Praising His Name

Put up or shut up

2008-07-31T13:31:00.000-05:00

I must say as I think about the state of Christianity in the western world I'm ashamed. Ashamed that we have taken the gospel of Jesus Christ and turned it into a "what's in it for me" gospel. So many church's and preachers are preaching a false gospel today. It makes me wonder what Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Johnathan Edwards, D.L. Moody and other great preachers of Gods word would think if they saw our version of the gospel today. As I read about christians in China being thrown in jail and beaten for just studying their bible I think about christians in the western world that won't even take the time to read their bible much less tell someone about the true gospel. It's time we took a stand for Christ. Get out of our own petty problems, get back to studying our Bibles and do what Jesus told us to do if we were to follow him.

Luke 9:23 "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

That wasn't a request, look at the wording "he MUST". If we are to follow Jesus we MUST deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. That means that what we want in life should be what Christ wants out of our lives. We should want what Christ wants plain and simple. Professing Christians have got to get back to living for Christ regardless of who it makes mad or who it offends. I say professing because if you truly are a child of God's you have no problem living for Him but some do have a problem with that and just because you profess to be a christian doesn't mean you are.

Lip service is cheap, it's time to put up or shut up.

Great service

2008-07-14T14:27:00.004-05:00

So many people use the internet for showing mans spiritual decline. But what can be used for sin, can just as well be used for the glory of God. If your church has been thinking about streaming your services on Sunday I would highly advise it. Post your sermons on You Tube. Use what man has turned sinful around for the glory of God. One company I highly recommend is U.S. Media Group. U.S. Media Group also consist of Impactpro.net and Kingdom Works Broadcasting. From website design to streaming they've got'cha covered and their tech support is second to none. Don't have a computer system? They can hook you up with that as well with one of their custom built systems. Their price will blow your mind since there main purpose is to spread the gospel of Christ not get rich. Check'em out at www.usmediagroup.com or www.impactpro.net

Do you Study?

2008-06-11T07:18:00.003-05:00

It amazes me how many people truly don't study there bible. I'm not talking about just reading, I'm talking about truly studying. Breaking down Gods word to truly get to the meaning of the scriptures. How many of us "trust" what we hear in church on Sunday mornings and figure that the preacher has done all the studying so we'll just go with what he says. That's whats gone wrong. We should study for ourselves to make sure what we hear on Sunday morning is accurate. We hear it every Sunday, scripture that's twisted to suit the message of a pastor. One of the biggies is

Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, The chastening for our well being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed". The KJV says "stripes" instead of "scourging".

So many people like to take that last line and make it about physical healing. It's not dealing with physical healing at all. It's talking about our spiritual healing not our physical healing.

1 Peter 2:24 confirms this...."and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." Continue in verse 25 "For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepard and Guardian of your souls".

Spiritual healing yes, physical healing no. I pray that we will go back to studying our own bibles for ourselves and that would eliminate alot of the false teaching that's in our society. We can't blame someone else for what we don't know. We are accountable for our own belief's and actions.

Praise God

2008-05-26T06:33:00.002-05:00

First let me say thank you to all the men and women who have served and who are serving our country in our Armed Forces. Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to our country. It's Memorial day and I wanted to thank them before I get to my post.

It's a long weekend for alot of us and what a blessed weekend it's been so far. I look forward to Saturday mornings because me and a group of friends gather at the local coffee shop here in town and we are studying through the book of Romans. It's always a great time of fellowship and study plus the coffee's pretty good too.

Sunday we joined our new church, Dellwood Baptist Church. The hand of God is on this church without a doubt. People are getting saved left and right and not just on Sunday but during the week as well. Why? Because there's a love for Jesus and they tell everyone about Him. There were 8 people saved this Sunday alone. So as I sat back Sunday evening and thought about it, what is different about Dellwood than alot of other churches. The answer was simple. It preaches and teaches the word of God. The congregation actually disciples and helps to teach new Christians and help them grow in their walk with God. It's not about special programs with fancy names, it's not about the preacher telling funny stories or being entertaining, it's not about doing things so people will think you're something your not. It's not about an "image". It's plain and simple. It's the word of God. If churches today would get back to teaching and preaching the word of God, I firmly believe we would see a change in our society. Our churches have become entertainment driven and preach this watered down, panseyfied gospel instead of driven by the true word of God. Wanna see your church grow and add to the Kingdom? Then get back to the word of God and God will bless you. It's not about nickels and noses, it's all about Christ and nothing else.

