The Era Of Collapsing Churches

There is a pervading movement in churches that intentionally undermines fundamental Bibliology. Many churches in this current environment of religious correctness are being seduced to dilute the fundamentals of God's Word. This is obvious because it is nearly impossible to distinguish between the religious world and many professing Christians. The result has been an aggressive move to erode differences between fundamentalist and religionist and nurture a compatibility that is inconsistent with the biblical mandate for separation. Fundamental Bibliology is not rooted merely in a denominational clan or creed. It is realized exclusively in the Word of God rightly divided. The exclusive use of God's Word has been reduced to inclusiveness alongside the use of entertainment, contemporary worship for the sake of induced emotionalism and toleration for worldly acceptance. The sustaining of such churches (small & large) will inevitably collapse in coming years to entrenched religious licentiousness. For the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, concerned Christians and churches must be bold in their prejudice against religionist who intentionally exercise a misrepresentation and/or ill-interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Our chief asset is the Word of God rightly divided. This alone is what keeps a division between the ecumenical religionist and the Christ minded, Bible loving, holy living Believers. Amen. Dr. Arthur Belanger

A Quote From Pastor Alistair Begg

To Christians - "loved ones, as long as sin in our minds remains simply a nuisance, or an inconvenience, or an embarrassment; then we will never ever deal with it, and we will never make any progress". Alistair Begg; 02/22/2010

Side-lined?

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are no longer to embark on sin, no longer are we to give in to the old wants and desires… Yes we will continue to be tempted, but if we are alive unto GOD through HIS Son, we have the POWER in us to make better, wiser and more righteous decisions. Sometimes, we Christians like the status quo, just let me sit here in my happy little pew, and don't bother me. As our spiritual muscle begins to become apathetic, we design excuses in our mind to keep us on the sidelines. Until, we have deceived ourselves into believing God is OK with our level of Christian service and stewardship of the blessings and gifts He has given us. Paul told us in Romans 6:11 that we are to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God through His Son. How can we say we are following that direction / commandment if we aren't interested in staying in the race? There must be sacrifice, of our will, of our time, of our energy, of our blessings, we must put Christ first, and then others then what is ever left over, we get to consume. As a Nation, as a Generation and as a Corporate Church many of us have lost sight of our 1st Love in Jesus the Christ and LIVING Son of God... Get off the sidelines, check back into the race and run to win, no matter what the cost! After all, God gave the very best He had, He put His very own Son on that old Cross to pay the Supreme Sacrifice and payment for us. He set the pace, and leads by example. Now get in the race to WIN!

Lord, please help me teach!

Lord, please help me teach the children and young people that YOU have entrusted to me. Help me show them that they can’t get to heaven holding onto someone else’s shirt tail! Romans: 6:23; for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 14:6; Jesus said* to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. How many times have you sat in Church and the message the Pastor brings just seems to hammer your toes. Your heart fills with conviction; you are convinced you need to make a change. Now God says we are to deal with your own heart, but you know there are those around that didn’t share the same conviction. It’s innocent enough; you just gaze over the congregation as they are getting up to walk out and silently ask in your head, “hey brother did you get as much out of that message as I just did today”? I am a fortunate man; my adult children come to Church unsolicited just about every Sunday. I walk out of Church each week spiritually proud that my kids were all there. However; I worry about them and most of the youth of this age, then on the way home my heart gets tugged at. Do you think these folks got as much out of that message as I did? Did Christ prick their conscience to the point that they felt uncomfortable, or decided this was an aspect of their walk they needed to have the Lord fix? I really don’t think so. You see, it is this humble layman’s opinion that many of today’s professing young Christians don’t reflect the change. They still participate in the same activities their unsaved friends do. I constantly watch to see if they are keeping good Christian friends to hold their feet to the fire, but sadly more times than not, this is not the case. Oh they keep from cussing in our presence but I know that at times, causes them to stretch their vocabulary abilities when frustrated. They are caught up in pursuing the American Dream, and don’t have time for God outside of Sunday morning service. I mean come on Mr. Sunday School Teacher, this is America we are all Christian right? Yeah, sure; but tell me what that really means? You can’t tag along to heaven on the shirt tails of your Great Grand-parents, your Grand-parents or even your parents. Showing up for Sunday School and Morning service will not keep you from the gates of hell. In fact showing up for all the services each week brings you no promise of Heaven – none. Confession of your own sin, acceptance of His Mercy, His Salvation, His Grace and then HIS WAY! Why does the energy and enthusiasm of their youth sometimes blind teens and young people today of God’s commandments. Christ said “if you love me, you will keep my commandments”, why is that such a hard thing to grab in our youth? Christ said “I Am The Way”; Dad’s not the way, Mom’s not the way, you need to work your faith out on your own – THRU CHRIST! It’s not easy to hear, but our precious Heavenly Father is a jealous God, and He wants your love un-begrudgingly and unconditionally. While we can’t know the heart Christ told us we would know our true brothers and sister in Christ through watching them grow and bear fruit.

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Satan is a tricky old devil; he knows how to keep the minds of uncommitted Christians tied up with activity, and all those wonderful toys that end up being idols we place before our commitment to Christ. When we do that not only is our view of God clouded, our fellowship in the Holy Spirit begins to suffer because we purge Him by filling our hearts with other things. So young people listen, focus narrowly on Jesus Christ, and live your Christian lives as He showed us and told us to. There is no other way to heaven. Dear Lord, help maturing Christians to remember to lift today’s youth up to You in prayer. Please Dear Father, help us come up along side of those that call you Father, let us offer them encouragement and support. Touch their hearts and tweak their conscience father and let them not be ashamed, in Christ’s name, Amen

Does Your Life Reflect Spiritual Growth?

“I have always believed that a Bible that is tattered, torn and is falling apart, usually belongs to a person that isn’t” ! A Quote from Mr. Vance Habner

To Those of You That Have Asked "WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE"...

Some have asked what is that you believe, to that I offer these words of Faith and Belief:

I believe that the Scriptures are our only authority in matters of faith and practice, and our interpretation of Bible doctrine leads me to believe that... 

I believe that the Scriptures of the Old & New Testament as being verbally inspired by God and inerrant and infallible in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority. 

I believe In ONE (1) God eternally existing in one essence, yet co-equal persons, the Trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. 

I believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is the life of the believer and He empowers the preaching and teaching of the Gospel. 

I hold true that mankind was created in the image of God, sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God, and that human beings are born with a sinful nature. 

I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the basis of His shed blood. 

I believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, His ascension into heaven, and His present life there as High Priest and Advocate for us. 

I believe in the blessed hope, which is the personal, visible and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I believe and know that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again by the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God and heirs of eternal life. 

I believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in hell, and the fellowship of the saved in heaven. 

I believe in the existence of a personal devil, who is still working in the world to destroy the souls of men, and that he and all his angels and all who do not receive Christ as their personal Savior will eternally perish in the lake of fire. 

I believe that Christ founded the Church, whose mission it is to preach the Scriptures to all the world, all of its endeavors being guided by multiple leadership and supported by the wise stewardship of God’s people. 

I hold True that the only ordinances of the Church, were given by the Lord, and they are Baptism and the Lord’s Table (Communion). 

These things I hold True and are dear to my heart and ministry. Furthermore; I believe that this Age of Grace is a door opened and held by the Lord Jesus Christ, soon to be closed for Eternity. That we must share HIS Gospel with all that will listen, so that He the Lord Jesus Christ may harvest the fruit of that seed of the Gospel.

Mediocrity Is Not A Choice!

