How To Reach The World With The Gospel
Matthew 28:19-20
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.":
The Church Should Be Known for its Prayer, Faith, Preaching, Love, Praise & Hope
I have been looking at keys to reaching the world with the Good news of the Gospel. There seem to be 6 major themes that the church should focus on to accomplish reaching the world. These verses are what jump out to me.
Mark 11:17 (Prayer)
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Romans 1:8 (Faith)
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Romans 10:14-18 (Preaching the Gospel)
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" 16 However, they did R514 not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD , WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, R516 and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD”
John 3:16 (God’s Love For Us)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 13:35(Our Love For God)
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 14:31 (The Son’s Love For the Father)
but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. Get up, let us go from here.
John 15:9-10 (How to Love)
9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
Psalms 57:7-11 (Praise)
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Romans 15:13 (We Should Be Known for Our Hope)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15 (We should have so much hope people should notice and ask us about it)
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Colossians 1:5 (Hope)
because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel
2 Corinthians 3:12 (This Hope Should Make Us Speak Boldly the Gospel)
Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,
Philippians 2:14-16 (We Should not be known for Grumbling or complaining)
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Mark 13:10 (Publish the Gospel in every Language)
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
John 17:20-23 (Unity Of Believers)
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
James 2:5 (The Poor Are More Accepting of the Gospel)
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Psalm 22:1, 18, 22, 22-28 (Remind the World of His Sacrifice)
1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations.
Psalms 49:1-3 (Speak Forth the Word of God to The World)
1 Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: 2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together. 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Genesis 18:18 (All Nations Blessed because of Faith of Abraham)
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Galatians 3:6-8 (All Nations Blessed because of Faith of Abraham)
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Psalms 70:4 (Magnify God not Yourself)
“Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified."
Matthew 5:13-16 (Let Your Light Shine. Let Your Good Works Shine, Not You)
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 13:13 ( Faith, Hope and Love Abide )
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Mark 12:30-31 (No Greater commandment than to Love God & People)30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' 31 "The second is this, `YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Saturday, July 10, 2004
A Husband and Father's Special Responsibility
For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. .... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:23,25-27
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
When Family Worship Led By the Husband/Father Disappeared In America
In America, during the 1700's and early 1800's the chief hobby of men was to study theology. Praying was a manly thing to do. Training children to be godly was considered one of the chief responsibilities of men.
In the early days, what we now term religious education was primarily a function of the home. Fathers were expected to train their children in a knowledge of the scriptures and also of the doctrines of faith as set forth particularly in the various catechisms, that often included 100's of Scripture. It was the pastor's responsibility to see that this duty was not neglected.
Prior to the industrial revolution, fathers taught their children; especially their sons how to farm or how to do a trade. The sons would hear their fathers teaching on scripture in the morning and at night. Then they would see their fathers live what they preach during the day. The children were either home schooled by Mom with help from Dad or they were sent to a school house where scripture was the main part of learning. Everything taught in school backed up what the father was teaching at home.
Fathers started to rely on Sunday School and the public school to teach their children the foundations of the Christian faith. By 1847, the author J.W. Alexander, had detected a decline in the practice of Christian men leading their families in worship. In a century, family worship would be only a distant memory among Christians.
In the early 1800's it was taught by Dad's to their son's that they should never be alone with a women unless it was their mother or sister. Fathers told their son's to never put yourself into a compromising situation because you have a nature inside of you that lusts and this sinful nature will do anything to get what it wants.
In the later 1800's, Darwin's theory of evolution started to take hold. The biblical ideas of men being sinful was removed and replaced with the idea that man just needed to be educated. The belief started that man's natural goodness would lead him to do the right thing. Self reliance replaced trust in God. The industrial revolution also brought about men chasing after money rather than just providing for their family's daily needs.