Consequences

2008-05-16T05:56:00.001-05:00

Do we really ever think about the consequences of our sin? Sin is rebellion against God. Sin is something as simple as telling a "little lie". God doesn't classify sin. Sin is sin. One sin is not worse than the other. The day will come when we will all stand before God and have to give an account of what we've done. Have you thought about that? How you're going to explain to God about that porn site you just visited. How you're going to explain that night in the bar when you got drunk. How you're going to explain all the things you've done, said and thought that are against God. It's something to think about. God knows everything we do and think. Try and sugar coat it to make yourself feel better all you want, in the end you'll still have to give an account to the Almighty. Think about that the next time you're planning on doing something that you know is against God.

Running Blind

2008-05-08T09:37:00.002-05:00

We'll as we all know that have children sometimes they do things that are, well stupid. We all did as kids. My 5 and 6 year old were outside playing and chasing each other around the yard. Then one of them comes up with the bright idea to do it with their eyes closed. Needless to say, my 6 year old daughter runs face first right into a deck post. With a bloody nose she begins screaming. She's fine, no real damage done, but she learned a valuable lesson. Don't run with your eyes closed. It got me to thinking, how many go through life with there eyes closed. Running here and there searching after the ways of this world hitting post after post after post. Open your eyes and put your trust in Jesus. Only He can lead you out of the darkness.

Where's your loyalty

2008-05-04T18:40:00.003-05:00

As we go through life we tend to put things in a certain priority and sometimes those priorities can get mixed up. Christ must always be first in our lives. Work, hobbies, things of this world get in the way of serving Jesus. We even put our churches before Christ. One church against another, we seem to put more concern and pride into our churches instead of into serving Christ. We've got to tear down the walls between our churches and realize that we're all suppose to serve Christ. Imagine how many more people we could reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ if we all teamed up instead of tore apart. We are all the body of Christ and should be working together. As soon as we realize this, the sooner we can quit all the backbiting and childish ways that tend to be prevalent in our churches and get down to what we're suppose to do. Now let's get over ourselves and spread the gospel. Like John the Baptist said, "He must increase and I must decrease".

Can't Wait....

2008-04-14T18:53:00.002-05:00

Gotta say I can't wait till tomorrow. Me, our youth pastor Kris Estep, and a friend named Steve are headed out at Louisville, KY for the Together For The Gospel conference with John MacArthur, John Piper, RC Sproul, CJ Mahaney and others. Should be a great time of learning and fellowship. If you'd like to keep updated, live blog action will be happening at www.challies.com If you'd like to know more about the conference visit www.togetherforthegospel.org We ask for your prayers for safe travel there and back.

Listen for yourself...

2008-04-04T14:43:00.004-05:00

Sorry Oprah there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. Bottom line, Oprah's a heretic.

Like a Child

2008-03-30T06:24:00.001-05:00

My wife Teresa and I took our 6 and 4 year old son and daughter bowling yesterday. As I watched them do something they’d never done before I realized that that’s how we need to look at life as we live for God. Sometimes God has us do some things we’ve never done before. We need to do Gods will like our son and daughter acted. There excitement in doing something new was refreshing. Of course if they always threw the ball in the gutter they would have eventually gotten discouraged and given up. The bumpers kept them out of the gutter and ensured they hit the pins. God works the same way, we can work for Him and live for Him and know that we’ll hit the pins because God is keeping us in the lane.

Psa 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
Psa 62:7 On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Psa 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Just as He said

2008-03-20T07:20:00.001-05:00

As we head into Easter weekend my thoughts have turned to the resurrection of Jesus. As I read the passage below this morning four words stood out. “Just as he said“. Here’s Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, coming to the tomb with spices to prepare the body. And of course, Jesus is gone. The angel tells them and throws in those four words “just as he said”. He could have ended the sentence in verse 6 with “….He is risen” but he added those four words. Could it have been because Mary and Mary hadn’t truly believed that he would rise in three days and the angel just wanted to get the point across that Jesus said this so you should have known it was true? If they did truly believe it, why bring the spices for the body? Aren’t we the same way? As we head into Easter Sunday, let’s realize that everything was “just as He said” and so will everything that is to be.

