10/11/17 A RHYME IN TIME
I am now transferring my 2013 FB ministry posts to a blog format. On January 4th of 2013 I presented the two views of salvation, one from the sinning religion perspective and the other as it is found in Biblical salvation. I rhymed a few of the lines, and added a comment that I might rhyme the whole post.
As I transferred it to the blog format I did rhyme the thoughts. I hope you enjoy it,
CHOOSE NOT TO LOSE
If what they say is true,
Which one appeals to you?
(Sinning religion says...)
Believers are forgiven of their sin,
But then they are left to live therein.
Their life is in a downward spin,
Against temptation they cannot win.
(Biblical salvation says...)
Christians are forgiven of their sins,
And that is where their life begins.
God then makes them pure within,
Giving them victory over sin.
Both cannot be right,
One is darkness,
The other is light.
Be wise when you choose,
With one you win,
With the other you lose.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
10/10/17 HOW IS YOUR VISION?
10/10/17 HOW IS YOUR VISION?
10/10/17 TRUE CHILDREN'S CHURCH includes ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN.
10/10/17 TRUE CHILDREN'S CHURCH includes ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN.
All we have at The NET HOUSE is CHILDREN'S CHURCH.
(God's children, that is.)One of my great joys, as a father, grandfather, pastor, is seeing the children and young people worshiping and serving God. It is a special blessing when they share a testimony, ask their questions, offer their insights and lead in prayer during services. We have Children's Church, but it involves ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN, from the youngest to the oldest. What a shame for a church to deliberately separate families during worship service. It robs everyone.
10/10/17 SOME PERSONAL REFLECTIONS and MINISTRY PRINCIPLES
10/10/17 SOME PERSONAL REFLECTIONS and MINISTRY PRINCIPLES
(not very interesting to most folks).
I have been pastor in N.C., Oh., Tx., Tn., and S.C. I always wanted to be where God wanted me to be, and I always enjoyed being where He wanted me to be and I always loved the people He allowed me to serve, though I always loved the coast and the Crystal Coast especially. But my joy was in my LORD, not in my location.
Yes, I really enjoy being "back home." I have a special affinity for the area, for the lifestyle, for the people, for the culture, for the sounds, creeks, beaches and the brogue of my Banker heritage, and for the opportunities on the water. I am thankful that my grandchildren get to enjoy the wonderful kind of life I had as a child, angling, netting, island exploring, swimming, boating.
I stay pretty active and sometimes my activities catch up with me. At seventy, and being hindered with physical problems, it takes me longer to recover and to heal. But God allows me to keep doing that which is beyond myself.
After a heavy week of work (I usually spent eighty hours in ministry, because I needed so little sleep), I would plan to relax and just enjoy the day. Then I would often find myself doing the things I normally did, because I enjoyed the work God called me to do.
These days I spend a lot more of my time doing "me stuff," like fishing, kayaking and kayak fishing. I often do this with family or friends and I usually spend part of my time witnessing to other people. In fact, I never really fished or boated much after my college days, when I worked on charter fishing boats during the summer and spent the rest of my time at the beach swimming, or on Bogue Sound fishing, boating and swimming.
I don't take away from ministry. I always put that first (and as a result I sometimes miss my tides). But personal, family time is a form of ministry. In fact there are times I tell my congregation to use their Sunday afternoons or evenings specifically for family time and ministry outreach to unsaved friends. Our morning service may last 2 to 3+ hours. We cover a lot of Scripture, and address every area of Christian living during our services. There is a lot of congregational interaction (especially from the young people).
Today is one of those days I need to recover, but when Martha asked me what I was going to do today, I said, I was going to take it easy... but I really did not know what I was going to do. She may find out later that I went kayaking, or fishing, or kayak fishing. If I do, I will also be fishing for men.
(not very interesting to most folks).
I have been pastor in N.C., Oh., Tx., Tn., and S.C. I always wanted to be where God wanted me to be, and I always enjoyed being where He wanted me to be and I always loved the people He allowed me to serve, though I always loved the coast and the Crystal Coast especially. But my joy was in my LORD, not in my location.
Yes, I really enjoy being "back home." I have a special affinity for the area, for the lifestyle, for the people, for the culture, for the sounds, creeks, beaches and the brogue of my Banker heritage, and for the opportunities on the water. I am thankful that my grandchildren get to enjoy the wonderful kind of life I had as a child, angling, netting, island exploring, swimming, boating.