We all know that things got much worse as Prayer and the Ten Commandments were taken out of public schools in the early 1960's. During this time we saw rise to the Playboy Philosophy and all manner of decadence started to be accepted. Proverbs 22:28 was discarded. "Do not move the ancient boundary which your father's set." That boundary continues to be moved today with the talk of homosexual marriage. Something the founding fathers could never have imagined.
It is time for the heart's of the father's to turn back to their children and their duty of teaching them the foundation's of the Christian faith. Pray that God will raise up men that remember their duty to lead.
For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. .... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:23,25-27
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
When Family Worship Led By the Husband/Father Disappeared In America
In America, during the 1700's and early 1800's the chief hobby of men was to study theology. Praying was a manly thing to do. Training children to be godly was considered one of the chief responsibilities of men.
In the early days, what we now term religious education was primarily a function of the home. Fathers were expected to train their children in a knowledge of the scriptures and also of the doctrines of faith as set forth particularly in the various catechisms, that often included 100's of Scripture. It was the pastor's responsibility to see that this duty was not neglected.
Prior to the industrial revolution, fathers taught their children; especially their sons how to farm or how to do a trade. The sons would hear their fathers teaching on scripture in the morning and at night. Then they would see their fathers live what they preach during the day. The children were either home schooled by Mom with help from Dad or they were sent to a school house where scripture was the main part of learning. Everything taught in school backed up what the father was teaching at home.
Fathers started to rely on Sunday School and the public school to teach their children the foundations of the Christian faith. By 1847, the author J.W. Alexander, had detected a decline in the practice of Christian men leading their families in worship. In a century, family worship would be only a distant memory among Christians.
In the early 1800's it was taught by Dad's to their son's that they should never be alone with a women unless it was their mother or sister. Fathers told their son's to never put yourself into a compromising situation because you have a nature inside of you that lusts and this sinful nature will do anything to get what it wants.
In the later 1800's, Darwin's theory of evolution started to take hold. The biblical ideas of men being sinful was removed and replaced with the idea that man just needed to be educated. The belief started that man's natural goodness would lead him to do the right thing. Self reliance replaced trust in God. The industrial revolution also brought about men chasing after money rather than just providing for their family's daily needs.
We all know that things got much worse as Prayer and the Ten Commandments were taken out of public schools in the early 1960's. During this time we saw rise to the Playboy Philosophy and all manner of decadence started to be accepted. Proverbs 22:28 was discarded. "Do not move the ancient boundary which your father's set." That boundary continues to be moved today with the talk of homosexual marriage. Something the founding fathers could never have imagined.
It is time for the heart's of the father's to turn back to their children and their duty of teaching them the foundation's of the Christian faith. Pray that God will raise up men that remember their duty to lead.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
I have not blogged in a awhile because I have been busy putting together a Men's Ministry for my church. This is the initial Accountabily group worksheet I have been setting up. If you have suggestions please let me know. I believe that Christian men are the key to reaching the world for Christ in our generation.
Scripture and Question’s for Accountability Groups
Foundational Scriptures:
James 5:16 (NAS)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each others' burdens . . . and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
2 Peter 1:3, 5-7 (NLT)
3 As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! …
5 So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. 6 Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. 7 Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone
Hebrews 11:24-25
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
The Abundant Life
The abundant life men so desperately seek, will often be determined by the depth of questions he is willing to wrestle with. Often the devil will temp men with the passing pleasures of sin, so men avoid the deeper heart questions of life. (what is the meaning of life, what can I do with my life that will truly last forever, why do I not love the way I should, what does it truly mean to be a man of God, a man after God’s own heart, etc.) Once we start asking these questions we can find the answers through the Word of God. The unsaved do not really care for you or what you really think, but God does. Jesus often asked questions of His followers so they would verbalize what was on their heart. Christ had a way of drawing out these Words from His followers because He cared for them and what they thought. As you ask your brothers and yourself some tough questions, remember it needs to be out of LOVE. The following questions are good to start with.
Questions to Ask Initially For Accountability Group
l. Who do you say that Jesus is?
