This is a brief 11 minute message presented at the City of Goldsboro's Christmas in Herman Park 2011. Reading the story of that first Christmas as revealed in Luke chapter 2, then briefly explaining why the righteousness of Jesus has great implications for our lives today, just as it did for the original hearers. And a closing prayer by J.R. Miller called "A Prayer for Christmas Day."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
A Husband's Part
Just a brief snippet from J.R. Miller's "The Family" (a.k.a home-making) on the husband's part.
"Yet there are men who would not willingly tread upon a crawling insect or worm, who would not injure a dumb animal nor needlessly hurt any of the lowest of God's creatures, who every day bring many a pang to the heart of the tender, faithful, loving wife of their bosom by their sharp words or their impatient looks or acts.
The trouble is that men fall into free and careless habits at home. They are not so in society; they are gentle to other women. They pride themselves on their thoughtfulness. They are careful not even by tone or look to hurt a sensitive spirit. But at home too often they are rude, careless in speech and heedless of the effect of their words and actions. They blurt out in their own houses the ill-humor they have suppressed all day on the street. They answer proper questions in an irritated tone. The speak impatiently on the slightest provocation. They are sullen, morose and unsocial."
Miller evidently experienced what most, if not all, husbands fail in their duty to succumb. He writes so that we may be cautioned and take heed not to fall prey to our hard, impenitent hearts. These are great words of truth that every husband (or future husband) should take to heart.
"Yet there are men who would not willingly tread upon a crawling insect or worm, who would not injure a dumb animal nor needlessly hurt any of the lowest of God's creatures, who every day bring many a pang to the heart of the tender, faithful, loving wife of their bosom by their sharp words or their impatient looks or acts.
The trouble is that men fall into free and careless habits at home. They are not so in society; they are gentle to other women. They pride themselves on their thoughtfulness. They are careful not even by tone or look to hurt a sensitive spirit. But at home too often they are rude, careless in speech and heedless of the effect of their words and actions. They blurt out in their own houses the ill-humor they have suppressed all day on the street. They answer proper questions in an irritated tone. The speak impatiently on the slightest provocation. They are sullen, morose and unsocial."
Miller evidently experienced what most, if not all, husbands fail in their duty to succumb. He writes so that we may be cautioned and take heed not to fall prey to our hard, impenitent hearts. These are great words of truth that every husband (or future husband) should take to heart.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Childbearing and Birth Control
What is God's will for a Christian couple in regards to childbearing and birth control? I came across an interesting analogy that sheds a little light:
"The fruit of the ground is a reward and a blessing."
"The fruit of the womb is a reward and a blessing."
If a farmer plants as many seeds as he can without consideration for the ground, the health of the plants, etc.
...and thinks the fruit of the ground should be God's area and we should NOT get involved whatsoever in the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the seeds, or the size of the garden which he can reasonably and responsibly care for...
...the seeds will produce fruit of course (it is the nature of the creation) and he will have more plants!
However, the ground will suffer, the plants will not be healthy (because there are not enough nutrients in the soil to supply that many plants), and the plants will ultimately be neglected since there are more plants than the farmer has time to weed, prune, fertilize, and care for.
Likewise...
If a man plants as many seeds in the womb without consideration for his wife's body (the ground), the health, training, discipling, educating, providing, and loving of the children, etc. and thinks the womb should be God's area and he and his wife (the farmers) should not get involved in the consideration of the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the plants (children), or the size of the garden (family) which they can reasonably care for, the seeds will produce fruit (children--it is the nature of the creation)...
...they will have more children.
However, the wife's body will suffer as well as her emotional state, the children will not be healthy (because there is not enough emotional, spiritual, and physical nutrients in the parents to supply that many plants/children), and the children will ultimately be neglected to some degree since there are more children than the couple have time, energy, and resources to weed (rebuke), prune (discipline), fertilize (teach, train, disciple), and care for (love and meet their emotional needs).
The farmer is responsible before God to be a good steward of his land and the fruit of the land.