Mat 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.
28:2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.
28:3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
28:4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
28:6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”

We're like Hampsters

2008-03-19T08:59:00.001-05:00

I was sitting in my kids room last night and Lionel there hampster was just running away in his wheel. As I watched him I wondered if he actually thought he was going somewhere. He was running for all it was worth, just as hard as he could go. I wonder how many of us live our lives that way. We’re on the wheel of life just running and running and running never getting anywhere. Isn’t that the way this world is setup? We strive everyday for the things of this world running just as fast as we can go. Ultimately we’re like Lionel, never truly going anywhere. Maybe that’s because we’re running toward the wrong thing. If we’re running toward this world, what are we going to gain? When we die all this stuff isn’t going with us. But if we’re running toward Jesus, when we die we will be with Him and have eternal life. We can’t serve two masters so we have to decide. Run toward the ways of this world, or run toward Jesus. I’ve hopped off that hampster wheel and set my sights on Christ. I pray that you’ll do the same.

The Feet of Jesus

2008-03-13T17:55:00.003-05:00

Jesus had a way of turning everything into a learning experience. The woman at the well, the lady who was about to be stoned, and even a lady that invited Jesus into her home. Luke 10:38-42 tells us about how Martha invited Jesus into her home. Her sister Mary was there as well.

Luk 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
10:40 But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

We see from the text that Martha invited Jesus into her home. Two things are happening, Martha is busy getting everything ready and Mary is learning at the feet of Jesus. When Martha finally has had enough she goes to Jesus and tells him to tell Mary to help. But look at Jesus' response and here's where he takes the situation and teaches Martha and us something. He tells Martha that she's concern about the wrong things. She should be concern about the one needful thing she needs, learning the word of God, not the external things. How many times do we put something in our lives before Jesus and the infallable, inerrant word of God? Whether it's work, hobbies, friends, or anything that truly takes our sites off of Jesus. It's easy to get caught up in the ways and wants of this world. We have to realize when that's happening. How longs it been since you picked up your bible? Grab it now and come back to the feet of Jesus.

Trials

2008-03-06T18:53:00.003-05:00

As I was heading down the interstate early this morning the fog was really thick in some areas. Here in the mountains you'll hit a patch of thick fog and just that quick it's clear as a bell. Then the next thing you know, your back in it. I got to thinking that's how it is with life. Sometimes fog invades our life. Times that send us through trials and tribulations. These trials can come from a couple of things. God gives us some trials to help us grow and sometimes attacks come from satan. One thing is for certain, when you've put your trust in Jesus you know that eventually things will clear up. That's what life is about, depending on Jesus. We can't depend on anything else. Charles Spurgeon said it best, "In God I have everything I want, in myself there's nothing but sin and misery". If you in some foggy area right now in your life, give it to Jesus and know that because of him it will clear up.

One Year Anniversary

2008-02-19T07:53:00.002-05:00

Our church just celebrated our one year anniversary this past Sunday. Wow, it's hard to believe it's already been a year. As I reflected over that past year I couldn't help but think about how God has worked in the lives of our congregation. I think of Tim, who just a year ago, helped teach a vacation bible school class and was nervous as all get out. God has grown Tim to a point of complete confidence and self assurance in knowing that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. I think of Cole, Tims stepson, who will bring you to tears everytime he prays. I think of my sister in law who this past year accepted Christ at their kitchen table and her husband who has grown tremedously in the Lord over this past year. I think of Ralph, who when moved by God, stopped by someones house he didn't even know to share the Gospel. I think of my family. Christina, who's a part of the churchs dance team, who a year ago wouldn't have gotten up in front of a group for love nor money. I think of my wife Teresa and how she's grown. How she's learned to let things go and just have a total and utter dependance on Jesus Christ. I think of my little girl Mary who's become my little prayer warrior. I thank God for my son Jake who says the blessing at every meal even in public. I praise God for our pastors who give of themselves everyday. I praise God for Gedwin and Barbara and Bruce and Kay who bring a love of God and wisdom to the church that we all could learn from. I just thank God for this past year at our church and I can't wait to see what he's got in store for us this coming year. If you're ever in the beautiful mountains of NC stop by and see us. Faith Community Church in the High Tech Center. You can check us out on the web at www.faith-net.net. Thank you Jesus, I praise your Holy name!