2. What are the biggest barriers to your relationship with God? With your wife? With your children? With other men?
3. What are the most serious temptations you face? When you give into that temptation how does it affect your relationship to God? Your wife? Your children? Your friends? (remember the Devil wants to destroy all of your relationships starting with your relationship with God)
4. If Satan were to wage an all-out attack on your life, what area(s) would he focus on? (What are your greatest points of vulnerability? For example, sexual impurity, financial irresponsibility, dishonesty, greed, pride, etc.)
5. How can your brothers help you and pray for you? Questions to Ask Each Other as Your Walk with God and Your Friend’s Deepens. This is best determined by looking at the questions and picking a date in the future when you will start asking them, one of another.
If there's more than two or three men, not all of the following can be asked of each man each week. If there are 4 of you, you may want to break into 2 groups of 2 and ask the following questions. Don't let more than a few weeks go by without discussing any of these areas. (You may wish to add questions of your own.) The first question is so blunt because all indications are that the number one problem with Christian men in America today is lust and sexual immorality. (Barna indicates that 33% of all Evangelical Pastors are addicted to pornography, 88% of Christian men have seen a pornographic image in the last 30 days, over 95% of Evangelical Christian men indicate that lust and pornography are the number one reason they feel disconnected from God). It is evident from Scripture that the Devil often uses the female to lure men into sin. Men are so weak in the church today because they often worship a god in a mini-skirt. It is time for men to start leading and wearing the pants again and stop worshiping at the god of the skirt(lust). God is looking for some men like Joshua not men like Ahab.
Additional Foundational Scripture for the Next Group of Questions.
Joshua 1:7
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
2 Chronicles 16:7a(NKJ)
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
The Next 2 are tied together
Matthew 7:21
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven
1 Thessalonians 4:3
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;
1. Were you free from any form of pornography since we last met? If yes are you lying? Were you free from masturbation this past week? If yes are you lying? Have you been free from any form of sexual immorality this past week(such as talking dirty to the opposite sex, inappropriate touching of someone other than your spouse) Overall did you consistently keep your thoughts and actions pure before God?
2. What kind of a ministry did you have this week? Whom did you share Christ with, either directly or indirectly? Or, how did you use your gifts and resources to help others?
3. Overall how is your relationship with God going(scripture that stands out or you have memorized) How is your relationship with your wife going? Your kids? Your friends ? What could we as your friend’s provide you to help you be a better man(do we need to encourage you more, confront you more).
4. Anything else you'd like to share? (questions or issues you're dealing with?)
5. How can we pray specifically for you this week that will further your relationship with God and your fellow man?
Remember, God wants us to live pure and in the truth; however never underestimate His Grace and Love. His Grace and Love are the greatest gift freely given to men. Give Him the Praise and thanks He deserves. Always begin and end with Thanks. Amen.
Scripture and Question’s for Accountability Groups
Foundational Scriptures:
James 5:16 (NAS)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each others' burdens . . . and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
2 Peter 1:3, 5-7 (NLT)
3 As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! …
5 So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. 6 Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. 7 Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone
Hebrews 11:24-25
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
The Abundant Life
The abundant life men so desperately seek, will often be determined by the depth of questions he is willing to wrestle with. Often the devil will temp men with the passing pleasures of sin, so men avoid the deeper heart questions of life. (what is the meaning of life, what can I do with my life that will truly last forever, why do I not love the way I should, what does it truly mean to be a man of God, a man after God’s own heart, etc.) Once we start asking these questions we can find the answers through the Word of God. The unsaved do not really care for you or what you really think, but God does. Jesus often asked questions of His followers so they would verbalize what was on their heart. Christ had a way of drawing out these Words from His followers because He cared for them and what they thought. As you ask your brothers and yourself some tough questions, remember it needs to be out of LOVE. The following questions are good to start with.
Questions to Ask Initially For Accountability Group
l. Who do you say that Jesus is?
