Thanks to Captain Rob Reardon - his link is on the left "Captain's Blog". Here is a re-post of his article. God is good!
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Salvation Army Helps Tribes in Papua New Guinea Exchange their Guns for Bibles
Wed at 9:17am
TWENTY-SIX years of tribal fighting in a remote region of Papua New Guinea have been brought to a close thanks to a Salvation Army programme that involved warriors swapping their guns for Bibles.
The fighting, which began after an accusation of sorcery, took place between two groups of Zugu, Taro and Tawansaru villages and the Amusa, Tarotu, Fusa and Takaitu villages of Okapa District. Because of the area's remoteness, government authorities, community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were unable to bring peace. The only people who could enter the villages were pastors from various churches.
Male children were raised to fight. Mothers were frustrated and saddened by giving birth to baby boys and raising them, only to find that later in life they would take up arms and fight like their fathers. Some even took the drastic step of killing male babies in the hope that this would stop the endless fighting.
In recent years the warring tribes heard about The Salvation Army Community Advancement and Reform Enhancement (CARE PNG) programme operating out of its Misapi outpost. The officer (minister) from Misapi, Captain Michael Hemuno, and CARE field officer Danny Glendumu visited the warring area and raised awareness of the possibility of peace.
In November 2008 The Salvation Army arranged a week-long peace training programme, facilitated by students from Divine Word University. Some 40 men and women leaders from both tribes attended. They all stayed in the same house for seven days and nights, eating, talking and sharing together. It was a challenging test for the beginning of a new era. Active warriors and the most influential Okapian sorcerers were among the group.
The leaders ended the training with a Highlands mumu, symbolising an end to fighting and beginning of peace. This was the start of the peace process involving each tribe deciding whether or not to have peace.
Almost a year later a peace ceremony was held, signifying a final end to the conflict.
Salvation Army leaders travelled to the ceremony by helicopter – the only realistic way to get to such a remote setting. Luggage was very limited so 300 Bibles were delivered by villagers from Misapi via a three-day foot journey.
Guests of honour were Lieut-Colonels Hans (Chief Secretary) and Marja van Vliet. They were accompanied by Major James Cocker (Secretary for Personnel), who had previously walked to the village on another visit, and Major David Temine, the divisional commander in charge of Salvation Army work in this portion of the Highlands.
More than 1,000 people made their way to the ceremony, some travelling for days.
Lieut-Colonel Hans van Vliet told everyone that this was a fresh start for the region, but that laying down weapons and items used in sorcery was not enough. 'You know what tribal warfare is all about. Many relatives have died,' he said. 'Leaders, you are making the promise not only in front of us but also in front of God. You must change within your mind, heart and soul.'
He said the new chapter in their lives should be one of love and care for their neighbors. Then two live pigs were presented, one to each of the warring groups as a token of appreciation for their peace efforts.
During the exchange process, one man accompanied his young son, who was carrying a gun. The man explained with tears in his eyes that he did not want his son to have to use such weapons and live the kind of life he had experienced, but he wanted him to be able to live in peace with other tribes. Both father and son left with a Bible.
Tribal leaders from both factions called on the national and provincial governments to allocate their share of development funds to the three main churches in the area – New Tribes and Lutheran churches and The Salvation Army – with the idea that these could build health centres and schools for the local people.
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Thanks Rob, thanks for sharing. God is amazing!
Ephesians 2:13-17 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
Take the message of peace with God through Jesus Christ - to someone at war with Him today!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday's Sermon- Footwear for taking a stand
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
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For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sunday's Sermon - Do you own a bullet proof vest?
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
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God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Don't Cry - He is Risen!
This passed on to me by Captain Rob Reardon via Eric Himes, thanks men!
Although some of the lyrics include the words "don't cry, He is risen" I know that it referred to sorrow, but as I listen I wept with joy, for He is risen indeed!
OH YEAH!!!!! Sidenote - Samuel Ljungblahd is a Salvationist AND he's wearing a SA high collar uniform!!! REPRESENT!!!!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Although some of the lyrics include the words "don't cry, He is risen" I know that it referred to sorrow, but as I listen I wept with joy, for He is risen indeed!
OH YEAH!!!!! Sidenote - Samuel Ljungblahd is a Salvationist AND he's wearing a SA high collar uniform!!! REPRESENT!!!!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday's Sermon - Don't forget to buckle up
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
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For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, January 18, 2010
No Sunday's Sermon - Just Praises
Hello soldiers, friends of The Salvation Army Homer Corps, and fellow followers of Jesus,
This past Sunday I took some young adults to a youth discipleship retreat and Captain Michelle stayed behind to lead our worship service and holiness meeting. In the end she was led to make it a day of singing, praise, and testimony.
Since everything was a little different we did not get an audio of the day, so join us again next week for our sermon series on the armor of God.
To hear past sermons just visit...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This past Sunday I took some young adults to a youth discipleship retreat and Captain Michelle stayed behind to lead our worship service and holiness meeting. In the end she was led to make it a day of singing, praise, and testimony.
Since everything was a little different we did not get an audio of the day, so join us again next week for our sermon series on the armor of God.
To hear past sermons just visit...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Updates on Haiti & The Salvation Army relief
For updates on Haiti please visit....
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/
OR
http://www.salvationarmyhaiti.org/
OR
http://www.expectchange.dreamhosters.com/
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/
OR
http://www.salvationarmyhaiti.org/
OR
http://www.expectchange.dreamhosters.com/
God please come along side all those who are mourning, hurting, and serving in your Name.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday's Sermon - Christianity is a battleground not a playground
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Letter from the General - "Beginnings"
PASTORAL LETTER SEVENTEEN (from the office of the General)
BEGINNINGS
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
Through this first Pastoral Letter of 2010 I greet you warmly in the sacred name of Jesus. In these opening weeks of the New Year I lift you up to God in prayer. May the Divine Presence be very real to each one of you at this time of new beginnings. May you sense the Lord's nearness day by day, moment by moment.
The theme of this 17th Pastoral Letter is 'Beginnings'.
Another year is a gift from God to each of us. The very newness of it causes us to pause and take stock of our lives. It is good to do this from time to time.
We can, first of all, cast a backward glance over our shoulders to review the year that has just closed. Can you see the gracious hand of the Lord in it: in the things that have happened in your life, and in the events impacting the lives of your loved ones and friends? It is a time to pause and give thanks to Almighty God for his promised presence with us through all the days of 2009. He has been there in the good and in the bad times. He has seen us through. He has been faithful.
Next we look ahead. It is a very great mercy that the future is veiled. This prompts our hearts to reach out still further to God as consciously we put our trust in him for the unknown days ahead. A time of new beginnings is a time also for new trust.
Let us find a quiet moment in which to tell the Lord that we do indeed love and trust him. It is a very great help to our souls to do this deliberately, with full intentionality. This quiet moment of rededication will become perhaps a source of great strength, of great grace, in the days ahead. Let it be a renewing of your love for God, a renewing of your devotion, a renewing of your willingness to serve him and to be seen and known by all as his disciple.
Then having placed our lives afresh before him in this manner, we can place our loved ones again into his loving care and protection.
For example, how good it is to pray for one's spouse, to speak aloud the name of a husband or a wife in prayer. The best marriages, marriages that endure, are built on such foundations. How helpful it is when a husband and wife can sit quietly together to pray aloud for each other and for the whole family circle. It is especially important to do this at a time of new beginnings and before the gentle, calm blessedness of Christmas has faded.
How good it is also to pray for one's children, naming them aloud before the Throne of Grace. God hears these prayers. They are never wasted. God's ear is inclined toward those who seek his guidance and protection for their children. Christian parents often make such prayers, as do Christian grandparents and Christian aunts and uncles. I say again: these prayers are never wasted.
This season of new beginnings allows us to place before the Lord also the hopes we have in our hearts concerning our daily work. Many of you reading this are Salvation Army officers making plans for the spiritual advancement of those you lead and those you serve in Christ's name. I say to you, 'May God bless those plans, those sacred ambitions for the souls of others.'
Many of you are local officers in the Army, holding sacred hopes that 2010 will see your service more fruitful for God than ever before. I join you in that good hope and I share the Spirit-prompted ambitions for your Kingdom-work.
I know also that many of you have influence over our young people in the Army. God bless you for that! I pray that you will be guided in all things by the Holy Spirit and that you will be given wisdom to lead many a young person into a new beginning with God.
Finally, I request that you continue to pray for me as we enter 2010. I need your prayers. Please pray for wisdom from God to be my portion, and also for physical strength to be granted day by day.
Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in greeting you as we commend you each one to the matchless love of the Saviour.
God be with you.
Yours in Christ
Shaw Clifton
General
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Live holy, preach Jesus!
BEGINNINGS
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
Through this first Pastoral Letter of 2010 I greet you warmly in the sacred name of Jesus. In these opening weeks of the New Year I lift you up to God in prayer. May the Divine Presence be very real to each one of you at this time of new beginnings. May you sense the Lord's nearness day by day, moment by moment.
The theme of this 17th Pastoral Letter is 'Beginnings'.
Another year is a gift from God to each of us. The very newness of it causes us to pause and take stock of our lives. It is good to do this from time to time.
We can, first of all, cast a backward glance over our shoulders to review the year that has just closed. Can you see the gracious hand of the Lord in it: in the things that have happened in your life, and in the events impacting the lives of your loved ones and friends? It is a time to pause and give thanks to Almighty God for his promised presence with us through all the days of 2009. He has been there in the good and in the bad times. He has seen us through. He has been faithful.
