Every year around this time all kinds of email forwards start floating around the internet. I think I have seen this one for the past several years but can't be certain. However it is true, and good to think about I hope you enjoy. This was sent to me by a church member last week...
Top 10 Predictions for 2011
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Look for God's Plan in the New Year Acts 9:10-15
I try to read different blogs from others each week. One of my seminary professors (Bill Bryan) writes a weekly message for his church and I thought it would be good to share it with you all as well. Bill is going to be one of the speakers at BOOST 2011 as well. Boost will be on April 8-9 2011 so mark your calanders. More Boost news to come soon!
Ananias is an often overlooked and underappreciated character in the Book of Acts. In Acts 9 where he plays an important role in the conversion of Saul. On the Damascus Road Saul had a miraculous encounter with the risen Christ that left him temporarily blind. This is where we pick up Ananias’ story in Acts 9:10-15, “10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ 11 So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his13 Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.’ 15 But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. . . .’”
The rest of the story of course is that Ananias went. Paul’s sight was restored; he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized. Paul became God’s Apostle to the Gentiles and the most prolific author of the NT. What if Ananias hadn’t done the hard thing God asked of him? Perhaps the Lord would have called on someone else, but Ananias would have missed a great blessing. How often do we feel like Ananias? God speaks to us about doing a hard thing—forgiving one who has hurt us; giving a tithe or offering; taking a place of leadership in our church; sharing our witness. Whatever hard thing God asks of you, respond like Ananias. Share your fears with the Lord, then do the hard thing in God’s power. Although Ananias is never mentioned again in scripture, I believe he received a blessing by doing the hard thing God asked of him. May you be similarly blessed in the coming new year as you look for God's plan even in the hard things he may call you to do with him for his glory.
Monday, December 27, 2010
I read a news story today about the top ten christian news stories of 2010. I was shocked to see that at least 7 of the 10 were negative stories. A storng case could be made that 8 of the ten are negative. Everything from Episcopal Church ordains first lesbian bishop, Pastor Terry Jones threatens to burn Quran, and Crystal Cathedral files Chapter 11 were in this top ten list. This made me ask 2 questions, what does this say about our world, and what does it say about us?
First what does it say about our world? I believe Christians live in an ever increasing hostile world. The news media craves all kinds of negative news, but negative news about Christians or the church seem to be the crown jewel for many these days. The world at large is not rooting for us but rather against us. for most of history this has been the case, however in the past 200 years Americans in particular have not faced this kind of religious opposition. However with church attendance falling across the board in America and with the rise of post-modern thought, and an ever increasing focus on materialism and ourselves, I expect that this problem will only continue to get worse. The end game for our enemy is to strip God out of all meaningful areas of our lives. This maybe prayer in school, in God we trust in our court rooms and on our money, or your front yard Christmas nativity scene, they want it gone. The world at large is becoming increasingly negative about all things spiritual, in part due to the obsession with negative Christian news.
But the larger question for me is what does this say about us? First is says that we are horrible marketers. We are allowing the world to define who we are as Christians. We must become more proactive in stating our case, and marketing the great things that the church does, and stands for, so that the world at large might better understand us. This also shows that individual believers and churches both need to really step it up when it comes to telling the world about Christ. Christ is preached from hundreds of thousands of pulpits each weekend, however the gospel is rarely mentioned throughout the week by individual believers. We need a revival of individual evangelism in America today. This will no doubt lead to many coming to know Christ, but it will also lead to a more positive view of the Christian faith. Churches need to become more proactive in their local media markets, to promote the positive things they do. Many newspapers will run small public service articles for free. There are millions of blogs churches can post their positive stories on. Many small towns have local radio stations that will allow Pastors and other church leaders live air-time during the morning news. We should not only advertise "come and see us this Sunday", but also "see what we did for you last week." Churches should put forth extra effort to promote the positive things Christ does through them.
I hope that by the end of 2011 we will find that the top 10 Christian news stories include more positive things and fewer negative.
First what does it say about our world? I believe Christians live in an ever increasing hostile world. The news media craves all kinds of negative news, but negative news about Christians or the church seem to be the crown jewel for many these days. The world at large is not rooting for us but rather against us. for most of history this has been the case, however in the past 200 years Americans in particular have not faced this kind of religious opposition. However with church attendance falling across the board in America and with the rise of post-modern thought, and an ever increasing focus on materialism and ourselves, I expect that this problem will only continue to get worse. The end game for our enemy is to strip God out of all meaningful areas of our lives. This maybe prayer in school, in God we trust in our court rooms and on our money, or your front yard Christmas nativity scene, they want it gone. The world at large is becoming increasingly negative about all things spiritual, in part due to the obsession with negative Christian news.
But the larger question for me is what does this say about us? First is says that we are horrible marketers. We are allowing the world to define who we are as Christians. We must become more proactive in stating our case, and marketing the great things that the church does, and stands for, so that the world at large might better understand us. This also shows that individual believers and churches both need to really step it up when it comes to telling the world about Christ. Christ is preached from hundreds of thousands of pulpits each weekend, however the gospel is rarely mentioned throughout the week by individual believers. We need a revival of individual evangelism in America today. This will no doubt lead to many coming to know Christ, but it will also lead to a more positive view of the Christian faith. Churches need to become more proactive in their local media markets, to promote the positive things they do. Many newspapers will run small public service articles for free. There are millions of blogs churches can post their positive stories on. Many small towns have local radio stations that will allow Pastors and other church leaders live air-time during the morning news. We should not only advertise "come and see us this Sunday", but also "see what we did for you last week." Churches should put forth extra effort to promote the positive things Christ does through them.
I hope that by the end of 2011 we will find that the top 10 Christian news stories include more positive things and fewer negative.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Nobodies of Christmas
The Nobodies of Christmas
by: Ray Hollenbach
When important people come to town, everyone one knows it. NBA stadiums sell out months before LaBron or Kobe show up for game time. When Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson do a personal appearance, hundreds of screaming fans will show up hours ahead of time. When the President visits your city, you can be sure the mayor will meet him at the airport, and schoolchildren will be there to give the First Lady flowers.