Revelation 3:15 – 16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 

Did You Get That? Mediocrity is not a choice! So, run with fire, run the race to WIN! If you can't, or worse yet, won't - don't stand in the way of those that wish to honor God and serve Christ with everything in them. An old car commercial comes to mind - "THE END IS NEAR", so make it count, run to WIN. If you have a weaker brother running this race along side of you, reach out and offer them a hand, encourage them, pray for them and help them run the race.

HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US!!! How can we give Him any less than our very best? Come on you can do this thing, pick up the pace, let's win this thing, come on - KEEP GOING!!!

The Power of a Godly Woman

The Power of a Godly Woman “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle – Is The Hand That Rules The World” “As Mother’s Go, So Goes The Nation” “A Mother’s Love Will Stand The Test Of Time” “A Godly Wife Holds Her Husband’s Heart In Her Hands” “The Tongue Of A Godly Woman Is Full Of Kindness”

There have been many clichés over the years about women, motherhood and wives; none fully do justice for that of a Godly Woman… For a Godly woman is a true Princess of the King, our Lord and Saviour, that above all things, brings Honor and Glory to Him and the Father. They are a testimony of God’s compassion and tenderheartedness to this world. As they grow in His Spirit, they grow in His wisdom and embody the very likeness of Balance and Completeness in a Godly marriage. Their devotion to God first, adds richness, fullness and depth to their marriage, fulfilling a level of submission that is then reflected back through the heart of a Godly man and husband.

As a young lad, I witnessed the heart of two Godly women in my dear Grand-Mothers, both loved the Lord, both served Him first and their husband’s second – the correct formula for a lasting marriage. Both of these fine ladies were bold for the Heavenly Father and His dear Son. Both were prayer warriors, both honored God; thusly honoring and respecting their husbands privately and publically. Through the prayers and support of these women, their husbands became great Godly men in their churches and communities. Unknowingly, these women’s testimonies furthered a ministry and work for God that went on for several generations.

Ladies, pray for your men fervently and continuously, showing God your heart in loving prayer for your husband and his testimony. Build him up with your honor and respect, when offered from the heart of a Godly woman, a man will stand strong and experience God’s Grace through your loving dedication. When that husband’s heart is right with God, and walking in His will, he will reflect your ministry to him back to you and those around him 10 fold. He will make you feel like the royalty that you are as a Princess of the Lord Jesus Christ. God never intended marriage to be a 50/50 arrangement, He expects both to invest 100% of their Love and Energy to make it work, through Honoring God, our Heavenly Father first.

It’s all about perspective, when we have the priorities straight, HE blesses the pure hearts of husband and wife, enriching the marriage and life becomes more abundant – to overflowing. Foolish weak men, a culture run amuck, and fast paced lives have begun to strip away the Spiritual Intimacy in our marriages. For we as a Nation, yes, even the world at large have moved God from His rightful place in our lives. The end results in this travesty, shaky, uncommitted marriages that are unfulfilling and empty. The world is full of men that have lost their place in the world because they do not have Godly women behind them, praying them through the tests and trials. We have women that are used, abused, disrespected and depressed because we have egotistical men that have taken their eyes off of God and his purpose for their lives. These weakened ungodly men have put the balance of family life at risk through their selfish unholy desires.

It is my opinion that we are in the last days. God has given us over as a Nation, as a people, as the world, he has given us over to our own hearts desires. In turning from Him, we are only left with our own lusts of the flesh, allowing the sinful nature to which we are born, to define us as a generation.

Women of the world, turn back to God, start revival in the world – one heart at a time, and begin with revival in your heart. Pray that God will work in your husband’s life, show him the example of submission, by submitting yourself to Christ, seeking His Power, His Mercy, His Grace and His Blessing. PRAY for all that you are, that God will touch your husband, and turn his heart towards home. Change this world towards Christ, through making your life count for Him, you will touch hearts that you are not even aware are watching, God will bless that commitment and dedication. Oh how my heart aches for the days when our Churches were filled with Godly women. They were God’s blessing and silent strength behind the men that were Spiritual giants of my youth.

Dear Father, Please start a revival in the hearts of woman in our Churches, Communities, States and Nation this very day. Touch the hearts of men, to submit their selves unto their wives, even as your Son submitted Himself to You and died on the cross for the Church. Father, Please, make the men of our Churches – real men, not afraid to love their wives and protect them as a precious flower, and gift from You. In these things, I give you all the Honor, the Glory and the Praise in Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (New King James Version) The Virtuous Wife 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes; she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Here are a few other insights to Godly Women I found, and wish to share with you. God Bless!

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Barbara Hughes: from her book "10 Disciplines of a Godly Woman:

1. Discipline of the Gospel: The Source of Godliness
2. Discipline of Submission: The Posture of Godliness
3. Discipline of Prayer: Submission’s Lifeline
4. Discipline of Worship: Submission’s Celebration
5. Discipline of Mind: Submission’s Education
6. Discipline of Contentment: Submission’s Rest
7. Discipline of Propriety: Submission’s Behavior
8. Discipline of Perseverance: Submission’s Challenge
9. Discipline of Singleness or Marriage: Submission’s Framework
10. Discipline of Good Deeds: Submission’s Industry Discipline seems like a hard word, but discipline is your lifeline, something that you learn to embrace and thank God for as you grow in him.

The apostle Paul links the idea of discipline with spiritual life: “Train yourself for godliness”—referring to a spiritual workout—for “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8). A Christian woman’s life is about bringing her will and every area of her life under submission to God’s will.

1. Discipline of the Gospel: The Source of Godliness “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). To be a godly woman you must know what this gospel is, believe it, and make it the center of your life. Never lose the wonder of the gospel. John 3:16 is not only a beautiful summary of what God has done, it ought to be the true center of our living—defining, motivating, and satisfying us. The gospel is a woman’s first and most important discipline, for it is the source of godliness.

2. Discipline of Submission: The Posture of Godliness It saddens me that submission has been eliminated from our cultural vocabulary. Bringing our lives into submission to God’s will in everything is the key to being a godly woman (Philippians 2:8-11). It is also the path to joy. Submission applies to every area of our lives, and we begin by restoring the gospel to its rightful place at the center of our thoughts and deeds every day. It’s an ongoing, daily choosing of God’s ways over our own ways (James 4:7-10; Hebrews 12:9). Is the will of God more important than our lives (Luke 9:24)?

3. Discipline of Prayer: Submission’s Lifeline Pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the source of power for growth and perseverance in our spiritual lives. It bends our wills to God’s, which is what submitting our lives is all about. Prayer cannot be reduced to a few simple rules, and though we sometimes talk about meditation, confession, adoration, submission, and petition, there is no prescribed order. But continual prayer is God’s will for us… we must always be “looking up,” even when driving to work or cleaning the house.

4. Discipline of Worship: Submission’s Celebration Worship encompasses all of life: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice; holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). Because Christ is the ultimate revelation of God (Colossians 1:15-20), he must be the central focus of our worship as understood through Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13). Worship —whether by oneself at home, in the workplace, classroom, or with the church gathered—is consecration. Every woman who calls herself a Christian must understand that worship is the ultimate priority of her life… every day.

5. Discipline of Mind: Submission’s Education No computer will ever be able to think God’s thoughts or know the heart of God or do his works. But it’s what the brain was created for—to have the mind of Christ. What a scandal that so many Christians don’t think Christianly! In one comprehensive sentence, Paul prescribes his personal mental program: “Whatever is true… honorable… just… pure… lovely… commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). If you are filled with God’s Word, your life can then be informed and directed by God—your relationships at home, parenting, career, ethical decisions, and internal moral life.

6. Discipline of Contentment: Submission’s Rest Paul wrote from prison that he had “learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Fortunately for us, he said that he had “learned”... there is hope for all of us who face the monster of discontent! Applying our knowledge of God to our circumstances is the key to contentment. It will be ours when all that God is and all that he has done in Christ fills our heart. We may lack many things in this world, but as godly women we must work to develop the discipline of contentment.