The Move of God

2008-02-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to a service and just seen God totally take over and move like you've never seen before. I had the blessing of seeing that this past Friday night. It wasn't some big mega church with thousands of members, it wasn't some church where everyone looks at you funny because they don't know you, it was at a church where you feel the love that the congregation has for God. It was like something I'd never seen before. It took place at Cold Springs Baptist Church in Bryson City. It's a simple, small country church and there only concern was Jesus. They didn't care what time it was over, they just knew they wanted to worship and praise the living God. For over 3 hours, people testified, people confessed their sin, people came to Jesus who didn't know him before they came through those doors. The preaching was straight from the Word of God. The preaching wasn't concerned with whether it made anyone mad or not, it wasn't based on whether it made anyone uncomfortable or not, it was based solely on the Word of God. If you had a problem with it, it was between you and God. That's what this nation needs, more of Gods Word and less of worrying about whether it's going to upset someone or not. Lord I pray for preachers that will preach the inerrant, infallable Word of God. I've seen the results first hand, in a little country church in Bryson City. Praise God!

Books to Read...

2008-01-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

Hey, I thought I'd mention a few books I'm reading through right now and one's I've read that are really great. If you like to read, I figured I'd give you a few books to check out.

Of course, first and foremost, The Bible (read this one everyday)

The Potters Freedom- James White
The Sermon on the Mount- D. Martyn Lloyd Jones
What if America were a Christian nation again?- D. James Kennedy
Basic Christianity- John Stott
The Parables of Jesus- James Montgomery Boice
Mere Christianity- C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters- C.S. Lewis
The Murder of Jesus- John MacArthur
Paul- Charles Swindoll

Just thougth I'd pass these along in case you might be looking for something to read to add to your collection.

Enjoy!

Russ

You Can Come Home..

2008-01-19T14:48:00.000-05:00

I've been studying Hosea 14:1-5 and it's a powerful passage.

V1- "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity."

I love this verse, we see God actually calling them back after they've turned there back on him. Even after everything he's done for them they turned away. A couple of important words stand out in this verse. "Thou" and "Thine" some translations use "You and "Your". Which means we are each accountable for our iniquity. What's so cool is that once we've accepted Christ and should we fall away we can always come home to the Lord. If you've fallen away, don't think God has turned his back on you, He will let you come back to Him. How do we do this?

V2- "Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips."

We see that we must see our sinfulness and go to Him and repent. Turn our back on the sin we've fallen into. But the three words we need to really look at are "Take with you". That means we have got to go to Him and once we do, and it's from the heart, he welcomes us back.

V3- "Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands. Ye are our Gods; for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy."

We see here that we must realize that anything other than God will not save us from our nature. We have a sin nature within us that separates us from God. The only thing that can break down that barrier is coming to Christ. We are not to worship anything but God. No idols, which is anything you put before God. I love the next phrase "for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy". Those who do not know God are like orphans without a father. Once we come to Christ we are no longer fatherless and that's where we find mercy. Not in other things or people, Jesus Christ alone.

V4 is where we see the love and grace of God and what he promises for coming back to him.

V4-"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him."

He will heal us and bring us back home to his love and grace. He will love us freely. He will no longer be angry with us. I know some people say God doesn't get angry with you, this verse says different. If he turns his anger away like it says, He had to be angry because of turning away from Him.

V5- "I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon."

Have you ever seen dew first thing in the morning? It's like there's a fresh start to a new day. Everything looks clean. That's how God makes us look. We get a new start, a new beginning. We'll grow as the Lilly, some versions say "blossom". When something blossoms we see the beauty that was inside just waiting to come out. And cast forth his roots as Lebanon. Some versions say "Like a cedar of Lebanon". Have you ever seen one of these Cedar trees? They are HUGE! Imaging the root system on them and how strong it must be. That's what God gives us, the strength of the Cedars of Lebanon. So in just verse 5 we see the new start, the beauty and the strength God gives us.