The Christmas story shows us that God does things differently. You might even call His way sneaky. The most important person in the history of the world snuck into town late one night and definitely did not stay in a five-star hotel. Actually, Jesus was smuggled into Bethlehem through the womb of a teenage girl, who gave birth in a barn. That’s different.
We all know the story of Christmas: the baby, the barn, the shepherds, and magi. Hidden inside that familiar story is the surprising revelation that God’s way is to ignore the bigshots and use nobodies instead. Just count the nobodies:
Mary was a teenage girl from a small town. In Bible times, women were not important people, and teenagers were even lower on the scale. Mix in her pre-martial pregnancy, and you’ve got a real nobody on your hands. Mary was God’s choice. She conceived the baby Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. God considered her somebody important and gave her a pretty tough assignment!
Joseph was a nobody, too. He was just a working man. He was faced with a choice between trusting God or protecting his small-town reputation. But reputations belong to important people, and most of the important people were in Jerusalem. Joseph said yes to shame, yes to love, and yes to God, so God chose Joseph to act as a foster-father to the Savior of the world.
Shepherds are not important people, just the opposite: second-shift schmucks who work outdoors. Back in that day, watching sheep was not exactly a rock-star kind of gig. Yet they were the first guests invited to the celebration; they saw the skies ripped open and heard the song of heaven. In just one winter night, these social misfits witnessed more of God's glory than all the priests in Jerusalem.
The Magi: They were nothing more than rich pagan astrologers. It didn’t matter if they had money; they were foreigners. Foreigners have the wrong religion, the wrong clothes, and the wrong sacred books--yet the Father invited these rich pagan astrologers, strangers in Israel, to celebrate the birth of the King.
Elizabeth & Zechariah were a kindly old couple engaged in harmless religious activity. They are the kind of people society ignores--unless they are driving too slow on the highway. This childless couple found themselves unexpectedly drafted to care for and raise the greatest prophet of the Old Testament tradition--and the forerunner to the Messiah.
Anna & Simeon: Alone and elderly, they were two people almost completely invisible in Jerusalem. Invisible to everyone except the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God had been whispering to them for decades that they would witness the most important event in human history. Even after they held the baby Jesus that day in the Temple, the world would have considered them people at the margins of society, yet Simeon and Anna were in on God's secret plan decades before the rest of the world knew what was going on.
The secret message inside the Christmas story? God invites the nobodies. And when God invites you to the table, He provides everything you need. The powerful people, the beautiful people, and the cool kids might not make it to the celebration. They’re welcome, but they might be too busy building their own kingdoms. Meanwhile, God’s kingdom is filling up with the people no one notices.
This season, if you are a nobody—rejoice! You are not far from the Kingdom of God.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Reaching Out to Unbelievers at Christmas
Reaching Out to Unbelievers at Christmas
By: Dr. R. Larry Moyer
Many times as I travel this time of year, people ask the question, “How can I use Christmas to reach out to unbelievers?” The answer I give them is simpler than they are probably expecting. I believe the answer is in two words—think non-Christians. In other words, it doesn’t begin with what you do, but it begins with the way you think. We have an expression today that goes, “Out of sight—out of mind.” I think it’s also possible to say, “Out of mind—out of sight.” If you do not have them on your mind, you won’t have them within view over the holidays. Regardless of what you do and what you participate in, think non-Christians. Once you do that, you’ll be surprised how many ideas come to your mind.For example, cards are often sent to family and friends, most of whom are believers because of relationships at church, etc. But why not think of five to ten non-Christians you may not be that close to but who would appreciate a card from you? If appropriate, you can include a tract, but I believe there are also times when it’s not appropriate. A warm personal handwritten greeting simply lets them know you care. That warm greeting may open up a door for the gospel later. In each situation, you have to ascertain what’s best. A tract may be enclosed in one card where it may not be in another.
If you’re going to the mall, why not take an unbeliever with you and even offer to buy their lunch? That kind of giving spirit over the holidays is different than just getting a package from beneath the tree and has such a tangible way of saying, “I value your friendship.”
If you’re thinking of a loved one who is a believer who lost a member of their family this year, your concern and attention as you go through the first holiday season would mean a lot. But who do you know that’s an unbeliever who suffered a similar kind of loss? Why not reach out to them as well? The holiday may be even harder for them than it is for a believing family because they do not have the hope in Christ that you have.
I trust you see what I mean. By simply “thinking non-Christians,” you’ll be surprised by all the ideas that come to your mind whereby you can reach out to unbelievers. As you go forth, ask God for wisdom, direction, and boldness. He’ll give you all three.
Monday, December 20, 2010
John 1:14
John 1:14 ESV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is indeed an incredible biblical text, it's one of the most concise descriptions of Christ's incarnation that we find in Scripture. I love how it begins “and the Word became flesh” how incredible that God himself would come and join humanity as a person? The verse doesn't end there. Instead it says “he dwelt among us.” For 33 years he walked with humanity on planet Earth. Jesus Christ really did dwell among us. He was God in the flesh, yet he chose to walk a mile in our shoes. The author of the text goes on to express that he was an eyewitness when he says “we have seen his glory.” And even though we have not seen his glory in the same way that the author of this text has, we do continue to see miracles each day of our life. We see his glory and the moon and the stars, and the blue sky, green grass, the birth of a child, or the salvation of one lost soul. His glory still surrounds us to this very day and we have seen it with our own eyes. The author says he is "the ONLY SON FROM THE FATHER” And he is full of grace and truth. This is indeed an incredible passage of Scripture to reflect upon during the Christmas season. This morning as I read this passage from The Living Lamp devotional I could not help but take time to pray and thank God that he became flesh among us, has allowed me to see his glory, and thank him for being full of grace and truth and for being the one and only son of God who saved me from my sins.
