Lukewarm Churches

I must confess a few things. I have been under compulsion to repent for my small amount of prayer and lack of self control. God has revealed so many glorious things to me yet I still struggle with the simplest of things that bring about the greatest joy to my Master, and that is obedience.

I live in Laodecia and I am sick of it. I am sick of the world, sick of being told that you can have this and that and that, and that you can be comfortable in this world and serve Jesus. I think that is crap. God may give excess money, food, nice cars, houses, etc. but am I using it for His glory?Do I think my 10% tithes adequate? Maybe a little at Christmas, Easter, and a little to missions. Consider this.



Mat 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mat 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
Mat 6:23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Mat 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.



Mat 25:14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
Mat 25:16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
Mat 25:17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.
Mat 25:18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.
Mat 25:19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
Mat 25:20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'
Mat 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Mat 25:22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.'
Mat 25:23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Mat 25:24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
Mat 25:25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'
Mat 25:26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed?
Mat 25:27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
Mat 25:28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Mat 25:30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'



Now what does this story reveal? Let's look a little closer. We see that the Master had servants. He was clearly rich because he had multiple servants and was able to entrust much to them. Now here is the point of the story. The servants in the story didn't own anything. They were mearly stewards that were entrusted with something. Look what happens to the one who did not invest what he had, but instead hid it in the ground. He was cast into outer darkness. You see it is not mine, yours, or anyone else's but God's alone.


Psa 89:11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.

Are we truly desperate for God or do we pay lip service? Do we truly hunger for righteousness or do we need to repent for our hardness of heart. God is Holy and lives in unapproachable light. How can we look upon Him so casually with little concern or fear. Either we are hot or cold. If you are cold repent this side of eternity or you will be hot. If you are hot, ask God to stoke the fire and add fuel to keep it going. If you are neither hot or cold but think that christianity is having golf outings and other earthly lusts masquerading themselves as church ask yourself this. Does God really care about your golf swing? Don't you think He cares much more for the homeless, the hungry, the lost, the broken-hearted? Was it not the sick He came to find and heal. Repent!!! Cast off those things that so easily entangle us.


If you have a large bank account ask yourself this.

Mat 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?


Mat 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Mat 19:22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
Mat 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"
Mat 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Mat 19:27 Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
Mat 19:28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
Mat 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

You see the man was lacking one thing. He loved his possessions. Do you? Look into your heart and ask yourself this. What if you were asked to sell everything,or give your possession away, could you? If not, it reveals a heart condition. This is a scathing rebuke to me as well as you but it has been on my heart. The cost is how much to follow Christ?????

Everything. If Christ is truly Master, I do not possess anything, it is His, and I am dead to my will.

My body is His

My thoughts are His

My Money is His

My Car is His

My house is His

My talents are His

My family is His

My everything is His for His glory. It is no longer I, but Christ who lives within me.

May you please die today so that you might truly live. God Bless you all

jeff

P.S. Check out these link's below
http://www.fireonthealtar.com/compilations/patrick/lukewarm.ram

http://www.baldpreachers.net/holinessisnotlegalism

Atlanta EBC-9

My team in Atlanta

Faith vs. Works

I boosted this off of this website. I hope they don't mind. Credit is given above here and at the end of the article. Hope it helps.

http://www.alliancenet.org/

What Is the Relationship between Faith and Works?
How should we understand the relationship between faith and works in salvation and how does the Book of James’ teaching on faith and works relate with that of the apostle Paul? The apostle Paul presents faith as the alone instrument of salvation, apart from works. He writes in Romans, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (3:28). Paul is especially ruling out religious rites as a way to become right with God. In Romans 4:4-5, Paul extends this to works of any kind, writing, “To the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”We may sum up Paul’s teaching on faith and works as follows: 1) We cannot be saved by works, because all our works are corrupted by sin, but Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and offered his perfect works to God for us; 2) By faith in Christ, we are forgiven of our sins because of his death on the cross, and we receive by imputation his perfect fulfillment of God’s Law. Whereas we cannot be saved by our works, we are saved through faith by the work of Jesus Christ; 3) Having been saved by faith alone, we are called to do good works, living in accordance with God’s law and serving him with our lives. This is all laid out in Ephesians 2:8-10, “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”The apostle James writes about faith and works differently. One reason is the difference in the type of letter and purpose of writing. In letters like Romans and Ephesians, Paul presents a doctrinal treatise. His concern is to systematically lay out certain truths. James is writing what we call “wisdom literature.” His Book in the New Testament is analogous to the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. His concern is to pastorally exhort his readers. Because of this James says things about faith and works that some people think contradicts what Paul teaches. One of them was Martin Luther, who therefore all but rejected the Book of James and once called it “the epistle of straw.” In fact, James does not contradict Paul, but speaks about faith from a different point of emphasis.James’s concern was to preach against empty, formal belief, which he says is really not a living or saving faith. “What good is it, my brothers,” he asks, “if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?. . . Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (2:17-18). James’ point is that for faith to be alive, it must produce works. Using the example of Abraham, whose faith was finally proved by his willingness to offer his son, he writes in a way that seems to be even more challenging to Paul’s doctrine of faith alone: “A person is justified,” he says, “by works and not by faith alone” (2:24). This verse is celebrated by those who oppose or want to change Paul’s teaching on faith alone. But James’ point is made clear by his elaboration on the matter by, for instance, verse 22, which says, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” That is something Paul would have strongly affirmed, that a living faith, which alone saves us through Jesus Christ, is only one which proves itself through good and obedient works. As John Calvin famously put it, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that really saves us never is alone.” James, like Paul, distinguishes between faith and works. Paul emphasizes that we are saved through faith apart from works; James emphasizes that the faith that really saves us is a faith that does works. Together, they provide us a well-rounded New Testament teaching on faith alone as that which saves us to a life that is characterized by good works in living worship unto the Lord. Rev. Richard Phillips is the chair of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology and senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church Coral Springs, Margate, Florida.