Next we look ahead. It is a very great mercy that the future is veiled. This prompts our hearts to reach out still further to God as consciously we put our trust in him for the unknown days ahead. A time of new beginnings is a time also for new trust.
Let us find a quiet moment in which to tell the Lord that we do indeed love and trust him. It is a very great help to our souls to do this deliberately, with full intentionality. This quiet moment of rededication will become perhaps a source of great strength, of great grace, in the days ahead. Let it be a renewing of your love for God, a renewing of your devotion, a renewing of your willingness to serve him and to be seen and known by all as his disciple.
Then having placed our lives afresh before him in this manner, we can place our loved ones again into his loving care and protection.
For example, how good it is to pray for one's spouse, to speak aloud the name of a husband or a wife in prayer. The best marriages, marriages that endure, are built on such foundations. How helpful it is when a husband and wife can sit quietly together to pray aloud for each other and for the whole family circle. It is especially important to do this at a time of new beginnings and before the gentle, calm blessedness of Christmas has faded.
How good it is also to pray for one's children, naming them aloud before the Throne of Grace. God hears these prayers. They are never wasted. God's ear is inclined toward those who seek his guidance and protection for their children. Christian parents often make such prayers, as do Christian grandparents and Christian aunts and uncles. I say again: these prayers are never wasted.
This season of new beginnings allows us to place before the Lord also the hopes we have in our hearts concerning our daily work. Many of you reading this are Salvation Army officers making plans for the spiritual advancement of those you lead and those you serve in Christ's name. I say to you, 'May God bless those plans, those sacred ambitions for the souls of others.'
Many of you are local officers in the Army, holding sacred hopes that 2010 will see your service more fruitful for God than ever before. I join you in that good hope and I share the Spirit-prompted ambitions for your Kingdom-work.
I know also that many of you have influence over our young people in the Army. God bless you for that! I pray that you will be guided in all things by the Holy Spirit and that you will be given wisdom to lead many a young person into a new beginning with God.
Finally, I request that you continue to pray for me as we enter 2010. I need your prayers. Please pray for wisdom from God to be my portion, and also for physical strength to be granted day by day.
Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in greeting you as we commend you each one to the matchless love of the Saviour.
God be with you.
Yours in Christ
Shaw Clifton
General
---------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday's Sermon - New Year's resolutions from the wisest man who ever lived.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Reading your Bible Facts... not enough time?
Did you know it takes very little time in God's Word each day to read it through each year.
· If you read 1 chapter each weekday (m-f) you will read the whole New Testament in one year
· If you read just 2 chapters a day you would read all of the New Testament, Proverbs, and the entire book of Psalms in one year
· If you committed 3 chapters a day a day and 5 on Sundays, you will read the the whole bible through completely every year
· If you will give God and yourself the privilege of 4 chapters a day, you could read all of the Bible through as well as either the Psalms or the whole New Testament a second time, EACH YEAR.
God has written out instructions for you to govern your life by, has advice for everything relating to life and godliness, speaks to all situations, and promises that if you apply it you cannot help but be blessed. MAKE TIME FOR HIS WORD THIS YEAR.
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Some Bible trivia - the middle Chapter of the bible is Psalm 118 (there are 1189 chapters in the Bible). Psalm 118 is after 117 (which is the shortest chapter in the Bible) and is before 119 (which is the longest chapter in the Bible).
The middle verse of the Bible is Psalms 118:8 which reads... It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
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Enjoy God's Word this year!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
· If you read 1 chapter each weekday (m-f) you will read the whole New Testament in one year
· If you read just 2 chapters a day you would read all of the New Testament, Proverbs, and the entire book of Psalms in one year
· If you committed 3 chapters a day a day and 5 on Sundays, you will read the the whole bible through completely every year
· If you will give God and yourself the privilege of 4 chapters a day, you could read all of the Bible through as well as either the Psalms or the whole New Testament a second time, EACH YEAR.
God has written out instructions for you to govern your life by, has advice for everything relating to life and godliness, speaks to all situations, and promises that if you apply it you cannot help but be blessed. MAKE TIME FOR HIS WORD THIS YEAR.
-------
Some Bible trivia - the middle Chapter of the bible is Psalm 118 (there are 1189 chapters in the Bible). Psalm 118 is after 117 (which is the shortest chapter in the Bible) and is before 119 (which is the longest chapter in the Bible).
The middle verse of the Bible is Psalms 118:8 which reads... It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
-----------
Enjoy God's Word this year!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Quote by J.C. Ryle passed on by my friend Bryan Lowe...
Amidst the flood of dangerous reading, I plead for my Master's book, I call upon you not to forget the book of the soul. Do not let newspapers, novels, and romances be read, while the prophets and Apostles be despised. Do not let the exciting and sensual swallow up your attention, while the edifying and the sanctifying can find no place in your mind. --J.C. Ryle
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It's a new year - pick a bible reading plan - Any bible reading plan - and start reading daily to do whatever you read.
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Live holy, preach Jesus!
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It's a new year - pick a bible reading plan - Any bible reading plan - and start reading daily to do whatever you read.
---------------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
C.S. Lewis Quote...
A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Ending the new year with advent faith!
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Make room!
Make sure you take time to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ this Christmas.
Remember that when we read "there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn", it wasn't that there was actually no room, it's that they didn't MAKE ROOM. Had Herod arrived and demanded a room, people would have thrown out other guests in order to make room, even given up their own room for him... once you realize that Jesus is both Lord and Savior you must repent of your sins and make room to put Him first in all things and every area of your life in order to claim His promise to abide with you and you in Him.
Put Jesus first - because He is and will not settle for second place in your life, "Jesus is either Lord of all, or He's not your Lord at all".
Seek the Christ we celebrate at Christmas.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Remember that when we read "there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn", it wasn't that there was actually no room, it's that they didn't MAKE ROOM. Had Herod arrived and demanded a room, people would have thrown out other guests in order to make room, even given up their own room for him... once you realize that Jesus is both Lord and Savior you must repent of your sins and make room to put Him first in all things and every area of your life in order to claim His promise to abide with you and you in Him.
Put Jesus first - because He is and will not settle for second place in your life, "Jesus is either Lord of all, or He's not your Lord at all".
Seek the Christ we celebrate at Christmas.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - The gifts of the first Christmas celebartions.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Forwarding this from a friend ... Improv Everywhere: Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce
You've got to wonder what this bell ringer what thinking??????.... enjoy....
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - How Bethlehem missed Christmas
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166513
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166513
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Classic Christmas message - Luke 2:8-20
Charles Schulz found the gift of Christmas, coming to faith in Christ as a child, and returning home after service in World War II with very strong Christian beliefs. For a while, even worked as a writer for a Christian magazine. But he found fame, of course, as the creator of “Peanuts,” the most famous comic strip in history. Ironically, in 1965, television producers almost turned away the Shultz’ most successful project of all. When the first screening of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was seen, executive producer Lee Mendelson says that CBS network executives hated the show. "They said it was slow," says Mendelson, who, along with animator Bill Melendez, told Schulz, "You can't read from the Bible on network television." Schulz's desires prevailed, however, and the simple cartoon special garnered an unbelievable 50 percent of the nation's viewers that first year. It went on to win both an Emmy and a Peabody award. Pop Culture experts affirm that the program, now considered an icon, draws strength from its back-to-the-basics approach. The ironic thing is that the program, which intentionally turned away from a materialistic view of Christmas, has become a huge corporate moneymaker. During its 40th broadcast, it won its timeslot in terms of total viewers (15.4 million), and led all adult, teen, and children's demographics. It also earned over $6 million in ad revenue, as companies paid over $200,000 for each commercial airing with it. Schulz's widow, Jeannie, is not surprised that the show has earned such large profits, saying, "[Charles] said there would always be a market for innocence." (Source: Bill Nichols, "The Christmas Classic That Almost Wasn't," USA Today, December 6, 2005, pp. 1-2A; "You're a Good Magnet for Holiday Ads, Charlie Brown," LATimes.com).
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Take time to seek the Christ of Christmas this holy season.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Homer News Report of Holiday efforts
Here is a story about our local Salvation Army in the paper this week.
Read the whole article here...
http://www.homernews.com/stories/120909/news_1_008.shtml
Blessings,
Live holy, preach Jesus.
Read the whole article here...
http://www.homernews.com/stories/120909/news_1_008.shtml
Blessings,
Live holy, preach Jesus.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sermon Audio Problems fixed!
Hello soldiers and friends,
Special thanks to Craig for telling me of the audio problem with my last 6 entries. They have all been corrected and should be fine from here on out. Please let me know if there are any further problems, but hopefully the bug is fixed.
You can go back and listen or download them again and they should be fine.
Thanks for listening and remember... we will try to keep my voice as clear as possible, but make sure you can here HIS.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Special thanks to Craig for telling me of the audio problem with my last 6 entries. They have all been corrected and should be fine from here on out. Please let me know if there are any further problems, but hopefully the bug is fixed.
You can go back and listen or download them again and they should be fine.
Thanks for listening and remember... we will try to keep my voice as clear as possible, but make sure you can here HIS.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sermon audio problems???? Past 5 Sermons & soldier enrollment
Hello to all those who listen to my sermons on-line,
Right now there is an audio problem with my past 5 sermon (and soldier enrollment) audio files, I'm sorry for the problem and hope to have them fixed shortly. If there are any others that aren't working correctly please let me know.
