Are we preaching a different Gospel when.....

we speak more of our moral values than the God they are from?
Where does Jesus say" Go ye therefore unto all men and nations and tell them they are dirty rotten sinners and walk away?"
It would seem that most of us are real comfortable talking about what things are sin, but most of us are plainly not so willing to tell someone who the cure for sin is.In recent times we are obviously falling short in this area because less people have any idea who Christ is at all.
They do on the other hand seem to be well acquainted with where Christians stand on a plethora of social issues.
If we put the effort into speaking of Jesus that we put into speaking for Him, the tables would no doubt turn and as more came to Christ less would remain in sin. This is a war. If the devil can get us caught up in the details and shooting ourselves over what music we worship with and who has what place on what commitee, and mired down in all the issues of sin, then we are M.I.A. on the field.We are commanded to speak boldly and continually of Christ and His love. His words speak of His judgment,
and it is His to make. We are to share abroad the forgiveness shown to us by Him when we were committing the very same acts we decry now.We are equipped as bible believing( and studying, hopefully) soldiers of God to overcome all the wiles of the devil and carry the truth of salvation to the ends of the earth. In doing so we fulfill the purpose for which we are left in this world, " Go ye therefore unto all men and nations making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father,Son and the Holy Spirit."

2 Tim. 3:16-17 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. [17] It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.

Mark 5:19-20 (NLT) But Jesus said, "No, go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." [20] So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to tell everyone about the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

John 9:25 (NLT) "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"

2 Tim. 4:1-2 (NLT) And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: [2] Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Does children's........

self -esteem really come from the shoes you buy them, or the car, or the.......
The answer would and should be NO
We here in the land of the greed (oops) think so for the most part evidently.
We do not seem to want anyone to feel wrong about anything.
That is why most Christians leave evangelisim to their pastor or youth leaders and youth. God forbid you tell your friend about Jesus and then try to lead them to an understanding of being lost. God forbid you actually tell your friend that you yourself were a sinner, that would just ruin your image at the lodge now would'nt it ????
We are becoming men pleasers even with the things our churches teach and do. "Come on down to the First Baptist Church of The Massive Social Gathering and Light Show, you just might bump into Jesus if you are lucky!!!" The verse that says Jesus wept must surely be applicable at this very moment as he watches us write the conviction of sin right out of the word, watering down His message so as not to hurt anyone's little feelings.
We need to wake up people. He did not love by turning a blind eye to sin He loved by EXPOSING IT! It was then summarily stripped of it's power by His death at the cross. Why do we have so many teachers teaching today that the key is really inside of us when it really sits at the right hand of God The Father Almighty??? It is because the heart of man wants independance not dependance. It make us BIG boys and girls when we can say "Look what I did !"This garbage is what we teach our children when we use the things of the world to fix their hurts instead of the truth of The Savior!

Ephes. 6:6 (KJV) Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Luke 18:11-14 (NLT) The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, [12] I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' [13] "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' [14] I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored."

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
"I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."

Luke 12:34 (NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

Who needs enemies...

When our brothers and sisters do a good job of shooting us and leaving us for dead. I have dealt rather extensively in posting on a couple web forums in which a great deal of theological discussion and political( from a believers stand point) goes on. I must admit I will probably refrain in the future. I have just had enough of the excitement of a great debate turning to you kill me or I will kill you in the last few weeks to last till He comes. Why can not iron sharpen iron? Why do we have to bring our assumptions in or transfer our issues with others to someone else?
I suspect that evil is in the details. We seem not to able to encourage for very long before that old man creeps in and says " I want to be recognized" I have been guilty on occasion of these things myself and I hate it just as much or more in me, as in someone else. Please let's all cut it out. We all want to discuss things and stretch our mind but I am becoming convinced we should just discuss scripture and what it says to each and leave the rest alone. Our whole existence here is to be glorifying to and wholly contained in Jesus Christ, so what else matters ?
Edifying one another, and bringing Christ into the lives of the lost.So I bid fond farewell to debates over evolution, politics,etc...... I vote we just do these things:

John 13:35 (KJV) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another
Romans 14:19 (KJV) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS.......

Give me a Mercedes God cause you know I want it!
This is the kind of thing some " preachers " are telling us we can ask and expect to get and if we do not get it we just do not have enough faith.
THIS IS BLASPHEMY!
God says he will give us the desire of our hearts but in this context,

1 John 5:13-15 (NLT) I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. [14] And we can be confident that he will listen to us line whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. [15] And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.

So we see that we may not get something because it is outside of His will for us.Things that are outside his will for us are not good for us ,they take us away.

1 John 5:21 (NLT) Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.

We have now entire megachurches in which things like , telling someone of sin is wrong, God has a financial miracle for everybody,God wants you to have the best material things life can offer etc.. etc.. are taught. We have entire congregations who hang on their pastors word instead of God's word and we wonder why evangelism is a dying act in America, why sin seems to be exploding in every town, our economy is failing,our leaders are corrupt and everything about The Lord is being systematically removed from our society. We have a majority of our youth practicing situational ethics ( whatever works best for me right now is truth) and youth and adults both believing heresies like anything in moderation is ok.We have denominations that are split down the middle over issues of whether or not you can persist in your sin and be a follower of Christ by blaming Him for your sin, or if He calls you to obey and repent. (For those who are not clear, it is the latter.) We must preach the word as it is written, not conform it to our desires, but be conformed to it!