2. What are the biggest barriers to your relationship with God? With your wife? With your children? With other men?
3. What are the most serious temptations you face? When you give into that temptation how does it affect your relationship to God? Your wife? Your children? Your friends? (remember the Devil wants to destroy all of your relationships starting with your relationship with God)
4. If Satan were to wage an all-out attack on your life, what area(s) would he focus on? (What are your greatest points of vulnerability? For example, sexual impurity, financial irresponsibility, dishonesty, greed, pride, etc.)
5. How can your brothers help you and pray for you? Questions to Ask Each Other as Your Walk with God and Your Friend’s Deepens. This is best determined by looking at the questions and picking a date in the future when you will start asking them, one of another.
If there's more than two or three men, not all of the following can be asked of each man each week. If there are 4 of you, you may want to break into 2 groups of 2 and ask the following questions. Don't let more than a few weeks go by without discussing any of these areas. (You may wish to add questions of your own.) The first question is so blunt because all indications are that the number one problem with Christian men in America today is lust and sexual immorality. (Barna indicates that 33% of all Evangelical Pastors are addicted to pornography, 88% of Christian men have seen a pornographic image in the last 30 days, over 95% of Evangelical Christian men indicate that lust and pornography are the number one reason they feel disconnected from God). It is evident from Scripture that the Devil often uses the female to lure men into sin. Men are so weak in the church today because they often worship a god in a mini-skirt. It is time for men to start leading and wearing the pants again and stop worshiping at the god of the skirt(lust). God is looking for some men like Joshua not men like Ahab.
Additional Foundational Scripture for the Next Group of Questions.
Joshua 1:7
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
2 Chronicles 16:7a(NKJ)
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
The Next 2 are tied together
Matthew 7:21
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven
1 Thessalonians 4:3
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;
1. Were you free from any form of pornography since we last met? If yes are you lying? Were you free from masturbation this past week? If yes are you lying? Have you been free from any form of sexual immorality this past week(such as talking dirty to the opposite sex, inappropriate touching of someone other than your spouse) Overall did you consistently keep your thoughts and actions pure before God?
2. What kind of a ministry did you have this week? Whom did you share Christ with, either directly or indirectly? Or, how did you use your gifts and resources to help others?
3. Overall how is your relationship with God going(scripture that stands out or you have memorized) How is your relationship with your wife going? Your kids? Your friends ? What could we as your friend’s provide you to help you be a better man(do we need to encourage you more, confront you more).
4. Anything else you'd like to share? (questions or issues you're dealing with?)
5. How can we pray specifically for you this week that will further your relationship with God and your fellow man?
Remember, God wants us to live pure and in the truth; however never underestimate His Grace and Love. His Grace and Love are the greatest gift freely given to men. Give Him the Praise and thanks He deserves. Always begin and end with Thanks. Amen.
Thursday, August 07, 2003
There is a huge revival going on in Uganda Africa. The following excerpts are taken from the current issue of Pray magazine . “At 8am in the State House, people pray. The Parliament doesn’t want to discuss things until they pray. The Police are faxing prayer request to the judges. The crime rate is dropping --- down by 70 percent in some communities. At one point, AIDS in Uganda was at 33.3 percent. Today, AIDS has dropped to 5 percent.”
This revival came through devastation such as seen in few places in the world. In the 1970’s Idi Amin had upwards of 2 million people killed and all the Christian Church’s closed. A remnant of believers went into the jungle. They gathered in underground caves. In desperation they prayed, “Lord, we don’t know what to do. But You know.” These people prayed continuously. They prayed desperate, deep, consistent, groaning prayers, they never took no for an answer. They prayed, not for one month, one year, or five years, but until they got breakthrough.
Pastor Jackson Senyonga is a prayer leader and Senior Pastor at a 22,000 member church in Kapala, Uganda. This church has also planted 150 other churches. He is encouraging Americans to pray from desperation rather than waiting till devastation like they went through in Uganda.
Many statistics indicate that overall the Church in America is not doing very well.