Thanks for listening, and God bless.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Right now there is an audio problem with my past 5 sermon (and soldier enrollment) audio files, I'm sorry for the problem and hope to have them fixed shortly. If there are any others that aren't working correctly please let me know.
Thanks for listening, and God bless.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday's Sermon - The Church Leaders who missed Christmas
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166511
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
special note... Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166511
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Salvation Army red kettles now accepting prayer requests
Great story from my fellow comrads in Spokane.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 11:28
Luke 11:27-28 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." 28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Just a quick thought as we enter the Holy Season of Christmas...
What an amazing thing for God to choose Mary herself to be so privileged as to give birth to God incarnate - Immanuel. But Jesus Himself says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Would you like to be as blessed as Mary???? Read God's Word... Hear God's Word.... and do what it says.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a quick thought as we enter the Holy Season of Christmas...
What an amazing thing for God to choose Mary herself to be so privileged as to give birth to God incarnate - Immanuel. But Jesus Himself says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Would you like to be as blessed as Mary???? Read God's Word... Hear God's Word.... and do what it says.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Quote from Samuel Logan Brengle
Someone recently passed this great quote to me, apparently from Brengle...
Samuel Brengle (Salvation Army) said, "The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, he used it. The moment he throws it aside, it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Samuel Brengle (Salvation Army) said, "The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, he used it. The moment he throws it aside, it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
No special emotional feelings, just faith in God. Oswald Chambers Luke 11:13
I wanted to pass on this great illustration from SermonCentral.com and their daily sermon illustrations they send me free by email...
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As a young man, Oswald Chambers, who wrote the materials that became My Utmost For His Highest, battled a persistent sense of barrenness in his Christian life. He finally wrote: "I was getting desperate. I knew no one who had what I wanted; in fact I did not know what I did want. But I knew that if what I had was all the Christianity there was, the thing was a fraud.
"At a little meeting in Dunoon, a well-known lady was asked to take the after-meeting. She did not speak, but set us to prayer, and then sang, 'Touch me again, Lord.' I felt nothing, but I knew emphatically my time had come. I rose to my feet. Then and there, I claimed the gift of the Holy Spirit in dogged committal on Luke 11:13. I had no vision of heaven or of angels; I had nothing. I was as dry and empty as ever, no power or realization of God, no witness of the Holy Spirit. Then I was asked to speak to a meeting, and forty souls came out to the front!
I came to realize that God intended me, having asked, to simply take it by faith, and that power would be there. I might see it only by the backward look, but I was to reckon on the fact that God would be with me.
"From that point on, Oswald Chambers ministered with extraordinary power. His words and writings touched people around the world, especially when he taught, as he frequently did, from his favorite verse, Luke 11:13. And when Oswald died at an early age in Egypt during World War I, an old Australian soldier whom he had led to Christ had a Bible carved in stone for his grave. Its pages were tuned to Luke 11:13.
Contributed by: A. Todd Coget
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Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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As a young man, Oswald Chambers, who wrote the materials that became My Utmost For His Highest, battled a persistent sense of barrenness in his Christian life. He finally wrote: "I was getting desperate. I knew no one who had what I wanted; in fact I did not know what I did want. But I knew that if what I had was all the Christianity there was, the thing was a fraud.
"At a little meeting in Dunoon, a well-known lady was asked to take the after-meeting. She did not speak, but set us to prayer, and then sang, 'Touch me again, Lord.' I felt nothing, but I knew emphatically my time had come. I rose to my feet. Then and there, I claimed the gift of the Holy Spirit in dogged committal on Luke 11:13. I had no vision of heaven or of angels; I had nothing. I was as dry and empty as ever, no power or realization of God, no witness of the Holy Spirit. Then I was asked to speak to a meeting, and forty souls came out to the front!
I came to realize that God intended me, having asked, to simply take it by faith, and that power would be there. I might see it only by the backward look, but I was to reckon on the fact that God would be with me.
"From that point on, Oswald Chambers ministered with extraordinary power. His words and writings touched people around the world, especially when he taught, as he frequently did, from his favorite verse, Luke 11:13. And when Oswald died at an early age in Egypt during World War I, an old Australian soldier whom he had led to Christ had a Bible carved in stone for his grave. Its pages were tuned to Luke 11:13.
Contributed by: A. Todd Coget
-------------
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - The King who missed Christmas
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
2 special notes...
1. Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166510
2. The pictures I mention in the sermon are at the end of my manuscript - you can download it and increase their size if you would like to view them.
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
2 special notes...
1. Much of this sermon was from a sermon by Andy Cook of LifeWay - originally published in Proclaim Online. Original sermon & powerpoint at http://www.lifeway.com/article/?id=166510
2. The pictures I mention in the sermon are at the end of my manuscript - you can download it and increase their size if you would like to view them.
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, November 27, 2009
To Rock the boat
I wanted to pass on this great illustration from SermonCentral.com and their daily sermon illustrations they send me free by email...
To Rock the Boat
Survivor Eva Hart remembers the night, April 15, 1912, on which the Titanic plunged 12,000 feet to the Atlantic floor, some two hours and forty minutes after an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the starboard side: "I saw all the horror of its sinking, and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries of drowning people." Although twenty life-boats and rafts were launched—too few and only partly filled—most of the passengers ended up struggling in the icy seas while those in the boats waited a safe distance away. Lifeboat No. 14 did row back to the scene after the unsinkable ship slipped from sight at 2:20 A.M. Alone, it chased cries in the darkness, seeking and saving a precious few. Incredibly, no other boat joined it. Some were already overloaded, but in virtually every other boat, those already saved rowed their half-filled boats aimlessly in the night, listening to the cries of the lost. Each feared a crush of unknown swimmers would cling to their craft, eventually swamping it.
"I came to seek and to save the lost," our Savior said. And he commissioned us to do the same. But we face a large obstacle: fear. While people drown in the treacherous waters around us, we are tempted to stay dry and make certain no one rocks the boat.
Contributed by: Ryan Johnson
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Live holy, preach Jesus!
To Rock the Boat
Survivor Eva Hart remembers the night, April 15, 1912, on which the Titanic plunged 12,000 feet to the Atlantic floor, some two hours and forty minutes after an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the starboard side: "I saw all the horror of its sinking, and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries of drowning people." Although twenty life-boats and rafts were launched—too few and only partly filled—most of the passengers ended up struggling in the icy seas while those in the boats waited a safe distance away. Lifeboat No. 14 did row back to the scene after the unsinkable ship slipped from sight at 2:20 A.M. Alone, it chased cries in the darkness, seeking and saving a precious few. Incredibly, no other boat joined it. Some were already overloaded, but in virtually every other boat, those already saved rowed their half-filled boats aimlessly in the night, listening to the cries of the lost. Each feared a crush of unknown swimmers would cling to their craft, eventually swamping it.
"I came to seek and to save the lost," our Savior said. And he commissioned us to do the same. But we face a large obstacle: fear. While people drown in the treacherous waters around us, we are tempted to stay dry and make certain no one rocks the boat.
Contributed by: Ryan Johnson
----
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
7 ways you say thank you to God…
This is a note I found tucked away with some Thanksgiving items...
7 Ways you say thank you to God…
1) When Spend time with Him daily (not just on Sunday)
2) When you forgive others
3) When you serve in His church
4) When you reach out to hurting people
5) When you share His Plan of salvation
6) When you give God the best of your time, talents, and treasures
7) When you praise Him enthusiastically from the heart
Live holy, preach Jesus!
7 Ways you say thank you to God…
1) When Spend time with Him daily (not just on Sunday)
2) When you forgive others
3) When you serve in His church
4) When you reach out to hurting people
5) When you share His Plan of salvation
6) When you give God the best of your time, talents, and treasures
7) When you praise Him enthusiastically from the heart
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - 5 Commands of thanksgiving
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Soldier Enrollment of Michaela Franklin
Our Corps was privileged today to have Michaela Franklin choose to become a soldier of Christ in The Salvation Army. Listen here for her enrollment.
Here is a copy of the promises one makes when the become a Salvation Army Soldier...
The 'Articles of War' or "The soldier's covenant
HAVING accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, and desiring to fulfil my membership of His Church on earth as a soldier of The Salvation Army, I now by God’s grace enter into a sacred covenant.
I believe and will live by the truths of the word of God expressed in The Salvation Army’s eleven articles of faith:
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God: and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator. Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost—undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
THEREFORE I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work and obedient to His leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading of the Bible.
I will make the values of the Kingdom of God and not the values of the world the standard for my life.
I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life, allowing nothing in thought, word, or deed that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, profane, dishonest or immoral.
I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships with others: my family and neighbours, my colleagues and fellow Salvationists, those to whom and for whom I am responsible, and the wider community.
I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life.
I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God.
I will abstain from alcoholic drink. tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.
I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavouring to win others to Him, and in His name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.
I will be actively involved, as l am able, in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps, giving as large a proportion of my income as possible to support its ministries and the worldwide work of the Army.
I will be true to the principles and practices of The Salvation Army, loyal to its leaders, and I will show the spirit of Salvationism whether in times of popularity or persecution.
I now call upon all present to witness that I enter into this covenant and sign these articles of war of my own free will, convinced that the love of Christ, who died and now lives to save me, requires from me this devotion of my life to His service for the salvation of the whole world; and therefore do here declare my full determination, by God’s help, to be a true soldier of The Salvation Army.
-----------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Here is a copy of the promises one makes when the become a Salvation Army Soldier...