Church Evangelism

Small Group Formation/Evangelism

Methods
· Offensive
· Defensive


In attempting to define what I feel is the best way to evangelize through small groups I will lean heavily on 4 sources.

Bible
Living Waters (http://www.livingwaters.com/)
9Marks Ministries (http://www.9marks.org/)
Seeker Small Groups (http://www.willowcreek.com)

The first method I have stated above is an offensive measure. What I mean by offensive is that we take it to the streets. My reasons for this are very simple.


There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3: 10-12

You diligently study the scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” John 5:39-40

The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5

The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3




If we are to believe in original sin and that the fall brought about a brokenness and total depravity as scripture states then we are forced to believe the truth that there is no one who seeks for God as stated in v.11. Everyone who has ever come to church has somehow been brought there by an external means whether by a person inviting them or by a holiday reminding them to do their religious duty. Whatever it is, we are incapable of making a good choice by our own.


But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
Rom 10:14-15



So here is why I believe it is vitally important to be offensive in our methods of evangelism. It MUST leave the 4 walls and get into the streets, otherwise they will not come. They may trickle in because of a neighbor or friend telling them what the church has to offer but in reality the majority of the people on the streets WILL not come in as scripture clearly states. So now what?

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:18-20

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 1Cor 9:16.

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Mar 6:34

You see we are not only commanded to go out but we should be under compulsion and driven by compassion because as Jesus said in Mark 6:34 they are lost. Most people do not know they are lost until you tell them why they are lost. So if that is the case and they are indeed lost and blind then the light must go forth.

Love for God is the only sufficient motive for evangelism. Self-love will give way to self-centeredness; love for the lost will fail with those whom we cannot love, and when difficulties seem insurmountable. Only a deep love for God will keep us following His way, declaring his gospel, when human resources fail (John Cheesman, The Grace of God in the Gospel [Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1972], 122). 9 Marks



Evangelism is everyman’s job

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
Act 8:1-4

Now we can see that it must go out and not remain. So we need to look at some of the ways to reach out.

Tracts

George Street
I got off at George Street byRev. Dave Smethurst.

This all started a number of years ago in a Baptist church in Crystal Palace in South London. The Sunday morning service was closing and a man stood up at the back and raised his hand and said: "Excuse me pastor can I share a short testimony?" The pastor looked at his watch and said "You have three minutes". The man proceeded with his story: "I've just moved into this area. I used to live in Sydney Australia. Just a few months back I was visiting some relatives and I was walking down George Street. You know where George Street is in Sydney going from the Business Area out to the Rock the colonial area. A strange little white haired man stepped out from a shop doorway, put a pamphlet in my hand and said: "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" "I was astounded by these words. No one had ever asked me that. I thanked him courteously and all the way home to London this puzzled me. I called a friend and thank God he was a Christian and he led me to Christ." The Baptists love testimonies like that. Everyone applauded and welcomed him into their fellowship. The Baptist pastor flew to Adelaide, Australia the next week and 10 days later in the middle of a three day series in a Baptist church in Adelaide, a woman came up to him for some counseling. He wanted to establish where she stood with Christ. He said "I used to live in Sydney and just a couple of months back I was visiting some friends in Sydney doing some last minute shopping down George Street. A strange little white haired man stepped out of a shop doorway and offered me a pamphlet and said "Excuse me madam, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" "I was disturbed by those words. When I got home to Adelaide, I knew this Baptist church was on the next block form me. I sought out the pastor and he led me to Christ. So I am telling you that I am a Christian." The London pastor was now very puzzled. Twice in two weeks he had heard the same testimony. He then flew to preach in the Mount Pleasant Church in Perth. When his teaching series was over the senior elder of that Church took him out for a meal and he asked the elder how he got saved. "I grew up in this church from the age of 15. I never made a commitment to Jesus, just hopped on the bandwagon like everyone else. Because of my business ability grew up to a place of influence. I was on a business trip to Sydney just three years ago. An obnoxious spiteful little man stepped out of a shop doorway, offered me a religious pamphlet cheap junk and accosted me with a question: "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" I tried to tell him I was a Baptist elder. He wouldn't listen to me. I was seething with anger all the way home from Sydney to Perth. I told my pastor, thinking that he would sympathize, but he agreed. He had been disturbed for years knowing that I didn't have a relationship with Jesus, and he was right. My pastor led me to Jesus just three years ago." The London preacher flew home and was soon speaking at the Keswick conventions in the Lake District and he threw in these three testimonies. At the close of this teaching series, fours elderly pastors came up and explained that they too had been saved between 25 and 30 years earlier through that same little man on George Street, offering them a pamphlet and asking that same question. The following week he flew to a similar Keswick convention in the Caribbean to missionaries. He shared the same testimonies. At the close of his teaching three missionaries came forward and said that they had also had been saved between 15 and 25 years earlier by that same little man's testimony and asked us the same question on George Street in Sydney. Next he stopped in Atlanta, Georgia to speak at a Naval Chaplain convention. Here for three days he spoke to over 1000 Naval Chaplains. Afterwards the Chaplain General took him out for a meal and he asked the Chaplain how he became a Christian. "It was miraculous. I was a rating on a Naval battleship and I lived a reprobate life. We were doing exercises in the South Pacific and we docked at Sydney harbor for replenishments. We hit Kings Cross with a vengeance. I was blind drunk, got on the wrong bus and got off in George Street. As I got off the bus, I though I saw a ghost as this man jumped out in front of me, pushed a pamphlet in my hand and said "Sailor, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" The fear of God hit me immediately. I was shocked sober, ran back to the ship and sought out the Chaplain. He led me to Christ. I soon began to prepare for the ministry under his guidance. I am now in charge of 1000 chaplains who are bent on soul winning today." Six months later that London pastor flew to a conference for 5,000 Indian missionaries in a remote part of NE India. At the end the head missionary took him to his humble little home for a simple meal. He asked how he as a Hindu came to Christ. "I grew up in a very privileged position, I worked the Indian Diplomatic Mission and I traveled the world. I am so glad for the forgiveness of Christ and blood covering my sin. I would be very embarrassed if people found out what I got into. One period of diplomatic service took me to Sydney. I was doing some last minute shopping, laden with toys and clothes for my children. I was walking down George Street when a courteous white haired little man stepped out in front of me and offered me a pamphlet and said "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" I thanked him very much but this disturbed me. I got back to my town, sought out our Hindu priest. He couldn't help me, but he advised me that to satisfy my curious mind, I should go and talk to the missionary in the mission home at the end of road. That was good advice because that day the missionary led me to Christ. I quit Hinduism immediately and began to prepare for ministry. I left the Diplomatic Service and here I am today, by God's grace in charge of all these missionaries who have together led 100.000 people to Christ. Eight months later that London Pastor was preaching in Sydney. He asked the local Baptist Minister if he knew of a little elderly white haired man who handed out tracts on George Street. He replied "Yes is do, his name is Mr. Genor, although I don't think he does it any more because he is so frail and elderly." Two nights later they went to meet him in his little apartment. They knocked on the door and this tiny frail old man greeted them. He sat them down and made them tea. He was so frail that he was slopping the tea into the saucer as his hands shook. The London preacher sat there and told him of all these accounts from the previous three years. This little man sat with tears running down his cheeks. He told them his story. "I was a rating on an Australian warship. I was living a reprobate life. In a crisis I really hit the wall. One of my collogues, to whom I gave literal hell, was there to help me. He led me to Jesus and the change in my life was night to day in 24 hours. I was so grateful to God; I promised God that I would share Jesus in a simple witness with at least 10 people a day. As God me strength I did that. Sometimes I was ill and couldn't do it, but I made up for the days I missed it at other times. I wasn't paranoid about it. I have done this for over 40 years. In my retirement years, the best place was on St. George Street where I saw hundreds of people a day. I got lots of rejections, but a lot of people courteously took the tract. In 40 years of doing this, I have never heard of one single person coming to Jesus until today." You know, I would say that he has to be commitment. To show gratitude and love for Jesus to do that for 40 years and not hear of any results. That simple little non-charismatic Baptist man witnessed to perhaps 147,000 people. I think that God was showing that Baptist pastor from London was the tip of the tip of the tip of the iceberg. Goodness knows how many more had been arrested for Christ. Doing huge jobs out in the mission fields. Mr. Genor died two weeks later. Can you imagine the reward he went home to in Heaven? I doubt his face would ever have appeared on Charisma Magazine. I doubt there would ever have been a photograph and a write up in Billy Graham's Decision magazine. No one except a little group of Baptists in Sydney knew about Mr. Genor, but I tell you his name was famous in Heaven. Heaven knew Mr. Genor and you can imagine the welcome and Red Carpet and the fanfare that he received when he went home to Glory. ..."The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38