This is indeed an incredible biblical text, it's one of the most concise descriptions of Christ's incarnation that we find in Scripture. I love how it begins “and the Word became flesh” how incredible that God himself would come and join humanity as a person? The verse doesn't end there. Instead it says “he dwelt among us.” For 33 years he walked with humanity on planet Earth. Jesus Christ really did dwell among us. He was God in the flesh, yet he chose to walk a mile in our shoes. The author of the text goes on to express that he was an eyewitness when he says “we have seen his glory.” And even though we have not seen his glory in the same way that the author of this text has, we do continue to see miracles each day of our life. We see his glory and the moon and the stars, and the blue sky, green grass, the birth of a child, or the salvation of one lost soul. His glory still surrounds us to this very day and we have seen it with our own eyes. The author says he is "the ONLY SON FROM THE FATHER” And he is full of grace and truth. This is indeed an incredible passage of Scripture to reflect upon during the Christmas season. This morning as I read this passage from The Living Lamp devotional I could not help but take time to pray and thank God that he became flesh among us, has allowed me to see his glory, and thank him for being full of grace and truth and for being the one and only son of God who saved me from my sins.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Lucy—The Runaway Dog
Some of you may know that we have a dog in our family named Lucy. She is a miniature white poodle who at times can be a handful but is generally a great dog. Yesterday afternoon at some point she slipped out the front door without anyone noticing and disappeared. Several hours later I received a text from my wife, who had been frantically calling, whistling, and looking for Lucy. It was almost dark and the temperature was dropping and we both knew it was going to be a long cold night for Lucy if she was still on the street. After I got home I spent some time walking through the neighborhood and later driving around the neighborhood continuing the search for our runaway dog. It had become apparent that she was gone and Abby and I both came to grips with the fact that we may never see Lucy again.
This morning we woke up and decided to call the local pound to see if anyone had brought Lucy in. Abby was unable to locate a number so she called the police department and they informed us that they would have to get back to us later. About an hour passed before we received a call from the Pleasanton Police Department and discovered that LUCY HAD BEEN FOUND! It turns out she was right down the street just around the corner at an extremely nice gentleman’s house. Phil had seen Lucy the previous evening chasing a cat near his home. Phil had lovingly taken Lucy into his home for the night. But he did more than just take her into his home he had put a new collar on her, he’d given her a new doggie toy, and he even let her sleep in his bed for the night. Phil had no idea who’s dog it was but he assumed that it belonged to one of his neighbors and he decided to take it in.
This morning as we sat down to eat breakfast (before we found Lucy) we opened up The Living Lamp and the promise and the challenge both spoke to our hearts. The promise for today came from Matthew 6:27-30 which basically says who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. God asks why do you worry it does no good at all, instead he encourages us to have faith. The promise is that if we have faith, God will come through. Then the challenge for today came from the book of John chapter 15 verse 17 it read “love each other. This is what I am commanding you to do.” Don’t you find it amazing how God’s word speaks to you each and every day you decide to read it? Not only did the promise for today bring encouragement to our hearts and remind us not to worry about things we had no control over, but we also saw the challenge come to life as well. Everyone knows that the golden rule is to love your neighbor as yourself and God’s Word clearly commands us time and time again to love each other. I’m so glad that we have a neighbor like Phil who, despite not knowing whose dog it was, decided to go out of his way at his own expense to care for Lucy the runaway dog. What are you worried about today? Why are you worried about it? Who can you love, what can you do to bless someone today?
This morning we woke up and decided to call the local pound to see if anyone had brought Lucy in. Abby was unable to locate a number so she called the police department and they informed us that they would have to get back to us later. About an hour passed before we received a call from the Pleasanton Police Department and discovered that LUCY HAD BEEN FOUND! It turns out she was right down the street just around the corner at an extremely nice gentleman’s house. Phil had seen Lucy the previous evening chasing a cat near his home. Phil had lovingly taken Lucy into his home for the night. But he did more than just take her into his home he had put a new collar on her, he’d given her a new doggie toy, and he even let her sleep in his bed for the night. Phil had no idea who’s dog it was but he assumed that it belonged to one of his neighbors and he decided to take it in.
This morning as we sat down to eat breakfast (before we found Lucy) we opened up The Living Lamp and the promise and the challenge both spoke to our hearts. The promise for today came from Matthew 6:27-30 which basically says who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. God asks why do you worry it does no good at all, instead he encourages us to have faith. The promise is that if we have faith, God will come through. Then the challenge for today came from the book of John chapter 15 verse 17 it read “love each other. This is what I am commanding you to do.” Don’t you find it amazing how God’s word speaks to you each and every day you decide to read it? Not only did the promise for today bring encouragement to our hearts and remind us not to worry about things we had no control over, but we also saw the challenge come to life as well. Everyone knows that the golden rule is to love your neighbor as yourself and God’s Word clearly commands us time and time again to love each other. I’m so glad that we have a neighbor like Phil who, despite not knowing whose dog it was, decided to go out of his way at his own expense to care for Lucy the runaway dog. What are you worried about today? Why are you worried about it? Who can you love, what can you do to bless someone today?
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Christmas Story
What do you know about the Christmas story? Not the story you heard from your grandmother or your grandfather. Not the story you were told in school, or even the story you heard in Sunday school. What do you know about the Christmas story in the Bible? When was the last time you read it?
Personally I'm very familiar with the Christmas story. I've read it often over the years from the pages of God's word. But this year as I dove into the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke I decided that I was going to take my time and focus on some of the aspects of the Christmas story that I had perhaps overlooked in years past. This Sunday I'll be sharing a message about the stable that Jesus was born in. As I thought about that stable I was confronted with several different things that I personally have in common with that stable. If you can make it to church this weekend I think this interesting take on the Christmas story will both encourage and inspire you.
I want to encourage you to read the Christmas story in the coming days, focus on it, meditate, think about it, let yourself become immersed in the drama that surrounds the birth of our Savior. Take a fresh look, don't just glance at it and think that you already know the story, instead pretend that you've never heard it before and examine it closely from beginning to end. Don't just do this once, take time to read it every day and focus on it every day. I promise you will be blessed!
Pastor Pete
Personally I'm very familiar with the Christmas story. I've read it often over the years from the pages of God's word. But this year as I dove into the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke I decided that I was going to take my time and focus on some of the aspects of the Christmas story that I had perhaps overlooked in years past. This Sunday I'll be sharing a message about the stable that Jesus was born in. As I thought about that stable I was confronted with several different things that I personally have in common with that stable. If you can make it to church this weekend I think this interesting take on the Christmas story will both encourage and inspire you.
