Rethinking the War on Christmas

Christian radio talk show host makes perfect sense about this "war" on Christmas. I'm glad someone with a voice shares my sentiment.

.

Doing Church for the Unchurched? For Whom Do Pastors Exist?

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,“When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.” (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:7-13 (My emphasis added)


 


Related Posts:

The Church is for the Church

10 Indictments to the Modern Church

Spurgeon: Bring True Converts to Church

You Might Be a Pragmatist

Defining Legalism by Doron Gladdeon

This is a excellent blog by Doron Gladdenon on legalism.

"Remember, the Pharisees were liberal in theological beliefs and rigid in their morals. I could picture them, laying heavy burdens on men like certain “Acts 29/Missional preachers”, Word Faith preachers, Catholic Priests, and other motivational speakers do (Osteen, Meyers, and others). For example, in Driscoll’s case, it is certainly legalistic to build a philosophy of ministry geared toward “unbelievers” and then cursing at them for not acting the way you want them to act. Especially when a person cannot do what God requires until He has regenerated them. Jesus Christ said “I will build my church!” The pope is not the head, neither is any minister, but Christ alone. He rules over His church. If any man claims to rule over the church of Christ, whether implicitly or explicitly, then He is at war with Christ." Full article here.

Before Voting

Just a few Bible verses to consider before voting for the highest office in the land. Too many Christians are going to the voting booths without having an eternal perspective.

The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,  that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; Acts: 17:24-27 

 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Romans 13:1 

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-32

What About Street Preaching?

Such beautiful and wise insight on street preaching.



What About Street Preaching? from NCFIC on Vimeo.

Related Link: Video: Paul Washer Open Air Preaching in Lima

What "Successful" Preachers NEVER Mention

Related link:

Against the World: Against the Churches

A Call to Courage "Men! Rise Up Oh Men of God!"

Related Link:

A Call to Anguish

Encouragement

A Call for Discernment by Justin Peters

The Word of Faith/Prosperity "Gospel" is heresy. They preach a different gospel not only for mostly holding to Oneness theology ("Modalism" aka: Anti-Trinity), but also for being the most popular purveyor of the gospel with their Word of Faith preaching which is heterodox and destructive on so many levels. I didn't understand the depth of the deception until I heard this series from Justin Peters "Call for Discernment" series.

 A Biblical Critique of the Word of Faith Movement

 Part 1: Health and Wealth or Prosperity Gospel


 



 Part 2: Mangled Manifestations




Part 3: The Hurt of Healing

BINGO!

Solo Christo

Do You Bear Fruit? ~ Paul Washer

Another Good Tweet

You don't "live" the Gospel. Jesus lived it. We preach it and proclaim it because It's all about what He did NOT what you do. ~ Chris Rosebrough

Amen!

Pastor Voddie Baucham Talks Abortion, Adoption, President Obama

Reflections on Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Sherry Wilson

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." Titus 2:3-5

"I had so many emotions well up in me while reading this book. Primarily sadness, because I realize that there is no older woman in my life that I regularly sit with, fellowship with and go to for advice."

Even in my forties I long for a spiritual mother to advise me with my boys (1 teen and 2 approaching) and my marriage. I've tried to reach out to the younger women, but making that connection in passing is difficult.

I just finished reading a blog this morning on Titus 2 and why it is practically is non-existent in most churches. When we stray away with extra-biblical traditions, it can hurt the generational church in the long run.  "I strongly believe that age segregation in the church has completely strangled the potential for the older women to train the younger women. It’s pretty much non-existent."

Full article: Reflections on Becoming A Titus 2 Woman by Sherry Wilson

Related article: Is the Bible Really Enough?

You Can Trust God

"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-7 

I woke up this morning with a heavy and anxious heart. The economy is starting to take a toll on our family. My husband shared with me yesterday that we're in financial trouble. He is a worrier by nature and he tends to say that a lot, but this time his tone and expression was different, and it scared me.

My worst fear is that I will be pressured to send my children back to public school so I could help with the finances by going back to work. I couldn't bear the thought. I would do anything to avoid it, but I had to start with prayer; tearful prayer.

