. forever.
Questons for consideration and meditation...
- How much T.V. do you watch?
- What affect do you think T.V. has on your life?
- How is it shaping your attitudes towards things? Actions? Mind? Relationships with others?
- How do you decide what to watch and what not to?
- Have you ever switched the channel because content wasn’t appropriate?
- Compare your time watching T.V. to prayer time. Which is greater? Why is that?
- Does God get your "prime time" or your leftovers?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - What Jesus left behind
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF of my preaching notes.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spend some time with God, then have a rest.
I'm just getting back from the a seminar, so I admit this is a repost of my blog from Sunday, February 15, 2009. I know it still applies to me today, hopefully you will enjoy it again.
This is a reminder to spend some time in the presence of Jesus today. Make sure you take time not just to be blessed by God, but to worship in such a way that you will bless Him.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentance "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This is a reminder to spend some time in the presence of Jesus today. Make sure you take time not just to be blessed by God, but to worship in such a way that you will bless Him.
Receive the fact that God has made available everything you need for salvation, life, and godliness.
Recommit to living your life as a holy offering for the One who gave His life for you. Spend some time today keeping your repentance "up to date". Confess your every sin.
Resolve to walk in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that you might have no "known sin".
Renew your desire to be a soldier of God, who will not be ashamed to boldly declare the Truth found in Jesus.
Rest in this word from God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah (30:15)... This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,...
In case you don't know how this verse ended for the people of Isaiah's day, he concluded God's message this way...."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,... but you would have none of it."How about spending some time with God today, then have some rest.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Leadership Training Serminar in Anchorage
Sorry for the late post today...
My automatic post didn't work today and I just got back from a good time up in Anchorage.
I'm glad to report that I drove up from Homer with 4 of our Corps (church) members to attend a leadership training seminar. God is good and we enjoyed a time with other local leaders from Kodiak, Kenai, Anchorage Korean, the ARP (the rehab center), Wasilla, and Anchorage Corps.
DHQ (Divisional Head Quarters) did a great job with additional training for youth leadership and evangelism training.
Nothing life changing to post today other than God is good, He granted safe travels to all, He inspired us all to greater service out of love for Him, and might even be spurring those that went with me to greater acts of service (and maybe even leadership) in the Corps.
God bless your Corps and church meetings tomorrow. May God enjoy your worship and may you meet Him there.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
My automatic post didn't work today and I just got back from a good time up in Anchorage.
I'm glad to report that I drove up from Homer with 4 of our Corps (church) members to attend a leadership training seminar. God is good and we enjoyed a time with other local leaders from Kodiak, Kenai, Anchorage Korean, the ARP (the rehab center), Wasilla, and Anchorage Corps.
DHQ (Divisional Head Quarters) did a great job with additional training for youth leadership and evangelism training.
Nothing life changing to post today other than God is good, He granted safe travels to all, He inspired us all to greater service out of love for Him, and might even be spurring those that went with me to greater acts of service (and maybe even leadership) in the Corps.
God bless your Corps and church meetings tomorrow. May God enjoy your worship and may you meet Him there.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Captain's meditation on evangelism & Proverbs 21:11-12
William Booth (founder of The Salvation Army)…"Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you 'go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin." Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there."
William Booth also said... “I do not want another ecclesiastical corps cumbering the earth. When The Salvation Army ceases to be a militant body of red hot men and women whose supreme business is the saving of souls, I hope it will vanish utterly.”
Charles Spurgeon said… If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for.
Catherine Booth... "You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!"
In Proverbs 24:11 – 12 we read... Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
William Booth also said... “I do not want another ecclesiastical corps cumbering the earth. When The Salvation Army ceases to be a militant body of red hot men and women whose supreme business is the saving of souls, I hope it will vanish utterly.”
Charles Spurgeon said… If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for.
Catherine Booth... "You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!"
In Proverbs 24:11 – 12 we read... Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Shanty Remodel - great thought from an email
Source: A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, in his book Wholly Sanctified. Contributor: Jim Luthy
In the upper portion of New York City, many citizens may often have noticed, especially in the past years, a great number of miserable shanties standing on the choicest sites. Though perhaps on the corner of a splendid new avenue or looking out on a magnificent prospect, the houses were utterly unworthy of their sites.
Suppose that a millionaire should want to purchase a site, and the owner should begin, before giving possession, to repair the old shanty for the new owner, putting fresh thatch on the miserable roof and a new coat of whitewash on the dirty walls. How the purchaser would laugh at him and say, "My friend, I do not want your miserable old wreck of a tenement fixed up like this. At the best, it will only be a shanty when you have done all you can to it, and I will never live in it. All I want is the ground, the site, and when I get it I will raze the old heap of rubbish to the foundations and dig deep down to the solid rock before I build my splendid mansion. I will then build from the base my own new house according to my own magnificent plan. I do not want a vestige of your house; all that I require is the location."
