I was at the jail leading my once a month church service. As I started to read the text we were about to study an inmate very openly and loudly caused me to stop reading and ask, what the problem was. The inmate stated “You’re not reading from the Bible”!
I was using the Holman Christian Standard version, copyrighted 2003. The HCS is a modern language translation that is very easy to understand. “The version was rapidly produced by a large team of translators, editors, and stylists under contract with Broadman & Holman. Most of the team members were Baptists, and all of the New Testament translators were Baptists. But, as usual, much of the harder work in the Old Testament was done by scholars from the Presbyterian seminaries. There were also people on the team from various other denominations.”
Bible version debate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I have five different versions in my study. My bible software program has the four versions I use most. Why do I use different versions? I have always been a slow reader. Since early elementary days I have to read, read again and sometimes read again. I have found reading and comparing the verses from the different versions gives me a better understanding of what God is saying to me.
Working with people most of my life as well as the course of studies I have taken has helped me to understand some behaviors and attitudes people have. I wouldn’t quite call a King James Version only person narrow minded nor would I say a NIV person is open minded. I wouldn’t say a KJV only person a conservative and the NASB a liberal.
As a general rule the Independent Baptist promote the KJV only attitude more than any other group; while also maintaining the philosophy that they have a closer walk with Christ than anyone else. They believe all Catholics, most Methodist, big majority of Presbyterians will split hell wide open.
I would suggest to everyone “Don’t get caught in the trap of division”. Jesus did not die so that men could cause us to be divided. The methods of our worship will not save us. The type or lack of music in worship will not gain us entry into the Kingdom. The division by denominations is “MAN’S DOING” not Gods. I also know God is still in charge, He allows things to happen for His devine will.
The Gospel of Gods love through his Virgin born Son, Crucified, Buried and Arouse.
The belief (KNOWING via FAITH) that Jesus is the Messiah. Your personal acceptance and faith to such is the thread to keep us all as the children of God.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Nation of Islam - A Religion or Not
Adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond's book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat
Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life.
Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.
Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to
agitate for their religious privileges.
When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.
Here's how it works:
As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given
country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a peace-loving
minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is the case in:
United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%
At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities and
disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among
street gangs. This is happening in:
Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%
From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to their
percentage of the population. For example, they will push for the
introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims.. They will increase pressure
on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves -- along with
threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:
France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%
At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow them
to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the Islamic Law.
The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia law over the
entire world.
When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to increase
lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions. In Paris , we
are already seeing car-burnings. Any non-Muslim action offends Islam and
results in uprisings and threats, such as in Amsterdam , with opposition
to Mohammed cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen
daily, particularly in Muslim sections in:
Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%
After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:
Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%
At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks,
and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:
Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53..1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%
From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of non-believers of
all other religions (including non-conforming Muslims), sporadic ethnic
cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax
placed on infidels, such as in:
Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%
After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some State-run
ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these nations drive out the
infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such as has been experienced and
in some ways is on-going in:
Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%
100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic House of
Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because everybody is a Muslim,
the Madrasses are the only schools, and the Koran is the only word, such
as in:
Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%
Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states the most
radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy their blood lust
by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.
'Before I was nine, I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me
against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family
against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; the tribe
against the world, and all of us against the infidel. -- Leon Uris, 'The
Haj'
It is important to understand that in some countries, with well under
100% Muslim populations, such as France, the minority Muslim populations
live in ghettos, within which they are 100% Muslim, and within which
they live by Sharia Law. The national police do not even enter these
ghettos. There are no national courts, nor schools, nor non-Muslim
religious facilities. In such situations, Muslims do not integrate into
the community at large. The children attend madrasses. They learn only
the Koran. To even associate with an infidel is a crime punishable with
death. Therefore, in some areas of certain nations, Muslim Imams and
extremists exercise more power than the national average would indicate.
Today's 1.5 billion Muslims make up 22% of the world's population. But
their birth rates dwarf the birth rates of Christians, Hindus,
Buddhists, Jews, and all other believers. Muslims will exceed 50% of the
world's population by the end of this century.
Today we are letting the fox guard the henhouse. The wolves will be herding the sheep!
President Obama appointed two devout Muslims to Homeland Security posts.