I want to encourage you to read the Christmas story in the coming days, focus on it, meditate, think about it, let yourself become immersed in the drama that surrounds the birth of our Savior. Take a fresh look, don't just glance at it and think that you already know the story, instead pretend that you've never heard it before and examine it closely from beginning to end. Don't just do this once, take time to read it every day and focus on it every day. I promise you will be blessed!
Pastor Pete
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Word From The Pastor
It seems like it was just yesterday when I stared up into the bright blue sky to catch a glimpse of an airplane passing overhead. As I took my eyes off the plane which was quickly moving out of sight, a bright green bud on the ash tree in front of my house caught my eye. Upon closer inspection there were many more brand new spring leaves being born before my very eyes. Winter was over, spring had arrived and with it new life. As I continued to work in my yard that afternoon I pondered some of the amazing aspects of life.
Today as I worked in my yard, rushing to finish several tasks before the sun set and darkness impeded my ability to work, I caught a glimpse of something else out of the corner of my eye. Naturally I turned my head to find a single leaf falling to the ground. It was not violent, brutal, or unnatural at all. Instead that leaf fell to the ground as if it was performing the last graceful dance of its short life. It was just a few months ago that its bright green glow burst forth from the bark of that ash tree. Now it lies in my yard waiting to decay and return to the earth from which it came. Two verses immediately came to mind as I pondered the significance of this natural cycle nature produces.
1Peter 1:24–25 NIV For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
James 4:13–15 NIV Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
As I thought about the many truths contained in those verses, my heart was reminded to pray for many people I know who, like that leaf, find themselves in the last stages of their own lives and only barely attached to the tree as their season of life comes to an end. One of my closest friends and most faithful partners in the ministry God has blessed me with, currently lies in a hospital bed needing constant care to survive. My grandmother is strong, faithful, and a powerful prayer warrior, but like the leaves on a tree, we all bloom but for a season then we are afforded the privilege of returning to the place of our origin. Not to mother earth, but instead into our Father’s hands, who has loved us from the beginning of time, who knit us together in our mothers wombs, and who has already prepared a place for us in His eternal Kingdom.
My thoughts then quickly turned to family, friends, church members, and myself, who find ourselves still firmly attached to the tree. We are green and functioning just like we are supposed to. Many of us are in the prime of our lives yet what we fail to realize is that one day we too will fade and fall. I fear that we are wasting much of our limited time on this planet. This is not to say that we are totally unproductive and inefficient. But certainly we could all pray, read our Bible, witness, worship, and obey His commands just a little more. I certainly know I could. One of my greatest fears is that I will one day arrive in heaven and realize how much of my life was wasted on myself, and the temporary things of this world. Only the eternal investments I make will last forever, everything else will fade and be unable to withstand the test of time.
When its time for me to take my last great journey I pray that I will be like the leaf I witnessed today. I pray that I might be able to peacefully let go knowing that my season has passed, my work has been completed, my race finished, and that in some small way my short life was effective and helped the tree grow. Then without regret, hesitation, or fear, I might peacefully float away to my Father’s loving arms in heaven. I pray that we might all be able to approach our final days in such a way.
What will you do with your life in 2011? What will you do with your life this Christmas season? What will you do with your life next week? What will you do with your life tomorrow? Do you have a plan? Have you afforded God the opportunity to guide you in the direction of His own purpose for your life? Time is the greatest gift we have been given and no one knows how much of it they will have. May we all live well!
Pastor Pete
Life is a path trodden by all men, and but once.
John Gill[1]
It is not how long but how well we live that matters.
Anon.1
Life is not measured by length but by depth. Birthdays tell us how long we have been on the road,
not how far we have travelled.
not how far we have travelled.
Vance Havner1
The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
William James1
Make sure the thing you are living for is worth dying for.
Charles Mayes1
Life is worth living better than most men live it.
Anon.1
Live so as to be missed.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne1
Let God have your life; he can do more with it than you can.
D. L. Moody1
Let us live as people who are prepared to die, and die as people who are prepared to live.
James S. Stewart1
[1]Blanchard, John, eds. The Complete Gathered Gold: a Treasury of Quotations for Christians. Accordance electronic ed. New York: Evangelical Press, 2006.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Be Like Jesus Today
This morning I was thinking about one of my memory verses 1 John 2:5–6 NIV But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. What an incredible statement, if we claim to live in him we must walk as Jesus did. I thought about some areas in my life that still need much refining so that I might be a better reflection of Christ. There are still things in my walk which are lacking to be sure. It is my goal today to be more like him, it will be my goal tomorrow, and the next, and the next, until God is finished with me. I pray that we might all make this our goal and greatest ambition in life, that we would be like Jesus. Below are some quotes you might consider reading as you think about what it means to be like Christ.
If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, then the world should see nothing else.
Anon.
From morning to night keep Jesus in your heart, long for nothing, desire nothing, hope for nothing, but to have all that is within you changed into the spirit and temper of the holy Jesus.
William Law
If you try to imitate Christ, the world will praise you; if you become like Christ, the world will hate you!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When no mark of the cross appears in our discipleship, we may doubt the ownership. We should be branded for Christ.
Mary S. Wood
To be much like Christ, be much with Christ.
Anon.
If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, then the world should see nothing else.
Anon.
From morning to night keep Jesus in your heart, long for nothing, desire nothing, hope for nothing, but to have all that is within you changed into the spirit and temper of the holy Jesus.
William Law
If you try to imitate Christ, the world will praise you; if you become like Christ, the world will hate you!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When no mark of the cross appears in our discipleship, we may doubt the ownership. We should be branded for Christ.
Mary S. Wood
To be much like Christ, be much with Christ.
Anon.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas--Did You Know?
I was reading in the Holman Bible Dictionary today and I found this article about Christmas. It contained some interesting things that I had never known or thought of. I thought I would share it with you all as well. By the way this is a great Bible Dictionary.