The husband and wife are responsible before God to be a good steward of the womb and the fruit of the womb.
They are responsible in God's Word to provide for them, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, keep their hearts turned to each of them, and provide a rich example of the love of Christ for the church as the children observe their love for each other and how they relate to each other.
Therefore, since we want to walk in a manner worthy of Christ and the gospel, we must have the same attitude as He had (emptying ourselves, humbly serving, and willing to lay down our lives for others) and to think about the interests of others (our wives/husbands first, and then the other children) more than our own interests (reputation or self-esteem or own desires).
Parents should remember, having children is not about them, it's about Christ. And if all of life is about Christ, then it is about others. So the question about how many children should a couple have can only be answered by each couple accurately understanding their abilities, gifting, health, and God's provision with an attitude of stewardship before God for His glory.
One farmer may have planted 10,000 seeds in his plot and there stands 10,000 stunted corn plants because the farmer did not accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.
Another farmer may have planted 1000 seeds in his plot and there stands 1000 healthy, fruitful corn plants because the farmer did accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.
Which farmer brings more glory to God in his stewardship?
One husband plants as many seeds as he feels like and his wife allows in her womb and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically, neglected children because the couple did not accurately assess what they could reasonably care for.
One husband plants seeds wisely and lovingly guided by the Holy Spirit in the womb of his wife and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically healthy children because the couple did accurately assess what they could reasonably care for with the Lord's fulness and strength.
Which couple brings more glory to God in their stewardship?
One couple may not pray or seek the Lord in his (their) stewardship because the law (what is being taught by some as God's law) is "have as many children as God wants you to have". On the other hand, another may have their children conceived and birthed out of faith in fellowship and prayer with Jesus Christ. They may have 1 child after many attempts or they may have 10, but they come together freely and with excitement because they are living by the Spirit, in fellowship with God, and with His attitude for His glory.
So the most important consideration isn't how large the family is, but are they walking by faith, in love with God, living with the attitude of Christ for His glory..."
"The fruit of the ground is a reward and a blessing."
"The fruit of the womb is a reward and a blessing."
If a farmer plants as many seeds as he can without consideration for the ground, the health of the plants, etc.
...and thinks the fruit of the ground should be God's area and we should NOT get involved whatsoever in the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the seeds, or the size of the garden which he can reasonably and responsibly care for...
...the seeds will produce fruit of course (it is the nature of the creation) and he will have more plants!
However, the ground will suffer, the plants will not be healthy (because there are not enough nutrients in the soil to supply that many plants), and the plants will ultimately be neglected since there are more plants than the farmer has time to weed, prune, fertilize, and care for.
Likewise...
If a man plants as many seeds in the womb without consideration for his wife's body (the ground), the health, training, discipling, educating, providing, and loving of the children, etc. and thinks the womb should be God's area and he and his wife (the farmers) should not get involved in the consideration of the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the plants (children), or the size of the garden (family) which they can reasonably care for, the seeds will produce fruit (children--it is the nature of the creation)...
...they will have more children.
However, the wife's body will suffer as well as her emotional state, the children will not be healthy (because there is not enough emotional, spiritual, and physical nutrients in the parents to supply that many plants/children), and the children will ultimately be neglected to some degree since there are more children than the couple have time, energy, and resources to weed (rebuke), prune (discipline), fertilize (teach, train, disciple), and care for (love and meet their emotional needs).
The farmer is responsible before God to be a good steward of his land and the fruit of the land.
The husband and wife are responsible before God to be a good steward of the womb and the fruit of the womb.
They are responsible in God's Word to provide for them, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, keep their hearts turned to each of them, and provide a rich example of the love of Christ for the church as the children observe their love for each other and how they relate to each other.
Therefore, since we want to walk in a manner worthy of Christ and the gospel, we must have the same attitude as He had (emptying ourselves, humbly serving, and willing to lay down our lives for others) and to think about the interests of others (our wives/husbands first, and then the other children) more than our own interests (reputation or self-esteem or own desires).