7. Discipline of Propriety: Submission’s Behavior Propriety means behaving in ways appropriate for Christians—actions that don’t bring shame to the Gospel and to Christ. Propriety elevates our words, our appearance, and our attitudes. It’s a perfect word for describing what Paul means when he tells believers to act “in a manner of life…worthy of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Propriety means acting in a way worthy of the Gospel in dress (1 Peter 3:3-4), speech, and attitude (Colossians 3:12-14). If your behavior is worthy of the Gospel, the source of that behavior will be a heart authentically bowed in humble submission to Jesus as Lord.

8. Discipline of Perseverance: Submission’s Challenge Faith in the goodness of God in the face of extreme adversity grows out of a discipline of perseverance in the day-in, day-out grind of everyday life. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). We all can develop perseverance by daily submitting to God’s will and looking to Jesus in whatever irritating, insignificant duties or grand-scale tragedies we may suffer (Romans 8:18; Hebrews 12:3). It involves submitting to God in our trials while trusting him to be good, wise, merciful, just, kind, lovingly all-knowing, and all-powerful.

9. Discipline of Singleness or Marriage: Submission’s Framework Singleness is a positive assignment (1 Corinthians 7:7) to be joyously received knowing that God doesn’t plan to give anyone less than the best. If marriage is our “assignment,” then we must discipline ourselves to submit to God’s will—to live as our husbands’ helpers (Genesis 2:18), submitting to and respecting their position (Ephesians 5:22-24), and developing a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1). As single or married daughters of Eve—the “mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20)—we must cultivate nurturing spirits. How we care for others will be dictated by where God places us—in a home, in a hospital, in the inner city, wherever.

10. Discipline of Good Deeds: Submission’s Industry As believers we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Good deeds are the redeemed heart’s response of gratitude for the gift of God’s grace (1 Peter 2:12). We gospel women must determine to develop the discipline of good deeds: “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Let us fill our days with good deeds. As you cultivate the disciplines of godly womanhood, consider Paul’s words: “I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). There is no contradiction between grace and hard work. As we attempt to do God’s will, he always gives more grace!

Barbara Hughes

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M U S I C...

MUSIC

Music Is More Powerful Than Any Earthly King!

To touch a man's heart in song, you secure a place in time forever!

RC Hall - 22 January 2010

Where Are You?

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 26a Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness”. Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” The creation story is so dear to me, for it show’s light on God’s plan to fellowship with man on a very personal and intimate level. God created man to walk with in the Garden, that we would choose to commune with Him, to have Fellowship with Him and Praise and Worship Him as our Creator. He was not far off, he walked with Adam in the cool of the evening – talking with this man He created. Sin had not yet entered the world; it was still pure, clean, fresh and beautiful. His presence was not harmful to Adam and Eve, for they were at that point – “without sin”. Prior to Lucifer and that whole chain of events, we walked with GOD, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, we walked with our FATHER. Our Father set the guidelines of acceptable behavior and obedience, and the whole world was our playground. The Garden of Eden was beyond any human words of interpretation or description. HE created it for our pleasure, our enjoyment to live FREE and un-tethered, walking with both the Lion and the Lamb. GOD provided everything we needed to survive, there was peace and tranquility, and it was all GOOD! With one simple tiny mental decision, one simple physical act, man instantly separated himself from the presence of GOD. Had Adam thought the whole process out, he would not have bit into the fruit. GOD warned him, GOD told him what the consequences of disobedience would be, and yet he “chose” to disobey, with his eyes wide open to the results of that choice. He chose a moment of instant gratification over an “eternity” of life with his Father and the ruling over the earth. Think about it, before the bite into the “Fruit of Good & Evil” there was NO DEATH – Life was eternal!!! He literally gave up Eternity and Physical Perfection with GOD, to please his wife and taste the fruit. In some 7000+ years since the Garden of Eden, man still chooses the temptations of this life over eternity with GOD. Even people that call themselves Christians today, walk so close to the line of separation, that you can literally see no difference in their life – from that of the unsaved. Christ came to pay the price of redemption by spilling His own blood, and laying down His own life so that we may be “restored” to our original purpose. God created us for fellowship, to love Him because we want to, to be obedient as a product of that love for Him. We are drawn to Him, seeking His Righteousness and Holiness, following His Son and conforming to Christ’s likeness. To that point, we read in 1st Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. The Lord wants us to walk HIS path, and not our own – separating ourselves from the world’s ways. Because He loves us, He chastens us as we are told in Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourgeth every son whom he receives. We that truly follow Him will hear His calling or tugging of our hearts when we submit to our will and not His. He wants us to follow His teachings willingly, but the Spirit that dwells within us will speak to our hearts when we drift away – calling us – “where are you?” I will not sit here and tell you that it is easy, but I will tell you that if you seek His face, He will bless your faithfulness. There is no special formula to get closer with God, it is simply a choice, a commitment and the submission of your desires to Him and His will. As you exercise your faith, relying on Him and looking back over your path to see HIS HAND in your life, He will honor that faith and fill your heart. As you grow in His Holy Spirit, He will move you from one level of Glory to the next. So tell me, “where are you” in your spiritual walk? Are you enjoying the Blessings of walking in His Light, are you sharing the Gospel with friends? Do those around you see the Fruit of the Spirit in your life? Or are you stumbling, weak in the knees and feeling Spiritually unfulfilled? Practice what you believe – put feet to your faith! Bend your knees in humility and pray to Almighty God to work in your life, commit to Him and then follow through. Show Him that you mean business, that you are not lazy in practicing your faith. Step out and help someone you know that is in need. Take a meal to a widow that is in need of a meal or a friend. Study the B-Attitudes taught in Matthew and plug into a few and practice them in your homes, neighborhoods and communities. Meet with your Pastor or a Deacon and figure out what your Spiritual Gifts are and put them to work in service for the Lord. PLUG IN! You want to feel closer to God, then get busy and SERVE HIM – and Him alone. Both feet in His Spirit, one foot in the world will leave you double minded and of no use to Him. If you don’t know Christ, He can’t call you friend, God will not hear your voice and you can’t answer the call “Where are you?” Let a comment at the bottom of this post, and I will introduce you to Jesus Christ, and walk you through some basic truths that you must learn in order to understand your Spiritual condition. He is waiting to greet you with open arms, he is standing at the door of your heart knocking, and the only thing you have to do is open the door. HE will do the rest. “Dear Father in Heaven, we come to your Throne Room in awe, and in humility understanding our position in creation. Father, we thank you Dear Lord for allowing your Son to come to this earth and pay the price to redeem our lost souls. Thank you father for once again providing A Way to get to you through the veil, and standing before you justified and redeemed, wrapped in your precious Son’s righteousness. Father if there be even one soul out there that reads this message, and seeks Your Face, then let all creation rejoice, and I will give YOU all the Glory and Praise. We thank You Father for your many blessings, and that peace that escapes all explanation that You pour out in times of need. Be with your children this week Lord, give us strength to walk Your path, and seek Your will. In all these things we will give all Praise, we praise in Jesus Name, Amen.”