I stay pretty active and sometimes my activities catch up with me. At seventy, and being hindered with physical problems, it takes me longer to recover and to heal. But God allows me to keep doing that which is beyond myself.
After a heavy week of work (I usually spent eighty hours in ministry, because I needed so little sleep), I would plan to relax and just enjoy the day. Then I would often find myself doing the things I normally did, because I enjoyed the work God called me to do.
These days I spend a lot more of my time doing "me stuff," like fishing, kayaking and kayak fishing. I often do this with family or friends and I usually spend part of my time witnessing to other people. In fact, I never really fished or boated much after my college days, when I worked on charter fishing boats during the summer and spent the rest of my time at the beach swimming, or on Bogue Sound fishing, boating and swimming.
I don't take away from ministry. I always put that first (and as a result I sometimes miss my tides). But personal, family time is a form of ministry. In fact there are times I tell my congregation to use their Sunday afternoons or evenings specifically for family time and ministry outreach to unsaved friends. Our morning service may last 2 to 3+ hours. We cover a lot of Scripture, and address every area of Christian living during our services. There is a lot of congregational interaction (especially from the young people).
Today is one of those days I need to recover, but when Martha asked me what I was going to do today, I said, I was going to take it easy... but I really did not know what I was going to do. She may find out later that I went kayaking, or fishing, or kayak fishing. If I do, I will also be fishing for men.
Monday, October 9, 2017
10/09/17 WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
10/09/17 WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
I have some decent fishing tackle. It is not expensive, but it is adequate for my endeavors. I have to keep it in good shape if I want to fish when the opportunity avails itself.
Likewise, I have some nice computer "tackle," which I use in fishing for men.
But just like fishing tackle can get tangled and become ineffective, so too, can computer "tackle" get tangled. Over a long period of time, even with basic upkeep, equipment needs the expertise of an IT person.
I admit that I have some nice computer equipment, but constant use and my inability to keep it up-to-date slows me down and keeps me from "fishing" as proficiently as I should be able.
This present time calls for new tools to be used in reaching our world, but the new tools (tackle) needs the skilled attention of believers. There is plenty of work to go around in the body of Christ, but sometimes there are not enough workers to do the work.
When God recruited Moses, He asked Moses what he had in his hand. It was a shepherd's crook God often utilizes our abilities, skills, talents, experiences, background, connections, knowledge, interests in His service, when we come to Him. What do you have in your hands?
Ecclesiastes 9:10
(10) Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Colossians 3:23
(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
I have some decent fishing tackle. It is not expensive, but it is adequate for my endeavors. I have to keep it in good shape if I want to fish when the opportunity avails itself.
Likewise, I have some nice computer "tackle," which I use in fishing for men.
But just like fishing tackle can get tangled and become ineffective, so too, can computer "tackle" get tangled. Over a long period of time, even with basic upkeep, equipment needs the expertise of an IT person.
I admit that I have some nice computer equipment, but constant use and my inability to keep it up-to-date slows me down and keeps me from "fishing" as proficiently as I should be able.
This present time calls for new tools to be used in reaching our world, but the new tools (tackle) needs the skilled attention of believers. There is plenty of work to go around in the body of Christ, but sometimes there are not enough workers to do the work.
When God recruited Moses, He asked Moses what he had in his hand. It was a shepherd's crook God often utilizes our abilities, skills, talents, experiences, background, connections, knowledge, interests in His service, when we come to Him. What do you have in your hands?
Ecclesiastes 9:10
(10) Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Colossians 3:23
(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
10/09/17 NO LACK OF MANPOWER (for some things).
10/09/17 NO LACK OF MANPOWER (for some things).
I don't know what happened in Las Vegas. We may never really know. If any of the official report is true (or even if any of the other reports are true), the devastation caused by one man, or even a few men, in such a short time, in plain public view is beyond amazing.
THEN WHEN I THINK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER within an individual and especially within a local congregation, I am totally shocked. I am not shocked at the power of God, nor the power of God in us as much as the fact that so little of the power of God is active in the people who call themselves Christians and the paucity of power in local congregations. WE OUGHT TO BE DOING THE WORKS OF GOD. WE OUGHT TO BE SHAKING THIS WORLD FOR JESUS. Remember, Jesus said that THE GATES OF HELL WOULD NOT PREVAIL AGAINST HIS CHURCH. (I understand the eschatological meaning, but I do not deny the possibility for present success in the work of God).