The Bible clearly states that in the last days of our time on earth as man we will see these type teachings increase and the love of Christ and for the souls of your friends and family and neighbors decrease.

Matthew 24:12 (NLT) Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

Acts 28:27 (NLT) For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes so their eyes cannot see,and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.'

This sounds like some who preach today:

Luke 20:46 (NLT) "Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they love to parade in flowing robes and to have everyone bow to them as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and at banquets.

Galatians 4:17 (NLT) Those false teachers who are so anxious to win your favor are not doing it for your good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay more attention to them.

This is why they are here and have the influence they possess:

2 Tim. 4:3 (NLT) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear.

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.

In these times I think we must remember

1 John 2:17 (NLT) And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.

John 7:17 (NLT) Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.

Ephes. 6:6 (NLT) Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

Jesus said:

John 10:27 (NLT) My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 14:6-7 (NLT) Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him and have seen him!"

John 14:15 (NLT) "If you love me, obey my commandments.

That last verse is the context in which may ask... In Jesus' name.....

ARE WE TALKING THE TALK OR WALKING THE WALK WHEN...

We turn out in good numbers for a mission trip to some neat exotic place but not to got to the ends of the earth ? We seem to be all excited to go somewhere else but when we have opportunity to witness on our job or in our neighborhood we will find any excuse not to. The most recent statistics published are that 2% or less of born again evangelical have even attempted to lead one person to the Lord in their life! This statistic which seems to prove itself out fairly accurately in most churches I have been involved with means 98% of us are either not Christians or in direct disobedience to God's word and Jesus commands.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 22:35-39 (NLT) One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: [36] "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" [37] Jesus replied, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

He says this about our relationship to him:

John 14:21 (NLT) Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them."

These things taken into account where do we all stand when the time comes when people say:

Matthew 7:22 (NLT) On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'

These thoughts carry even more weight in the next verses:

Matthew 7:23-27 (NLT) But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.' [24] "Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."

In this time where possibility is great that the final moments of man on earth are fleeting, shouldn't we be looking at our commitment?

John 21:15-17 (NLT) After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. [16] Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. [17] Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.

WHOMSOEVER WILL………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
WILL YOU COME OR WILL YOU STAND THERE THINKING
OF YOURSELF WHILE I TRY TO LEAD?
WILL YOU GROW OR REMAIN AS CHILDREN
FOR SO MUCH MORE, DID MY SON BLEED

WILL YOU SLEEP OR WILL YOU FOLLOW
THE EXAMPLE OF THE KING OF KINGS
WILL YOUR WORKS ALL TURN TO ASHES WHEN THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET RINGS?

I NEED MY CHURCH
YOU ARE MY BODY MY HANDS AND FEET UNTO THE WORLD. WHEN I COME LET ME FIND YOU WORKING
WITH THE BANNER OF THE GOSPEL WELL UNFURLED

EVERYTHING YOU ARE I MADE YOU ALL OF YOU IS WHOLLY MINE
SO WHY WHEN I CALL ON YOU TO BATTLE
DO SO FEW COME GET IN LINE?

IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE YOU STRUGGLE
BUT THE VICTORY HAS BEEN WON
SO BRING TO ME YOUR CARES AND TROUBLES
AND JUST TELL THE WORLD ABOUT MY SON

WHEN I CALL PLEASE BE FOUND LISTENING
WHEN I MOVE PLEASE MEET ME THERE
WHEN I YOUR GOD HAVE SO RICHLY BLESSED YOU
HOW CAN IT BE THAT YOU WON’T SHARE

I GAVE MY SON TO SEEK AND SAVE YOU
AREN’T YOU GLAD I LET HIM GO ?
DO YOU WANT INSIDE TO THANK ME?
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO LET IT SHOW

YOU CAN GIVE YOUR MONEY OR GIVE YOUR TIME
YOU CAN GIVE YOUR PRAISE AND GIFTS AS WELL
YOU CAN GIVE TO SOME A TESTIMONY
THAT WILL HELP TO SAVE THEIR SOUL FROM HELL

YOU CAN GIVE YOUR MIND YOU CAN GIVE YOUR VOICE
YOU CAN SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF MY WORD
YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LIFE IN THE MISSION FIELD
TO KNOW THAT MY PROMISE WILL BE HEARD

PLEASE REMEMBER MY CHILD IT WAS I WHO MADE YOU, IT IS I WHO WILL CAUSE YOU NOT TO BURN
MOST OF ALL IT IS I WHO LOVE YOU AND ASK SO LITTLE IN RETURN.
COPYRIGHT 2006

DO THEY GIVE AWARDS FOR ......