Earlier this summer I had to go to the hospital. It turned out to be nothing urgent, but the bill came in. Being under-insured and struggling to get by, I sent an application to reduce our bill and request to make monthly payments. I didn't expect much since so many people are out of work and most of them are uninsured.

It had been couple of weeks since I sent that application, so I called the hospital's billing department today.  By the grace of God, the bill was paid in full by an anonymous donor! I immediately began to cry and praising God with the lady still on the phone. I couldn't even speak though the tears of joy. My heart is so full and overwhelmed of His greatness and love.

A couple of years ago I heard a journal reading by Paul Washer. Before the news this afternoon I thought of it. He shared in tears of the providence of the Lord for the mission he started, and feared it would die out.

If you're struggling and need encouragement, listen to this incredible message.

2006 Heart Cry Paul Washer Journal Reading

The Pilgrims' Formula

Christian Radio Show Host Calls For Mark Driscall To Repent

"Too many guys waste too much time trying to move stiff-necked, stubborn, obstinate people. (pause) I am all about blessed subtraction. There is a pile of dead bodies behind the Mars Hill bus (laughs) and by God’s grace it’ll be a mountain by the time we’re done." ~ Mark Driscoll

 The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them." [Ezekiel 34:1-6]

There is nothing that makes me more angry than the abuse of power within the church. I posted an article on spiritual abuse here.  Here is a related link of a former elder wife's testimony here of the outright unbiblical firing of her husband and shunning of her family at Mars Hill. Mark Driscoll is not a Christ-like shepherd, but a shrewd business man cloaked in academic reformed theology.

I'm not sure where I heard this, but Dr. John MacArthur stated that there are two different kinds of heretics; a theological and a moral one. Mark Driscoll is the latter. I use to listen to him on YouTube several years ago before he would make crude jokes of God's word. This is just another example of the downgrade of many well known Christian leaders, and the gravest part is churches around the world are following their pattern.

Chris Rosebrough, a Christian apologist and radio host, exposes Driscoll's hypocrisy as he reviews his recent sermon on the book of Esther and his teaching on abusive leadership here.

An In-Perfect Christian Shares The Gospel

This angry woman unwillingly plowed fertile ground for one of the best gospel presentations I've heard.

 

Life After Abortion Trailer

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

 I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.  Psalm 32:1-5

43% of women in the United States are post abortive. That is a lot of women who need help.

This book is a great tool to help heal from a past abortion. Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane

National Helpline for Abortion Recovery 866-482-5433  Website for the National Helpline

No Compromise, No Regrets

"The person who refuses to compromise under any and every circumstance is obstinate, unreasonable, and selfish. That sort of strong-willed inflexibility is sinful and has been the ruin of many relationships and organizations. But when it comes to matters of principle – moral and ethical foundations, biblical absolutes, the axioms of God’s Word, God’s clear commands, and the truthfulness of God Himself – it is never right to compromise."  John MacArthur

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God,  and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

A lot of people apply this verse with marriage, which is good in principle, but if you look at the entire chapter, Paul is not talking about marriage. He was addressing the believers in Corinth that were teaming up with pagans and unbelievers and attempting to worship God.
 

Are You a New Homeschooler or Thinking About it?

Almost two years ago I pulled all three of my boys out of public school. For years I wanted to rescue them out of the system, but my husband and I were no longer on the same page. I was counselled by a wise older women and men to keep them there to avoid family conflict. God saved my husband about five years ago, and out of the blue he told me to pull the boys out. I was super thrilled and yet super scared.

Several years ago I tried homeschooling, my now 16 year old, when he was in second and third grade. At the time I had two babies and I was overwhelmed with the responsibility and intimidated by other homeschooling moms. They seemed confident that they could homeschool ten kids with their lapbooks and science experiment gadgets, milk the cows, reupholster the furniture and preserve jam all in the same day. They also had a different lingo of "What curriculum?" people used and methods that were completely foreign to me. Like an ill-equipped failure of a young mother, I reluctantly re-enrolled my son back in to the public school system. I suppose I can't blame my husband for thinking the way he did.

Later, both of my younger sons were also enrolled, so I decided to work for the school. It was then that I really saw what was going on day to day. So much of what was going on in the school day was never told to the parents. If two children got in to a fight, there was often no report. We were bound as teacher's aides to never speak to the parents regarding their children which, as a mom, was really hard for me.