Why tracts work
1. They are a very economical form of evangelism
2. They work while we sleep
3. They have the ability to get into a house and stay there
4. They are never afraid or show cowardice
5. They are never tempted to compromise their message
6. They never get tired, discouraged or give up
7. They stick to what they have to say and never argue
8. They can present the message when don't have time
9. They can go to places where we cannot
10. They get people in the mood – they only speak when they are read

The very first service which my youthful heart rendered to Christ was the placing of tracts in envelopes, and then sealing them up, that I might send them. . . . I might have done nothing for Christ if I had not been encouraged by finding myself able to do a little. Then I sought to do something more, and from that something more, and I do not doubt that many servants of God have been led on to higher and nobler labours for their Lord, because they began to serve Him in the right spirit and manner. . . . I used to write texts on little scraps of paper, and drop them anywhere, that some poor creatures might pick them up, and receive them as messages of mercy to their souls. I could scarcely content myself even for five minutes without trying to do something for Christ. If I walked along the street, I must have a few tracts with me; if I went into a railway carriage, I must drop a tract out of the window; if I had a moment's leisure, I must be upon my knees or at my Bible; if I were in company, I must turn the subject of conversation to Christ, that I might serve my Master. C.H. Spurgeon


One-2-One
In order to truly get out onto the streets we must make be diligent to learn how to open up conversations. As we learn to swing from the natural to the spiritual we can speak the things of God to them in a not confronting, loving manner. Tracts are usually used to stop the person in order to drum up a conversation.




Open Air Preaching

Now open air I imagine drums up visions of those people on street corners screaming hellfire repentance and while it is true that without repentance they will see hell, there is a correct way to do it being fun, yet allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work. Some methods used are to offer money for trivia questions which draws a crowd because money is god to most people and then after we have given some singles away we offer $10 or $20.00 for someone who thinks they are a good person. They of course want the money so we take them through the law. They are guilty, and the crowd has also become guilty under the law. Now you can give them grace because they now know WHY they need a savior.

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. Apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.
Rom 7:7-13

At the end of the open air meeting, even though the “good person” was in fact not good by God’s standards, we still give them the money which represents God’s grace.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Eph 2:1-9


So with these offensive methods we can take it into the streets and away from the church. I believe this is the Biblical approach to evangelism and it is offensive.


And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:18

Hell’s gates are defensive and Jesus kicked them down and so we should be like Him and not let Satan infiltrate our ranks. We are the body, the bride of Christ and therefore we have all of heaven on our side.