CHRISTMAS Of the major Christian festivals, Christmas is the most recent in origin. The name, a contraction of the term “Christ’s mass,” did not come into use until the Middle Ages. In the early centuries Christians were much more likely to celebrate the day of a person’s death than the person’s birthday. Very early in its history the church had an annual observance of the death of Christ and also honored many of the early martyrs on the day of their death. Before the fourth century, churches in the East—Egypt, Asia Minor, and Antioch—observed Epiphany, the manifestation of God to the world, celebrating Christ’s baptism, His birth, and the visit of the magi.
In the early part of the fourth century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread widely and rapidly, so that most parts of the Christian world observed the new festival by the end of the century. In the fourth century the controversy over the nature of Christ, whether He was truly God or a created being, led to an increased emphasis on the doctrine of the incarnation, the affirmation that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14 HCSB). It is likely that the urgency to proclaim the incarnation was an important factor in the spread of the celebration of Christmas.
No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in conjunction with the winter solstice. In Rome, the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thus, the festival of the sun became a festival of the Son, the Light of the world. See Church Year.
Fred A. Grissom
CHRISTMAS Of the major Christian festivals, Christmas is the most recent in origin. The name, a contraction of the term “Christ’s mass,” did not come into use until the Middle Ages. In the early centuries Christians were much more likely to celebrate the day of a person’s death than the person’s birthday. Very early in its history the church had an annual observance of the death of Christ and also honored many of the early martyrs on the day of their death. Before the fourth century, churches in the East—Egypt, Asia Minor, and Antioch—observed Epiphany, the manifestation of God to the world, celebrating Christ’s baptism, His birth, and the visit of the magi.
In the early part of the fourth century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread widely and rapidly, so that most parts of the Christian world observed the new festival by the end of the century. In the fourth century the controversy over the nature of Christ, whether He was truly God or a created being, led to an increased emphasis on the doctrine of the incarnation, the affirmation that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14 HCSB). It is likely that the urgency to proclaim the incarnation was an important factor in the spread of the celebration of Christmas.
No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in conjunction with the winter solstice. In Rome, the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thus, the festival of the sun became a festival of the Son, the Light of the world. See Church Year.
Fred A. Grissom
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
God Ain’t Big Enough (Yeah Right!)
Some people say that God is simply not big enough to accomplish the things that need to be done in the modern era. While few say it with their lips most say it with their actions. We just don’t trust God or believe in his power anymore. Whether its finances, family, work, health, safety, or church, few really trust God completely anymore. While our prayers cry out for help, our actions often scream we don’t think you can do it! We forsake faith and embrace self-reliance, after all, we gave God all of ten seconds and He did not respond.
I just read an article from USA Today entitled “Universe holds billions more stars than previously thought.” Last week astrologists announced that they now believe the universe holds at least three times as many stars as they previously estimated. So what is the new number? They now say there are at least 300 sextillion stars (that's 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). So Is God BIG and able enough to handle whatever you may be facing? Consider the following scripture and you decide.
Genesis 1:16 NIV God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.
Psalms 8:3–4 NIV When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalms 147:4 NIV He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
I just read an article from USA Today entitled “Universe holds billions more stars than previously thought.” Last week astrologists announced that they now believe the universe holds at least three times as many stars as they previously estimated. So what is the new number? They now say there are at least 300 sextillion stars (that's 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). So Is God BIG and able enough to handle whatever you may be facing? Consider the following scripture and you decide.
Genesis 1:16 NIV God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.
Psalms 8:3–4 NIV When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalms 147:4 NIV He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Monday, December 6, 2010
God is Moving
Last Friday I told a group of servant leaders at our church a little bit about the great work that God is doing in Asia right now, specifically in India. I have been keeping a close eye on this movement of God over the past 6 months and have been amazed to see the kind of passion that exists in the lives of Christians overseas. Today as I was reading some news from that part of the world I came across this article. It caught my eye because this is the organization I encouraged our church to consider partnering with next year to be a part of the great work that God is doing in that part of the world. Pray for these people!
Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Jethu Monin was attacked by anti-Christian extremists while he was walking to church on Sunday. They badly injured Jethu, and he is now recovering.
Jethu serves in an area dominated by people who worship the gods and goddesses of their traditional religions. Many of the devotees of these religions are fearful as they see the once-faithful choose to give their hearts to Christ.
The attackers left Jethu badly beaten and they had one message for him:
"You should not conduct Christian prayer meetings in this area," the attackers told him.
They also demanded that he leave or face more extreme consequences. This was not the first time that the 25-year-old missionary had faced persecution. When he and his family chose to follow Christ their own village expelled them. But Jethu has compassion for the men who beat him. He understands their point of view because he used to be one of them. Jethu and his family were staunch believers and followers of this same traditional religion. Then Jethu heard about the love of Jesus from a Bible college student. By this time, he had already grown discouraged because of many problems in his life, which his gods and goddesses didn't seem to care about.
Jethu's parents were shocked to see their son's transformation into a joyful person. They soon followed in the footsteps of Christ, too. This caused quite an uproar in their village.
"They tried to convert us back into the former religion. As they could not change our decision to follow Jesus, they threatened us and expelled us from the village," Jethu explained. "At this time of turmoil, God became our strength and courage who kept us safe in His hands."
The family has followed Christ wholeheartedly ever since. They are now praying for the men who attacked Jethu, that they will come to know Christ.
Jethu's church also asks for prayer for his complete healing and that this incident will not cause him any discouragement.
Missionary Attacked on The Way to Church
Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Jethu Monin was attacked by anti-Christian extremists while he was walking to church on Sunday. They badly injured Jethu, and he is now recovering.
Jethu serves in an area dominated by people who worship the gods and goddesses of their traditional religions. Many of the devotees of these religions are fearful as they see the once-faithful choose to give their hearts to Christ.
The attackers left Jethu badly beaten and they had one message for him:
"You should not conduct Christian prayer meetings in this area," the attackers told him.
They also demanded that he leave or face more extreme consequences. This was not the first time that the 25-year-old missionary had faced persecution. When he and his family chose to follow Christ their own village expelled them. But Jethu has compassion for the men who beat him. He understands their point of view because he used to be one of them. Jethu and his family were staunch believers and followers of this same traditional religion. Then Jethu heard about the love of Jesus from a Bible college student. By this time, he had already grown discouraged because of many problems in his life, which his gods and goddesses didn't seem to care about.