Can you see past the Man? ©

Can you see past the Man? 1Timothy 3:1-9 1 This is a true saying, if a man desires the office of a bishop (Pastor / Minister), he desires a good work. 2 A bishop (Pastor / Minister) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that rules’ well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. In today’s world, the culture has created a mentality among the masses of “individuality”, where men are elevated in the midst of character mediocrity. Integrity, reputation, veracity are all attributes that have found their way to the “endangered species” list. The world is losing ground corporately any sense of Godliness, Righteousness and Holiness, finding men that Love and Honor God is becoming extremely rare. The Church has elevated the “Super Church” and mega preachers that promote the entertainment value of the church, rather than the “Sin of the World and the need of a Saviour”… The Sin Of The World… The NEED Of A Saviour… HUMILITY? A place we come to, acknowledging our fallen condition before the GOD of the Universe, then accepting HIS plan and path to Salvation. That nothing of our own design or will can bridge the gap of sin, nothing. Humility, letting God be God, and understanding our place and position in the grand scheme of things, feeling small in HIS presence and then Loving Him for WHO HE IS… Tell me a story of a Leader in your Church, Local, State or Federal Government that exercises these traits today. Can you? For if a leader is truly a Godly Man, and living the life that God requires, you won’t see the individual; you will see past the Man, you will SEE the very Heart of God! This world Cries Out for Compassion, Cries Out for Peace, and Cries Out for Hope – but tries to explain away the Very One that would fill those desires and wants of the Heart. God’s man will be transparent, he will usher you into the place where you will see God and not recognize the person delivering the message. He will be a peace maker, while in this man’s presence you will feel comfortable, loved and in the presence of righteousness. God’s man, a person that loves people, is gentle and kind and has a tender heart for the Saints of Christ. Yet when he is pushed on Doctrinal Truths, he will not bend or sway. God’s man will exercise Meekness (strength and power under control); he will speak the Truth in Love, with Peace and Restoration for the brethren always being on his heart. He will pain for the lost, while he disciples the flock to reach out to those without Christ in our communities. God’s man will exhibit humility and sacrifice for his flock, not realizing he has done so. When is the last time you were in the presence of someone that you felt the very presence of God? When was the last time in memory you can remember being in the presence of Holiness and Righteousness while talking to someone. God’s man is close to the Father, he is Christ’s under shepherd and he understands his place, his responsibility and the accountability that comes with the job. As 1st Timothy 3 tells us, this man is Blameless (above reproach); he is the Husband of ONE Wife (not one at a time, one wife until death separates them). He is to be vigilant in his faith and guard the Truth with every ounce of his being. He is to be sober, mentally and physically, not embarking in activities, drink or chemicals that would challenge or impair his ability to discern the Truth. God’s man will always be of good behavior, not loose with his tongue, or harbor pride in his heart. He will be aware of his surroundings and know who is in his presence and not offend a weaker brother or sister. He will enjoy the company of his flock and love them dearly, growing the social component of fellowship in his Church without compromise to the Gospel. Finally, he will have the Gift of Teaching, exhibiting fluent knowledge and intimacy of the Word of God. Yes, God’s Man will be transparent, his life, his work, his existence will point to the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. His demeanor, character and social grace shall effortlessly point to Jesus Christ and you will know you are in the presence of a Godly man, even though he has NO sense of himself in the moment. God’s man is completely human, while everything about him points to God and the Son of Man, our beloved Jesus Christ. Transparency in spiritual terms does not call attention to itself; it provides the window to the Spiritual portion of our existence, connecting the Creature with the Creator allow GOD to work in the heart of men. In this lifetime, I have had the great fortune of knowing a few men that had this great quality. The first was my Grand Father John C. Hall; he was a great teacher and man of God, instrumental in building my desire in my heart to share the Gospel through this blog site. The second was my Grand Father Robert C. Tormey; a man literally transformed by the indwelling Power of God though the Holy Spirit. The third man was Pastor Steven Burns, who I have known since 1979. He loved me when I was not a very kind person, just as Christ loves the unlovable. Through his discipleship, God took the head knowledge I carried from my Grand Fathers, and pushed it to my heart. Teaching me that my Christian Testimony is not what I tell you it is – my testimony is what YOU see it to be. Living out our faith in a very real and practical sense that points to Christ in everything we say and do. In all three of these wonderful men, I saw Christ, and learned the Heart of my GOD. Though God’s sovereignty, and by the work of these men, they helped me see in my mind’s eye, God as He is described in the entire Bible. Loving us and wanting fellowship with us, all the while remaining Holy, Just and Righteous true to HIS character. Loving us enough that He provided the only means for us to have restoration spiritually. He GAVE Us – His Best, He sent HIS Loving, Obedient and Only Begotten Son to die on the Cross to pay the eternal payment for our lost souls. Ripping down the veil that separated us from Him, for we can now stand before the God of the Universe wrapped in His Son’s righteousness, being justified and washed in His shed blood. Our part (which is even given of Him), is to simply believe on Jesus Christ, have Faith in His Power, and Faith in God’s Promise to Forgive and Redeem us. Upon that Choice and Decision to walk HIS Way, and not our own, making Him Sovereign Lord over our lives – we too will learn to be transparent allowing others to see Christ through our lives. Dear Precious Lord, we carry our Thanks to You, acknowledging Your Power and Place as our Creator, and as we grow in Your Spirit, we learn to know you as Abba Father. I pray Father, that in all that I share on this blog, it consistently and completely points to YOU. Lord, if I am to be a servant to you, humble my heart, yet don’t let me see it and puff up in pride. Thank you dear Lord for all the opportunities; forgive me Father for not always recognizing your prompts to speak or act in Your name. Dear Jesus, Thank You, for all that You are in my life, and for all that You have worked in this old sinful heart. Please Lord, continue to chip away at all the rough spots, never allow me to be a hindrance or a bump in the road for those truly seeking You. Lord God, touch my heart, help me walk the Christian walk, mold me into Christ’s image – never let me cease to want You more. In all things Father, I will give YOU the Honor, the Glory, the Praise and the Thanks, in Your strong Son’s Name I pray, in Jesus the Christ we pray, Amen.

God's Love For The Un-Lovable!

John 3 (1) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (3) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (4)Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (5) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (9) Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” (10) Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? (11) Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. (12) If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? (13) No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man £who is in heaven. (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, (15) that whoever believes in Him should £not perish but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (18) “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. (21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

A CHRISTMAS LETTER TO YOU WHO MEAN MUCH TO US (from Dr. David & Janice Clemens) December 22, 2009 Dear One, The year’s blessings have been rich and without number. They never would have been possible without this One we call Jesus. We lovingly devote this letter to Him and His birth. Bethlehem and her inn. Totally crowded and in great fuss and bustle. So much so that there was not a place made even for a mother-to-be, due in just hours, even moments! That’s pretty incredible, to be that caught up in your own world that even a lady just about to give birth can’t get some necessary consideration. Contrast that scene with the nearby open fields and sky (GOD’S Inn, if you will). Absent was the hubbub. Present was…The GLORY! It flashed and shone all about the shepherds. They were frightened, then they were comforted by the angel bringing Good News of Great Joy. The News? Finally, the long-awaited Savior had come! Then came the instruction: “Go.” And suddenly, on that lonely, expansive hillside under that endless swath of Heaven, there appeared with the angel “an army of the troops of Heaven - a heavenly knighthood – praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace among men with whom He is well-pleased – men of good will….” (Amplified Bible) Our response to that scene can only be/it must be a hushed and holy, “Wow.” Just think. If these shepherds had been in town with all the action, they would have missed the flashing lights, the “Good-News-of-Great-Joy angel, the heavenly knighthood/army, the instructions and directions to the birthplace, and, most important of all, they would have missed the God-Babe. How good it was that they were out in the fields where they could see, hear, listen to God point the way to His dear Son. Here we are, some 2000 plus years after the fact. Our inns are bustling, as is all of life around us. Even if we ourselves are not running from place to place, our hearts and minds are. In the midst of it all, today, this “grown-up” Son of God, Who was the co-equal God of the universe even before He ever was a temporary baby, is in His Heaven…and there He waits. HE waits for us. He has so much to tell us, just like the angels did so long ago. He longs for our undivided, peaceful, worshiping attention today. This Christmas, may we learn well from those wise shepherds this lesson: take time for the field, the quiet place, the place where just God, we, and His Word are alone together. And, as we do, we will be available to let the wonder in and let The Glory diffuse into even the very deepest parts of our souls. “Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus; there is room in my heart for Thee.” In a nutshell, The Good News spoken so long ago was this: “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He even gave up His only-begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish –come to destruction, be lost- but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge- to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on- the world; but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.” (John 3:16-17 A.B.) Now, no matter where or with whom you spend Christmas, remember that the Guest of Honor always is waiting to be invited to your home and ours. May it be a happy and holy day. Wishing you special Christmas blessings, David and Janice Clemens

To those of you that follow Dr. Clemens Ministry: One prayer request, please: David’s 2nd cataract surgery is scheduled for December 28. Please uphold him in prayer, will you? Thank you. We look forward to catching you up on God’s workings (in which you have had a part) in future e-mails.