Parents should remember, having children is not about them, it's about Christ. And if all of life is about Christ, then it is about others. So the question about how many children should a couple have can only be answered by each couple accurately understanding their abilities, gifting, health, and God's provision with an attitude of stewardship before God for His glory.
One farmer may have planted 10,000 seeds in his plot and there stands 10,000 stunted corn plants because the farmer did not accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.
Another farmer may have planted 1000 seeds in his plot and there stands 1000 healthy, fruitful corn plants because the farmer did accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.
Which farmer brings more glory to God in his stewardship?
One husband plants as many seeds as he feels like and his wife allows in her womb and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically, neglected children because the couple did not accurately assess what they could reasonably care for.
One husband plants seeds wisely and lovingly guided by the Holy Spirit in the womb of his wife and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically healthy children because the couple did accurately assess what they could reasonably care for with the Lord's fulness and strength.
Which couple brings more glory to God in their stewardship?
One couple may not pray or seek the Lord in his (their) stewardship because the law (what is being taught by some as God's law) is "have as many children as God wants you to have". On the other hand, another may have their children conceived and birthed out of faith in fellowship and prayer with Jesus Christ. They may have 1 child after many attempts or they may have 10, but they come together freely and with excitement because they are living by the Spirit, in fellowship with God, and with His attitude for His glory.
So the most important consideration isn't how large the family is, but are they walking by faith, in love with God, living with the attitude of Christ for His glory..."
A couple can have only a few (or no children) out of a heart of selfishness, AND a couple can have many children out of a heart of selfishness. God isn't looking at numbers, or lack there of, He is looking at our hearts. He is looking to see His name glorified, whether it be a couple is led to have 2, 4, or 8, etc. He is desiring us to follow His leading to be good stewards and to be responsible to raise our children for Him and with a heart to love Him and others.
This article is a great encouragement to me - one, because I believe that the fruit of the womb is a reward/blessing from the Lord - yet at the same time, we as a couple are called to be responsible before Him, to seek Him, to fellowship with Him, to ask His will (as a couple) in regards to the size of our family and to live by the Holy Spirit and not out of law.
We are to love God and love others and walk this out in all areas of our life. One thing that constantly motivates me in my motherhood calling is to be a good steward of the children I have. Whether that number is 2 for some, or more for some, we have a calling as parents - in God's Word - to provide for them, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, keep our hearts turned to each of them, and provide a rich example of the love of Christ for the church through our marriage.
This can ONLY be done out of a relationship with Jesus... a living, daily relationship with Jesus Christ that is the real deal.
Motherhood is a calling that cannot be achieved for His glory without first acknowledging that it cannot be done without HIM! Click here to continue reading...
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Crown Rights Media
A good friend of mine, Marcus Pittman, has started a ministry called Crown Rights Media. He uses "creative media as a tool to restore the Crown Rights of Christ to his rightful place in all areas of life." God has gifted Marcus with the ability to skillfully and creatively use technology and media for Christ's kingdom. Marcus is currently working on a project called the Open Air Preacher profile series. The video below, is an example of some fruit coming forth from Crown Rights Media. God is doing some great things!
I would like you to prayerfully consider supporting Crown Rights Media, with prayers and donations. Producing video is not cheap and takes financial resources to make it happen. Not only does it cost for video equipment and computers, but travelling expenses to document and produce. Crown Rights Media is currently in need of a few items:
1. Firewire Hard drives
2. Computer memory
3. Wireless lapel microphone
Donations to support the project can be made right from his blog http://crownrightsmedia.blogspot.com/
You can also follow Marcus on Facebook by pressing the like button for Crown Rights Media page. This will keep you informed on how the project is coming along.
Thanks Marcus, for your joyful and diligent work in serving King Jesus!! And your desire to see the nations worshipping Him!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Whiteboard Evangelism in Herman Park
Are you a good person?
How do you know?