NO, I am not talking about the power to do evil or to destroy. (For the uninformed and twisted minds of our society) I AM TALKING ABOUT the power to do good, to demonstrate the power of love, to walk in Christ's steps, to turn the world either upside down or right side up.
If one man, or a small group of men can wreak such destruction by the power of Satan then how much more should the people of God be able to do great and wonderful things in the power of the Holy Spirit?
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
We need to be vessels, sanctified and fit for the Master's use.
We need to be led and empowered by the indwelling Spirit of God.
We need to be totally surrendered and committed constantly to God's plan.
I don't know what happened in Las Vegas. We may never really know. If any of the official report is true (or even if any of the other reports are true), the devastation caused by one man, or even a few men, in such a short time, in plain public view is beyond amazing.
THEN WHEN I THINK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER within an individual and especially within a local congregation, I am totally shocked. I am not shocked at the power of God, nor the power of God in us as much as the fact that so little of the power of God is active in the people who call themselves Christians and the paucity of power in local congregations. WE OUGHT TO BE DOING THE WORKS OF GOD. WE OUGHT TO BE SHAKING THIS WORLD FOR JESUS. Remember, Jesus said that THE GATES OF HELL WOULD NOT PREVAIL AGAINST HIS CHURCH. (I understand the eschatological meaning, but I do not deny the possibility for present success in the work of God).
NO, I am not talking about the power to do evil or to destroy. (For the uninformed and twisted minds of our society) I AM TALKING ABOUT the power to do good, to demonstrate the power of love, to walk in Christ's steps, to turn the world either upside down or right side up.
If one man, or a small group of men can wreak such destruction by the power of Satan then how much more should the people of God be able to do great and wonderful things in the power of the Holy Spirit?
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
We need to be vessels, sanctified and fit for the Master's use.
We need to be led and empowered by the indwelling Spirit of God.
We need to be totally surrendered and committed constantly to God's plan.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
10/08/17 SUCH FAILURE
10/08/17 SUCH FAILURE
10/07/17 DOUBLE DUTY (or Double Double Duty)
10/07/17 DOUBLE DUTY (or Double Double Duty)
First Double Duty
It is not unusual for me to...
It is not unusual for me to...
1. use my fishing as an opportunity
2. to fish for men.
In fact, I witness to people while I am kayaking or fishing with my grandchildren. Sometimes it goes smoothly, sometimes it is a little rugged and sometimes it becomes very heady and theological (because of the other person), though I try to keep it on a personal and basic level.
Second Double Duty
In any case, I like to use these occasions...
1. to share the light of the gospel and,
2. to encourage my grandchildren in sharing their own testimony and witness for Christ.
I have some really good stories. I hope to share some of those with you soon.
Second Double Duty
In any case, I like to use these occasions...
1. to share the light of the gospel and,
2. to encourage my grandchildren in sharing their own testimony and witness for Christ.
I have some really good stories. I hope to share some of those with you soon.
Friday, October 6, 2017
10/05/17 SELF CONTRADICTION
10/05/17 SELF CONTRADICTION
SELF CONTRADICTION
It is so weird, the very kinds of oppression that Liberalism viciously denounces are the very hallmarks of the philosophies Liberals verbally and publicly embrace and promote. But then again, Sin makes you stupid.
Godless Socialistic and Communistic countries have not only oppressed their citizens, but they have killed those who disagree with their rule and killed those who tried to escape their clutches.
Islamic rule tightens around its people until it squeezes any and all resistance and freedom out of everyone.
God does give authority to government to protect its people and to punish the wicked. When a government refuses to do this then God allows evil to take over.
Though Christians are not called to violent or armed resistance, we are called to stand fast for Jesus and stand fast against the powers of darkness. Know your enemy and know the truth of God and follow Jesus fully or you will become the victim of darkness and you will become the enemy of God.
10/05/17 ONE LIBERAL TO ANOTHER FOOL
10/05/17 ONE LIBERAL TO ANOTHER FOOL
ONE LIBERAL TO ANOTHER FOOL
"We need peace, not the Prince of Peace."NOTICE...
The word "Liberal" with a capital "L" is the designation of a political, social, theological, educational philosophy that rejects the Lordship of Christ and the authority of the Holy Bible.
NOTICE ALSO...
The Bible says,
"The fool has said in his heart that there is no God."
Though a person may verbally say there is a God (the God of the Bible is the only true and living God, thus it is capitalized), if that person lives in disobedience to the rule of God in his/her/its on life, then that person is saying in his/her/its HEART, "there is not God," and that person is a FOOL.