I know this was a long post but I had to share those verses. In Jesus there's always hope. If you once knew him and have gone astray or if you have never known him, he wants you to come home. Our nature is sinful and that sin stands in the way of God. Only one thing can take that away, whether you've fallen away or have never accepted him, and that's Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 tells us "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". The best part is is that gift is free, all you have to do is repent and accept it.

White as Snow..

2008-01-10T19:41:00.000-05:00

When I woke up this morning we had snow. It made me think of how it is when God washes away our sin. It made me think about Isaiah 1:18-20. "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." When we get to verse 19 we see the condition of this happening. V19 "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land" We see the repercussions if we don't in verse 20 "but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword". For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Willing and obedient. Are we? I encourage each and everyone of you to examine yourselves and make sure you are. I know I have to everyday. Are we living the way God wants us to live? Not how our friends or family think we should live, but how God tells us to live. When we accept Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, we live the way God wants us to. Not because we have too, but because we want too. We want to please Him and live our lives for Him. Do we squeeze God in around our day, or do we squeeze our day in around God?

So let's look at our options again........

Willing and Obedient- Washed white as snow
Resist and Rebel- Devoured by the sword

I think I'll stick with option one, how about you?

He Saved Paul, He'll Save You

2007-12-25T16:21:00.000-05:00

I know alot of people who don't think they're worthy of Gods love. But let's take a look at Paul. His name was Saul and he was on a mission to kill and destroy every Christian he came across. He was standing there when they stoned Stephen. He was on a mission to Damascus hunting down Christians and the Lord called him. His name was changed to Paul and he then went on to become one of the greatest Apostles to serve the Lord. Paul knew he was a sinner, and by his words he claimed to be one of the worst. If God will save Paul, what makes you think he won't save you? Nothing you've ever done is so bad that you can't find the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The best part is the gift of eternal life is a free gift from God. You can't buy it, you can't earn it by doing good deeds, it's yours for the taking just by repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus Christ. So many people think that they're not good enough, and they're right, none of us are. But that's what grace is, something given to us even though we don't deserve it. So if you don't think God could love you because of the bad stuff you've done, guess again. Just repent from it and start living your life for Jesus. Jesus died for you, he loved you that much.

Don't Judge

2007-12-19T08:24:00.001-05:00

We'll I guess we've all heard the news about 16 year old Jamie Lynn Spears and that she's pregnant. If you're a child of God are you going to pray for her and her family or are you going to condemn her? I know far too many Christians who will condemn her right out of the gate. So to those Christians I ask you to read the book of Obadiah. The Edomites, who were Esau's descendants, watched Israels people, who were descendants of Jacob, go through some perilous times and didn't lift a finger to help them. They even took glory in there troubles. The best line in the book of Obadiah is in verse 11 "you were like one of them". I can hear some of you now "We'll I'm glad my families not like that", or "I know that could never happen to my little girl". That's comparing yourselves to other people, putting yourself on a pedestal and that makes you like one of them. We are to compare ourselves and our lives to Christ. I ask you to pray for this girl and her family as well as for the child she's carrying. I'm not condoning what she's done, but Jesus said it best, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

Are We Selfish?

2007-11-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

When we pray is all we ever do is ask God for stuff? Do we look at him like a 5 year old walking through a toy store saying "Give me, give me, give me"? Look at what King Solomon prayed for and at Gods response.

1Ki 3:7 "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
1Ki 3:8 "Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted.
1Ki 3:9 "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1Ki 3:10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.
1Ki 3:11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,
1Ki 3:12 behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.
1Ki 3:13 "I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.
1Ki 3:14 "If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days."

Solomon was blessed beyond his wildest dreams because he didn't ask for money, a long life, or for revenge on his enemies. He asked for wisdom so that he could serve his people better. When's the last time we asked for wisdom, guidance or clarity when reading his Word or for our lives or prayed for someone else? It's not about us, it's all about serving others.