This is exactly what God wants of us and waits to do in us. Each of us has a splendid site for a heavenly temple. It looks out upon eternity and commands a view of all that is glorious in the possibilities of existence. The house that is built upon it now, however, is a worthless wreck; it is past improving. Our patching and repairing is worse than waste. What God wants of us is simply that we give him the possibilities of our lives and let him build upon them a temple of holiness which he will make his own abode and which he will let us dwell in with him as his happy guests in the house of the Lord forever.
------------------------
Salvationists & fellow followers of Jesus Christ - Live holy, preach Jesus!
In the upper portion of New York City, many citizens may often have noticed, especially in the past years, a great number of miserable shanties standing on the choicest sites. Though perhaps on the corner of a splendid new avenue or looking out on a magnificent prospect, the houses were utterly unworthy of their sites.
Suppose that a millionaire should want to purchase a site, and the owner should begin, before giving possession, to repair the old shanty for the new owner, putting fresh thatch on the miserable roof and a new coat of whitewash on the dirty walls. How the purchaser would laugh at him and say, "My friend, I do not want your miserable old wreck of a tenement fixed up like this. At the best, it will only be a shanty when you have done all you can to it, and I will never live in it. All I want is the ground, the site, and when I get it I will raze the old heap of rubbish to the foundations and dig deep down to the solid rock before I build my splendid mansion. I will then build from the base my own new house according to my own magnificent plan. I do not want a vestige of your house; all that I require is the location."
This is exactly what God wants of us and waits to do in us. Each of us has a splendid site for a heavenly temple. It looks out upon eternity and commands a view of all that is glorious in the possibilities of existence. The house that is built upon it now, however, is a worthless wreck; it is past improving. Our patching and repairing is worse than waste. What God wants of us is simply that we give him the possibilities of our lives and let him build upon them a temple of holiness which he will make his own abode and which he will let us dwell in with him as his happy guests in the house of the Lord forever.
------------------------
Salvationists & fellow followers of Jesus Christ - Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Lessons from my garage door?
Carrying on the thought from yesterday's post about Samson not knowing the Lord had left him...
Just a couple weeks ago our garage door motor died. Here in homer there's really only one place to get it repaired and that one man was out of town for two weeks, then another week to order parts. While I waited for the repair I kept habitually pushing the garage door button in my van only to find that the power was gone.
Can you imagine doing something habitually, that you have always done before, and not knowing the power was gone?
Unfortunately I believe that too many Salvation Army Corps, too many churches, and too many believers just slip into autopilot, just doing what we've always done, and we don't realize that God invited us to move on to new things.
Let's not be afraid to admit when God has called us to move on from old things that have served His purpose in the past, to new things, new "programs", new strategies, and a new fresh empowerment of His Spirit.
Let's not live out of habit, but daily empowered by the Lord.
To you my fellow soldiers, officers, and followers of Jesus, you are on my heart today and my prayers are with you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a couple weeks ago our garage door motor died. Here in homer there's really only one place to get it repaired and that one man was out of town for two weeks, then another week to order parts. While I waited for the repair I kept habitually pushing the garage door button in my van only to find that the power was gone.
Can you imagine doing something habitually, that you have always done before, and not knowing the power was gone?
Unfortunately I believe that too many Salvation Army Corps, too many churches, and too many believers just slip into autopilot, just doing what we've always done, and we don't realize that God invited us to move on to new things.
Let's not be afraid to admit when God has called us to move on from old things that have served His purpose in the past, to new things, new "programs", new strategies, and a new fresh empowerment of His Spirit.
Let's not live out of habit, but daily empowered by the Lord.
To you my fellow soldiers, officers, and followers of Jesus, you are on my heart today and my prayers are with you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Captain's meditation on Judges 16:20
In case you haven't read it lately, Judges chapter 16 has one of the most "famous" stories in the bible and also what may be among the most painful verses in God's Word.
Judges 16:20 after "toying" with giving away the secret to his strength, Samson eventually tells Delilah about his hair (of course his strength was from God, but Samson was under a vow to live a certain way, set apart, to be in a position to receive the power).
When Samson gave away the secret and allowed himself to be in a position to be compromised, his hair was cut, the enemy burst in, Delilah called out, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" and then these words.... Judges 16:20 Samson - He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
How often do we miss out on the power from on high because we "toy with sin" and fail to live set apart for God.
Today is a new day - renew your vows to the Lord - flee from sin - live set apart, and find God's power sufficient for every task He has for you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Judges 16:20 after "toying" with giving away the secret to his strength, Samson eventually tells Delilah about his hair (of course his strength was from God, but Samson was under a vow to live a certain way, set apart, to be in a position to receive the power).
When Samson gave away the secret and allowed himself to be in a position to be compromised, his hair was cut, the enemy burst in, Delilah called out, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" and then these words.... Judges 16:20 Samson - He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
How often do we miss out on the power from on high because we "toy with sin" and fail to live set apart for God.