President Obama and Janet Napolitano appointed Arif Alikhan, a devout Muslim, as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development. Dept. of Homeland Security
Secretary Janet Napolitano swore in Kareem Shora, a devout Muslim who was born in Damascus, Syria, as ADC National Executive Director as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).
NOTE: Has anyone ever heard a new government official being identified at the time of their appointment as a devout Catholic, a devout Jew or a devout Protestant...?
Devout Muslims being appointed to critical Homeland Security positions?
Doesn't this make you feel safer??
That should make the US ' homeland much safer, right??!!
Was it not "Devout Muslim men" that flew planes into U.S. buildings 9 years ago?
Was it not a Devout Muslim who killed 13 at Fort Hood ?
Also: This is very interesting and we all need to read it from start to finish. Maybe this is why American Muslims are so quiet and not speaking out about any atrocities. Can a good Muslim be a good American? This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following is his reply:
Theologically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia
Religiously – no… Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - no… Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically – no… Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no… Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews..
Politically - no…Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no… Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)
Intellectually - no… Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no… Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no… Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names. Therefore, after much study and deliberation.... Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish, it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand.
Can a muslim be a good soldier???
Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, opened fire at Ft. Hood and Killed 13. He is a good Muslim!!!
Footnote: The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within.
Our GOD still reigns
Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life.
Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military
components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other
components.
Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to
agitate for their religious privileges.
When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies
agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the
other components tend to creep in as well.
Here's how it works:
As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given
country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a peace-loving
minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is the case in:
United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%
At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities and
disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among
street gangs. This is happening in:
Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%
From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to their
percentage of the population. For example, they will push for the
introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims.. They will increase pressure
on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves -- along with
threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:
France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%
At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow them
to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the Islamic Law.
The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia law over the
entire world.
When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to increase
lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions. In Paris , we
are already seeing car-burnings. Any non-Muslim action offends Islam and
results in uprisings and threats, such as in Amsterdam , with opposition
to Mohammed cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen
daily, particularly in Muslim sections in:
Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%
After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:
Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%
At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks,
and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:
Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53..1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%
From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of non-believers of
all other religions (including non-conforming Muslims), sporadic ethnic
cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax
placed on infidels, such as in:
Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%
After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some State-run
ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these nations drive out the
infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such as has been experienced and
in some ways is on-going in:
Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%
100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic House of
Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because everybody is a Muslim,
the Madrasses are the only schools, and the Koran is the only word, such
as in:
Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%
Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states the most
radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy their blood lust
by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.
'Before I was nine, I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me
against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family
against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; the tribe
against the world, and all of us against the infidel. -- Leon Uris, 'The
Haj'
It is important to understand that in some countries, with well under
100% Muslim populations, such as France, the minority Muslim populations
live in ghettos, within which they are 100% Muslim, and within which
they live by Sharia Law. The national police do not even enter these
ghettos. There are no national courts, nor schools, nor non-Muslim
religious facilities. In such situations, Muslims do not integrate into
the community at large. The children attend madrasses. They learn only
the Koran. To even associate with an infidel is a crime punishable with
death. Therefore, in some areas of certain nations, Muslim Imams and
extremists exercise more power than the national average would indicate.
Today's 1.5 billion Muslims make up 22% of the world's population. But
their birth rates dwarf the birth rates of Christians, Hindus,
Buddhists, Jews, and all other believers. Muslims will exceed 50% of the
world's population by the end of this century.
Today we are letting the fox guard the henhouse. The wolves will be herding the sheep!
President Obama appointed two devout Muslims to Homeland Security posts.
President Obama and Janet Napolitano appointed Arif Alikhan, a devout Muslim, as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development. Dept. of Homeland Security
Secretary Janet Napolitano swore in Kareem Shora, a devout Muslim who was born in Damascus, Syria, as ADC National Executive Director as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).
NOTE: Has anyone ever heard a new government official being identified at the time of their appointment as a devout Catholic, a devout Jew or a devout Protestant...?
Devout Muslims being appointed to critical Homeland Security positions?
Doesn't this make you feel safer??
That should make the US ' homeland much safer, right??!!
Was it not "Devout Muslim men" that flew planes into U.S. buildings 9 years ago?
Was it not a Devout Muslim who killed 13 at Fort Hood ?