Therefore, the words "Liberal" and "Fool" can be used interchangeably.
Just think how much a Liberal education costs, yet they never tell you this basic information.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
10/04.17 AND THAT'S THE TRUTH
10/04.17 AND THAT'S THE TRUTH
SORRY, there is so much misunderstanding and so much deliberate deceit that there is almost NO HONEST NEWS, even when it is honest. As the old saying goes,
"Even when the devil tells the truth he lies about it."
Even when we are told the truth, we may be getting a false narrative about the truth or we may be getting a partial truth that totally misrepresents the truth. AND THAT'S THE TRUTH. This is true, whether it is a Conservative or Liberal report or explanation.
I have been out of touch with most news media lately and I am not as much in the dark as those who get their news from professional or private sources. In fact, nearly everyone has a strong agenda which warps the truth and misleads the public. The focus on personal opinion is so great that every issue becomes the Litmus Test of right and wrong.
I am not saying that we cannot or should not try to know what is going on in the world around us. I am saying that the abundance of information is propaganda and is designed to influence and control us rather than inform us.
MY POINT??? We need to...
Turn to the source of truth (The Triune God of the Holy Bible) and
The channel of truth (the Holy Bible), and
The pillar and support of the truth (Bible believing churches),
more than ever before, so that we will not be swept away in the flood of misinformation.
Remember, JESUS IS THE TRUTH.
As long as we are filled with this Truth, the half truths, and total lies of this world will have less effect on us.
Also remember, the Bible says that in the end times men will be ever learning, but never come to the knowledge of the truth.
To know God and His word is to know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.
Do not let the world form your thoughts or philosophy. It has always been a battle for the mind, ever since Satan lied in the garden, and the battle is intensifying as we come to the close of this age.
SORRY, there is so much misunderstanding and so much deliberate deceit that there is almost NO HONEST NEWS, even when it is honest. As the old saying goes,
"Even when the devil tells the truth he lies about it."
Even when we are told the truth, we may be getting a false narrative about the truth or we may be getting a partial truth that totally misrepresents the truth. AND THAT'S THE TRUTH. This is true, whether it is a Conservative or Liberal report or explanation.
I have been out of touch with most news media lately and I am not as much in the dark as those who get their news from professional or private sources. In fact, nearly everyone has a strong agenda which warps the truth and misleads the public. The focus on personal opinion is so great that every issue becomes the Litmus Test of right and wrong.
I am not saying that we cannot or should not try to know what is going on in the world around us. I am saying that the abundance of information is propaganda and is designed to influence and control us rather than inform us.
MY POINT??? We need to...
Turn to the source of truth (The Triune God of the Holy Bible) and
The channel of truth (the Holy Bible), and
The pillar and support of the truth (Bible believing churches),
more than ever before, so that we will not be swept away in the flood of misinformation.
Remember, JESUS IS THE TRUTH.
As long as we are filled with this Truth, the half truths, and total lies of this world will have less effect on us.
Also remember, the Bible says that in the end times men will be ever learning, but never come to the knowledge of the truth.
To know God and His word is to know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.
Do not let the world form your thoughts or philosophy. It has always been a battle for the mind, ever since Satan lied in the garden, and the battle is intensifying as we come to the close of this age.
10/03/17 A CALL TO VICTORY
10/03/17 A CALL TO VICTORY
Monday, October 2, 2017
10/02/12 HOW BEAUTIFUL AND HOW PLEASANT
10/02/12 HOW BEAUTIFUL AND HOW PLEASANT
HOW TO: Revitalize Believers, Restore Relationships: Revolutionize Churches.
God would work a miracle of revival if believers would sit together in loving, face to face, heart to heart, honest, open sharing.
FOR INSTANCE...
If a passage of Scripture is mentioned in the study session, such as, "How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," then believers should be able to ask, as well as offer counsel on personal unity with others.
What is there in my life that stands between me and other people?
How can I change or improve my relationship with other people, including family, fellow believers, friends, co-workers?
Is my talk" of faith consistent with my "walk" of faith?
There should be a spiritual leader who guides the group.
Participants must be open to other people's evaluations and be willing to take loving criticism.
Participants need to desire personal change and Divine leading in, and for, their lives.
Participants need to come to meeting with a deep desire to be conformed to the mage of Jesus.
If a person cannot take counsel, they are not allowed to give counsel.
Counsel must be based on Scriptural principles.