Today is a new day - renew your vows to the Lord - flee from sin - live set apart, and find God's power sufficient for every task He has for you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Easter Resurrection Sunday!
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
To listen to this yesterday's Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
To listen to this yesterday's Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here for audio or download options.
For sermon notes see the full size sermon player at the bottom of this page - next to today's title is a PDF for notes. Today's notes have a fill in section and then a full manuscript outline of my study for today's sermon.
For past sermons or podcasting see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page. Choose a message by title OR click the podcasting icon at the bottom of the sermon player.
You can also access my sermon player (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It's Resurrection Sunday - He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
In Kipling’s story, The Jungle Book, Mowgli, the man cub, asks the animals what’s the most feared thing in the jungle. He’s told that when two animals meet on a narrow path that one must step aside and let the other pass. The animal that steps aside for no one would then be the most feared. Mowgli wants to know what kind of animal would that be? One tells him it’s an elephant. Another tells him it’s a lion. Finally the wise old owl exclaims, “The most feared thing in the jungle is death. It steps aside for no one.”
Death is an absolute truth for all of us. No one is exempt from death.
Heb. 9:27 – It is appointed to all men once to die and after that the judgment.
Ecc. 7:2 – …for death is the destiny of every man.
But death was not the destiny of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh and death had to step aside for him. Like a coward steps aside for the brave, death cowered in the presence of the power of Jesus Christ.
Rom. 6:9 – For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
Today we celebrate Easter or what I prefer to call Resurrection Sunday and it’s the celebration that death could not keep Jesus down!
The resurrection is of supreme importance because it is what separates from all the other religious leaders of the world? Death stepped aside for Him and not them.
Death didn’t step aside for Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. Their religious teachings did make an impact on the world, but they died never to be seen alive again.
Jesus was more than a great teacher, more than just a man, He was God incarnate, and He proved His superiority over all religious teachers by conquering sin, death, and the grave.
The resurrection is important to our faith because it’s what guarantees the absolute validity about who Jesus was and the truth of His teachings. -If there was no resurrection of Christ, then our faith is based on the teachings of a mere man.
Dr. David Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa: “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why did you become a Christian?’ He answered, ‘Well, It’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive. Which one would you ask which way to go?’”
Today there's no greater question than where you will spend eternity. Only through faith in Jesus Christ (trusting in Jesus alone), and by repenting of your sins (remorse for your sin and a promise to now turn from them to let God lead your lfie) can you be saved.
If you want more information on how to have a personal relationship with the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, contact your local Salvation Army or call me at 907.235.2609, or email mark.thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org I would love to share more with you.
Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, and He rose again to prove He was God and that His teaching is true. Once you accept Him, GO AND TELL SOMEBODY RIGHT AWAY and don't ever stop, the free gift of eternal life is for anyone who will call on Him.
We aren't promised tomorrow, nor are those you come in contact with, let no one die in their sins, live holy, and preach Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Death is an absolute truth for all of us. No one is exempt from death.
Heb. 9:27 – It is appointed to all men once to die and after that the judgment.
Ecc. 7:2 – …for death is the destiny of every man.
But death was not the destiny of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God in the flesh and death had to step aside for him. Like a coward steps aside for the brave, death cowered in the presence of the power of Jesus Christ.
Rom. 6:9 – For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
Today we celebrate Easter or what I prefer to call Resurrection Sunday and it’s the celebration that death could not keep Jesus down!
The resurrection is of supreme importance because it is what separates from all the other religious leaders of the world? Death stepped aside for Him and not them.
Death didn’t step aside for Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. Their religious teachings did make an impact on the world, but they died never to be seen alive again.
Jesus was more than a great teacher, more than just a man, He was God incarnate, and He proved His superiority over all religious teachers by conquering sin, death, and the grave.
The resurrection is important to our faith because it’s what guarantees the absolute validity about who Jesus was and the truth of His teachings. -If there was no resurrection of Christ, then our faith is based on the teachings of a mere man.
Dr. David Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa: “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why did you become a Christian?’ He answered, ‘Well, It’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive. Which one would you ask which way to go?’”
Today there's no greater question than where you will spend eternity. Only through faith in Jesus Christ (trusting in Jesus alone), and by repenting of your sins (remorse for your sin and a promise to now turn from them to let God lead your lfie) can you be saved.
If you want more information on how to have a personal relationship with the Risen Savior Jesus Christ, contact your local Salvation Army or call me at 907.235.2609, or email mark.thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org I would love to share more with you.
Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, and He rose again to prove He was God and that His teaching is true. Once you accept Him, GO AND TELL SOMEBODY RIGHT AWAY and don't ever stop, the free gift of eternal life is for anyone who will call on Him.
We aren't promised tomorrow, nor are those you come in contact with, let no one die in their sins, live holy, and preach Jesus.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
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