Also: This is very interesting and we all need to read it from start to finish. Maybe this is why American Muslims are so quiet and not speaking out about any atrocities. Can a good Muslim be a good American? This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following is his reply:
Theologically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia
Religiously – no… Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - no… Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically – no… Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no… Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews..
Politically - no…Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no… Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)
Intellectually - no… Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no… Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no… Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names. Therefore, after much study and deliberation.... Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish, it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand.
Can a muslim be a good soldier???
Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, opened fire at Ft. Hood and Killed 13. He is a good Muslim!!!
Footnote: The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within.
Our GOD still reigns
Thursday, September 16, 2010
God I really need help
Problems from all sides. You feel as though the very ones you thought loved you are in reality taking advantage of you. The pressure of trying to keep a job you really don't like. You are fully capable of working where it's more challenging and yes with more money. Your a single mom and the kids are not the best behaved or a dad that has little to no contact with your children. I don't have a job and there doesn't seem to be one in the future. I got more bill than I have money.
GOD I NEED HELP!
When we find ourselves in one or more situations that is just plain overloading us. We can't get help from our friends. Our family id already overburdened and we can't ask them, we find ourselves calling out to God.
WHY SHOULD HE HELP US!
You say you were saved but you live as though God doesn't exist. The only time you talk to Him is when you want something. The only time you are in His House is when there is a give away of some sort. You have forgotten what a worship service is. You never offer to help your sick mother or the man down the street that is blind. The only time you speak to your children is when you are yelling and cursing at them.
HE LOVES US!
God loves us is the reason He is ready to hear our cry. The thing He wishes to hear most is "Father I have sinned against you, Please forgive me". He loved us enough to give the life of His Son. OH how I love Jesus for he could have called the angels down from heaven to free Him from the cross but He didn't. He gave his life so you and I could have ours.
Our circumstances may not be very comfortable but know that God's blessed reward of eternal peace is objective we are waiting on. The pleasures of this world are so temporary. The pain and unpleasant times we go through are just as temporary when we are saved.
When all in the world seems to fail, you are left alone with the problems of life.
GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO LOVE HIM
GOD I NEED HELP!
When we find ourselves in one or more situations that is just plain overloading us. We can't get help from our friends. Our family id already overburdened and we can't ask them, we find ourselves calling out to God.
WHY SHOULD HE HELP US!
You say you were saved but you live as though God doesn't exist. The only time you talk to Him is when you want something. The only time you are in His House is when there is a give away of some sort. You have forgotten what a worship service is. You never offer to help your sick mother or the man down the street that is blind. The only time you speak to your children is when you are yelling and cursing at them.
HE LOVES US!
God loves us is the reason He is ready to hear our cry. The thing He wishes to hear most is "Father I have sinned against you, Please forgive me". He loved us enough to give the life of His Son. OH how I love Jesus for he could have called the angels down from heaven to free Him from the cross but He didn't. He gave his life so you and I could have ours.
Our circumstances may not be very comfortable but know that God's blessed reward of eternal peace is objective we are waiting on. The pleasures of this world are so temporary. The pain and unpleasant times we go through are just as temporary when we are saved.
When all in the world seems to fail, you are left alone with the problems of life.
GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO LOVE HIM
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Iron Sharpens Iron by T. M. Moore
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.
- Proverbs 27.17, 18
What kind of person would you like to have rub off on you? The Rule of Ailbe appears to be addressed to one who aspired to become part of a community of brethren, men living, praying, eating, working, and growing together. Ailbe provides a list of the kind of character traits a true soul friend must have if he is to benefit all those with whom he shares community.
We're all familiar with the "iron sharpens iron" proverb, and it contains a good deal of truth: if we are sharp and pure and devoted to one another, we can truly make one another sharper and even more pure.
But it's the 18th verse that speaks to me of the value of a soul friendship. If we cultivate the virtues of Christ and the life of the Spirit in others, we will benefit from the Christlikeness they achieve as they minister to us in His Name. And if we guard, shield, and protect those who have entrusted their souls to us, we will be honored by them and by the Lord.
So as you seek out a soul friend, look for someone who will agree to the terms of both of these proverbs, who will have the strength of an anvil to bear up under the blows of adversity, and who will devote himself in service to you just as you agree to be devoted to him in love.