The 'Articles of War' or "The soldier's covenant
HAVING accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, and desiring to fulfil my membership of His Church on earth as a soldier of The Salvation Army, I now by God’s grace enter into a sacred covenant.
I believe and will live by the truths of the word of God expressed in The Salvation Army’s eleven articles of faith:
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God: and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator. Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost—undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.
THEREFORE I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work and obedient to His leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading of the Bible.
I will make the values of the Kingdom of God and not the values of the world the standard for my life.
I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life, allowing nothing in thought, word, or deed that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, profane, dishonest or immoral.
I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships with others: my family and neighbours, my colleagues and fellow Salvationists, those to whom and for whom I am responsible, and the wider community.
I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life.
I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God.
I will abstain from alcoholic drink. tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.
I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavouring to win others to Him, and in His name caring for the needy and the disadvantaged.
I will be actively involved, as l am able, in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps, giving as large a proportion of my income as possible to support its ministries and the worldwide work of the Army.
I will be true to the principles and practices of The Salvation Army, loyal to its leaders, and I will show the spirit of Salvationism whether in times of popularity or persecution.
I now call upon all present to witness that I enter into this covenant and sign these articles of war of my own free will, convinced that the love of Christ, who died and now lives to save me, requires from me this devotion of my life to His service for the salvation of the whole world; and therefore do here declare my full determination, by God’s help, to be a true soldier of The Salvation Army.
-----------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Captain's meditation on Luke 10:38-42
Luke 10:38-42 At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Jesus Himself was in their home. That is an amazing thought by itself. Make sure you realize that God Himself through His Holy Spirit is with you everywhere you go today (your home included). It's also important to realize that they opened their home to him. He is always wanting to come close to you, but you must be open to receive Him. During this busy season, it is right to serve the Lord by serving the "least of these". Touch others in His name, do "intakes", make food boxes, prep the chapel, prepare bible studies, plan services, plan holiday meals, do street ministry, etc., etc., etc., but make sure that you don't leave Him sitting there while you run around busy. Make sure you have opened yourself to be beside Him throughout your day, and also be sure you spend some time alone .... ... still... ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I leave you with these words from the song by John Wesley...
LO! I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will;
Him in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord's commands, I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha's hands, And loving Mary's heart.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Jesus Himself was in their home. That is an amazing thought by itself. Make sure you realize that God Himself through His Holy Spirit is with you everywhere you go today (your home included). It's also important to realize that they opened their home to him. He is always wanting to come close to you, but you must be open to receive Him. During this busy season, it is right to serve the Lord by serving the "least of these". Touch others in His name, do "intakes", make food boxes, prep the chapel, prepare bible studies, plan services, plan holiday meals, do street ministry, etc., etc., etc., but make sure that you don't leave Him sitting there while you run around busy. Make sure you have opened yourself to be beside Him throughout your day, and also be sure you spend some time alone .... ... still... ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I leave you with these words from the song by John Wesley...
LO! I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will;
Him in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord's commands, I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha's hands, And loving Mary's heart.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tis the season to be busy and focussed.
To all our soldiers and freinds of The Salvation Army Homer Corps,
I just wanted to mention that during this Holy season I will be busy, but more than just busy I want to stay focussed on Christ. It will be my goal to update the blog as I am able, but instead of posting daily (as was my habit), I will most likely only post my sermons and possible one other a week until the new year. I had hoped to continue daily, but we'll see what the Lord allows. SO - Keep checking in for the sermon, and to see what comes next. I will plan to be faithful to God honoring blogs in the New Year.
During this season take every opportunity to point people to Christ.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I just wanted to mention that during this Holy season I will be busy, but more than just busy I want to stay focussed on Christ. It will be my goal to update the blog as I am able, but instead of posting daily (as was my habit), I will most likely only post my sermons and possible one other a week until the new year. I had hoped to continue daily, but we'll see what the Lord allows. SO - Keep checking in for the sermon, and to see what comes next. I will plan to be faithful to God honoring blogs in the New Year.
During this season take every opportunity to point people to Christ.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Don't miss miracles for "stuff"
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
Note: Low volume from 3.46 - 4.39 as a 2nd speaker speaks
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Note: Low volume from 3.46 - 4.39 as a 2nd speaker speaks
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Does the grass grow on your path? Prayer
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Have a blessed Sunday - Is grass growing on your path?
I read this article from "Today in the Word", June 29, 1992.
Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."
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So my friends, does the grass grow on your path? How are you doing in time with the Lord? Are you spending adequate time for your soul in His Word, and in prayer with Jesus? If not, intentionally make time today. He's waiting to talk with you.
God bless your Sunday,
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."
-----
So my friends, does the grass grow on your path? How are you doing in time with the Lord? Are you spending adequate time for your soul in His Word, and in prayer with Jesus? If not, intentionally make time today. He's waiting to talk with you.
God bless your Sunday,
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Salvation Army responsding to Fort Hood
This article from The Salvation Army - Southern Territory - Released 6 November 2009
http://uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss.nsf
SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES PASTORAL CARE AT FORT HOOD
The Salvation Army is responding this morning to an urgent request from the State of Texas to report to Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas, site of the tragic shooting incident of Thursday afternoon, to provide pastoral care and counseling to first responders, family members and children affected by this horrific tragedy.
Salvation Army Officer from Waco, Texas, Captain Russell Czajkowski, a former United States Marine, will be overseeing The Salvation Army’s pastoral response efforts on site with direction from Major James Taylor, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Secretary for Texas.
The Salvation Army is answering the call immediately and will report to the base to provide spiritual care today and through the weekend from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army has a long history of meeting not only physical needs of people in the aftermath of tragic events, but also emotional and spiritual needs.
“We are honored to answer this call and to provide what comfort and counseling we can to our brothers and sisters during the aftermath of this horrific day,” said Major James Taylor. ---end
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May God show Himself mightily to all involved in this tragic incident. Our hearts and prayers go first naturally to those who lost loved ones, the wounded, the men and women of Fort Hood, and their families. Next although harder to do, I am reminded that Jesus said to love our enemies and even pray for those who persecute us, so although it is not natural to do, I agree I must also remember Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan in prayer that he might have a true encounter with the One True God through the person of Jesus Christ.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
http://uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss.nsf
SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES PASTORAL CARE AT FORT HOOD
The Salvation Army is responding this morning to an urgent request from the State of Texas to report to Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas, site of the tragic shooting incident of Thursday afternoon, to provide pastoral care and counseling to first responders, family members and children affected by this horrific tragedy.
Salvation Army Officer from Waco, Texas, Captain Russell Czajkowski, a former United States Marine, will be overseeing The Salvation Army’s pastoral response efforts on site with direction from Major James Taylor, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Secretary for Texas.
The Salvation Army is answering the call immediately and will report to the base to provide spiritual care today and through the weekend from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army has a long history of meeting not only physical needs of people in the aftermath of tragic events, but also emotional and spiritual needs.
“We are honored to answer this call and to provide what comfort and counseling we can to our brothers and sisters during the aftermath of this horrific day,” said Major James Taylor. ---end
------------------
May God show Himself mightily to all involved in this tragic incident. Our hearts and prayers go first naturally to those who lost loved ones, the wounded, the men and women of Fort Hood, and their families. Next although harder to do, I am reminded that Jesus said to love our enemies and even pray for those who persecute us, so although it is not natural to do, I agree I must also remember Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan in prayer that he might have a true encounter with the One True God through the person of Jesus Christ.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Songbook Song 415 "From every stain made clean"
Read carefully and meditate on these fantastic promises and declarations from our Salvation Army Songbook written by Herbert Howard Booth ...
1. From every stain made clean, From every sin set free;
O blessed Lord, this is the gift That thou hast promised me.
And pressing through the past Of failure, fault and fear,
Before thy cross my soul I cast, And dare to leave it there.
2. From thee I would not hide My sin, because of fear
What men may think; I hate my pride. And as I am appear,
Just as I am, O Lord, Not what I'm thought to be,
Just as I am, a struggling soul For life and liberty.
3. While in thy light I stand, My heart, I seem to see,
Has failed to take from thy own hand The gifts it offers me.
O Lord, thy plenteous grace, Thy wisdom and thy power,
I here proclaim, before thy face, Can keep me every hour.
4. Upon the altar here I lay my treasure down;
I only want to have thee near, King of my heart to crown.
The fire doth surely burn My every selfish claim;
And while from them to thee I turn, I trust in thy great name.
5. A heart by blood made clean In every wish and thought,
A heart that by God's power has been Into subjection brought,
To walk, to weep, to sing, Within the light of Heaven;
This is the blessing, Saviour-King, That thou to me hast given.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
1. From every stain made clean, From every sin set free;
O blessed Lord, this is the gift That thou hast promised me.
And pressing through the past Of failure, fault and fear,
Before thy cross my soul I cast, And dare to leave it there.
2. From thee I would not hide My sin, because of fear
What men may think; I hate my pride. And as I am appear,
Just as I am, O Lord, Not what I'm thought to be,
Just as I am, a struggling soul For life and liberty.
3. While in thy light I stand, My heart, I seem to see,
Has failed to take from thy own hand The gifts it offers me.
O Lord, thy plenteous grace, Thy wisdom and thy power,
I here proclaim, before thy face, Can keep me every hour.
4. Upon the altar here I lay my treasure down;
I only want to have thee near, King of my heart to crown.
The fire doth surely burn My every selfish claim;
And while from them to thee I turn, I trust in thy great name.