It must not turn into a criticism fest.
It must be said, and done, in humility and love.
The problem is that people are more interested in protecting, "their space" rather than "taking new ground for Jesus."
But what would God do if folks met in unity?
God would work a miracle of revival if believers would sit together in loving, face to face, heart to heart, honest, open sharing.
FOR INSTANCE...
If a passage of Scripture is mentioned in the study session, such as, "How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," then believers should be able to ask, as well as offer counsel on personal unity with others.
What is there in my life that stands between me and other people?
How can I change or improve my relationship with other people, including family, fellow believers, friends, co-workers?
Is my talk" of faith consistent with my "walk" of faith?
There should be a spiritual leader who guides the group.
Participants must be open to other people's evaluations and be willing to take loving criticism.
Participants need to desire personal change and Divine leading in, and for, their lives.
Participants need to come to meeting with a deep desire to be conformed to the mage of Jesus.
If a person cannot take counsel, they are not allowed to give counsel.
Counsel must be based on Scriptural principles.
It must not turn into a criticism fest.
It must be said, and done, in humility and love.
The problem is that people are more interested in protecting, "their space" rather than "taking new ground for Jesus."
But what would God do if folks met in unity?
10/01/17 READING AIN'T ALWAYS STUDYING
10/01/17 READING AIN'T ALWAYS STUDYING
My previous post made me think about witnessing recently to a self avowed agnostic, as I was fishing with one of my granddaughters.
During our discussion he parroted the same popular false narrative that belief in God (or in Christ in particular) is a "head thing" rather than a heart (spiritual) reality. He obviously did not know what the word of God says. He only knows the natural, not the spiritual facts of life.
I asked him if he had ever studied the Bible.
He told me he had read it through.
(which I seriously doubt).
I said, "That is not what I asked you. I asked you if you have studied the Bible." I then went on to explain that he has been misinformed about the Bible and salvation.
This man named some well known people who claim to be Christians (Joel Osteen, Al Sharpton, Donald Trump), but their lives are not praiseworthy.
I agreed with his observation, and then pointed out that none of those people are Christian.
He responded with a definite "but they believe."
I said, "No they don't."
I then reminded this agnostic that he had told me he had read the Bible, but had not actually studied it, and as a result he was building his beliefs and his rejection of belief on a false narrative.
I explained that the Bible says we must,
CONFESS WITH OUR MOUTH THAT JESUS IS LORD.
and
BELIEVE IN OUR HEART (the inner man, not just the natural mind) that God has RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD.
Here is the problem.
First, it is one thing to say you have faith in Christ, it is another to believe that Jesus is LORD (King, Ruler, Master, God), which is the actual meaning of "Lord" in this passage.
Second, True believers, people with saving faith, believe that Jesus died for the sins of the world and that Jesus was raised from the dead physically.
Biblical faith, Christian faith is Saving faith, it is faith that Transforms us into new creations, that changes us from the old life to the new life, the eternal life, the holy life of Christ in us.
Romans 10:9-11
(9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
(dlg note... the KJV is weak in this passage Instead of saying "the Lord Jesus" in verse nine, it should say either, "Jesus is Lord" or "Jesus as Lord."
As I think of it, there are a lot of people who really do not accept Jesus as their Lord, and they do not live by the faith of the risen Son of God, Who loves them, and gave Himself for them.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
10/01/17 HE IS CONSTANT
10/01/17 HE IS CONSTANT
TIDES RISE AND FALL,
MOONS WAX AND WANE,
SUNS RISE AND SET,
JESUS REMAINS THE SAME
dlgTIDES RISE AND FALL,
MOONS WAX AND WANE,
SUNS RISE AND SET,
JESUS REMAINS THE SAME
I wrote this because our world is not only in change, it is in constant upheaval. People trust in governments, philosophies, religions, other people, technology, all of which fail.
But Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
(8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
(8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
In fact, the kingdoms of this world not only fail on their own, they will all yield to the rule of Christ,
Psalms 22:27
(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.
(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.
Revelation 11:15
(15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
(15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Just as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Romans 14:11-12
(11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
(12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
When I was in high school there was a saying,
"Fail now and avoid the June rush."
(11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
(12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
When I was in high school there was a saying,
"Fail now and avoid the June rush."
Well, there is coming a time when all failures will acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, but it will be too late for those who do not submit to Him as Lord and Savior in this present evil world.
THEREFORE, believe and surrender now and avoid "the RETURN of Christ rush."
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