· Defensive Evangelism

In order to be defensive we must know what we are fighting against. The apostle Paul makes it very clear.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:12

So the enemy is spiritual, not physical. If that be the case we must guard everything closely. This includes the people in the church, our doctrine, and our very souls. This is war and I believe that the battle is very real and we need very strong, aggressive methods to protect our groups. I propose the following:

Strong Apologetics classes offered during the week
Strong qualifications for small group leaders
Close examination of teaching materials being used during group settings

In the Seeker Small Group book by Garry Poole he talks about inviting non-Christian people into your group to explore Christianity. I believe this is the vital second step in the sense that they have been given the Gospel and they are not ready to commit at that time. He cites that many have intellectual arguments that they cannot resolve. This is where strong apologetics come in and therefore we must be ready always to defend our faith. Some excellent resources are listed below.
http://www.carm.org/
http://www.drdino.com/
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://www.crosstv.com/

In learning how to evangelize, people are naturally pushed to read scripture, to pray, and to study.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2Ti 2:15

So if this is how we should evangelize, how do the groups enact it? I believe the following things need to happen.

We need to seek God with diligent purposeful prayer asking with boldness for workers who will step up and fit the qualifications that the church sets forth for leaders instead of seeking anyone who will facilitate a group.

We need to have small group leader training that is intense and God glorifying. What I mean by that is that those who are most able to teach (pastors, elders) should teach the small group leaders good biblical doctrine to ensure that we are truly doing the work we have been called to and not sowing error into the members. This should be a monthly class if not weekly. See this excellent sermon by John MacArthur. http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/90-157.HTM

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:1-2

So in closing, to enact this in small groups takes a strong leadership core at the very top who will impart it to the small group leaders and then they will impart it to others in their groups. This will allow God’s word to be highly exalted and God will receive glory.

I believe like all of the leadership in the church does that we are to lead people to Jesus Christ. Once they are a part of the family, I believe a strong discipleship program needs to be in place which should come primarily through small groups. This will ignite people to evangelize which is the key to advancing the kingdom and will encourage strong Word knowledge.



“I have seen many men work without praying, though I have never seen any good come out of it; but I have never seen a man pray without working.” - James Hudson Taylor

“You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go not only to those that need you, but to those that need you most…It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance.”– John Wesley

“Oh! men and brethren, what would this heart feel if I could but believe that there were some among you who would go home and pray for a revival – men whose faith is large enough, and their love fiery enough to lead them from this moment to exercise unceasing intercessions that God would appear among us and do wondrous things here, as in the times of former generations.” -C. H. Spurgeon

"My Lord was pleased to die for my sins; why should I not be glad to give up my poor life out of love for Him." -Girolamo Savanarola

"The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church...grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil." - Leonard Ravenhill



Abiding in His Grace,
Jeff

Clay in the Potters Hand

Any of you who actually take the time to read this blog know that I was part of the group of people that converged on Atlanta, GA the 15-19th of March for EBC-9. This was part of the Great News Network which is affiliated with the Way of the Master. GNN exists to spread the Gospel and to train people how to do it. Here is my story.

Day 1

I arrived at the airport and started passing out tracts. I was supposed to meet some guys from the message board but they were delayed due to weather so I proceeded to hop the train to the hotel in downtown Atlanta. I got off the train at the wrong exit and was then re-directed back on the train to the next stop. Once I got off the train I was almost immediatley greated by a homeless man who recognized that I was lost and so he walked me to my hotel. We talked about the Gospel and when we got to the hotel I gave him some tracts and the Gospel of John. I then checked into the hotel and went to my room. I met my roommate Dennis who was an associate pastor in Maryland. We talked about my unhappiness with my church and he provided GREAT council. I thank God for him.

I went downstairs to get "officially" registered and immediatley I met Darrell who asked how I got there. I said long story short to which he said yeah right, no preacher has a short story, to which I said that I was not a preacher to which he pointed me to

Romans 10: 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

So now that I feel incredibly small and unfit for the task I proceed to meet others. Everyone had such strong Word knowledge that I was afraid to open my mouth. I just sat amazed at what I was seeing. We had dinner and watched a video called "The Complete Christian" It asks the question what are the best ways that you worship God. (Worship,prayer,reading the Word,etc).
After you name 5 things you do he asks you to put them in order of your favorite. Once you have the answers he presents that rarely will anybody place evangelism in there yet that was what Jesus did most. Share the Good news. After the meeting we walked down the street to where a Motley Crue concert was letting out and we handed out tracts and did 1-to-1's as well as some open-air. I spoke to 5 people and while no one begged for salvation, they all went away with something to think about. After that we went back and went to bed.

Day 2
We start the day with breakfast from 7-8 and prayer from 8-9.
During prayer the Spirit was there and I had an overwhelming feeling of unworthyness. I wept from my soul because here I was chosen by God and who am I but an unfaithful sinner. I have never felt this unworthyness in all my life but it was good because it emptied me of myself and filled me up with the Spirit. This was the most intense prayer I had ever been involved in.

After prayer we all headed to the Marta which is the train and headed to Georgia Tech for a day of 1-to-1's, and open air preaching. I spent the day confronting many students taking them through the law and grace to those who would recieve it. I met people who were seeking to change the world through social programs, I spoke to the most proud athiest I ever met. I did meke him backslide though. He would not admit he was agnostic but held that he was a "weak" athiest. I spoke to many muslims that day as well as a few Christians. I gave them info and instructed them in Way of the Master. I was one of the last 3 to leave the campus and on the way to the train I felt an overwhelming sense to preach on the train. We prayed together on the walk handing out tracts to everyone we contacted. As soon as we hit the train wham, up I stood and off I went giving them a quick 2 minute Gospel message which ane of the guys stood up after me and reiterated after me. We had to switch trains, so once we got on the next train we preached again. They were a captive audience so we made the most of the opportunity. I did have a guy tell me shut-up so I know the Word went out. Praise to God.

We went back to eat and went out on the street for 1-to1's again. Spoke to a few more people and we turned in finally at around 12:30.