God's Law is the standard!
Don't lie
Don't steal
Don't covet
Don't commit adultery
That's just 4 of the commandments
I then drew a picture of the earth with a cross coming out of it and sin nailed to it, with some blood coming from the nails. I wrote above the bloody cross that Jesus saves sinners! Repent and trust in Him! Then drew a big arrow showing His resurrection. When a passerby walked near, I asked him . . .what do you think about this. To which he responded, "you did a good job." I laughed and said ha ha no, I'm not talking about how well it looks, it's not very artistic, but what do you think about that saying there--Jesus died to save sinners! He paused. Nodded his head. And I asked him; do you believe it? A quiet yes resounded. What do you think about this question up here on the board, Are you a good person? Would you consider yourself to be one? He thought he was good, but had done some bad things. So, I took him through some of the commandments I wrote on the whiteboard; expounding God's perfect standard of justice, the guilt and condemnation that this young man is under outside of Christ, and the need for a righteous substitute (someone who is perfect and never sinned to bear the just anger and wrath of God). Hell didn't seem reasonable to this man at first. I took him back through the law, laying the weight of it on his back. Picture a guy squashed on the ground with a 2,000 pound rock on top of him--that's the reality, the future plight of a sinner who is crushed on judgment day because of his tresspasses against the Holy God who is a consuming fire. I reasoned with the man about the seriousness of offense. If he were to murder a homeless person, an earthly judge would give a much lighter sentence than if he were to murder the president. How much sorer punishment you suppose crimes against the most high God of all creation would be? An eternal hell is reasonable. We broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. The righteous for the unrighteous. What a great gift of mercy that God would give us a way out from underneath the judgment rock Jesus. "And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him” Matthew 21:44. We wrapped up the conversation with repentance and faith, gave him a Bible and a contact card, and talked about life. It was a great divine appointment. This must have been why Shayna and I didn't make it to Bay Days this year.
On another note, if there is anyone in the area and they want to overcome their fear of man and get out of their comfort zone. Just let me know, I'd be more than glad to help you share the gospel. We can break out the whiteboard and do a little evangelism. If you're not familiar with the use of the law in evangelism, go ahead and watch the video on the front page of http://www.seedshakers.com/ , it's of Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron teaching what may be the most important message you will ever listen to, called Hell's Best Kept Secret.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Conversing with an Atheist
Evangelist: Hi there, did you get one of these?
Atheist: What is it?
Evangelist: A gospel tract; it's about Jesus!
Atheist: I'm an Atheist; I don't believe in God.
Evangelist. Why don't you believe in God?
Atheist: There's no proof for God.
Evangelist. Sure there is, just look around; a beautiful blue sky, green grass, the sunshine, it really is a wonderful work of God.
Atheist: Haha yeah, that's your opinion. All the evidence points to evolution. Scientists know for a fact that evolution is how things came about, and that there is no need for God.
Evangelist: First of all, not all scientists believe that. And two, it's called the "theory" of evolution because it is not provable. However, I can prove to you that God exists in about 30 seconds.
Atheist: Yeah, right. Let me see!
Evangelist: When you look at a painting, how do you know there was a painter?
Atheist: Because a painter painted the painting.
Evangelist: Very good, that's right. When you look at a building, how do you know there was a builder?
Atheist: Well...
Evangelist: The building is proof there was a builder. And in the same way, when you look at creation it's proof there was a Creator. Your conscience also proves God is real, because God has taken the time to write his law on your heart. You know it's wrong to lie, steal, and commit adultery don't you? Have you ever told a lie?
Atheist. Yes.
Evangelist: What does that make you?
Atheist: Human.
Evangelist: Nah, more specifically! : - )
Atheist: You want me to say liar?
Evangelist: Yeah, so what do you call someone who tells a lie?
Atheist: Not a liar.
Evangelist: Come on, you'd be a liar wouldn't you?
Atheist: Yep.
Evangelist:Have you ever stolen anything? The value is irrelevant.