Jethu's parents were shocked to see their son's transformation into a joyful person. They soon followed in the footsteps of Christ, too. This caused quite an uproar in their village.
"They tried to convert us back into the former religion. As they could not change our decision to follow Jesus, they threatened us and expelled us from the village," Jethu explained. "At this time of turmoil, God became our strength and courage who kept us safe in His hands."
The family has followed Christ wholeheartedly ever since. They are now praying for the men who attacked Jethu, that they will come to know Christ.
Jethu's church also asks for prayer for his complete healing and that this incident will not cause him any discouragement.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Iran: Pastor Charged—Apostasy
This very day there will be men and women around the world who will die because they loved others enough to tell them about Jesus. May we all remember Pastor Youcef and the thousands of others we will never know by name on this side of heaven.
The Assize Court of the province of Gilan, in Iran, has officially charged Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani with denying that Mohammed was a prophet. The court stated that this resulted in apostasy because Nardarkhani believes in Jesus and has shared his faith with others, according to The Voice of the Martyrs.
The indictment, which was issued by a public prosecutor in the presence of a jury, stated, “He has frequently denied the prophet hood of the great prophet of Islam and the rule of the sacred religion of Islam. ... He has proven his apostasy by organizing evangelistic meetings and inviting others to Christianity, establishing a house church, baptizing people, expressing his faith to others and denying Islamic values.”
According to court documents, when Pastor Youcef was asked about his faith, he told authorities, “Since I was born in a Muslim family, I was Muslim until I converted to Christianity at the age of 19.” He openly acknowledged accepting Jesus Christ.
The court also stated that the apostasy charge was determined a crime according to Islamic theologians.
Pastor Youcef’s defense attorneys have entered a not guilty plea to the charges, arguing that “since there is no punishment specified in the Islamic judicial system of Iran and other penal laws [on apostasy] ... their client has not committed a crime to deserve a punishment.”
The indictment, however, stated that as an apostate, Pastor Youcef will be executed. His lawyers have 20 days to appeal the indictment. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to continue praying for Pastor Youcef and his family. Pray that his appeal will be successful and that he will be released.
To learn more about Pastor Youcef, visit www.prisoneralert.com.
The indictment, which was issued by a public prosecutor in the presence of a jury, stated, “He has frequently denied the prophet hood of the great prophet of Islam and the rule of the sacred religion of Islam. ... He has proven his apostasy by organizing evangelistic meetings and inviting others to Christianity, establishing a house church, baptizing people, expressing his faith to others and denying Islamic values.”
According to court documents, when Pastor Youcef was asked about his faith, he told authorities, “Since I was born in a Muslim family, I was Muslim until I converted to Christianity at the age of 19.” He openly acknowledged accepting Jesus Christ.
The court also stated that the apostasy charge was determined a crime according to Islamic theologians.
Pastor Youcef’s defense attorneys have entered a not guilty plea to the charges, arguing that “since there is no punishment specified in the Islamic judicial system of Iran and other penal laws [on apostasy] ... their client has not committed a crime to deserve a punishment.”
The indictment, however, stated that as an apostate, Pastor Youcef will be executed. His lawyers have 20 days to appeal the indictment. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to continue praying for Pastor Youcef and his family. Pray that his appeal will be successful and that he will be released.
To learn more about Pastor Youcef, visit www.prisoneralert.com.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bridgetown Church of Christ helps Black Friday shoppers
Instead of shopping or sleeping in this Black Friday at least one church had the great idea to use it for ministry purposes. With reports of thousands standing in lines both inside and outside of stores in our local area it made me think about what Cowboy Fellowship might be able to do next year. Read a portion of the article below, or the full article by clicking here.
Bridgetown Church of Christ helps Black Friday shoppers
Are you planning to get a great deal the day after Thanksgiving?
Black Friday is always about bargains, but this year Bridgetown Church of Christ is making it about values. Instead of focusing on the deals and bargains, the members of the church are taking the opportunity to serve food and drinks to the shoppers lined up at Best Buy in Western Hills early Friday morning, November 26th.
Along with a cup of hot chocolate the church will be offering invitations to it's Christmas services and events. It's their way to love the community and invite them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.
Bridgetown Church of Christ helps Black Friday shoppers
Are you planning to get a great deal the day after Thanksgiving?
Black Friday is always about bargains, but this year Bridgetown Church of Christ is making it about values. Instead of focusing on the deals and bargains, the members of the church are taking the opportunity to serve food and drinks to the shoppers lined up at Best Buy in Western Hills early Friday morning, November 26th.
Along with a cup of hot chocolate the church will be offering invitations to it's Christmas services and events. It's their way to love the community and invite them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Difficult Days
Many of us have faced some sort of difficulty over the past few months. A friend of mine recently wrote about some of the struggles he was facing and how he worked through them. Maybe this will help you, or encourage you in someway as well.
Accept His Ways
Accept His Ways
Isaiah 55:8 was the verse that really stuck out to me today, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” I’d have to say out of everything in Christianity this has to be one of the hardest aspects for me, and that would be trying to accept and find joy in God’s ways because at times I just do not understand them. I have to admit sometimes I just get so frustrated in trying to accept the things God gives me in life.
The perfect picture of my struggle, I have had some fairly lousy jobs over the last three years, at least according to my standards, and the funny thing is the more I complained it seemed like the worse they got. I actually was just able to transition from the last one and have started a job that as of yet seems to be far better than everything I’ve done since my relocation to Florida, and the catch to it all was I was contacted by this company who found my resume. It was just at the moment I really started to just say, why am I complaining, I have it so much better than so many others. in an economy that is struggling, where unemployment is high, and no matter how difficult it was juggling two part time jobs and keeping everything straight I was so blessed to have a job at all, to be healthy, to have just closed on my first house when so many are homeless, I had to ask God for forgiveness for my discontent. After all this was where God had me and he works all things out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28) again this was where my faith was tested, I either had to believe this was where God wanted me and just accept it and in that moment of contentment, not that it happened RIGHT away, but after I found contentment with my situation that is when He decided he would move me.