5. A heart by blood made clean In every wish and thought,
A heart that by God's power has been Into subjection brought,
To walk, to weep, to sing, Within the light of Heaven;
This is the blessing, Saviour-King, That thou to me hast given.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Life speeding up? Slow down.
Just passing this on for my soldier & officer friends as we approach the busy and holy time of Christmas. With all the extra Salvation Army duties I thought this was appropriate.
This was taken from an email "Church leaders intelligence report".
----------------
When Things Speed Up, Leaders Should Slow Down
Leadership development consultant Brad Lomenick suggests that when facing times of great intensity and pressure, leaders should:
Always over-communicate.
Be methodical and calm, not intense and short.
List out priorities, so as to not be overwhelmed by the small things that seem to be incredibly urgent, but really aren’t.
Seek out quiet moments for prayer, reflection and thinking. During times of pressure, that is when we need those quiet moments the most.
Resist the urge to let things slide or just settle for something average because of the pressure to get it done. Keep your standards and levels of excellence at their highest—don’t compromise.
Brad Lomenick, On the Journey
-----------------------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This was taken from an email "Church leaders intelligence report".
----------------
When Things Speed Up, Leaders Should Slow Down
Leadership development consultant Brad Lomenick suggests that when facing times of great intensity and pressure, leaders should:
Always over-communicate.
Be methodical and calm, not intense and short.
List out priorities, so as to not be overwhelmed by the small things that seem to be incredibly urgent, but really aren’t.
Seek out quiet moments for prayer, reflection and thinking. During times of pressure, that is when we need those quiet moments the most.
Resist the urge to let things slide or just settle for something average because of the pressure to get it done. Keep your standards and levels of excellence at their highest—don’t compromise.
Brad Lomenick, On the Journey
-----------------------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A pro-life praise report of God touching lives
Just a great report of a Planned Parenthood leader who converts to a pro-life position and resigns after watching the ultrasound of an abortion. She said, “I just thought I can’t do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that’s it.” - God is good!
I had a problem with adding the video here, so to see the original news site just click this link for the story...
http://www.breitbart.tv/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-ultrasound-of-abortion-procedure/
---
Update... Here is more of the story from http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=752102
The director of Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas, has resigned after a spiritual experience.
Abby Johnson spoke with local television station KBTX and said she threw in the towel after viewing a sonogram of an unborn baby in September. It was that moment that brought the former director to a realization. "I can't do this anymore," she remembers thinking. "It was just like a flash that hit me, and I thought, 'That's it.'"
Johnson worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years, two of which she spent as director. She says the organization was changing, and that was something she realized when she was instructed to get more abortions to the facility, apparently for financial reasons. This was something she could not do because she felt that God changed her heart.
"I feel so pure in heart. I don't have this guilt," she is relieved to report. "I don't have this burden on me anymore, and that's how I know that this conversion was a spiritual conversion." Johnson adds that she now supports the Brazos Vally Coalition for Life and other volunteers to pray with the group at the Planned Parenthood, just as volunteers in the past had prayed for the babies' lives. She is also encouraging them to pray for a change in the heart of Planned Parenthood's employees.
Associated Press is reporting today that Planned Parenthood has filed a temporary injunction to prevent Johnson from teaming up with the Coalition for Life to release records from her eight years of work at the clinic. Johnson says she never planned to release the records.
Shawn Carney, director of the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, says Johnson experienced "a religious change of mind or change of heart and it has nothing to do with documents."
----------------------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I had a problem with adding the video here, so to see the original news site just click this link for the story...
http://www.breitbart.tv/planned-parenthood-leader-resigns-after-watching-ultrasound-of-abortion-procedure/
---
Update... Here is more of the story from http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=752102
The director of Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas, has resigned after a spiritual experience.
Abby Johnson spoke with local television station KBTX and said she threw in the towel after viewing a sonogram of an unborn baby in September. It was that moment that brought the former director to a realization. "I can't do this anymore," she remembers thinking. "It was just like a flash that hit me, and I thought, 'That's it.'"
Johnson worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years, two of which she spent as director. She says the organization was changing, and that was something she realized when she was instructed to get more abortions to the facility, apparently for financial reasons. This was something she could not do because she felt that God changed her heart.
"I feel so pure in heart. I don't have this guilt," she is relieved to report. "I don't have this burden on me anymore, and that's how I know that this conversion was a spiritual conversion." Johnson adds that she now supports the Brazos Vally Coalition for Life and other volunteers to pray with the group at the Planned Parenthood, just as volunteers in the past had prayed for the babies' lives. She is also encouraging them to pray for a change in the heart of Planned Parenthood's employees.
Associated Press is reporting today that Planned Parenthood has filed a temporary injunction to prevent Johnson from teaming up with the Coalition for Life to release records from her eight years of work at the clinic. Johnson says she never planned to release the records.
Shawn Carney, director of the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, says Johnson experienced "a religious change of mind or change of heart and it has nothing to do with documents."
----------------------
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Overcoming Sinful Addictions, pornography
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a notes page followed by a manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a notes page followed by a manuscript of this message use download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Blessed Sunday, White Ribbon Against Pornography (W.R.A.P.)
Check in tomorrow for a post of my sermon on the topic of "overcoming sinful addictions".
This past week has been a focus on White Ribbon Against Pornography. For those wanting more information about the actual campaign and what you can do - visit http://www.moralityinmedia.org/
Other great sites for those needing help and freedom from pornography there is a great site called... http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/ They have free interactive, Christ-centered, accountability bible studies on a range of topics.
You can also put free accountability software on your comupter like... http://x3watch.com/
And at least have a free internet filter and parental controls for the kids computers - we just installed K9 Web Protection at http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This past week has been a focus on White Ribbon Against Pornography. For those wanting more information about the actual campaign and what you can do - visit http://www.moralityinmedia.org/
Other great sites for those needing help and freedom from pornography there is a great site called... http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/ They have free interactive, Christ-centered, accountability bible studies on a range of topics.
You can also put free accountability software on your comupter like... http://x3watch.com/
And at least have a free internet filter and parental controls for the kids computers - we just installed K9 Web Protection at http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hate crime vs. Free speach
Here are some thoughts after Wednesday night's bible study at the corps...
First let me share this report from Jim Brown taken from OneNewsNow.com - 10/29/2009 8:30:00 AM
-----------------
Hate crimes law - ungodly, unconstitutional, unnecessary
A Christian evangelist who was once arrested, jailed, and charged under Pennsylvania's hate crimes law says the federal hate crimes bill signed into law by President Obama is one of the most dangerous laws in the history of the United States.
With the stroke of President Obama's pen yesterday, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law. It creates additional penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim's "actual or perceived" gender, "gender identity," sexual orientation, or disability.
Michael Marcavage, director of Philadelphia-based Repent America, was one of 11 Christians who were jailed and charged with a hate crime for carrying Bible verse banners and preaching at a 2004 homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges were later dismissed -- and in 2008, the state's Supreme Court ruled the law had been passed illegally by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Marcavage says the new federal hate crimes law is yet another move by the federal government to "silence Christians." "What this bill does is [seek] to shut down those who dare to speak against the sin of homosexuality with the hope and freedom that is found in Jesus Christ," says the Christian activist.
"Having been charged under a hate crime, I'm definitely moved with compassion on those who the government is trying to silence us from reaching out to," he continues, "but we're going to continue to do as we have been doing, and ministering to those trapped in the bondage of this lifestyle."
Marcavage offers three reasons why he opposes the new law. He says it is ungodly because it "seeks to shut down the gospel of Jesus Christ"; unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment; and also unnecessary because there are already laws on the books that punish violent crimes.
-----------------
No matter what your understanding of this current new hate crime law is... we as believers in Jesus Christ all understand this... that the world would like to silence the message that all sin is sin, it is offensive to our Holy God, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be forgiven of our sinfulness. Only by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and empowered to now live a holy life as directed by the Bible and be fit for heaven.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Here is the truth...
1. we currently have freedoms of speech unparalleled by other places in the world.
2. Our freedoms are currently being taken by law or societies requirement to be "tolerantly politically correct."
What must our response be... Whether we are approved by law, or accepted by society, we must continue to preach the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Go be bold in your declaration that Jesus is the Savior from sin and death.
Here is some of our portion of study for next week...
Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
First let me share this report from Jim Brown taken from OneNewsNow.com - 10/29/2009 8:30:00 AM
-----------------
Hate crimes law - ungodly, unconstitutional, unnecessary
A Christian evangelist who was once arrested, jailed, and charged under Pennsylvania's hate crimes law says the federal hate crimes bill signed into law by President Obama is one of the most dangerous laws in the history of the United States.
With the stroke of President Obama's pen yesterday, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law. It creates additional penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim's "actual or perceived" gender, "gender identity," sexual orientation, or disability.
Michael Marcavage, director of Philadelphia-based Repent America, was one of 11 Christians who were jailed and charged with a hate crime for carrying Bible verse banners and preaching at a 2004 homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges were later dismissed -- and in 2008, the state's Supreme Court ruled the law had been passed illegally by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Marcavage says the new federal hate crimes law is yet another move by the federal government to "silence Christians." "What this bill does is [seek] to shut down those who dare to speak against the sin of homosexuality with the hope and freedom that is found in Jesus Christ," says the Christian activist.
"Having been charged under a hate crime, I'm definitely moved with compassion on those who the government is trying to silence us from reaching out to," he continues, "but we're going to continue to do as we have been doing, and ministering to those trapped in the bondage of this lifestyle."