His Singular Gift – For All of Humanity…

His Singular Gift – For All of Humanity… I have been pondering this Christmas Blog Post in my heart for over a month now. Coming into this Christmas of 2009, my wife and I have carried a plateful of troubles and worries (losing site of that wonderful chapter John 14). That being said; I had several different messages I thought of bringing to you wonderful folks, yet this is the one He has laid on my heart as a Christmas Gift & Message. Please, forgive this layman's attempt at transcribing such a precious message. By one man, Adam, our complete fellowship with our Heavenly Father was disrupted. A veil between HIS Holiness and our Humanness was introduced through Adam’s choice to go his own way. God’s desire was to receive the unconditional Praise, Worship and Love of HIS creation. It was God’s design for us to walk with HIM in the cool of the evening, to commune as one family. His Love For Us – established before the very foundation of the earth. Adam chose to defy our Precious Father – hence convicting every single generation of his offspring to pain, suffering and death. Both spiritually and physically – death was the ultimate penalty for this transgression. There were several major transactions that took place that day in the Garden, not the least of which was curse of sin. Adam’s race through one simple act of eating of the forbidden fruit was condemned to slavery. Every child of the human race since that day has been born a sinner, born into the bonds of sin slavery, the direct results of a choice to have our will and not God’s. To fully understand the significance of a baby born in Bethlehem 2000+ years ago, you must fully understand the Theology of Creation, and the doctrine of sin. If you don’t understand or believe these things, then this celebrated day of remembrance has no meaning or value to you. The post modern culture that we find ourselves immersed in, simply replaces the True meaning, with symbolism and materialism to fill that emptiness. Truth be told, those things never truly fill the void of not having God present in a man’s heart. Satan has sold the lie to the world quite well, and he is smiling and rolling on the floor laughing in cynical joy for the souls he has destroyed. For the Truth of Christmas is that of a miracle, that a young Jewish girl named Mary was touched by the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit planted the seed of Truth & Life in this woman that the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God could come into this fallen world. That a Single Child, one lone being (God incarnate) came into this world on a dark cold night with one purpose – and one purpose only. He came to save the human race from the curse of sin bondage. HE was born of a virgin, walked this earth for 33 years, ministering to common man, the down trodden, the oppressed, the poor, the sick, the needy and the dying. Jesus came to us and corrected our view of the Law by showing us the Heart of God, and announced to the world that He was here to fulfill the law and prophesy of old. He commanded us to LOVE one another, as He loved His Church, to the point of spreading HIS arms wide open, and dying for those that literally nailed HIM to the cross. A SINGLE GIFT OF SACRIFICE – He offered up Himself from his first breath in that manger in Bethlehem, to the last breath He took as He laid down His life on that Cross 33 years later. HE came to this earth with one purpose; to bruise the head of that old serpent with the heel of His foot, saving humanity from the bonds of sin. That Christmas gift of long ago tore the veil that separated us from the Heavenly Father giving us un-tethered access to God. For through accepting His gift (once again a choice we must make), dying to ourself, and yielding to Him we can once again stand before GOD – wrapped in the Love and Righteousness of HIS Son – Jesus Christ, the TRUTH in Christmas! Please, please let me introduce you to this Wonderful man that has called me friend! For yet a little time, HE holds the door of Grace open for those to walk through that heed the call. Don’t spend another Christmas without HIM, don’t be left to a dark empty eternity. Choose Christ, and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Your Friend,

RC Hall

O What a Savior! - © 1948 Marvin P. Dalton

Today was a day of mourning, a day of reflection and a day of prayer. I played this song 10+ times to help my mind, spirit and emotions stay in check. Trying to answer the questions - "did I say enough", "did she see Christ in me", "Lord, keep my head straight and seek Your Face"....... We will continue to miss my wife's dad, and now we will miss his wife Barbara as well, we can only pray they found the Christ and are of the Elect. O What a Savior! © 1948 Marvin P. Dalton (My favorite rendition of this song is by Rozie Rosell) Once I was straying in sin’s dark valley No hope within could I see They searched through Heaven And found a Savior To save a poor lost soul like me. (Chorus) O what a Savior, O hallelujah His heart was broken on Calvary His hands were nail scarred His side was riven He gave His life-blood for even me. Death’s chilly water I’ll soon be crossing His hand will lead me safe o're I’ll join the chorus in that great city And sing up there for evermore. (Chorus) O what a Savior, O hallelujah His heart was broken on Calvary His hands were nail scarred His side was riven He gave His life-blood for even me. 2 Samuel 22:3; "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour." John 3:16; For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

He said, if ye be ashamed of me....

He said, if ye be ashamed of me, then I will be ashamed of you – before my Father! Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. My dear grandmother Hall had a real heart for Christ. She stood maybe five foot tall, but she had the over flowing Holy Spirit in her that made her a giant in the sight of ridicule or mockery. She was never ashamed or afraid to share the Gospel message. She tried to instill that in me, and thank our precious almighty God she was given plenty of opportunity to show me how it is suppose to work. I was with her when she talked with my aunt Mary on the street corner down town, sharing the gospel. A few other ladies gathered behind my grandmother listening, nodding their heads in agreement and moving on. She would talk to anyone on the street, some it was an unwelcome intrusion to their day, others stood and listened and would take the little tracks she carried with her. I have prayed to let the Holy Spirit fill me with that gift of boldness for the Lord. Many times I have been guilty of squelching the very thing I have prayed for. Our society – culture demands that we exercise political correctness in the public arena these days. Freedom of speech only applies if you have nothing related to Christ to say. You can talk profanity, talk about Buddha, talk about Mohammad, but look out if you whisper the name of Christ with any reverence on the street corner today. Why have we allowed ourselves to be stripped of the very rights this nation was founded on? Truth is – we haven’t – at least not totally yet! Most of our fear is that of public opinion and groups like the ACLU. It is the power that we have let the media confiscate and run amuck with, that holds our ability to articulate the Gospel message to those that need to hear it most. We have conveniently let the circumstances of the day create the excuse that we don’t want to get in trouble at work or in public places for sharing that which he commanded us to share. In which that message in itself is another topic for another day. We have lost Reverence for God, misunderstand His holiness and sovereignty and His commands are no longer the moral compass to live by; or so goes the world! As long as you believe, your OK? The demons believe folks – and they quake! They understand that God is a jealous God, and He is Sovereign and He alone can and will damn them eternally. God has commanded us through His Son’s ministry here on earth to Love and Honor Him as God, and to love one another! Matthew 22:37-40 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38)This is the first and great commandment. (39)And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (40)On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. I have said many times echoing great ministers and pastors of the day, we have lost our first love. In the process we have allowed ourselves to become fearful of speaking the truth outside our close circles. Whether it be real or implied – it shouts shame of our Lord and falling short of His two greatest commandments. God forgive this nation! Search your hearts, pray to Almighty God to give you the strength – to Trust Him, and to let Him mold your thoughts and words when presented with an opportunity to share the Gospel. Maybe, He will Bless you with the chance to introduce our Dear Jesus to a stranger, a friend, a brother, a sister, a family member or even your Spouse!God Bless, till next time - Keep Going!