What did I have to be upset about, God’s promise is to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19) he tells us to find joy in our circumstances and in my act of selfishness God sought to teach me to be content. I wish it didn’t take me so long to learn it, but I have been accused of being hard headed. Paul summed it up perfectly, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians in a Roman Prison, and yet somehow throughout everything we know he endured he learned to find contentment. It is something every Christian must learn, so often we get caught up in our own desires, in our selfish ambitions, in what we think will bring us joy, and we forget who is in control and who knows what is best. We serve a sovereign God and when we struggle we make our petitions known to Him (Phil. 4:6), but in the end trust Him in all things and be content no matter what His answer is, in the end “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
it makes a differance
Hey everyone I have not posted in a while.
I found a something of value to share today. It is a testimony about of a survivor of Abortion. You may ask how can that be, and i would say click and see!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=158348990848143
This is also a reminder to you during this time of the year. Your vote makes a difference.
The person you are voting for have your same values.
I encourage you don't just trust the good guy/girl will win. You need to get out and vote it truly makes a difference in what our future can be.
Scotty
I found a something of value to share today. It is a testimony about of a survivor of Abortion. You may ask how can that be, and i would say click and see!
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=158348990848143
This is also a reminder to you during this time of the year. Your vote makes a difference.
The person you are voting for have your same values.
I encourage you don't just trust the good guy/girl will win. You need to get out and vote it truly makes a difference in what our future can be.
Scotty
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What a weekend...
WOW, this past weekend at Cowboy Fellowship was something else! God is really moving in our church and great things are happening. I believe that many more great things are in store for us as we finish out 2010 as well. I have been overwhelmed and somewhat surprised at the response from this weekend's sermon. I talk about this topic some in the discipleship work book I wrote called The Absolute Basics of Christianity.
The lessons in the workbook on heaven and hell always generate a great deal of discussion. But this week's sermon focused specifically on what happens when we die and it really spoke to many people. After church on Sunday I went to San Antonio to celebrate my grandmother's birthday and when I returned home my email box was already filled with messages about the sermon. I posted it online, and within an hour emails from around the world started to come in as well, from people who subscribe to the podcast or download the messages. Everyone wants to know what happens when you die, and it seems this message really helped people better understand that process. If you missed it and you would like to listen to the sermon you can download it for free here.
I have also posted the transcripts from the first twelve messages from this series on the letter that was written to the Thessalonian church. These transcripts are not really "publish ready" but I feel I should post them in case you want to go back and read the messages again or look at the scriptures one more time. I hope to have the rest of the messages up within a week. For now they are only located on my personal website www.pastorpete.org under the media section with the sermons. I will try to find time to post them on www.cowboyfellowship.org in the coming weeks. If you would like to read the transcripts or listen to the sermons you can click here. Below are just a few of the comments I have received about this week's message entitled "The Dead, The Christ, and The Living Pt. 1." I think next week's message will be just as enlightening as this one, if not more...
The lessons in the workbook on heaven and hell always generate a great deal of discussion. But this week's sermon focused specifically on what happens when we die and it really spoke to many people. After church on Sunday I went to San Antonio to celebrate my grandmother's birthday and when I returned home my email box was already filled with messages about the sermon. I posted it online, and within an hour emails from around the world started to come in as well, from people who subscribe to the podcast or download the messages. Everyone wants to know what happens when you die, and it seems this message really helped people better understand that process. If you missed it and you would like to listen to the sermon you can download it for free here. I have also posted the transcripts from the first twelve messages from this series on the letter that was written to the Thessalonian church. These transcripts are not really "publish ready" but I feel I should post them in case you want to go back and read the messages again or look at the scriptures one more time. I hope to have the rest of the messages up within a week. For now they are only located on my personal website www.pastorpete.org under the media section with the sermons. I will try to find time to post them on www.cowboyfellowship.org in the coming weeks. If you would like to read the transcripts or listen to the sermons you can click here. Below are just a few of the comments I have received about this week's message entitled "The Dead, The Christ, and The Living Pt. 1." I think next week's message will be just as enlightening as this one, if not more...
WOW was all I could say after today's sermon. You and God... what a team! Okay, here's the deal... as I think you probably know, my dad is and has been very sick for some time. He has cancer and is in the last stages and was in the hospital for a couple of weeks and is now at home and we are doing the best we can to care for him with the help of a Hospice team... Anyway, as you might imagine, your topic for a sermon today was very timely. My dad had asked me last week what happens when you die...(She had a long conversation with her father then...) I asked him if he was going to go to heaven and he said he was.
---Texas
Pastor Pete, as you know my family and I walk into our village each week to listen to you message and teachings. This weeks message was exactly what we needed to hear. Two weeks ago an elder in our church passed away and a great dispute has broken out here in our church over the issue you preached about today. Your sermon answered the question in such a clear way, I would like to share this message with my church this Sunday, would you be so kind as to send me your sermon notes to reference as i preach next Sunday? Thank you for helping me I hope to meet you someday.
---Niger Africa
My wife died in Christ 96 days ago. Last night was the first time in 96 days that I did not cry myself to sleep. Peace has come upon me through your message. (They were married for 55+ years)
--- Church Deacon, Lousiana
Best sermon I have heard in my 83 years...
---Kansas
...Peace, hope, joy, and comfort I have them all because of what I just heard...
---London
I have waited 25 years to hear that message...now I am going to go listen to it again...
---Florida
You did a great job... what a strong message and good lesson!!!!!
---Texas
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Absolute Basics of Christianity
Hey everyone I wanted to let you know that the first volume of my discipleship book The Absolute Basics of Christianity is now available for purchase. You can use the link below, or find it at amazon or barnesandnoble.com. In the coming weeks it will slowly make its way onto other sites and into some stores. Volume two will be out in 2-3 weeks sometime around the first of October. A few weeks after that both volumes will be released in one super volume as well. So feel free to purchase a copy of volume one (13 Lessons), or you can wait till the book with both volumes and all 26 lessons comes out in a few weeks. If you enjoy the study please tell others about it and help me spread the word.
Pete
PS. we will have some copies for sale at the church but we will not have very many until the end of October due to the large size of our 101 class this fall.