Marcavage offers three reasons why he opposes the new law. He says it is ungodly because it "seeks to shut down the gospel of Jesus Christ"; unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment; and also unnecessary because there are already laws on the books that punish violent crimes.
-----------------
No matter what your understanding of this current new hate crime law is... we as believers in Jesus Christ all understand this... that the world would like to silence the message that all sin is sin, it is offensive to our Holy God, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be forgiven of our sinfulness. Only by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and empowered to now live a holy life as directed by the Bible and be fit for heaven.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Here is the truth...
1. we currently have freedoms of speech unparalleled by other places in the world.
2. Our freedoms are currently being taken by law or societies requirement to be "tolerantly politically correct."
What must our response be... Whether we are approved by law, or accepted by society, we must continue to preach the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Go be bold in your declaration that Jesus is the Savior from sin and death.
Here is some of our portion of study for next week...
Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
To do halloween or not???
Hello soldiers, freinds, and fellow followers of Jesus Christ,
Just a reminder that this year our Corps will not be hosting a halloween alternative carnival. Although we have enjoyed the fun in past years and always gave some form of gospel presentation, we couldn't justify the cost and man-power for such little turn-out and no real corps growth.
SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO???... Halloween options abound....
Just a reminder that this year our Corps will not be hosting a halloween alternative carnival. Although we have enjoyed the fun in past years and always gave some form of gospel presentation, we couldn't justify the cost and man-power for such little turn-out and no real corps growth.
SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO???... Halloween options abound....
- This year several church have combined for a united outreach for a safe alternative if you want to join with them.
- You might want to go trick or treating and give out tracts, invites to church, or do one on one evangelism.
- You could open your home to give out treats and also give out gospel information, church invites, etc...
- You could go find a scary part of town and do street witnessing to those who are out and about.
Whatever you do, make sure you use this time of year to speak with people about what they believe about eternity, and then love them enough to share the truth about Jesus Christ. No one will join God Almighty in heaven for eternity without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No one will be a ghost and hang around, you won't come back for another try, there is only the fact of a place called hell that will be far worse than any haunted house turned reality you can imagine. Jesus Christ was crucified and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death for us. Why not take His offer of eternal life and forgiveness and pass it on to those around you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!Wednesday, October 28, 2009
How to set up the "Sermon.net" tool on your blog.
Hello friends (and specifically pastors today),
A few people have asked for how to post my sermons on-line. So here it is...
There are a few steps in the process, but all in all it's virtually free, so if you don't mind a couple steps it's a great way to keep the corps up to date with a series, or just to let your sermons live forever after you preach them.
Here is the website to my free sermon site...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Just click in the top corner to "Join sermon net" and go to "contributor sign-up". After you register you can get all the "free stuff". There is a small cost for the bells and whistles, but I don't need them here yet. Sign up first and they may walk you through better than I can. Since I can't recall here is what I do....
You will also need a way to record your messages. Since we have no "sound" person I do everything myself. I bought a small cheap RCA digital voice recorder that holds about over 15 hours of recording for about $30. I paid another $15ish for a lapel mic. I just put the lapel mic on the same clip as my wireless mic at the corps and remember to turn on the recorder as I start each message.
If I recall right, Sermon.net will give you a basic walk through the process of posting your messages some, but if not, here is what I basically do....
After church I download from the "voice recorder" to my computer. (I know fancy corps record right to digital or a laptop, but we aren't fancy yet)
I use the program with the recorder to save it as a "WAV".
Then I drag that file into a free program you get on the web called "Audacity 1.2.6" here is the link... http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Once in Audacity you can listen to the whole sermon and cut (even copy and paste) all the "UM's" or "sneezes" or "added comments yelled by kids in the meeting". If you're brave enough you can skip any editing and just go as is.
When it's ready you save that project as a new "WAV" file.
Next you use the "converter" that comes when you sign up with "sermon net". This will convert your WAV to an MP3.
Then log into sermon.net - put in the information for your new sermon (all easy and self-explanatory after you're signed up) and then "Upload your converted message" and any written notes (it will automatically change your Word notes into a pdf for you).
Last it will give you an embed code to past where ever you want - like your blog or web page.
Sermon net also has the code to paste into Blogger that will show the "sermon player" I have at the bottom of my blog.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, and I learned everything by trial and error. I'm sure there's some fancy programs that might cut out a step, but this way works. Hopefully your Corps has a tech / sound wizard who can help.
If I've scared you off completely - it's really less work than it sounds. Feel free to write for more specifics or find a local techie to get you started the first time.
PS. If you know an easier faster way or a better system, a tool that helps me skip a step, etc... please give me some tips.
Blessings,
Captain Mark Thielenhaus
A few people have asked for how to post my sermons on-line. So here it is...
There are a few steps in the process, but all in all it's virtually free, so if you don't mind a couple steps it's a great way to keep the corps up to date with a series, or just to let your sermons live forever after you preach them.
Here is the website to my free sermon site...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Just click in the top corner to "Join sermon net" and go to "contributor sign-up". After you register you can get all the "free stuff". There is a small cost for the bells and whistles, but I don't need them here yet. Sign up first and they may walk you through better than I can. Since I can't recall here is what I do....
You will also need a way to record your messages. Since we have no "sound" person I do everything myself. I bought a small cheap RCA digital voice recorder that holds about over 15 hours of recording for about $30. I paid another $15ish for a lapel mic. I just put the lapel mic on the same clip as my wireless mic at the corps and remember to turn on the recorder as I start each message.
If I recall right, Sermon.net will give you a basic walk through the process of posting your messages some, but if not, here is what I basically do....
After church I download from the "voice recorder" to my computer. (I know fancy corps record right to digital or a laptop, but we aren't fancy yet)
I use the program with the recorder to save it as a "WAV".
Then I drag that file into a free program you get on the web called "Audacity 1.2.6" here is the link... http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Once in Audacity you can listen to the whole sermon and cut (even copy and paste) all the "UM's" or "sneezes" or "added comments yelled by kids in the meeting". If you're brave enough you can skip any editing and just go as is.
When it's ready you save that project as a new "WAV" file.
Next you use the "converter" that comes when you sign up with "sermon net". This will convert your WAV to an MP3.
Then log into sermon.net - put in the information for your new sermon (all easy and self-explanatory after you're signed up) and then "Upload your converted message" and any written notes (it will automatically change your Word notes into a pdf for you).
Last it will give you an embed code to past where ever you want - like your blog or web page.
Sermon net also has the code to paste into Blogger that will show the "sermon player" I have at the bottom of my blog.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, and I learned everything by trial and error. I'm sure there's some fancy programs that might cut out a step, but this way works. Hopefully your Corps has a tech / sound wizard who can help.
If I've scared you off completely - it's really less work than it sounds. Feel free to write for more specifics or find a local techie to get you started the first time.
PS. If you know an easier faster way or a better system, a tool that helps me skip a step, etc... please give me some tips.
Blessings,
Captain Mark Thielenhaus
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday's sermon - Wartime living, submit and resist
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A prayer from one of my youth group...
Today I'm passing on a prayer written by one of my youth group... hear the heart, the need, the surrender... and make sure you take the time to regularly pour out your heart to God today as well.
"Dear God, Please save me, from myself.
You Yeshua, explained the way. Explain my way!
I want to Yearn for You, and ONLY YOU!
For You're my only hope.
All my other paths are hopeless, and reckless.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Holy One, Saving Son.
MY SAVIOUR. I've turned away for far to long.
Now, I'm nothing without you.
I have NOT patiently waited, but I'm crying out now!
Please lift me out of my pit, the one I dug for myself.
I was blaming others for my mistakes.
This was all me. I am the disobedient one.
Please oh God, take from me anything that is displeasing.
I lay at Your feet everything I have put before You.
You and only You are my life, my strength, and my love.
My whole life belongs to you. Clean me lord. Search me!
Take me apart. Everything unclean, please take away, and throw away.
I know now, that you are the only reason for living.
The worldly things seem so good, from far away.
I let myself get caught up in everything I knew was wrong.
You Lord, are my everything. All mighty and powerful.
Heavenly Father, help me through all my troubles.
While through the whole thing being glorified.
Help me glorify you through my words, my thoughts, everything.
You deserve more then I can ever give you.
Words are not enough.
Through everything tomorrow, and everyday Lord, give me the words to speak.
In every situation, I need you with me.
Thank You for being with me, the whole time.
Even when I didn't want to know.
You are my strength, I need You.
Amen "
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Dear God, Please save me, from myself.
You Yeshua, explained the way. Explain my way!
I want to Yearn for You, and ONLY YOU!
For You're my only hope.
All my other paths are hopeless, and reckless.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Holy One, Saving Son.
MY SAVIOUR. I've turned away for far to long.
Now, I'm nothing without you.
I have NOT patiently waited, but I'm crying out now!
Please lift me out of my pit, the one I dug for myself.
I was blaming others for my mistakes.
This was all me. I am the disobedient one.
Please oh God, take from me anything that is displeasing.
I lay at Your feet everything I have put before You.
You and only You are my life, my strength, and my love.
My whole life belongs to you. Clean me lord. Search me!
Take me apart. Everything unclean, please take away, and throw away.
I know now, that you are the only reason for living.
The worldly things seem so good, from far away.
I let myself get caught up in everything I knew was wrong.
You Lord, are my everything. All mighty and powerful.
Heavenly Father, help me through all my troubles.
While through the whole thing being glorified.
Help me glorify you through my words, my thoughts, everything.
You deserve more then I can ever give you.