• In proportion to the U.S. population, there are less than half as many churches today as there were in 1900.
• Roughly 4,000 churches are started each year while 7,000 die and close their doors.
• In 1991, 21 percent of all adults were un-churched. In 2002, 34 percent fit that description.
• The United States is the fourth largest un-churched nation in the world(behind China, India, and Indonesia)
• The average number of adults attending a Protestant church is 90. This represents a 10 percent decline from 1997 and 12 percent decline since 1992.
And what about the more subjective question of the church’s impact on society? Does anyone really believe that our culture is more like Christ than it was 10 years ago? Many Christians in America believe that we are in a “moral free fall” and that society is to blame. However I would agree with Henry Blackaby, who said, “If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the problem of the darkness: the darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is that the light no longer dispels the darkness, and the salt no longer preserves. It time for the light to say, if things are darker, the problem is with us. Notice how 2nd Chronicles 7:14 begins by saying “If my people” Not if the unbelievers. "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. "
Final words from Pastor Jackson Senyonga of Uganda,
“In America, we seem to want things quick, big and cheap. It’s the drive through mentality: “Give it to me now and super size it for 99 cents.” So we close our eyes and repeat with the pastor, “Lord Jesus, send revival.” We want it without obedience, sacrifice, inconvenience, or discomfort. But the Bible says to seek Him earnestly. Seeking means praying until you get an answer, disciplining yourself to keep on until you find what you’re looking for.”
This revival came through devastation such as seen in few places in the world. In the 1970’s Idi Amin had upwards of 2 million people killed and all the Christian Church’s closed. A remnant of believers went into the jungle. They gathered in underground caves. In desperation they prayed, “Lord, we don’t know what to do. But You know.” These people prayed continuously. They prayed desperate, deep, consistent, groaning prayers, they never took no for an answer. They prayed, not for one month, one year, or five years, but until they got breakthrough.
Pastor Jackson Senyonga is a prayer leader and Senior Pastor at a 22,000 member church in Kapala, Uganda. This church has also planted 150 other churches. He is encouraging Americans to pray from desperation rather than waiting till devastation like they went through in Uganda.
Many statistics indicate that overall the Church in America is not doing very well.
• In proportion to the U.S. population, there are less than half as many churches today as there were in 1900.
• Roughly 4,000 churches are started each year while 7,000 die and close their doors.
• In 1991, 21 percent of all adults were un-churched. In 2002, 34 percent fit that description.
• The United States is the fourth largest un-churched nation in the world(behind China, India, and Indonesia)
• The average number of adults attending a Protestant church is 90. This represents a 10 percent decline from 1997 and 12 percent decline since 1992.
And what about the more subjective question of the church’s impact on society? Does anyone really believe that our culture is more like Christ than it was 10 years ago? Many Christians in America believe that we are in a “moral free fall” and that society is to blame. However I would agree with Henry Blackaby, who said, “If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the problem of the darkness: the darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is that the light no longer dispels the darkness, and the salt no longer preserves. It time for the light to say, if things are darker, the problem is with us. Notice how 2nd Chronicles 7:14 begins by saying “If my people” Not if the unbelievers. "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. "
Final words from Pastor Jackson Senyonga of Uganda,
“In America, we seem to want things quick, big and cheap. It’s the drive through mentality: “Give it to me now and super size it for 99 cents.” So we close our eyes and repeat with the pastor, “Lord Jesus, send revival.” We want it without obedience, sacrifice, inconvenience, or discomfort. But the Bible says to seek Him earnestly. Seeking means praying until you get an answer, disciplining yourself to keep on until you find what you’re looking for.”
Monday, July 14, 2003
Friday, July 11, 2003
"Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers." Luke 11:45-46
Just as it was 2000 years ago, it is today. Lawyers, Lawmakers and Supreme Court Justice's make laws that are burdensome to the masses, but often they are exempt from them. I would not want to be the Supreme Court Justices on Judgment day and try to explain why they sided with the Child Molesters in California, Sodomites in Texas and the Abortion Docters in Floridia.