Pete
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Top 10 Reasons To Be INVOLVED In Church
Top 10 Reasons To Be INVOLVED In Church
Pastor Pete
Pastor Pete
Real Connection-The friendships and fellowship at a Christ centered church can't be found any other place in the world.
Renewal-Being in God's house with God's people will renew you and help you prepare for another week.
Equipping-A biblically centered church will help train and equip you to fulfill your God given purpose.
Accountability-Its a good thing I promise!
Perspective-Your earthly and eternal perspective is positively impacted when you are involved in your church.
Worship-There is just something special about singing and learning with other believers. It can't be replicated any other way other than being in church.
Significance-Your life makes a greater impact when you share your talents and gifts with the church. We accomplish more together.
Strength-The devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. When you join other belivers you become a much harder target to destroy.
Encouragement-Life will naturally bring difficult seasons to everyone. When you are a part of the body of Christ having other believers help you through those rough times is priceless.
Stability-Church involvement has been proven to decrease stress, worry, and fear. In general those who are active in church tend to live more stable lives.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sex Education
As promised we wanted to give all of the parents in our congregation some tools to help you deal with your children regarding the issue of sex. The staff at Cowboy Fellowship realizes that this is a difficult subject for both parents and children to discuss. However, this is one of the most important topics for families today. With the endless temptations and sexual myths that have invaded our society, we desperately need to help protect our children. It is tempting to lock them in their rooms and seclude them from the world for 20-30 years (LOL) but of course that is not practical. So instead the best way to protect them is to educate them on all the important issues of life including sex. This blog contains some helpful information, but don't forget that we (the staff) are always available and willing to help in any way we can. Call on us if you need us.
My children are currently ages 2 years, and 6 weeks. So needless to say we have not had to talk about sex much. However, my two year old has started asking questions about his body parts, and why "daddy kisses momma" etc. Research is showing that sex education needs to begin sooner, rather than later. So here are some helpful hints that can be used at all ages with both boys and girls.
, and Bringing Up Girls
by Dr. James Dobson. He has many other resources and books available regarding children as well. If you want to view all of them you can click on his name above.
Once again please know that we are praying for you and we desire to help you in this and all areas concerning your family. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to contact us.
My children are currently ages 2 years, and 6 weeks. So needless to say we have not had to talk about sex much. However, my two year old has started asking questions about his body parts, and why "daddy kisses momma" etc. Research is showing that sex education needs to begin sooner, rather than later. So here are some helpful hints that can be used at all ages with both boys and girls.
- Use the Bible- The Bible speaks God's truth into our lives on all subject matters including sex. Talk about sex with your children in the context of what God's word says on the subject, not what mom or dad say. There are both positive and negative sexual examples in God's word and many teachable moments in common Biblical stories. So mom and dad this means that you need to read your Bible, so that when the time comes, you are able to incorporate God's word into your sex education program with your children.
- Be honest- Of course judgment needs to be used when dealing with children of different ages. But don't lie to your kids or make things up. If you don't think your child needs to know that specific answer, just be honest and tell them that for now they don't need to know that but when the time comes you will help inform them.
- Be available- make sure your children understand that talking to you about sex is always ok. Never make them feel like you are uninterested or unwilling to approach the subject. If you do they will learn from their friends and their peers who they date. No parent wants that.
- Be proactive- Don't wait for your children to bring the subject up, you are the parent and God has given you the responsibility to educate your kids. Of course, younger children like my 2 year old, naturally ask many questions on all subjects. But as kids grow older they will be less willing to approach difficult subjects such as sex with their parents.
- Be positive- Make sure that your children understand that God's moral standard of abstinence is a blessing not a curse. Help them to see all of the benefits to following God's laws in all areas of their lives including sex.
- Be a role model- We must set a good example for our children to follow. If we disobey God in this or any other area we should not be surprised when our children do as well. If you have previously messed up confess your sins to God and your children (if it is appropriate at their age) and receive God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Move on and set an example from then on that your children can follow.
, and Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson. He has many other resources and books available regarding children as well. If you want to view all of them you can click on his name above. Once again please know that we are praying for you and we desire to help you in this and all areas concerning your family. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to contact us.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sex in the church...
From the beginning of the Christian faith, sex has been a major issue in the church. Many either fail to, or refuse to, recognize that this uncomfortable subject has great consequences when it comes to our faith and our effectiveness with the gospel. In the history of the church there have been several major world wide church councils. The council of Jerusalem which met around 50 AD was forced to deal with the issue of sex because sexual immorality had become an issue for the believers of the early church. While this was not the main focus of the council of Jerusalem they did say the following.
Acts 15:20 NIV Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
Sexual immorality like it or not has been a part of the church since it's origin. This constant battle rages in the flesh of both men and women who must "learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable" (1 Thessalonians 4:4 NIV). When we pretend that sexual sins are not a temptation that the devil uses against Christians, we open ourselves and our churches to an even grater extent and become more vulnerable to such attacks. However, when we deal with the issue openly, biblically, and honestly, we find freedom, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and hope of a better future in the arms of our loving savior. May God give each believer and each church the boldness necessary to confront the sexual sins of our day as the Apostles did in theirs. Below are some verses that show not only how prevalent sexual immorality was in the early church, but also how boldly the Apostles confronted such sin.
Some people like to squelch the debate by saying "all the church does is judge me! :-(" Rest assured this debate has never been about personal judgment against individuals. Instead it is about the judgment that comes with all sin. We must speak the truth in love, in our efforts to help one another become all that God has created us to be. While sexual sin is listed in all of the scriptures below, note that many other sins are as well. Furthermore, all sins carry the same punishment of death according to God's word (Romans 6:23). Sexual sins are not any worse than any other. The problem is many today preach against deceit, hatred, idolatry, rage, drunkenness, and greed. Far fewer however are willing to stand against sexual immorality. While this is an uncomfortable subject it is necessary that we stand together and defeat this evil once and for all. If you struggle with this issue and would like to receive accountability and help to defeat this issue in your life please email us. Of course your confidentiality will be respected.
Ephesians 5:3–20 NIV But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:19–26 NIV the acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
1 Corinthians 5:1–5 NIV It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3 Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:9–20 NIV Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 “Everything is permissible for me” — but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” — but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” — but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
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