Cause for concern and prayer....

Dear Folks, I have been blogging here for half a year now. Many of you have sent me encouraging emails, which I give all the Glory to our precious Lord. Quite a few months ago I was reading a blog on another site concerning the marriage of one man and one woman. It was meant to be a blog area for Christians supporting the issue. However; it became extremely diversified in opinions and rhetoric from all walks of life. I must admit, I had to leave the site because some of the conversations taking place were beyond vulgar. However; one young lady (from one of our universities) who made a post said something that may very well become reality in this country. So I grabbed a copy of her comment on my way out, and wanted to share it with my Brothers, Sisters and Friends here and over on the Gaither Community site as well. Please read it carefully, understand that this young lady is speaking from a student’s perspective, as well as from one of our Universities today here in this country. Also understand that her comments represent a very real and true agenda of Satan as he is grasping for ground before the King Returns! Here is the post: Chastity Hartman University of New Orleans '11 Academy of Our Lady '07 New Orleans, LA Chastity Hartman posted her comment at 2:22am May 2, 2009 "I truly empathize for the people who are strongly opposed to gay marriage. They're making fools of themselves by standing in the way of inevitable social progress. They'll soon be dismissed as extremists along with every other hate group." Please pray for wisdom, please pray for healing, please pray for "unconditional love", please pray for revival and more than anything please pray for His quick return... This nation has lost sight of our past, because things are being rewritten or dismissed as not factual or believable. We are bound to repeat the mistakes and sins of the past, because we as a nation, maybe even the world at large, has elevated man to God's status in the universe. Dear Father God please forgive us as a nation; pour out Your Spirit on your children to strengthen them in these trying days. Let us fall to our knees and pray that you may heal this land Father. In you Dear Son's name we pray, In Jesus the Christ we bind these prayers, Amen. Thank you, RC

Spiritually Minded and Earthly Good...

We are not to wear our Christianity on our shirt sleeve, nor is it to be sheltered or hidden from public view. Christianity is to be shared from the heart with unconditional Love and genuine concern for all those He puts on our path. Our Christian testimony isn't what we say it is; our Christian testimony is what we show it is. Through our generosity, our charity, our prayers and our sharing the Fruit of the Spirit that God so richly blesses us with when living a Godly Spiritual life.  We must show the world our Love for our Christian brothers and sisters, and then share that love with those around us that have not yet met the Master. He - Christ commanded it! 

I have a friend at work that tells me not to get a narrow vision of God’s character. He reminds me of that, because I often bask in God's Love and Grace, and that probably dominates my conversations and writings. However; I do believe that He is more than just “the big loving man upstairs”. Yes, there must be balance in recognizing, acknowledging and understanding all the attributes of God (that we can know). Balancing our meditation and worship, knowing He is both Loving and Just. Understanding that those same arms that offer His children tenderness, can and will also deliver justice and wrath to those that deny the Son. 

In the end it is that understanding and balance in our Spiritual life that allows us to revere Him and understand our rightful place, “positional truth” in the Kingdom. However; his 1st and 2nd command to us in Matthew 22 was to LOVE the Lord our God, and to LOVE our neighbor. We are to share the TRUTH and LOVE that He put in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit; it is required of every Christian, not just pastors, deacons and teachers. Matthew 22:37-40; (37) He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all of your mind. (38) This is the greatest and the first commandment. (39)The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (40) The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Galatians 5:22-25; (22) In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (24) Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. (25) if we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. (26) Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another. 

These two passages set the tone for our service, to love our neighbor while exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit that lives within us! Exhibiting Meekness (strength under control), restraining ourselves when confronted and offering charity to those around us(our neighbors). How can we march ourselves into Church every Sunday, sing the hymns, listen to the message and offer worship and praise to Almighty God, when we can’t even speak to our neighbors? Unconditional Love HE took to the Cross, no and, no if, no but, HE willingly carried your name to the cross and paid the price that you could not. 

The Father demands that you accept His Son’s sacrifice and payment to have access to them and Heaven, and that we love our neighbor / brother / sister as HE loved us. It really seems so simple reading it, hearing it, talking about it – but practicing it, well that’s another story for some folks. For submission and yielding escapes us – for we have conditions to let people in, or to share or to love. God’s Son – Jesus Christ set the example, HE quite literally, spread His arms and died for EVERY MAN, He then offered a transaction to the Father, (in my words) My blood for their souls Father. Then the Father sealed the deal, and Christ told us in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”.   There are no other ways, but through Christ and the spiritual cleansing through His final Blood sacrifice – Period. 

So there you have it, the Gospel message, and the challenge to do right by Christ, The One that freely gave you eternal life as a joint heir with Him. Salvation is free, simple and easy to receive, however; practicing the Master’s commandments and statuettes laid before us – well, that put’s us squarely into the spiritual battle. Once in the battle it is easy to duck out and sideline ourselves, falling into the old ways and mindsets. 

I challenge you this Saturday, the 11th day of July 2009 to make a difference for Christ! Get back into the battle, go tell your neighbor you love them, and ask them if they need any help with anything around the house. Or better yet, take over a fresh batch of cookies or pie and greet them with a smile and ask them what’s on their mind today. Look at them through Christ’s eyes, then; let them see HIS eyes in yours! Love your neighbor with a Charitable Christian Heart! 

 “Dear Lord, help us see those you put on our path through YOUR eyes, help us greet them with YOUR heart, help us love them with YOUR compassion. Through these acts of submission to YOUR will, grow us Lord to want to strive for YOUR Righteousness and YOUR Holiness. As we conduct ourselves in YOUR likeness, may the Heavenly Father give us strength to stand up to the fiery darts that will follow from finding ourselves back in the battle! Help us Lord wear the Spiritual Armor rightly, and use it fearlessly. Dear Father, help us display to the world and to our neighbors the Fruit of He (Jesus)that lives in our hearts! May my neighbors see Christ in every aspect of my life, through Your Spirit and Your Strength. Comfort us Lord when we inevitably receive rejection or confrontation in Your name, rush peace to our hearts and minds and we will readily accept Your comfort and recharging of our Spirit. In these things Father we pray in your Mighty Son, Jesus Name, Amen” 

 God Bless – Walk in Christ, RC

This worlds wisdom? ©

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 (19)For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (20)Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (21)For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God; it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 

That day is fast approaching when Christ is going to come in the clouds and take His Church away. Then seven short years later, it’s going to be “everybody out of the pool – the free swim is over”. Christ will intervene for Israel, they will finally recognize him as Messiah, and the world as we know it is going to stop for about a thousand years. Man’s infinite desire to express his wisdom and knowledge will find it entirely finite and worthless in the presence of the One True God. 

The wayward men, who have spent the last 2000+ years trying to explain away God, will be staring at Him on His rightful thrown. Bowing the knee and acknowledging Him as King and Lord, and Justice. True wisdom comes from the Truth of God. Very few are they that carry it without misplacing their way. A few, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Matthew Henry, C.I. Scofield, and a few I think qualify today that I will leave nameless have carried the wisdom of God’s truth to men. 