Just as it was 2000 years ago, it is today. Lawyers, Lawmakers and Supreme Court Justice's make laws that are burdensome to the masses, but often they are exempt from them. I would not want to be the Supreme Court Justices on Judgment day and try to explain why they sided with the Child Molesters in California, Sodomites in Texas and the Abortion Docters in Floridia.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
March, 23, 1775
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace [Jer. 6:14]. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle [Matt. 20:6]? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry
It is interesting to note that the founders of the United States of America freely used scripture in their normal conversations. It was a part of their lives and it is the foundation on which this country was built.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace [Jer. 6:14]. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle [Matt. 20:6]? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry
It is interesting to note that the founders of the United States of America freely used scripture in their normal conversations. It was a part of their lives and it is the foundation on which this country was built.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
"You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments: rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws; rights derived from the Great Legislator of the universe." John Adams
"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." Thomas Jefferson
"As the Englishman Edward the Longshanks was oppressing Scotland in 1290 AD, the Great Hammer of the English, William Wallace stood up and yelled "Pro Liebertate"- "For Freedom"
Pray for freedom to worship in Iran and the rest of the Islamic Countries. May they take courage from former Freedom lovers who overcame all odds. Read about the Student Protests in Iran here.
Christian Resources for Iranian/Persian/Farsi Speaking People
"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." Thomas Jefferson
"As the Englishman Edward the Longshanks was oppressing Scotland in 1290 AD, the Great Hammer of the English, William Wallace stood up and yelled "Pro Liebertate"- "For Freedom"
Pray for freedom to worship in Iran and the rest of the Islamic Countries. May they take courage from former Freedom lovers who overcame all odds. Read about the Student Protests in Iran here.
Monday, June 09, 2003
I have been reading Rick Warrens, "The Purpose Driven Life". I highly recommend this book. Great Quote from Rick in the third chapter.
" From the Bible we can surmise that God will ask us two crucial questions:
First, “What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Second , “What did you do with what I gave you?” What did you do with your life---all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you? Did you spned them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made you for?”
First, “What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Second , “What did you do with what I gave you?” What did you do with your life---all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you? Did you spned them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made you for?”
Thursday, March 06, 2003
Now think about this. Heaven has streets made of gold, gates made of emeralds and pearls, the Seraphim and Cherubim declaring He is Holy. It is perfection. Think how beautiful this sinful earth is with it’s waterfalls, mountains, redwood forests and Canyons. Think about how much more beautiful heaven is. God has much to delight in His heaven, but look at where all His delight is.
Psalm 16:3 As for the Saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in who is all my delight.
Friday, February 28, 2003
Romans 11: 25-26 25. For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; 26. and so all Israel shall be saved: even as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Mt. Zion with Snow
Pray for the Leaders of Israel and the leaders of your country,
Israeli Government Leaders
1. Aiel Sharon – Prime Minister (Likud)
2. Ehud Olmert – Commerce and Industry, acting PM (Likud)
3. Shaul Mofaz – Defense (Likud)
4. Silvan Shalom – Foreign Affairs (Likud)
5. Benjamin Netanyahu – Finance (Likud)
6. Limor Livnat – Education, Culture, Sports (Likud)
7. Tzachy Hanegbi – Internal Security & Police (Likud)
8. Yosef (Tomy) Lapid – Justice (Shinui)
9. Efi Eitam – Housing and Construction(National Religious Party)
10.Avigdor Liberman – Transport (National Union)
11.Tzipi Livni – Immigration absorption (Likud)
12.Avraham Poraz – Interior and Communications (Shinui)
13.Danny Naveh – Health (Likud)
14.Yosef Paritzki – National Infrastructures (Shinui)
15.Zevulun Orlev – Welfare Services (NRP)
16.Israel Katz – Agriculture (Likud)
17.Benny Alon – Tourism (NU)
18.Yehudit Naot – Environment (Shinui)
19.Modi Zandberg – Science (Shinui)
20.Nathan Sharanski – Minister without portfolio (Likud)
21.Meir Sheetrit – Minister without portfolio (Likud)
22.Uzi Landau – Minister without portfolio (Likud)
Sunday, February 16, 2003
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Pray BIG !!!!! We serve an awesome God, one who is able to do more than we could ever think or imagine. Ask God to use you in a great way to further His will on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Monday, January 20, 2003
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
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If the original disciples had not obeyed this verse you would not be a Christian today. If you do not obey this verse, who will end up with a Christless eternity. Please pray that all Christians would catch the vision laid out in the above verse and obey it. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ states the following:
How You Can Help Fulfill the Great Commission
A Global Strategy
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2. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is our Lord's command take the gospel to every person throughout the world and to make disciples in all nations. It involves building and multiplying disciples in all nations so that they can, in turn, saturate their nations with the Good News and train other disciples to do the same generation after generation through the process of spiritual multiplication.