Day 3
We start with breakfast and then prayer. WOW!!!!!!!!! I do not care if you are the most conservitave person in the world, you were screaming Halleluia, Praise God, Yes Jesus and every other praise that could pour out of your heart and mouth. As close to heaven as I have been. After this we start down the road to Georgia State University. The first lady I ran into, I used the curved illusion trick. She was very open until I swung to the spititual and then she came unglued and threw the tract back at me and told me not to pray for her.Aftert this incident I had to take some time to pray because it just rocked me so badly. I next spoke to Rachel who was well aware of her condition but again was busy with life. I spoke to many others after that but these ones stuck out because of the situation. Anybody that wanted to open-air could at the university. I did not feel stirred to so I did not. Once we left the college we came to a park where the homeless hang out. There was a man reading the Bible so we talked to him a while whae I looked up to see John (one of our bootcampers) standing on the wall preaching. (John has been beaten in India for the Gospel so now you know the type of people I was in the company of). After he got off the wall I was just driven to go preach. (Someone said a righteous indignation). I was so mad they would not listen. They were shooting dice and playing cards so I screamed at them and preached my heart. A few were listening but I was just so angered that they could care less what we were saying. We spent the rest of the day doing tracts and 1-to1's. We did run into a possessed guy at night. Many people don't believe this is real but I tell you, if you are not prayed up don't go out. This guy was in bad shape. We started saying in the name of Jesus and the guy fell down to the ground and put his arms across his chest. It was very scary. He ended up leaving and so did we.

Day 4

Prayer oh the wonderful Prayer. Today was St. Patricks day parade and I must have handed out 3-400 tracts. I met April, Christian, and April and they learned that they needed a savior. If they do not get saved I am not white. (I am if you don't know me). At the end of the parade John and I again open-aired and after that a Christian man came over and thanked us for what we were doing. That was a big encouragement. We had a permit for one of the parks so we walked back and by this time everyone is beat. We have been on our feet everyday, all day and little sleep is being had. About 4pm I was sitting on the wall with my brothers and sisters when God told me that there was not time to rest and to get into the game. I got up and walked about 100 feet and kneled down and started playing with an acorn. I told God that I wanted to be faithful and would He please bring someone to talk to. Here they come. 3 of them. I used the curved illusion to stop them and I swung to the spiritual. I asked what you needed to do to get to heaven and immediatley the response was keep the 10 commandments. Was that easy or what. After I took em to court I offered grace and all 3 recieved the free gift of eternal life right there. God brought them, God saved them, and He let me be a part of it simply because I prayed and was obedient. Glory to God in the highest!!!!!!!!!!! That night we went out and did some tract passing and alot of open-air. I prayed for people with Aids and a guy who was a back-slidden Christian. Went to bed.

Day 5
Woke up and we had graduation. We had some worship time and then we each recieved our certificates. On our way to the airport while on the train a couple guys did open air and when we got off so did one of the passengers. It wasn't even his stop, but he needed to know more. Praise God. When I went to check my bags, I found out I could not check in because I had not arrived in time to make the flight. I rebooked and said ok God now what. You are keeping me here for a reason. In comes Charlie. As I was waiting to catch my plane I was watching a video on open air preachingf and was laughing. I had my headphones on and pretty soon everyone was laughing at me because I was laughing at the video. They wanted to watch so I played it for them for all to see and hear. Glory to God the Word is going out for all to hear whether thay realized it or not. Well Charlie was one of the spectators and soon he and I were taking the good person test. Charlie was guilty under the law and very visibly shaken. He recieved the free gift of salvation and is a new creature. He was so happy!!!!!!! Praise God. Charlie was why I was left at the airport. Anyway I missed my second flight and there was no other flights available so I rented a car. At the ticket counter I met Yevette who was a Jehovah's Witness. I gave her a Million dollar bill for her help and she said that she had a similar one. She went and got it and it was the same thing only an earlier version. We both agreed God was trying to talk to her and she should take the test and check it out. Pray for her. On the bus I met another man who immediatley was receptive to the Gospel and again I am fairly certain that he to will recieve that great free gift of salvation. I driove home and now here I sit. God was so faithful and good that no words I type could do justice to the moving of the Spirit. It truly was supernatural. God provided many Divine appointments and showed us Huge favor. All Glory and Honor to Jesus Christ.

Those of you who live around me and want to get plugged in let me know. I will be putting together a group that will go out every week and sow seeds in addition to the everyday casting.

I am a confirmed 7 day seed sower. Won't you please join me?


Matthew 9: 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”


P.S. We talked about various parts of the body and I always wondered where I fit in. I am a foot. Some people are arms, legs, etc. and I learned that without the rest of the body the foot doesn't get very far so it needs support.

P.S.S. I am a preacher after all I guess. Just an open air preacher. Glory to God

Why are we here??????????????????????

Spurgeon: "We live unto the Lord"


If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should tarry here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven, and to be found meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light, though he has but just believed in Jesus. It is true that our sanctification is a long and continued process,
. . . and we shall not be perfected till we lay aside our bodies and enter within the veil; but nevertheless, had the Lord so willed it, He might have changed us from imperfection to perfection, and have taken us to heaven at once.
Why then are we here? Would God keep His children out of paradise a single moment longer than was necessary? Why is the army of the living God still on the battle-field when one charge might give them the victory? Why are His children still wandering hither and thither through a maze, when a solitary word from His lips would bring them into the centre of their hopes in heaven?
The answer is - they are here that they may "live unto the Lord," and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as "workers together with Him."
Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of the glory of His grace." Meanwhile we long to be with Him, and daily sing:

"My heart is with Him on His throne,
And ill can brook delay;
Each moment listening for the voice,
'Rise up, and come away.'"


From Spurgeon's 19th century devotional "Morning and Evening", relating to Romans 14:8 - "We live unto the Lord"



Friends, as you know I am headed to Atlanta for Evangelistic Boot Camp with the Great News Network. I desperatly request prayer for all of us and those lost souls in Atlanta. Please know that we are all in this battle whether on the direct front line, or in our prayer closets, we all are one body with one accord. Let us kick down the gates of hell today. Let's give no ground to the enemy, but instead take it. I am thinking of the word"s of David right before he slew Goliath.