Words are not enough.
Through everything tomorrow, and everyday Lord, give me the words to speak.
In every situation, I need you with me.
Thank You for being with me, the whole time.
Even when I didn't want to know.
You are my strength, I need You.
Amen "
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Generalisations - from "officer magazine"
This quote from General Paul A. Rader....
"Is my approach to holiness total enough? Is our holiness too therapeutic in its emphasis? There are dangers of beginning with our human problems instead of God's purpose. Is my approach to holiness sometimes too cosmetic? Holiness deals with the essential inner orientation of the personality. The self dies hard. The cross is painful and total. I must confess that I have sometimes had cause to wonder if the holiness I profess and proclaim has made me tender enough. The truth is that we live in an age that is seductively desensitising us to evil. What once might have appalled and embarrassed us, perhaps even angered us, now only makes us sad. What does it take to make us cry out in indignation? What miscarriages of justice, what indifference to standards of integrity, what crass immorality would move us to tears and stir us to action? How much do I care about purity, justice, and integrity? Finally, is my holiness telling enough? Our age cries out for men and women of God whose lives stand in stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Is my approach to holiness total enough? Is our holiness too therapeutic in its emphasis? There are dangers of beginning with our human problems instead of God's purpose. Is my approach to holiness sometimes too cosmetic? Holiness deals with the essential inner orientation of the personality. The self dies hard. The cross is painful and total. I must confess that I have sometimes had cause to wonder if the holiness I profess and proclaim has made me tender enough. The truth is that we live in an age that is seductively desensitising us to evil. What once might have appalled and embarrassed us, perhaps even angered us, now only makes us sad. What does it take to make us cry out in indignation? What miscarriages of justice, what indifference to standards of integrity, what crass immorality would move us to tears and stir us to action? How much do I care about purity, justice, and integrity? Finally, is my holiness telling enough? Our age cries out for men and women of God whose lives stand in stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Generalisations - Quote from "Officer Magazine"
This first quote from our founder General William Booth...
"It is a charge brought against us by some that we make a hobby of the subject of holiness - that like Paganini with his violin, we are always fiddling on one string. If it were so, I suppose he would have replied, or someone like him, that he was able to bring more music out of his one string than his rivals could bring out of their four. And if it is true that are too frequently engaged on this one topic, I think there are a good many who can bear witness that there has been brought out of it - some music wonderfully enthralling, which music has been make a wonderful blessing to them, and to many who are round about them. But I take exception to the correctness of this charge. I say, varying the figure, we re running our 'Hallelujah Express' to Heaven not on one line, but on three. The first line of these rails we call pardon, and I am sure we very often talk about that. The second we term purity - a clean heart, with a clean life. The third term is sacrifice."
Tell someone of about pardon, purity, and sacrificial living today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"It is a charge brought against us by some that we make a hobby of the subject of holiness - that like Paganini with his violin, we are always fiddling on one string. If it were so, I suppose he would have replied, or someone like him, that he was able to bring more music out of his one string than his rivals could bring out of their four. And if it is true that are too frequently engaged on this one topic, I think there are a good many who can bear witness that there has been brought out of it - some music wonderfully enthralling, which music has been make a wonderful blessing to them, and to many who are round about them. But I take exception to the correctness of this charge. I say, varying the figure, we re running our 'Hallelujah Express' to Heaven not on one line, but on three. The first line of these rails we call pardon, and I am sure we very often talk about that. The second we term purity - a clean heart, with a clean life. The third term is sacrifice."
Tell someone of about pardon, purity, and sacrificial living today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tortured for Christ
Hello Soldiers, freinds, and followers of Jesus,
Just a quick comment that I recently finished reading the book "Torutured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (the founder of the Voice of th eMartyrs). I was a different kind of read, but it was easy to read, kept my attention, and most importantly reminded me of my responsibility to pray and support the persecuted church, as well as my need to use my current liberties to proclaim with boldness the full gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This is a must read for all christians living in the west.
PS. You can request a free copy at this web addresss...
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_cw-tfc-flash-email_309.html
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a quick comment that I recently finished reading the book "Torutured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (the founder of the Voice of th eMartyrs). I was a different kind of read, but it was easy to read, kept my attention, and most importantly reminded me of my responsibility to pray and support the persecuted church, as well as my need to use my current liberties to proclaim with boldness the full gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This is a must read for all christians living in the west.
PS. You can request a free copy at this web addresss...
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_cw-tfc-flash-email_309.html
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A word of encouragement
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just a quick reminder to have you encourage someone today. This past Sunday right after our holiness meeting we had someone (not normally part of our Church services) stand up with a word immidiately following our closing prayer. He basically said he appreciated that the Word of God was taught and spoken at the corps, and that at many other places he just hears "fluff" and a shying away from the whole gospel. Needless to say his word of encouragement was for me that day. God is good.
Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Why not give a word of encouragement to someone you know today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a quick reminder to have you encourage someone today. This past Sunday right after our holiness meeting we had someone (not normally part of our Church services) stand up with a word immidiately following our closing prayer. He basically said he appreciated that the Word of God was taught and spoken at the corps, and that at many other places he just hears "fluff" and a shying away from the whole gospel. Needless to say his word of encouragement was for me that day. God is good.
Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Why not give a word of encouragement to someone you know today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Come near to God, James 4
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quick testimony / gospel shot.
Just bragging on God's work in a corps member... I had a corps member say the "light came on" that salvation is so much more than something that happens the day you die, but that it is something that start right now.
We had a chance to say that in The Salvation Army we might call that "Full-Salvation", not just saved from hell to heaven on the day you die (although praise God that is absolutely true), but that Jesus wants to save us from sin, sinful, and hellish living now, for a life of holiness and heaven-like living NOW.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We had a chance to say that in The Salvation Army we might call that "Full-Salvation", not just saved from hell to heaven on the day you die (although praise God that is absolutely true), but that Jesus wants to save us from sin, sinful, and hellish living now, for a life of holiness and heaven-like living NOW.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Onward Christian Soldiers... Annual Report
The Salvation Army Annual Report: Commissioner Israel Gaither
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, October 16, 2009
St. Augustine's words about prayer.
St. Augustine, the early church father and theologian, described prayer as like a man in a hapless boat who throws a rope at a rock. The rock provides the needed security and stability and life for the helpless man. When the rock is lassoed it’s not the man pulling the rock to the boat (though it may appear that way); it is the pulling of the boat to the rock. Jesus is the rock, and we throw the rope through prayer.
Have you spent time in prayer today? Honest, real, warfare, intentional, time searching the heart of God, time spent in quietness to hear the voice of God... PRAYER?
Take some time - right this second to pray - then devote some real time to pray intentionally and uninterrupted today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Have you spent time in prayer today? Honest, real, warfare, intentional, time searching the heart of God, time spent in quietness to hear the voice of God... PRAYER?
Take some time - right this second to pray - then devote some real time to pray intentionally and uninterrupted today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Just in need of more prayer. KNEE DRILL!
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
This is a call for additional Knee Drills.
Many prayer requests at the corps right now, so just asking everyone to "amp" up the prayers.
Ephesians 6:11-13... 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This is a call for additional Knee Drills.
Many prayer requests at the corps right now, so just asking everyone to "amp" up the prayers.
Ephesians 6:11-13... 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The movie 2012 (part 2)
This trailer for the movie "2012" says... How would the governments of the planet prepare 6 million people for the end of the world…? Answer…. “they wouldn’t” … "find out the truth"
I agree (not that the world will end in 2012) but it will end as we now know it eventually, and whether you are around to see the end of the world or not, 10 out of 10 - 100% of us will all die someday and have to face a holy God on judgment day. The trailer is right, the government won't help you, the only thing that will matter will be "the truth".
John 14:6 records the words of Jesus saying... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It's not what the government says that will matter, it's not even "what you believe", what will matter is "do you believe the truth" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe you can fly - if you jump off the empire state building without a means of safely getting to the ground, you will still die with your wrong beliefs. The "trailer" is right (not about the date) but that you need to find the truth found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus forgiving you, made possible by your accepting Him by faith, with repentance, your sins will wash you away.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I agree (not that the world will end in 2012) but it will end as we now know it eventually, and whether you are around to see the end of the world or not, 10 out of 10 - 100% of us will all die someday and have to face a holy God on judgment day. The trailer is right, the government won't help you, the only thing that will matter will be "the truth".
John 14:6 records the words of Jesus saying... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It's not what the government says that will matter, it's not even "what you believe", what will matter is "do you believe the truth" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe you can fly - if you jump off the empire state building without a means of safely getting to the ground, you will still die with your wrong beliefs. The "trailer" is right (not about the date) but that you need to find the truth found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus forgiving you, made possible by your accepting Him by faith, with repentance, your sins will wash you away.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The movie - "2012" (about the end of the world)
The "sponsored add" next to my "home page" on Facebook reads this...
“2012” In Theaters 11/13 Get ready for the biggest event in history – the end of time. How will you survive?...
Next they totally skip your answer and ask a survey "What do you do now if 2012 is the end? Spend time with family, Max out my credit cards, Pursue my crush?...
If you've only got 2 years left before the end of the world, ask yourself their 1st question, how will you survive? To be saved for heaven and avoid hell we must put our faith in Jesus as evidenced through repentance.
Give up your life to live for Jesus and He will take care of where you spend your eternity. If you only have 20 years, or 2 years, or 2 days (no one is promised tomorrow)... get right with Jesus, live holy for Him, and tell someone about Him today... they aren't promised tomorrow either.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
“2012” In Theaters 11/13 Get ready for the biggest event in history – the end of time. How will you survive?...