Atheist: No.
Evangelist: Even if it was small, something from a brother, sister, a friend . . . anything without asking that didn't belong to you?
Atheist: Yeah, just small things though.
Evangelist: The value is irrelevant. If I reached into your pocket and took 5 dollars from you and ran off, you'd be just as upset if I took 100 dollars from you. So what are you called if you steal something?
Atheist: a thief.
Evangelist: That's right. Let's go through one more commandment--the seventh commandment--you should not commit adultery. Have you comitted adultery?
Atheist: Nope. Haven't broke that one.
Evangelist: Jesus said that if you look at a woman to lust for her, you have committed adultery in your heart. Have you looked with lust?
Atheist: Who hasn't?
Evangelist: So by your own admission. you're a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart, and that's just 3 of the 10 commandments. Do you think you'd be guilty or innocent on judgment day?
Atheist: Innocent, because I don't believe in God.
Evangelist: Just because you don't believe in God, it doesn't change reality. Stand in the middle of the freeway and say you don't believe in trucks--you'll get crushed! Innocent or guilty?
Atheist: I told you, I don't believe in God so it doesn't apply to me.
Evangelist: Well, in that case, "if" what I'm telling you is true and "if" God does exist, would you be innocent or guilty?
Atheist: If it's true, then I'd be guilty.
Evangelist: Should God reward you with heaven or hell?
Atheist: I don't believe in God but if it's true then yes, I'd go to hell.
Evangelist: Does that concern you, that you'd go to hell?
Atheist: . . .If it's true it would.
Evangelist: Let me ask you a question, would you sell one of your eyes for a million dollars?
Atheist: No.
Evangelist: How about both of your eyes for $10 million dollars!
Atheist: No.
Evangelist: Why not? It's because your eyes are important to you, how much more precious is your soul that looks out the windows of your eyes?
Atheist: . . . I see what you are saying.
Evangelist: Let me make it a little clearer for you. Put yourself in a courtroom, guilty of serious crimes. Do you think that the judge can just let you off the hook?
Atheist: No.
Evangelist: How much more strict of a judgment do you think God will
impose on you for breaking his eternal law, the ten commandments. He can't let you off the hook, if he did he would be an unjust judge. When human judges let people off the hook, we call them corrupt. God reveals himself in the Bible as a righteous judge, who judges every person's thoughts, words, and deeds! There is no corruption in God, unlike us, and he will give everyone who dies in their sins exactly what they deserve. We deserve to be punished in hell for our sins. The question you should be asking is: how can a just and holy God spare you of his firey judgment?
Atheist: If I try to be a good person, won't he forgive me?
Evangelist: Let's go back to the courtroom a second. You say to the judge, but judge I'm a good person now, I broke the law and committed those crimes 6 months ago. I've gave to charity, done community service, and even helped out in nursing homes, please your honor, I won't do it again--I'm sorry,please let me go. A good judge would respond with, certainly not! You broke the law and the fine must be paid. You should be sorry, but being sorry and trying to change your life isn't going to make up for the law you broke. The fine must be paid.
It's the same way between you and God, you have broken his law by lying, stealing, lusting, and numerous other sins. No amount of good works will ever make up for the sins you have committed. Does this make sense to you?
Atheist: Yes.
Evangelist: Back to the courtroom one more time. You are being handcuffed and led out of the courtroom, and all of a sudden the judge says hold up. You turn and face him, and he says to you, you have broken the law and have not been able to pay your $100,000 fine. As a just judge, I have upheld the law and sentenced you to prison. The judge steps down from his stand, walks over to you, takes out his checkbook and fills out a check for $100,000. He then says to you, but as your friend, I am paying your fine. Not because you deserve it, or because you did anything to earn it, but simply because I was showing you mercy. It is a gift from me to you. How would that make you feel?
Atheist: Pretty grateful.
Evangelist: You bet it would! How would you respond to the judge?
Atheist: I would thank him and not go back to that lifestyle of crime.