1 Samuel 17
28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29 And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” 30 Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did.31 Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. 32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 38 So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 41 So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. 43 So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled


David killed the "greatest" fighter according to the world, yet with one small rock David won the battle. What did David do that makes this a great story?

1. He said "is there not a cause"
2. He encouraged others around him
3. He did not take worldly advice in going into battle with heavy armour for protection which goes beyond simple worldly common sense
4. He tells Goliath that it is God who will bring victory. I am his chosen instrument
5. He carries out the action and therefore wins the battle
6. He plunders the body and takes the spoil


David was called a man after God's own heart. He wanted God's glory to come forth so today I ask you, what giants are standing in your way? Maybe fear, rejection, ill-equipped? I now ask you this question.


IS THERE NOT A CAUSE??????????????????



Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

May God richly bless your day and give you the strength to be a David, and not like his brothers.

Jeff

Lost money found

Luke 15:8-10
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”


Jesus told many parables and teachings that are so great that it is hard to decide which one is my favorite. What I like about this is that the women left much to find little according to the worlds standards. Why would I leave 9 coins to find one. It is only 10% so why risk losing that 90% for the sake of my 10%?Was that coin better than the other 9 coins? All we are told is that she had 10 silver coins.

Let's look at in from from a heavenly perspective. Jesus had everything in the whole universe did He not, yet He left it all for the one. We are the one in that if you have been saved then you have been rejoiced over by the angels in heaven. Now, since we are apart of the bridegroom should we not show our love for Him by doing that which pleases Him greatly? If so then we will help seek and save the lost because Jesus himself said:

Matthew 10:18-20
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?

So there we have it. If we seek to be like Jesus, we must make it an absolute priority to share the Gospel.

May God bless your day
Jeff

The Cost is To High

It is 4:37am on Monday morning. I woke up at 4am and have been chewing on this particular topic. I wish to make a bold disclaimer before I begin expounding on today's topic. If you have read my first posting you will see that I clearly pointed out that I am not infallible and that I welcomed debate. I ask that you use scripture to define your position. With that I also must say emphatically I believe the church is God's chosen instrument to take the Gospel to the world and the last thing I want to do is DIVIDE. I hope that you see my heart in this and know that I am not some legalistic person who splits hairs. Those of you who take the time to read this and know me at all, know that I can be intense and unyielding on certain issues. That is why I ask that you never believe what I say without checking it out for yourselves, however, where I am unyielding I stand and will defend that position until you can prove differently in scripture.



Relationalship evangelism goes something like this. You need to get to know people, you need to love them, and just be their friend. You need to not condemn them, but rather just hang out with them in hopes that you may get an opportunity to tell them Jesus loves them. My argument is that while this "sounds" nice it is in itself condemning and here is why.

1. Let's get to know the people.

I think this is a great idea but let me ask you this question. If, in your discourse of days, weeks, months, or maybe even years of becoming friends with this person, should they perhaps die where would they spend eternity? Answer truthfully.
A. Heaven
B. Hell


2. Do not condemn then

I will agree that WE should not condemn them but we should tell them that God requires men everywhere to repent. How can they do that unless we tell them? Again if I take my time so as not to offend him and he dies where will he go? Again answer truthfully.
A. Heaven
B. Hell


3. Just hang out and be their friend

Again I ask that you take what I will say in the context I will hope to wrap it in because I am NOT saying to be cruel, unloving, or downright insensitive but with love speak the truth.
We are told to be in the world, but not of the world. If I am trying to befriend someone, am I so rock solid in my personal walk that I will not be lead into temptation by "hanging" out with them? Again I believe in going out to the lost, the poor, destitute, the hookers, the homeless, the prison bound, those who are orphans and widows. We need to however be very cautious that we don't use this type of evangelism as an occasion of the flesh, thus blaspheming God right in front of their very eyes. Again I ask this question. While hanging out with the guy or gal that have been hoping would see my pious life and see that I am better off than him/her and they were to die and I was never bold in my proclaiming faith and they die where would they go?
A. Heaven
B. Hell

Relationalship evamgelism is a plauge on the church in my opinion. These people need the truth of Christ, the sinfulness of their hearts revealed, and then let them be. God will convert them not me. I am to simply proclaim the Gospel and God does the rest. To you the reader that may sound cold, harsh and unloving but ask yourself this. Would you rather have someone like you or hate you because of the Gospel. If you read the New Testament you will see that the message is offensive to the world. It is a stumbling block. If we try to dumb down the message we will reap it's rewards. I will leave you with some verses that I think go well and please let me know your thoughts.



1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1Co 1:21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;
1Co 1:24 but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
1Co 1:28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:
1Co 1:29 that no flesh should glory before God.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.



1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:6 We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:
1Co 2:7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:
1Co 2:9 but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And which entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11 For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.
1Co 2:14 Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.



1Co 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:
1Co 3:20 and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise that they are vain.
1Co 3:21 Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours;
1Co 3:22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
1Co 3:23 and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.


Phi 1:12 Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;
Phi 1:13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest;
Phi 1:14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.




Act 4:1
And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,
Act 4:2 being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Act 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in ward unto the morrow: for it was now eventide.
Act 4:4 But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Act 4:5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;
Act 4:6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.
Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?
Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
Act 4:9 if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole;
Act 4:10 be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.
Act 4:13 Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Act 4:14 And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
Act 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Act 4:16 saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Act 4:18 And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:
Act 4:20 for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.
Act 4:21 And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.
Act 4:22 For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.
Act 4:23 And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.
Act 4:24 And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
Act 4:25 who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:
Act 4:27 for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28 to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass.
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
Act 4:30 while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.


Act 28:30 And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him,
Act 28:31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.