I also noticed that in a classroom you can't make a child pay attention. The class I worked in was for special needs children who had mild to profound learning disabilities and behavior problems. I had the privilege of working with a dedicated award winning teacher and four other teacher's aides at all time. Talk about the perfect environment for a classroom! While she was giving her science lecture, the boys in the back were messing with their desks and not paying attention. I would tell them to put everything away and listen, but they were in La-La Land. Without one-on-one instruction it is impossible for most children to pay attention all day long. and learning gaps may result.

Before I pulled all three of my boys out, there was a time I had to fulfill my contract with my job at the school. It just so happened that a book called "What a Forth Grader Needs to Know" was in the public school library right next to the boys bathroom where we went everyday. As I stood there outside the restroom waiting for the boys, I browsed through it. I was encouraged that I could homeschool.  I was determined by God's strength that if I was going to do this, I had to go the distance and never re-enroll them ever again in to public school.

If your husband is not on board with homeschooling, keep praying. It is better that your family be unified without strife.  If God changed my husband's heart, He can change your husband. Just remember, you as a parent can counteract anything that is being taught in school. I used a lot of Bible teaching and creation videos on YouTube that really helped my older son discern truth from error. God's word is powerful and it is an amazing tool to help your child to think critically. I'm a product of the public school system and God's sovereignty still saved me. Don't lose heart.

If homeschooling is an option for your family and you're considering it, and maybe your overwhelmed with all of the information and responsibility, first check out Cathy Duffy's book 101 Top Picks for Homeschooling Curriculum here. It's a thick book, but it has a test in the first chapter to help narrow down the curriculum by your child's learning style and your teaching style. It was a life saver!

Homeschooling has been such a blessing on so many levels. One of the big reason is I have all the time I need to share scripture and pray with them. I did this as well when they were in public school, but it's different. I'm not tired from a long day of work, cleaning, homework, dinner, etc. The time I spend with my boys has been the biggest blessing of my life. Too many people try to rush to get their kids out of the house, but before they know it they are grown and gone. Homeschooling has given me that time to savor every moment and get to know them at a deeper level.

Has it been easy? No. Is anything worth fighting for easy? If I were you, if your thinking about homeschooling, pray, hold off on doing too much research, keep it simple and start with the book "101 Top Picks for Homeschooling Curriculum" (Link above). If you need more convincing, check out this article I read this morning "12 Most Compelling Reasons to Homeschool Your Children" here.

A Tweet I Needed to Read

Our daily Bible reading are often forgotten the moment we rise but in time they form in us a deep and lasting reservoir of true spirituality. ~ Paul Washer 

Religiosity vs Rebirth by Paul Washer

The Best Sermon Preached in My Lifetime

"Why should a person come to the cross? Why should a person embrace death with Christ? Why should a person be willing to go in identification down to the cross and into the tomb and up again? I'll tell you why! Because it's the only way that God can get glory out of a human being!" Paris Reidhead - "Ten Shekels and a Shirt"

This may not be an Edward's "Sinner's in the Hands of an Angry God", but it's close. Pastor Reidhead unfolds passionately in this powerful sermon the downgrade of Christianity by subtle humanistic philosophy. Here is an excerpt of that message with the full audio below.




Full audio HERE

The Fruit of the Spirit - "Love"

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:21-23

I was walking with a friend the other day, and we were reflecting on the "Fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:21-23. It caused me to look back at my Christian life and how God reveals Himself through sanctification. The last part of the verse says, "against such things there is no law".  This made me realize a truly regenerated believer is not to simply obey this verse, but it must be believed that it is a supernatural gift from God.

I heard a sermon not too long ago, and I appreciated the man's honesty when he admitted to getting snarky with his wife over something petty. He shared that he immediately apologized to her and he spoke from his flesh and that was not himself, because he possesses the "Fruit of the Spirit".