Pushing an agenda?
It is no surprise to me that some critics and parts of the media are in an up roar about Brokeback missing the best picture nod. I for one do not think the movie was created for that purpose but to instead test the waters on acceptance of the theme. In these days where tolerance of sin is becoming the norm, the sharp rise in film depictions of all sorts of deviance is no surprise either. As our fascination with immorality grows so will the outward expression. The community that is behind this film is seeking acceptance at an ever growing rate and more often than not finding it...
from man. God on the other hand does want to accept the person but not the sin. Leviticus 18:22 (NLT) "Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin. " He desires them to seek His approval through obedience to his will and receiving salvation through repentance and abandon to Jesus , not lustful desire. He wants this because he loves them just as much as he did the rest of us who were not saved but now are. He says that if Jesus is lifted up he will draw all to himself, he did this for us through love. How then can we be obedient? By lovingly pointing out their error but refusing to accept it. This means we will speak openly and frankly about the consequence of the sin but we will not seek to destroy the sinner. God did not beat us into submission he loved us out of bondage

What must We ask

WE MUST ASK OURSELVES THESE QUESTIONS,
IF WHAT WE PREACH AS CHRISTIANS IS NOT THE TRUTH THEN WHY IS IT SO MANY HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO PROVING IT WRONG ? IF IT WOULD NOT EFFECT GOVERNMENT AND LAW WHY WOULD SO MANY BE TRYING TO LEGISLATE IT OUT OF EXISTENCE? IF IT DID NOT POSSES THE POWER TO RADICALLY ALTER THE FACE OF THE WORLD THEN WHY IS IT ALWAYS AND STILL AFTER OVER TWO THOUSAND YEARS THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT EVER DISCUSSED AND THE FOCUS OF EVEN THE MOST SECULAR AND HUMANIST PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA? IF CHRIST WAS NOT THE LORD SAVIOR AND PROTECTOR OF OUR NATION WHY DID CHURCH ATTENDANCE DRAMATICALLY RISE RIGHT AFTER 9/11 AND WHY DID THE CONGRESS MAKE APOINT TO PRAY TO GOD ALMIGHTY ON THE STEPS OF OUR CAPITOL ON TV WHILE THEY ON THE OTHER HAND SOUGHT OUT "RELIGIOUS TERRORISTS" LIKE A STATE SUPREME COURT JUDGE WHO HAD THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF THAT SAME GOD IN HIS COURT ROOM? WHY HAVE PEOPLE SOUGHT TO RE -WRITE HISTORY TO KEEP OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS OF CHILDREN FROM KNOWING THAT THE MAIN FOCUS IN CREATING AND PERPETUATING AMERICA WAS THE GOD OF THE BIBLE AND THAT THE BIBLE WAS ONCE REQUIRED READING IN OUR SCHOOLS? WHY IS SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY SPENT ON MAKING SURE OUR KIDS AND OURSELVES AS WELL ARE "PROTECTED" FROM ANY" UNWANTED" MENTION OF CHRIST OR HIS TEACHING, BIRTH, DEATH OR RESURRECTION? WHY HAS SCIENCE CLUNG TO AN IDEA OF THE ORIGIN OF LIFE THAT IS SO PREPOSTEROUS THAT MOST SCIENTIFIC SCHOLARS ADMIT IT IS AN IMPOSSIBILITY BUT STILL IT IS TAUGHT AS GOSPEL IN OUR SCHOOLS TO KEEP KIDS FROM KNOWING GOD LOVED THEM SO MUCH HE MADE THEM BY HAND?WHY DOES EVERY OTHER RELIGION IN THE WORLD FIGHT SO HARD EVEN TO DEATH IN THE CASE OF SUICIDE BOMBERS IN EXTREME ISLAM TO SUPPRESS CHRIST’S MESSAGE? WHY HAVE GOVERNMENTS IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD MADE IT ILLEGAL TO PRACTICE CHRISTIANITY EVEN UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH IF IT WOULD NOT EXPOSE THEM FOR THE LOVELESS TYRANTS THAT THEY ARE?
THE ANSWER IS THAT SATAN HATES A WINNER UNLESS IT IS HIM AND HE WILL DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO KEEP UP HIS LIE TO HIMSELF THAT HE BEAT JESUS WHEN THE LORD DIED ON THE CROSS, AND WHATEVER HE CAN TO KEEP YOU FROM KNOWING THAT THE SAME JESUS CAME OUT FROM THE TOMB AND SEALED SATAN’S DOOM!!!!!!!
THE U.S. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SAYS THAT WHEN EVER ANY MAN OR SYSTEM TRIES TO REDUCE EVERYONE TO COMPLETE DESPOTISM IT IS OUR RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THROW OFF THEIR CONTROL AND RAISE UP NEW GUARDS AGAINST IT.
WE MUST DO THIS IN AMERICA BY TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO LIVE BY CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND WE CAN ONLY DO THIS BY INTRODUCING THEM AND ALL OUR NEIGHBORS TO CHRIST HIMSELF!!!!