2Co 3:12 Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

Eph 6:18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Eph 6:19 and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


Friends, the days are short. Today 140,000 people will die. Could it be your co-worker? How's the relationship going? So now I have one final question for those of you who think I may be harsh and unloving. Which way is more unloving to you?
A. Being their friend and hoping that I will get an opportunity to witness after I have built a relationship?
B. Speaking the truth in love today to this person, giving them the whole counsel of God, including hell?

I encourage you not to listen to me but to read the Word and see what it says.


2Co 6:2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation)

I will leave you a quote from William Booth the founder of the salvation army.
"Can we rush to fast in saving souls? Ask those who are in hell"

May God bless your day.

Jeff

Go Ye thereforth into all nations

Romans 10:14
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?


I must tell you that it is very easy to become complacent and to get snared into being lazy while trying to appear to be pious. It is easy to think highly of yourself because of your apparent deeds yet we are told specifically in Romans

Romans 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith

Did you catch that? We are not to think highly of our selves. That is a sobering verse. Jesus was a perfect example of this.

So now back to my original verse. You say that I am not a preacher. Do you not have the Holy Spirit in you friend? Do you not have power over all things through Christ? Do you not want to reach those who are lost and to convince them that they must repent and trust Christ alone?

1 Corinthians 7
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Now again I realize that many including myself feel unequipped to preach or teach and instruct but again what is God's answer?

James
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

So there you go. Ask and you will recieve. Now please read the following from a letter from Paul to Timothy and may it bless and encourage you this day.

2 Timothy 2
Be Strong in Grace 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him,He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful;He cannot deny Himself.
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 3
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Jeff

P.S. As you can see in my links at the left, there are various evangelism resources. Please visit them and get equipped.

George Street

I got off at George Street Rev. Dave Smethurst. This all started a number of years ago in a Baptist church in Crystal Palace in South London. The Sunday morning service was closing and a man stood up at the back and raised his hand and said: "Excuse me pastor can I share a short testimony?" The pastor looked at his watch and said "You have three minutes". The man proceeded with his story: "I've just moved into this area. I used to live in Sydney Australia. Just a few months back I was visiting some relatives and I was walking down George Street. You know where George Street is in Sydney going from the Business Area out to the Rock the colonial area. A strange little white haired man stepped out from a shop doorway, put a pamphlet in my hand and said: "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" "I was astounded by these words. No one had ever asked me that. I thanked him courteously and all the way home to London this puzzled me. I called a friend and thank God he was a Christian and he led me to Christ." The Baptists love testimonies like that. Everyone applauded and welcomed him into their fellowship. The Baptist pastor flew to Adelaide, Australia the next week and 10 days later in the middle of a three day series in a Baptist church in Adelaide, a woman came up to him for some counseling. He wanted to establish where she stood with Christ. He said "I used to live in Sydney and just a couple of months back I was visiting some friends in Sydney doing some last minute shopping down George Street. A strange little white haired man stepped out of a shop doorway and offered me a pamphlet and said "Excuse me madam, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" "I was disturbed by those words. When I got home to Adelaide, I knew this Baptist church was on the next block form me. I sought out the pastor and he led me to Christ. So I am telling you that I am a Christian." The London pastor was now very puzzled. Twice in two weeks he had heard the same testimony. He then flew to preach in the Mount Pleasant Church in Perth. When his teaching series was over the senior elder of that Church took him out for a meal and he asked the elder how he got saved. "I grew up in this church from the age of 15. I never made a commitment to Jesus, just hopped on the bandwagon like everyone else. Because of my business ability grew up to a place of influence. I was on a business trip to Sydney just three years ago. An obnoxious spiteful little man stepped out of a shop doorway, offered me a religious pamphlet cheap junk and accosted me with a question: "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" I tried to tell him I was a Baptist elder. He wouldn't listen to me. I was seething with anger all the way home from Sydney to Perth. I told my pastor, thinking that he would sympathize, but he agreed. He had been disturbed for years knowing that I didn't have a relationship with Jesus, and he was right. My pastor led me to Jesus just three years ago." The London preacher flew home and was soon speaking at the Keswick conventions in the Lake District and he threw in these three testimonies. At the close of this teaching series, fours elderly pastors came up and explained that they too had been saved between 25 and 30 years earlier through that same little man on George Street, offering them a pamphlet and asking that same question. The following week he flew to a similar Keswick convention in the Caribbean to missionaries. He shared the same testimonies. At the close of his teaching three missionaries came forward and said that they had also had been saved between 15 and 25 years earlier by that same little man's testimony and asked us the same question on George Street in Sydney. Next he stopped in Atlanta, Georgia to speak at a Naval Chaplain convention. Here for three days he spoke to over 1000 Naval Chaplains. Afterwards the Chaplain General took him out for a meal and he asked the Chaplain how he became a Christian. "It was miraculous. I was a rating on a Naval battleship and I lived a reprobate life. We were doing exercises in the South Pacific and we docked at Sydney harbor for replenishments. We hit Kings Cross with a vengeance. I was blind drunk, got on the wrong bus and got off in George Street. As I got off the bus, I though I saw a ghost as this man jumped out in front of me, pushed a pamphlet in my hand and said "Sailor, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" The fear of God hit me immediately. I was shocked sober, ran back to the ship and sought out the Chaplain. He led me to Christ. I soon began to prepare for the ministry under his guidance. I am now in charge of 1000 chaplains who are bent on soul winning today." Six months later that London pastor flew to a conference for 5,000 Indian missionaries in a remote part of NE India. At the end the head missionary took him to his humble little home for a simple meal. He asked how he as a Hindu came to Christ. "I grew up in a very privileged position, I worked the Indian Diplomatic Mission and I traveled the world. I am so glad for the forgiveness of Christ and blood covering my sin. I would be very embarrassed if people found out what I got into. One period of diplomatic service took me to Sydney. I was doing some last minute shopping, laden with toys and clothes for my children. I was walking down George Street when a courteous white haired little man stepped out in front of me and offered me a pamphlet and said "Excuse me sir, are you saved, if you die tonight are you going to heaven?" I thanked him very much but this disturbed me. I got back to my town, sought out our Hindu priest. He couldn't help me, but he advised me that to satisfy my curious mind, I should go and talk to the missionary in the mission home at the end of road. That was good advice because that day the missionary led me to Christ. I quit Hinduism immediately and began to prepare for ministry. I left the Diplomatic Service and here I am today, by God's grace in charge of all these missionaries who have together led 100.000 people to Christ. Eight months later that London Pastor was preaching in Sydney. He asked the local Baptist Minister if he knew of a little elderly white haired man who handed out tracts on George Street. He replied "Yes is do, his name is Mr. Genor, although I don't think he does it any more because he is so frail and elderly." Two nights later they went to meet him in his little apartment. They knocked on the door and this tiny frail old man greeted them. He sat them down and made them tea. He was so frail that he was slopping the tea into the saucer as his hands shook. The London preacher sat there and told him of all these accounts from the previous three years. This little man sat with tears running down his cheeks. He told them his story. "I was a rating on an Australian warship. I was living a reprobate life. In a crisis I really hit the wall. One of my collogues, to whom I gave literal hell, was there to help me. He led me to Jesus and the change in my life was night to day in 24 hours. I was so grateful to God; I promised God that I would share Jesus in a simple witness with at least 10 people a day. As God me strength I did that. Sometimes I was ill and couldn't do it, but I made up for the days I missed it at other times. I wasn't paranoid about it. I have done this for over 40 years. In my retirement years, the best place was on St. George Street where I saw hundreds of people a day. I got lots of rejections, but a lot of people courteously took the tract. In 40 years of doing this, I have never heard of one single person coming to Jesus until today." You know, I would say that he has to be commitment. To show gratitude and love for Jesus to do that for 40 years and not hear of any results. That simple little non-charismatic Baptist man witnessed to perhaps 147,000 people. I think that God was showing that Baptist pastor from London was the tip of the tip of the tip of the iceberg. Goodness knows how many more had been arrested for Christ. Doing huge jobs out in the mission fields. Mr. Genor died two weeks later. Can you imagine the reward he went home to in Heaven? I doubt his face would ever have appeared on Charisma Magazine. I doubt there would ever have been a photograph and a write up in Billy Graham's Decision magazine. No one except a little group of Baptists in Sydney knew about Mr. Genor, but I tell you his name was famous in Heaven. Heaven knew Mr. Genor and you can imagine the welcome and Red Carpet and the fanfare that he received when he went home to Glory. ..."The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Continually Amazed