I remember at a summer Bible study I taught years ago, we did a word study on each of these attributes in the "Fruit of the Spirit".  The word "love" in the Greek is agape which simply means Christ-like love. I taught what I heard from theologians that this love is a dutiful love and it's not an affectionate love like pheleo (brotherly and friendship love) or storge (love for family), but it is a action of choice. I no longer agree to this. I now know that I was in error because I was teaching it as an application and not a byproduct of someone who has been saved by God. Agape love is intensely passionate.

Agape love is a supernatural gift because it flows from the Spirit and it is not something you can muster up in your own flesh. What freedom that is for a believer! Just believe it, and don't believe the lie, if you're a true believer, that you don't have love, patience, kindness... because you do! Just look to Christ, because he saved you from the works of the flesh. Read the entire chapter in Galatians 5.  "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

I shared with my boys in homeschool yesterday that when God saved me, I had an instant love for God, other Christians and a concern for the unsaved that was completely foreign to me in me previously. 

Agape love is a gift from God and I'm sorry, it's not only a feeling (I know that's the F-word in conservative Christian circles that I'm a part of, but I'm going out on a limb.) but it is a zeal that   possess every aspect of your life. You can't help it if Jesus is Lord of your life because He owns you and it is the delight of your heart. If this love is not possessed as a natural (not perfect) flow of the heart, then much study of 1 John chapter 4 and self examination needs to be in order.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God;but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 

¹³ This is how we know that we live in Him and he in us: He has given us of His Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. ¹⁶ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

 ¹⁷ This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love because he first loved us. ²⁰ Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.²¹ And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." 1 John 4:7-21

Related post: What is Your Religion? By John Angell James

John Angell James - Is This Your Religion?

A sister that I correspond with uploaded this beautiful reading.

"Can These Bones Live?"

I've heard so many testimonies and as I reflect on my own, there is no way those people or myself could of cleaned ourselves up. Once God quickens the heart and mind, that person's actions, thoughts, world view, thoughts on sin realized, and their affection for God, His Word and other believers radically changes. When God saves a person, He changes that person more and more in to His image. That is the miracle of salvation.


"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved..." Ephesians 2:1-5


When we think of evangelism, we must think of ourselves as Ezekiels who stand in a valley of dry, dead bones. You can't get a better image of dead people than that! There is no way we could manipulate someone to Christ because they are really dead in their sin. I get chills whenever I read this powerful text.

Ezekiel 37:1-10

"The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry.  And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.”  Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.  Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath^[b] to enter you, and you shall live.  And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them.  Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”  So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army."

This is a great little video with this passage.

Dry Bones from danDifelice on Vimeo.

Paul Washer Addresses His Critics and Lordship Salvation

Paul Washer a heretic? In this radio interview, he finally answers his critics and respectfully responds to the anti-Lordship crowd. Listen HERE

Confession Regeneration vs. Faith Alone

It is troubling to me how much we take scripture out of context. The one that really drives me crazy is Romans 10:9-10. It's not a picky little thing, it's a potentially damming thing.

  If the bases of our faith is "faith alone" in Christ, and that theme runs throughout the Bible, then why do we try to imply or even outright say we need to implant a sense of belief with a confession? Isn't that a work? If you read Romans 10:8 it says, "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)"

Remember; in the beginning of chapter ten, Paul's first word is "Brothers" which shows this entire passage is for believers and not unbelievers.

⁹BECAUSE, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

The word "because" changes the context because you cannot divorce a transitional word from verse 8. "It is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" which is a present tense statement. Paul is encouraging believers to go out and confess and believe.

 ¹¹ For the Scripture says,“Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all,bestowing his riches on all who call on him. ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ¹⁴ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ¹⁵ And how are they to preach unless they are sent?

I believe there is a lack of teaching of the doctrine of regeneration which is the true essence of Paul's letter to the Romans.

Tony Miano shares his concerns about the "Sinner's Prayer" and how Romans 10:9-10 is in every closer from the "Plan of Salvation", "The Fours Spiritual Laws" and "The Roman's Road", etc. "gospels". The glorious passage of Romans 10:9-10 is so regurgitated that it is not discerned and properly applied. I also included a sermon from Steven Bratton entitled "Are You Giving Them Law?".  Sermon HERE

Closing the Deal: An Unbiblical Component of Modern Evangelism by Tony Miano (Repost)

Well, let's take a look at Romans 10:9-10. "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Even a cursory look at the text reveals there is no "sinner's prayer" to be found, here.