Christ did not commission us to Christianize all nations; He called us to disciple and evangelize them. Our responsibility is to preach and teach Christ's dynamic gospel; it is the Holy Spirit's responsibility to make our witness effective. With the responsibility, however, Christ also gave us everything necessary for success.
Go read the whole thing at “How You Can Help Fulfill the Great Commission”
Friday, January 03, 2003
__________ __________ __________
This verse hit me a like a ton of bricks today. Many thoughts came to my mind about how sometimes I am not much different than the Pharisees searching the scriptures, trying to live Holy but being a sinful mess because I have not sought Jesus Christ. I need to be more like Mary and sit at His feet and listen and worship Him rather than like Martha busy with so many good things, but not the necessary thing. (Luke 10:38-42). Please understand me; I am saying we need to read the Word everyday; however we need to seek the One it is all about. We also need to pursue Holiness, just through the One that can make us Holy, not by our own methods.
Thursday, January 02, 2003
__________ __________ __________
Monday, December 09, 2002
__________ __________ __________
In this famous passage of I Corinthians 13(the one often read at weddings) the first mention of what Love is, makes the point that it suffers long. Some translations start by saying Love is Patient, Love is Kind, the actual literal Greek translation is Love suffers long. Does suffering bring us closer to God? Why is it that the most loving Christians I have known were also ones that had suffered much in this life. Could they actually have gotten closer to God’s divine nature through their own suffering? Were they able to relate more to His suffering that He experienced and still experiences because of ours and mankind’s sins? Sometimes I find myself wondering why He has put up with my sins and mankinds history of wickedness. He then reminds me that He loves me and He is willing to suffer long, until we come to Him with a repentant heart filled with true Love that can only come from God.
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
__________ __________ __________
The Holy Spirit is of vital importance to our spiritual well being. It is something that Christ gives us after we put our faith in Him(Ephesians 1:13). In our flesh we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) or we can be filled with Him like the Apostle Paul(Acts 13:9). Jesus said how much more would the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask(Luke 11:13). When the Holy Spirit came upon the early church they became bold witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (see Acts 1:8 and Acts 4:31)
The early church was full of the Holy Spirit, and it was evident by their zeal to share the gospel and they shared it with power. When there is a lack of witnessing with power, could we say that we have probably grieved the Holy Spirit? A.W. Tozer put it this way: "If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference." ?
Monday, December 02, 2002
__________ __________ __________
Michael Reitz has a great article in Relevant Magazine titled "Is the Church Doing Anything Right". Here is a sample.
Jesus “did not stake the “success” of the Church on programs, attendance, good preaching, warm fuzzies or even the ability to adapt with the shifting culture. The evidence that the Church was accomplishing her purpose was a completely different concept: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”
“Check out the full article here”
Sunday, November 24, 2002
__________ __________ __________
God’s offer of the Word of Life, cost Him everything(death on a cross)however He gives it freely and it is everlasting. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13&14