Next they totally skip your answer and ask a survey "What do you do now if 2012 is the end? Spend time with family, Max out my credit cards, Pursue my crush?...
If you've only got 2 years left before the end of the world, ask yourself their 1st question, how will you survive? To be saved for heaven and avoid hell we must put our faith in Jesus as evidenced through repentance.
Give up your life to live for Jesus and He will take care of where you spend your eternity. If you only have 20 years, or 2 years, or 2 days (no one is promised tomorrow)... get right with Jesus, live holy for Him, and tell someone about Him today... they aren't promised tomorrow either.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Are you washed? Keeping your repentance up to date.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Scripture alone today... Psalm 51
Just getting back from Officer's Councils, so no extra posts yet, until I'm back on track here is some profound scripture from Psalm 51. Meditate on it by reading it slowly several times over, first asking the Lord to speak to you through it. Consider what it is to need forgiveness, to confess and repent, and find forgiveness through the shed blood of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. Use this Psalm as an outline for your praying and keeping your repentace up to date today.
Remember as you read... Sin is falling short of God's perfection. Iniquity is our depravity that is always inclined to sin, and the resulting guiltiness that leaves us in. Transgression is the intentional breaking of God's law, it is rebellion when we do what we know God has said not to, and not doing what we know God has said to do.
Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Remember as you read... Sin is falling short of God's perfection. Iniquity is our depravity that is always inclined to sin, and the resulting guiltiness that leaves us in. Transgression is the intentional breaking of God's law, it is rebellion when we do what we know God has said not to, and not doing what we know God has said to do.
Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Today just something fun
This is just a funny video sent to me by Rob Reardon.
Sally Back - Parody of Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Source: www.youtube.com
This is a Salvation Army (Sally Ann) parody of the popular song by Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland - "SexyBack". I created this video for the Salvation Army National School of Music at Jackson's Point this summer. ...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sally Back - Parody of Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Source: www.youtube.com
This is a Salvation Army (Sally Ann) parody of the popular song by Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland - "SexyBack". I created this video for the Salvation Army National School of Music at Jackson's Point this summer. ...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Gone to Officer's Councils
Hello Soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just an update that both Michelle and I will be away at officer's councils today through Friday. We will resume our regular programs next week (including Commodities feeding) so we look forward to our time together next week, as well as thank you in advance for your willingness to help cover things while we are gone.
Keep all of us in your prayers as we get together with all the officers of the State up in Anchorage. Pray for traveling mercies, refreshment, productivity, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit to fall afresh!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just an update that both Michelle and I will be away at officer's councils today through Friday. We will resume our regular programs next week (including Commodities feeding) so we look forward to our time together next week, as well as thank you in advance for your willingness to help cover things while we are gone.
Keep all of us in your prayers as we get together with all the officers of the State up in Anchorage. Pray for traveling mercies, refreshment, productivity, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit to fall afresh!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday's Sermon - The Saints in Caesar's House (Nero)
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Have a blessed Sunday - Now go lead church?
R.G. Le Tourneau, a wealthy businessman, was a great lay witness for our Lord. This was his challenge to laymen (non-clergy):
"My challenge to laymen is [this]: when Christ said, ’Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel,’ He did not mean only preachers but everyone who believed on Him as the Lord of Glory. The division between the clergy and the laity is a division of our own making...[it] was not instituted by Christ, nor was it evidenced in the early Church. They believed the word ’Go’ meant every man, and they obeyed the Lord’s command. My challenge to you is for a return to this first century...Christianity where every believer is a witness to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:9 says... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you made it to church or not today - make sure, if you are a child of God, you BE God's representative and messenger to the the World outside of "the church". Be God's ambassador and go take the gospel message to someone who needs it today.
Live Holy, preach Jesus!
"My challenge to laymen is [this]: when Christ said, ’Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel,’ He did not mean only preachers but everyone who believed on Him as the Lord of Glory. The division between the clergy and the laity is a division of our own making...[it] was not instituted by Christ, nor was it evidenced in the early Church. They believed the word ’Go’ meant every man, and they obeyed the Lord’s command. My challenge to you is for a return to this first century...Christianity where every believer is a witness to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:9 says... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you made it to church or not today - make sure, if you are a child of God, you BE God's representative and messenger to the the World outside of "the church". Be God's ambassador and go take the gospel message to someone who needs it today.
Live Holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Do you care? Video by Mark Cahill
This is one of two video's we watched this past Wednesday Night. For more information on Mark Cahill you can search Youtube or go to his website at
http://www.markcahill.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
http://www.markcahill.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Meditating on Philippians 4
Paul ends his letter to the church located in the Roman colony of Philippi this way...
Philippians 4:22 reads... 22 “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”
What an amazing thought that while Paul was under arrest in Rome, most likely under the Ceasar - Nero, people were coming to Christ right in Nero's own palace.
How hard would it be to live for Christ under Nero's roof???
Alexander Maclaren said about this passage. “Our duty is to stand at our post however difficult our surroundings and unfriendly our company, and if we are sure that He has set us there, we may be sure that He is with us there, and that there we can live the life and witness to His name”
From Maclaren’s expositions of the Holy Scriptures Volume 15 Pg 80
Where must you stand for Christ today? No matter how difficult - God's grace is sufficient - You are His ambassador!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Philippians 4:22 reads... 22 “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”
What an amazing thought that while Paul was under arrest in Rome, most likely under the Ceasar - Nero, people were coming to Christ right in Nero's own palace.
How hard would it be to live for Christ under Nero's roof???
Alexander Maclaren said about this passage. “Our duty is to stand at our post however difficult our surroundings and unfriendly our company, and if we are sure that He has set us there, we may be sure that He is with us there, and that there we can live the life and witness to His name”
From Maclaren’s expositions of the Holy Scriptures Volume 15 Pg 80
Where must you stand for Christ today? No matter how difficult - God's grace is sufficient - You are His ambassador!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A report on Tonights Bible Study
Hello Salvation Army Soldiers, saints, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just wanted to make a quick report on tonight's bible study time. We finished up our "personal evangelism study" mainly from Mark Cahill's book "one thing you can't do in heaven". We ended by watching two of his video teachings. It was quite a moving night for most of us (the spirit really moved). For the sake of time I will say we discussed my prayer request for the church to be praying because I feel assured we are under a specific spiritual attack (there was confirmation by many). We also had a young man ask for prayer because he will be stepping out in faith to make steps to take the gospel message into his college and his lecture rooms in part with some upcoming assignments. He also loaded up with some "gospel of John / tracts" to take with him. PLEASE PRAY for this young man and the others of our corps that are intentionally taking steps to verbally share their faith in Jesus Christ. All in all I'm just kind of coming off a spiritual high from feeling the Lord moving.
Just wanted to give an Internet shout of praise that God is not only working, but apparently preparing us for "even greater things".
May God alone be glorified!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just wanted to make a quick report on tonight's bible study time. We finished up our "personal evangelism study" mainly from Mark Cahill's book "one thing you can't do in heaven". We ended by watching two of his video teachings. It was quite a moving night for most of us (the spirit really moved). For the sake of time I will say we discussed my prayer request for the church to be praying because I feel assured we are under a specific spiritual attack (there was confirmation by many). We also had a young man ask for prayer because he will be stepping out in faith to make steps to take the gospel message into his college and his lecture rooms in part with some upcoming assignments. He also loaded up with some "gospel of John / tracts" to take with him. PLEASE PRAY for this young man and the others of our corps that are intentionally taking steps to verbally share their faith in Jesus Christ. All in all I'm just kind of coming off a spiritual high from feeling the Lord moving.
Just wanted to give an Internet shout of praise that God is not only working, but apparently preparing us for "even greater things".
May God alone be glorified!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Asking for extra prayer
Hello Soldiers and fellow followers of Jesus,
I just want to shoot out this special request for extra prayer right away. The last several days have been odd and I know it involves some spiritual attack on our homer and our corps. As you are able, please carry our corps, it's members, and my home, and our work here before God's throne for a special covering and anointing. Today I even called my family together for an "emergency Knee Drill" on our knees in prayer together. I don't know what all is happening, but I will agree with a saint who suggested that perhaps we are on the verge of taking new ground for God's Kingdom. Lord may it be so. No matter what, we simply ask for extra prayers specifically for God's will and work in Homer, and against any spiritual attacks. We also pray that every soldier (both here and around God's glorious world) will preach the saving truth of Jesus. Thank you in advance, our prayers are with you as well.
Ephesians 6... 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I just want to shoot out this special request for extra prayer right away. The last several days have been odd and I know it involves some spiritual attack on our homer and our corps. As you are able, please carry our corps, it's members, and my home, and our work here before God's throne for a special covering and anointing. Today I even called my family together for an "emergency Knee Drill" on our knees in prayer together. I don't know what all is happening, but I will agree with a saint who suggested that perhaps we are on the verge of taking new ground for God's Kingdom. Lord may it be so. No matter what, we simply ask for extra prayers specifically for God's will and work in Homer, and against any spiritual attacks. We also pray that every soldier (both here and around God's glorious world) will preach the saving truth of Jesus. Thank you in advance, our prayers are with you as well.
Ephesians 6... 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - The secret to learning contentment
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For a basic manuscript of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For a basic manuscript of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
True worship includes obedience...
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus.
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 live holy and share the good news of Jesus. 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!
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 live holy and share the good news of Jesus. 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!
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