Evangelist: That's right. Just like the courtroom, God has judged you guilty of breaking his law and the punishment is hell. But God being merciful, sent his son Jesus to pay the fine for the law you broke. The Bible tells us that God took on human form; Jesus became a man about 2,000 years ago and he lived a perfect life, fulfilling God's law, something you and I have failed to accomplish. Because Jesus had not broke the law he could give up his life as a sacrifice for those that have broke the law--Jesus was a perfect sacrifice for sinners. This was prophesied throughout the Bible and it came to pass. As Jesus suffered on the cross he was actually absorbing the penalty of his peoples' sins in his body--The book of Isaiah puts it this way: God laid on his son the iniquities of the people and crushed him. Jesus absorbed the wrath of God: you broke the law and Jesus paid your fine. The story doesn't end here though. Three days later Jesus was resurrected from the dead proving that he does have the power to forgive and cleanse those who have rebelled against his law. To receive this mercy that God is offerring you through his son Jesus, you are commanded by God to repent (that means to turn from your sins as revealed by God's moral law) and to put your trust in Jesus as you would in a parachute! Does this make sense?
Atheist: Yeah, it makes sense.
Evangelist: When do you think you will repent and put your faith in Jesus?
Atheist: Don't know.
Evangelist: Everyday 150,000 people die and open their eyes in eternity, some open their eyes to realize the flames of hell and torment, others meet Jesus face-to-face. Don't procrastinate, your eternal destiny depends on whether you repent and trust Jesus. Hey, do you have a Bible?
Atheist: Yes, I do.
Evangelist: I want to encourage you to read it, start with the gospel of John (it's the 4th book in the new testament). Ask God to give you understanding as you read it. And don't just be a hearer of it, but obey what it says.
Atheist: Ok.
Evangelist: Hey, thanks for talking with me. If you have any questions just contact me through the website listed on the back of that gospel tract I gave you. Have a great day! :-)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Rethink Gospel Tracts
Tags: who is Jesus, why Jesus is significant, what did Jesus accomplish, why Jesus is the eternal Son of God, why is Jesus unique, why Chrisianity is the one true religion, why there is none like Jesus, John 14:6,
It's a small tract to carry around with you--the size of a business card--to give to those who are a little confused about who Jesus is, or simply a reminder to anyone about Jesus' identity and why there is none like Him! The tract then swings to a short gospel message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection; and our need to repent and trust in the Savior. A good, little way to plant, water, and grow.
Buy the Rethink gospel tracts here.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
How Pietism Deceives Christians
Read this article tonight: "How Pietism Deceives Christians"; it's good. I can relate to some of what the author is writing about. For several years I had the mind set that I was a "radical" Christian because my life revolved around evangelism--a daily and nightly thing. Everywhere I went: a gospel tract had to be handed out; had to find a way to interject the gospel into every conversation; had to be reading theological books around the clock; listening to sermons non-stop. As a result, I looked down on Christians who were not like me. I was prideful, and a pietist as the article brings to light. My deception of; "a true Christian is someone who focuses all their energy on evangelism, because that's what God cares about," was beginning to affect other areas of my life. Those areas are as follows: when I should have been strengthening relationships with family members, my head was buried in theology books; when I should have been working diligently unto the Lord at work, rather than trying to read my Bible, memorize verses, and witness to co-workers--I was cheating my employer by not setting a good Christ like fruit of the Spirit example. I was neglecting just about every other area of life, failing to see that Christ has come to remove the curse as far as it is found, as Issac Watts once sang, and this happens by living out the fruits of the Spirit in every area of life, by the grace that Christ supplies. God is just as pleased with me when I spend time with my family, as when I am out evangelizing; God is just as pleased with me when I am at my secular (common) job, as when I am out evangelizing; God is just as pleased with me when I rest from my labors and enjoy life, as when I am out evangelizing. Why so? Because Christ is my justification and my sanctification as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Superwoman Appears in Piedmont Park
Back in April, my wife and I were able to visit a good friend in Atlanta. We all went over to Piedmont Park where the Dogwood Festival was carrying on, and did a little open air preaching. Here is one of the videos from that day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Calling or Career?