Who is Paul's audience? Believers or unbelievers? He is writing to believers, the Church, in Rome. The recipients of his letter would have never taken from this text that Paul was instructing unbelievers to pray a prayer in order to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Nor would his readers have received Paul's teaching, here, as a suggestion, much less a mandate, to lead the unsaved in a "sinner's prayer."

I could not find one legitimate Bible scholar who suggests that Paul's words in Romans 10:9-10 is an example of either a "sinner's prayer" or a suggestion that believers are to lead unbelievers in such a prayer, or to "ask Jesus into their heart."

Again, there is absolutely no biblical support or justification for the implementation of the "sinner's prayer," in any evangelistic effort. Full Article HERE

Adapting to the Culture...Or Not

"The goal of your life must not be a scheme to gain popularity so that you can use it for God. The goal of your life must be to know God better, that you might serve Him more faithfully." – Voddie Baucham

Voddie Baucham delivered this message some months back at The Master's College and it is desperately needed, especially for young people. It is a soft rebuke to the willful leaders of the new Calvinists and the young reformers movement who have adopted the philosophy of compromise to conform to the world to bring in the world.

This sermon, entitled "Adapting to the Culture….Or Not" shows, from a biblical standpoint, that Paul did everything but adapt to the culture of Athens.

 

To Be Self Controlled: Feed the Spirit, Starve the Flesh, by Sadie Daniels

Such great wisdom from a young lady.

"An appetite that you feed will grow.

An appetite that you starve will die."

Full blog here

To Train Her Children: Young Men's Attitude Towards Women

This is a lecture for college age young men, but I had my sixteen year old watch it. My goal for my boys is to fear and love God with their soul, mind and strength and be godly husbands. Their future wives are depending on me to show my them how to treat them, and that females are not objects to play with emotionally and physically.

"When you are around girls, you treat them with the utmost dignity even though it might even be offensive to them."

Are You Conformed to Christ or Churchianity?

I love church, but many professing Christians speak more of their church activity, ministry, attendance, congregation, pastor, programs, traditions, etc., and very little of Christ. This is called "Churchianity", and it can draw people away from true biblical Christianity. When a person judges by the works of others and not by Christ-like-character, it should raise a big red idolatrous flag. 

We need to ask ourselves honestly: Do we speak of church and religious activity more than Christ? Is our identity in Christ or in ministry? (Isaiah 64:6) The reality is that our powerful God doesn't need us. He desires that our affections be toward Himself and His glory; and the rest will flow as a natural byproduct.

I would encourage all believers, leaders, and pastors to watch this convicting sermon which lists many of the problems in most churches. This sermon identifies very clearly why there may be a lack of holiness, spiritual growth, and a plethora of superficial and shallow "Churchianity" within congregations. MP3 Audio HERE 

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" Philippians 3:8-9

Dr. John Macarthur speaks on Total Depravity and refutes Decisionism/Freewillism/Arminianism.

This is an excellent sermon. Salvation is a divine miracle!

 

Coming Persecution To America - Paul Washer

"This is not silly talk" ~ Paul Washer

 

Do you believe brother Paul? Here is just a couple of examples of what has gone on in our country in just the last month.

Wretched: Anti-Christian Intolerance

Wretched: Christians Getting Stoned

Chick-Fil-A Controversy (Non-Christian perspective)

I'm Sick of Works Righteous Legalism! Beware of Joyce Meyer

I feel better now that I've said that. Many immature Christian women are prone to think they can earn points with God. I know this because I was in that trap myself. The Bible says there is none righteous and our works are like filthy rags to God. Joyce Meyer may be an extreme example with her health and wealth teaching, but other teachers such as Beth Moore use the same works righteousness approach with Christianese feminism and extra-biblical fulfillment.

 “Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon.

 

Joyce Meyer's Self-Centered "Gospel"

Spurgeon's Method

We declare, upon Scriptural authority, that the human will is so desperately set on mischief, so depraved, and so inclined to everything that is evil, and so disinclined to everything that is good, that without the powerful, supernatural, irresistible influence of the Holy Spirit, no human will ever be constrained towards Christ.