Such friendships are few and far between in our day, but they are so valuable and precious once you discover them. Husbands and wives, begin with one another. Deepen your relationship and your love by committing to the sharpening and shaping of one another's souls so that Christ is more perfectly formed in each of you. Then seek a soul friend - men with men and women with women - who will help you to grow deeper and stronger in your walk and ministry with the Lord.
You will both benefit from your mutual devotion, and Christ will be honored before all who know you.
Does God bless simply because a president demands it?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
7 SIns of Dying Churches by Thom S. Rainer
I stood before some 700 church members on a Sunday evening. My task was straightforward. I was to share with them the results of a consultation my team members and I had worked on during the past several weeks.
The presentation should have been easy and uneventful. To the contrary, the time proved to be stressful and contentious. When I pointed out even a small area of concern with suggested remedies, dozens of members raised their hands to tell me how wrong I was, how the evaluations of the consulting team were far off base.
The church in question had been in decline for nearly two decades. Yet, from the perspectives of many of the members, the church was healthy and thriving. From my perspective, the most obvious reality I saw was denial.
Lessons From the Past, Lessons for the Future
Over the past 20 years, one of the richest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to study and consult with thousands of churches. I’ve seen hundreds of healthy churches that have taught me valuable lessons.
Unfortunately, I’ve also seen thousands of churches whose ministries are declining, whose members are discouraged, and whose evangelistic impact is negligible. Recently, I reviewed many of my past consulting and research projects to discern common characteristics of declining and dying churches.
I found what I call “seven sins” that characterize dying churches. These issues are not mutually exclusive; they are often directly related to each other. Rather than being a source of discouragement, I pray that my elucidation of these seven sins will be a tool to help you avoid the pitfalls that other church leaders have experienced.
Sin #1: Doctrine Dilution
One of our consultants sat in a Bible study class of a church that had brought in our team for a long-term consultation relationship. He had been told that the class included some of the church’s strongest leaders. Much to his surprise, the entire Bible study was a debate on whether or not a non-Christian might go to heaven. After much argument, the conclusion was that God would indeed allow such a person into heaven.
When such cardinal truths as the doctrine of exclusivity become issues of doubt, a church is in trouble. There’s little motivation for outreach and evangelism if other paths and other religions are equal to Christianity.
Ironically, in our survey of unchurched persons across
Sin #2: Loss of Evangelistic Passion
It is no surprise that declining and dying churches have little evangelistic passion. In my January/February ’05 Outreach column, I highlighted one of the major reasons for evangelistic apathy: Many senior pastors either don’t have or have lost their evangelistic passion. Congregations tend to follow the passions and visions of those in key leadership positions, particularly the pastor.
Sin #3: Failure to Be Relevant
Unfortunately, many churches in
Some churches, for certain, abandon many of the cardinal truths of the faith in their quest to be relevant to the community they serve. But even more churches are woefully unaware of the realities, hopes and pains of those around us. Failure to be true to doctrines of the Christian faith leads to apostasy. Failure to understand the world in which we live and serve leads to irrelevancy.
Sin #4: Few outwardly focused ministries
In a recent survey of churches across
Many churches seem to exist only for themselves. While there certainly should be ministry available for church members, often the balance between external and internal ministries is heavily skewed toward internal. When churches seek to care and minister only to their own, it’s a likely sign that decline is in motion and that death may be imminent.
Sin #5: Conflict over personal preferences
Some of the more vicious internal battles in congregations today are not fights over defending the great truths of the Christian faith. Instead, members have conflict over their preferred worship style, the way a room is painted or carpeted, and the type of pulpit the preacher uses. Battles like these are sure signs that members are more concerned about their needs than the needs of the hurting and unchurched people who live and work next to them.
Sin #6: The priority of comfort
A few years ago, my youngest son, Jess, was a high school senior on the football team. Because he gave so much of himself in the Friday night game, he often slept late on Saturdays. Around noon, he’d trudge down the stairs, turn on the television in the family room and collapse on the sofa.
One Saturday, I passed him as his extended body contorted on the sofa and noticed that my football player son was watching HGTV. Curious, I asked Jess why he was watching a home and gardening show. His response was classic—“ ’cause the remote is broken.”