My wife and I watched Gary North's "Calling and Career as an Austrian School Scholar" tonight. I think everyone should watch it, especially some of my evangelist friends who may think that secular work is a waste of time. I used to think that all I wanted to do, or all that God wanted me to do was evangelize, but that isn't correct; there is calling and there is career. Some may have their calling as career, but in no way does it mean that career or "secular" work is somehow less spiritual. Check out the video:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Twitter Change; Worldview Change
Here's something I recently decided:
I've decided to use @seedshakers for all my tweeting going forward. I used to think the gospel was just for outreach. It's actually the light in which the Christian does life, which includes outreach. So, @seedshakers, life, my life that God is pursuing will be expressed. Controversial or not, topics of a variety will be discussed @seedshakers and of course here on this blog, no holds barred. Some might discover that I'm not much of a legalist. Everything under the sun is under God's sovereign Son, yes even my beloved arminians :) ; work, home, school, government, everything in light of the gospel.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thankful for the Shade Tree
On my lunch break I ran (drove) over to the Walmart to purchase a keyboard and mouse. I had parked under a tree. Walmart was kind enough to plant trees in its parking lot and so I decided to take a short nap in my truck which was parked under the shade tree. Thank you Jesus for the shade tree. How often do we fail to thank Jesus for the small things we usually take for granted? Quite often.
The Law is Light
This past weekend my wife and I met up with some friends to do some evangelizing. At one point Saturday evening a man who professed Christ, had walked by and upon hearing the preaching he turned to some of us standing there and said, "Is this loving? Is this really benefitting anybody?" He thought that we should be loving people instead of, as he put it, "telling people they're going to hell." What this man failed to understand is that what we were doing, was loving. His failure to comprehend the message of the cross, that we broke the law and Jesus paid the fine, hindered him from recognizing the absolute necessity to preach on sin, righteousness, and judgment. How loving would it be if I see someone who is about to get mugged and I don't warn him or her of the criminal lurking around the corner?! Judgment awaits sinners, and we have the duty to reason with them about the impending judgment. God has given His law as a tool to do just that! The law is the standard by which Jesus will judge the world, and so it is the very thing we should use to persuade sinners to come to Christ. For without the law, there is no knowledge of sin. The law is light; exposing darkness and revealing depravity.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Restructuring the Site
I'm going to change the site up a little bit. Doing away with the Resources tab and entering all of the videos and audios into the blog as posts--making them searchable through the blog. This will clean the site up a little bit making it easier to navigate. We'll start with that for now, and see how it turns out.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My Westminster Shorter is ruined
This is my beloved Westminster Shorter Catechism after going through the washer and dryer.
When my wife and I go for walks, sometimes I will put this catechism in my back pocket and we will go through some questions and answers. This time I forgot to take it back out of my back pocket when we got home.
Another one will definitely be purchased!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fretting is futile
"This is the way to treat the hard, discouraging things in life. It is useless to fret over them -- fretting will never remove them, and it only weakens our energy and mars our life. But if we meet them with undismayed courage and persistent resolve, we shall conquer them, and in conquering them carve royalty of character and noble worth of ourselves."
J.R. Miller
J.R. Miller
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Christmas Parade Preaching
Here's a few videos from the past month of some preaching at a couple Christmas parades. If you watch them, pray for the people you see in the crowds:
1. That God would strengthen the believers who heard the word preached and motivate them to live as they are called.
2. That God would grant repentance and faith to the unbelievers who heard and cause them to be born again.
3. That the gospel would affect change in the communities of the hearers.
1. That God would strengthen the believers who heard the word preached and motivate them to live as they are called.
2. That God would grant repentance and faith to the unbelievers who heard and cause them to be born again.
3. That the gospel would affect change in the communities of the hearers.
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