In researching those men you will find a common string of Faith, Humility, Reverence for God and a burning desire to learn and then share the gospel. They all sought God’s wisdom, and in many cases throwing the current wisdom of their day to the wind. They understood their place in God’s plan; then they ran their race to the best of their ability. They weren’t perfect, but they were servants of the One that was Perfect. Charles Spurgeon once said “if you can’t trace the hand of God, then trust His character”. 

God’s wisdom is perfect, His will is perfect and His power is complete. Dear Father, please teach us as a people to 1st trust your Heart, and then to seek your wisdom and will in our lives. Help us always weigh man’s wisdom of the day against your Truth of eternity. Thank you in all things Father, in Your Son’s name, Jesus we pray; Amen.

A peace that passes all understanding ©

PEACE... I belong to a Christian On-Line Community, called the "Gaither Community". Over the last 12 months or so, I have met some new friends. These people are warm, loving and tender hearted. Their love for Christ and His people leaps of the screen through their words of comfort and caring. I am deeply indebted to Mr. & Mrs. Gaither for providing an opportunity to meet Christian brothers and sisters on a global scale. I read a book by Mr. William Gaither awhile back, while it may have been a hard chapter to write, my favorite chapter is "Keep on pumping". The Chapter has at it's center, his Father pumping an old well, in the middle of emotional conflict. Before I read the book, I had sent an email to Mr. Gaither, with a few questions. The biggest question, "did he find himself sometimes going through the motions" he answered the email, and suggested I read his book. I did, and what a blessing. Thank You Mr. Gaither! Through some trials in my own life, I have learned to "keep on pumping (or keep at it, keep going) - even through the tears", and I appreciate your candor and tender heart Mr. Gaither in that chapter of your book. I can't express how much I appreciate your ministry and the wonderful music you bring to God's children. I have made it to every concert that you have brought to State College. Many times over the years I heard one of the Vocal Band's, or one of the old friends song's on the radio just at the exact time I needed to hear it, displaying God's divine providence in our lives. At that moment, the Spirit of God calmed my Spirit as though He was giving a hug of reassurance, or as though one of His strong arms were on my shoulder. Our Precious Heavenly Father offering that peace of the Spirit that passes all understanding. My Pastor has a similar phrase he offers quite often, he encourages us to "keep going". Your Friend In Christ, RC Hall

What is life, if you lose it due to lack of participation? ©

Together with my closest friend on this earth, we teach a High School / Colleged Aged Sunday School together. The tag team teaching arrangement originally started out years ago as protection from accusations since we had a majority of young teen girls. As things progressed, we began to get better and better material and the class began to take on a new dynamic. We decided that we would teach these teens how to think on their feet and defend the faith in the real world. We informed the kids and our Pastor that we took it as a personal mission to teach these kids to think – and question things from a Spiritual Perspective. We challenged them to participate, to risk engaging even if they thought it may be a funny question. We have not looked back once, but we have encountered a few minor stepping stones along the way. The worst of those are the famous “eggs” that occur occasionally when the class and I are not in sync for one reason or another. Through the lessons I ask a lot of questions to generate a mental exercise that produces spiritual results. We have a couple of kids that are home schooled, one or two in a Christian private school and the rest are in the local secular – public schools. These kids have learned to engage at a new and exciting level, asking tough questions that I don’t always have the answers immediately. So they give me to the following Sunday to get the correct answer and back it with the references. Well, we have this one teen that on most Sundays, would sit with their head down and for the most part non-responsive. Not really willing to risk involvement or participate. My buddy and I talked about this a few times, and always came back to – “oh well – that’s just the way they are wired” and left it go! A few months back our class took one Sunday lesson, and kept it the main topic for four weeks……. The teen that was always on the side lines began to participate and answer and ask questions. I would look at my buddy and smile; hey this was cool, right….. The particular Sunday that changed the tide the specific material was on “dating relationships - & God’s Word”. The material specifically dealt with “post modernism”, and the entire class was energized. We moved off topic slightly to discuss the variety of teen sub cultures in America – more specifically those found in local schools and churches today. They began to participate because the discussion hit them close to where they lived! It was now worth the risk to become engaged, to question the status quo and investigate why some of their friends were the way they are. Thanks to the folks at Regular Baptist Press – my teen Sunday School Class found new life. They looked at some things differently, which gave my buddy and I new energy to challenge them even further – to “expand their circle of friends and influence beyond those they were close with”. My friend and I now had a name to put on the life style choices we saw in the surrounding community. Our teens Sunday School Class introduced us to: (1) Ghetto, (2) Punk, (3) Skater, (4) Prep, (5) Gothic and the (6) Godly (or Jesus freaks). These were terms or classifications for different types of kids, or sub cultures of teens today and as the following 3 Sundays played out – it was my friend and I that ended up with the education. These kids were all participating in the discussions and debates, from what appeared to be firsthand experience. I found it intriguing and ask a ton of questions. Then I began to realize – it was me that had missed the mark on participation with these kids. They needed to trust, in a world and Christian culture where trusting doesn’t come easy anymore. The situations and issues that the kids today are dealing with are 100 times more difficult and volatile to deal with than we knew as young people. We, the parents and Christian teachers and leaders need to embrace and engage these wonderful kids or Satan will certainly win. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I don’t want to take this passage out of context, but how are these kids suppose to figure it out on their own – when a lot of the churches in America are worried about the political correctness of the message? Shame is on us for not taking the message to the streets, and our work places and educational institutions. It’s a spiritual battle, and the casualties of war may be our own children because we were too busy or too proud to engage. Who is winning the cultural war in this country – and the world? Engage, read the papers, no matter how horrid it sounds, Satan is in this war up to his eyeballs and he wants to win. The great commission was not just for Pastors, Preachers and Teachers – it was for all of us to grab as many on the way through as possible. Not to rest, not to stop along the way so that the world’s ways become our ways and we end up losing our way in the sea of sin. Repentance is a 180 degree turn, a complete change in our way of life, our outlook on the world and our investment of resources. I see Romans 12:2 as a challenge to participate in the Christian life, and engage in the Spiritual Warfare that is going on around us. Allowing ourselves to become spirit filled to where He can work through us to prove out His perfect will. It’s not always as a mouth piece, a lot of times it is best served as a doer, then finding the right time to speak the truth in love. Christians, engage – hold onto those promises of God, and share the gospel with someone this week. Reach out to a kid in your neighborhood and let them see Christ’s love in your eyes. In the process He will allow you to see them through His eyes! If they turn away, don’t be discouraged – practice continuance and as my Pastor keeps reminding me – KEEP GOING! They are worth it, God gave His best for them, why should we think any less – you may be the Christ that child, co-worker or neighbor may ever see! Dear Precious Father, let us purge the worlds way from our minds, renewing the regenerated Spirit that lives within us. Help us prove ourselves as faithful and good servants to You and Your Son. We will give the praise and honor to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit – in your Son’s strong name we pray – Amen.

Difference! ©

Are you making a difference? Does the world see a difference? We are to take part in this world, but not grow roots. We are to share His Love, His Compassion and His Message with all that we meet. God's power is beyond our comprehension, yet He knows of every hair on my head, every cell in my body. He loved us enough to give the Best of what He had to offer – Christ our Blessed Savior and Lord! Do they (the world) see the difference that HIS sacrifice has made in you? Do you show charity to those less fortunate? Do you share His Spiritual Blessings with those seeking? Do you dabble in the worlds offerings that appeal your senses? The world is watching, waiting to see what it will take to entice you to leave the path. Bless His Holy Name - We watch for your return Dear Lord! Come Quickly... By the way, have you traced His hand lately, or just been frustrated with the choices you have made on your own? How to they know the difference? By every word you speak, by every step you take, by watching how you react when you stumble - they are watching. Will you Honor God, and walk the straight and narrow? Or will you take the easy way, yielding to the lusts of the flesh and the path of least resistance. Truth - will stand the test of time... Will you stand for the Truth when the test comes? That's the difference!