And I believe what I believe
it's what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

These are lyrics from Singer songwriter Rich Mullins song "Creed".

I remember very vividly certain moments in my life where I have cried out to God. I begged Him to reveal himself to me. Daily I pleaded with Him and then terror struck. I spent a whole summer groping in the dark fully convinced of my eternal condemnation. I have struggled with many things throughout my life but to lose Christ would be the greatest loss of all. My mind, my heart, my flesh was shot. I was without excuse, I was a wretched creature full of every sort of vile, debased, sinful thought and action. During this time I was scared beyond measure. I had irrational fears such as the earth would fall. Even looking at a picture of the earth brought huge waves of terror upon me because I was afraid of God and He was controling it and not me. I remember just prior to this thinking I was something special. I was in charge of communion during the church service and therefore would oversee the placement and execution of this sacred event. Also I would be responsible for collecting the offering and putting it in the safe in a special room. Now in this room was a sheet of paper with all the names of people on it who were doing "important" things for God, therefore it was a veritable who's who in the church. I remember looking for my name thinking how great I was if my name would be on there. This thought scared me and shortly there after brought about the end of Jeff as I know him.

You ask why I tell this and here is my reasoning behind it. Once the hammer slammed down on my feeble little mind I crumbled. However even during those times God manifested Himself in various ways. I was continually trying to justify myself before God as still being worthy of salvation. After many months of unanswered prayer (as I saw fit) I reached the end of myself.


Rom 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

So now that I realize I am not who I thought I was and I see myself in the light and I am appauled.

Rom 7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Rom 7:25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

So now I sit here typing this. I went from mr high and mighty, to mr. low and stupid and a truly worthless individual. Whether you believe this or not I do not care. I am very truthful in this statement that ANY good that comes out from me is God using this body and not me.

I recently read the Pilgrim's Progress and now I have begun to understand what it means to press into the kingdom. There is no neutral ground, no compromise, nothing but knowing and serving Christ. Since this book I have this desire fueled on by the puritans and reformers to seek after God in this manner. I must know of His grace found in prayer, in Bible Study, in communion, and church attendance. I need fellowship with the King. Nothing else matters.



Ecc 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecc 1:2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
Ecc 1:3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?
Ecc 1:4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.
Ecc 1:5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.
Ecc 1:6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns.
Ecc 1:7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.
Ecc 1:8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Ecc 1:9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecc 1:10 Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is new"? It has been already in the ages before us.
Ecc 1:11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.
Ecc 1:12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.
Ecc 1:13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.
Ecc 1:14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecc 1:15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
Ecc 1:16 I said in my heart, "I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."
Ecc 1:17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.


Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Now back to Rich Mullins lyrics. It was nothing that I did that brought me here. God is soverign and I am less than able to do anything other than sin. He saw fit to call me into His service for what matter I know not. He broke me, and is putting me back together. I wish to know Him so intimatley even as I type this that everything else is truly vanity. I will die to this world and will not allow it's hold on me. I would rather die than to lose Christ.

How about you? Do you desire Jesus more than breath? If not please beg and plead for His grace. Without it no one will see Christ.

May God bless you this day and please look at some of the old writings of the early church fathers and compare them to today's message. I think like me, you will find the modern church in rapid decline and decay. Please ask God to open your eyes to the truth of the Kingdom.

Peace to You
Jeff