Many churches are in definitive patterns of decline because church members simply will not move beyond their couches of comfort. It’s much easier to do things the way we’ve always done them, rather than to get uncomfortable in the world outside the walls of the church.
Sin #7: Biblical illiteracy
Only 3% of churches in
When only three of 100 churches even attempt to provide a way for their members to understand Genesis to Revelation, biblical illiteracy is likely to occur. And biblical illiteracy means that our churches may not be obedient to the calls of Scripture because they don’t know what the Bible says.
Lights in the darkness?
Our research shows that many churches in
I recently concluded a one-year consultation with a church that had seen a reversal of almost all the negative trends in its congregation. The pastor summed up the experience well: “We were not lacking in resources or know-how; we were just lacking in obedience. When we made a decision that mediocrity and complacency would not be acceptable, God began to bless us. It is just that simple.”
by Thom Rainer
LifeWay Christian Resources
Thom S. Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources (LifeWay.com). He was founding dean of the
Copyright © by Outreach magazine. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
50th Wedding Anniversary
My wife's brother Jim and sister in law Rachael Ray celebrated their 50th year of marriage today. Allot of family as well as friends from time past helped in the celebration.
In today's world husbands and wives don't stay together like the generations past. I know for a fact there were times when either one or both were ready to leave, separate or maybe divorce but each were fighter's for the institution of marriage. Each took those oaths to each other as well to God very seriously.
They loved each other and as God gave them children and later grandchildren and now great-grand children they both look back with smiles and think " it had it's rough spots but seeing these kids makes for a soothing gel".
We have to stand up (on our knees) using the power of the Holy Spirit and fight. We have to fight to keep our marriages tact. We have to fight with the Whole Armour of God to keep our sin nature at bay. Don't let pride and anger guide you. Don't let lust lead you to the breast of adultery.
FIGHT LIKE HELL !! The author of hell is the author Adultery.
God Almighty, Protector of Your Children, Please forgive us of our weakness. Please empower us with your Holy Spirit, wrap your shield of protection around our marriages. The family you set up. The family you desire. The family you ordained. Father we need your Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, power and grace to keep our family as you desire it. In Christ Loving Name, Amen
In today's world husbands and wives don't stay together like the generations past. I know for a fact there were times when either one or both were ready to leave, separate or maybe divorce but each were fighter's for the institution of marriage. Each took those oaths to each other as well to God very seriously.
They loved each other and as God gave them children and later grandchildren and now great-grand children they both look back with smiles and think " it had it's rough spots but seeing these kids makes for a soothing gel".
We have to stand up (on our knees) using the power of the Holy Spirit and fight. We have to fight to keep our marriages tact. We have to fight with the Whole Armour of God to keep our sin nature at bay. Don't let pride and anger guide you. Don't let lust lead you to the breast of adultery.
FIGHT LIKE HELL !! The author of hell is the author Adultery.
God Almighty, Protector of Your Children, Please forgive us of our weakness. Please empower us with your Holy Spirit, wrap your shield of protection around our marriages. The family you set up. The family you desire. The family you ordained. Father we need your Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, power and grace to keep our family as you desire it. In Christ Loving Name, Amen
Friday, August 20, 2010
4th Sunday Jail Ministry this weekend
Father God I ask for you Holy & Righteous Blessing be upon the meeting Sunday night. It is only by your grace and power that lives can be changed and souls saved. Be with us, surround me with your Spirit, fill me with your presents, use my lips, my tongue, my voice to tell of your everlasting love and your total forgiveness of sins. Teach us to Love You As You Loved Us. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen
I never go to the jail feeling satisfied in my efforts to prepare for the service. I always go in complete satisfaction that God has it under control, Praise His Name.
My intended subject is "Regeneration". The word is mentioned twice in the KJV, once in several other versions and not at all in the CEV. Regeneration, ReBirth, Born Again are life changing words.
God teach us how we must be Born Again so we can be Regenerated. Amen
I never go to the jail feeling satisfied in my efforts to prepare for the service. I always go in complete satisfaction that God has it under control, Praise His Name.
My intended subject is "Regeneration". The word is mentioned twice in the KJV, once in several other versions and not at all in the CEV. Regeneration, ReBirth, Born Again are life changing words.
God teach us how we must be Born Again so we can be Regenerated. Amen
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