Meekness? ©

Acts 7:54 – 60 Stephen, oh what a wonderful, purposeful example he showed us of Power, Strength and Conviction under total and complete control. Meekness, growing from the heart out; reflected in his physical, mental, emotional and spiritual condition. Composed to his last breath, Stephen kept his eyes on Christ to the very last second of his life. Why is it that in this day and age, we find it so easy to become distracted from our focus on Christ? Normally in my blog, I offer numerous examples of why or how we got to this place on the road. Not tonight, I want you Dear Ones to think about your walk with the Lord. What has it taken in the last 24 hours, the last week, the last month or the last year to hijack your focus? What little thing or what little squabble have you allowed to get in the way of righteousness? If you haven’t struggled with losing focus, and your walk is on target, then take time to share your insight and wisdom with a brother or sister that is struggling. Speaking the Truth in Love, offering unconditional Love, Guidance, Encouraging Scripture passages along with a few of your experiences and how God brought you through. These acts of loving kindness will help a struggling Christian see God’s hand in your life, and will teach them how to watch and trace God in their own life. This journey is not for the weak at heart, it takes faith and submission of the will to the Holy Spirit to grow. Growth is the end game goal, to grow in Spirit, to seek God’s face, to constantly reach for righteousness. As the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart and you are willing yield more of the corners and crevices to Him, you grow. That growth will happen though Reading your Bible, Praying, Meditating on the Word and disciplining your focus on Him.

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Do you possess Spiritual Meekness? Do you have inner Power, Strength and Conviction that is resolute under stress? Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Christ thought that meekness was important, he mentioned as the third be-attitude when he was teaching on the mount.

Where does your light shine? ©

We that share the Faith in Christ, all have a part in the body. Some are teachers, some are encouragers, some are gifted with a servant’s heart, some are built for leadership and others yet to continually pray. No matter what the gift you have been blessed with, we all share the common Light of His Truth. The Gospel! That wonderful blessed Light that He has placed within us – through His Holy Spirit. How’s your testimony today? Are you shining HIS Light in all the places He opens the doors for you to share? Shine the Light in your part of the world, and then let your testimony be the seasoning or “the salt of the earth” that they are all looking for. Your joy in Christ will lead them to the Light, His word hidden in your heart will provide that precious Gospel message, and His Spirit will take care of the rest. Let His Light Shine In Your Life and He will bring those looking for that light into your life.

This new life You have given me...

I don’t understand this, the way YOU constantly apply Grace and Blessing. I have walked this road today and on numerous occasions wondered how in the world did I get here? Where did all this blessing come from, where did the right to escape the pain from failing originate from? Why is it in the midst of these failures I am blessed with joy? How many times in your week have you looked back and asked some of those same questions. Spiritual growth has both inward and outward signs, Paul spent a lot of time writing letters to the early churches explaining, exhorting and in some occasions admonishing those churches on this subject. As we grow in the Spirit of Christ, we take on some of His attributes; Paul gave us examples of that in Galatians 5:22 & 23. However; in Galatians 5:24 Paul specifically states that if we are in Christ, that we have crucified the flesh and the afflictions and lusts with that old man. So, then walking with Christ, seeking His will and His definition of life, we die to the old man, and the Blessings of the Father begin to manifest themselves in our lives. Occasionally when things get tough we have the rock solid fact in the promise of Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me… Yes when it gets to the point that we can’t see straight or think straight, Christ carries us THROUGH the trouble, not around, not over, He carries us through. The process then builds and strengthens our Faith in Him and the power of the Spirit grows in our heart. Our relationship to the Father is not of our own doing, lest we boast, it has been established through His strong Son’s willingness to pay the price. His strength, not our own and we are reminded of His power and sovereignty in 1st John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because Greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world… God is in control, so in spite of us, He takes everything and in the grand scheme of His awesome plan, when it comes out the other end – it’s all good. In the end because of the Doctrinal Truths provided through the work of those New Testament books we stand Blameless in Christ’s righteousness before God Almighty. Jude 24 & 25; Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever… These great promises are then backed up with 1st Peter 1:8; Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable full of glory… Ah, there lies the joy, an earthly reward for having faith in Him that we have not yet seen, but know Him and feel His presence in our lives. In spite of our failures, in spite of our vain attempts at righteousness, we are wrapped and secured firmly in His Righteousness. Then the Father sealed the whole deal. This life that YOU have given me… Father, thank you for having a plan to fix all that we as a people have broken through the ages of time, for all the sin that runs ramped through the world today; it can’t escape your judgment and your great plan. This life that YOU have given me, is more abundant and full, knowing that in my weakness you are strong, and your shed blood on the cross has paid the price that I could never in my life pay. Thank you for that wonderful Mercy, Grace and Blessings that I in no way deserve or measure up to. Help those loved ones that choose to read this Blog, see Your will in their lives; help them find Your blessings by honoring your commandments and lessons given to us through Your word. In all things we give You the Praise and Glory Dear Lord, in Christ’s name, Amen… Keep Going dear ones, KEEP GOING!!!

There is No Fire Insurance outside the truth!

There is No Fire Insurance outside the Truth of the Gospel! Repentance, Faith in Christ, Sacrifice & Service will bridge the gap between hell and heaven! Outside of Christ there is No Justification, No Righteousness and No Salvation - Period! Romans 3:10 Romans 3:23 Romans 10:9 John 3:16 - 18

Have you traced His hand lately? ©

1st Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." God is faithful, HE chose us, and we are a part of His family through His Son Jesus Christ - it is a matter of relationship. Even when we stray, and fellowship seems distant, the relationship remains the same. Today, I have a faltering perspective - but He remains faithful and constant. Perspective – I need a Heavenly perspective today. Lord why is it that I don’t take the time to look for Your hand in my life? Submission must go deeper to grow, yet when you teach me I fail to bury it in my heart. Your word constantly and consistently teaches me that You are faithful and True to Your promises. I need your perspective Lord, help me not focus just on my little corner, give me Your big picture perspective Lord to better understand how today fits into the end game. Up to today Lord, I didn’t look. I have been too busy, too wrapped up in the business of business to look for Your blessings through the course of the day. I thank you every day, but I don’t have a thankful heart or I would see your blessings in the small things as well as the bigger things. Lord, I think I must start with a thankful heart. I must begin by thanking you for the miniscule at first and work the scale upwards as I see your answer to prayer – regardless of the answer. In seeing answered prayer Lord, I can then begin to trace Your hand in my life. Dear Father, teach me to look for your hand in every moment of my life. Help me hear the morning birds and know that is your song to me today. Help me say thank you when I get onto the highway each morning, knowing that you protect me from all things. When the difficult challenges present itself in the meeting today, and you bless with a quiet peace – bring me to a thankful heart. When I end my day in prayer, give me a contrite heart when recognizing my short comings and my failings of this day. With that contriteness Lord, help me be mindful and thankful for your Grace in allowing me to grow from the lessons learned today. The Lord has given me new sight into His faithfulness to us, according to all His promises. Making me ever more the mindful of my shaky faithfulness to Him, watching for the small things first gives me motivation and heart knowledge to recognize the bigger blessings and His continual unending Faithfulness to us. Learning to trace His hand in all things in my life will strengthen my Faith and build my Trust in Him. As we learn to capture the message in His word, and be thankful for His blessings we will indeed learn to Trace His Hand. We will also learn to hear His still, peaceful small voice in our heart. Lord – Help us trace your hand through the valleys, trials, tribulations, joys, victories and blessings. In Christ’s name, Amen