The NASB version states Mark 10:45 as "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many". Let's pray for others and when we do pray for ourselves let's make it about how we can better serve others. God's not gonna give you a cadillac but he will help you with the words when it comes to telling someone about Him, which is more important to you?

Not Good Enough

2007-11-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

A recent survey showed that 54% of our country feels that if they're good enough and do enough good deeds that they can get into Heaven. This saddens me, because if they were to read there bibles they would know that that's not the case. The bible tells us that eternal life is a gift that we can receive. That gift is given to us by the love and grace of God it's not earned.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

The bottom line is we are all sinners Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Not one single one of us is worthy of God's love and grace but he offers it to us anyway. All we have to do is accept it. Jesus offers us that free gift by paying for our sins by dying on the Cross. The only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father but through me". Jesus tells us this himself, NO ONE comes to the Father except through him. If your one of the 54% who thinks you can earn your way to Heaven by your good deeds, please take your opinions out of the mix and look strictly at what God's Word says. It's too important to let our pride get in the way. Once we take that last breath, it's too late then. I pray you'll make sure now.

What would you say?

2007-11-16T16:34:00.000-05:00

Todays post is something that will hopefully get you to think about your current relationship with Jesus.

If you were to die tonight and stand before God and he were to say to you "Why should I let you into my Heaven"? What would you say?

I pray you'll truly take time to think about this. It's the most important question you'll ask yourself.

Gods Patience....

2007-10-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

God is patient. All we have to do is look at Moses to see that. Time after time Moses gave excuses for why he couldn't lead the people out of Egypt.

Exodus 3:11 "But who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"

Exodus 4:1 "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?

Exodus 4:10 "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue".

And each time God patiently told Moses exactly how it would be done. Gods patience is all around us. Just look at the world today. Man is more concerned about himself, rather than helping his fellow man. Yes, God is extremely patient and I praise and thank him for it.

Goodbye Ella Jo

2007-10-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

My sister was to give birth Wednesday to a little girl and her name is Ella Jo. My sister made a stop by the doctor's office for a check-up and paperwork before heading to the hospital. What happened next has been overwhelming for the entire family. During the doctor's visit they couldn't find the heartbeat and an ultrasound determined that Ella Jo is stillborn. As I think of my sister and her husband I can't begin to fatham the depths of their pain. We don't know what Ella Jo would have been like but their is one thing I do know. We will get to see her one day, it's just gonna be longer than we expected. In Matthew 18:10 Jesus is talking about the children. He says "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." I like to think that Ella Jo met her angels Wednesday afternoon. Her grandmother, great-grandparents, and Bill Jr. from Gina's side of the family and Chucks relatives that have gone on as well. I picture them gathering around Ella Jo saying "Hello Ella Jo, there's someone we want you to meet and his name is Jesus. She's in the place we are all waiting to get to. She beat us home, and until we meet, goodbye Ella Jo.

Can't have it both ways...

2007-09-19T07:15:00.000-05:00

As Christians, we can't have it both ways. We can't love the ways of this world and still have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We're told this in Gods Word. 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him". God takes first place in a Christians life, not the ways of this world. Either one is a geuine Christian marked by love and obedience to God, or one is a non-Christian in rebellion against God. There is no middle ground, you can't straddle the fence on this. What's important in your life? Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." We can't just go through the motions of Christianity and follow the ways of the world. We have got to strive for righteousness every single day. Do we fall, yes because we're sinners, but the difference is whether your striving for righteousness and repenting when we do sin or choosing to willingly live in sin everyday and only giving Jesus 60 minutes of your time a week on Sunday. Look back to what Jesus said, "...will by no means..." not probably won't, or maybe won't, but "..will by no means...". That means there's no question about it.

Feel The Thorns....

2007-09-04T06:52:00.000-05:00

In the Sower of the Seed parable, Jesus tells us of the seeds that were thrown in the thorns Mark 4:7 "And another fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit."

He explains it to the disciples in Mark 4:18-19 "And these are those being sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, and the cares of this world, and the deceit of riches, and the lust about other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Did you come to Christ and come out of the gate strong for him but now find yourself getting caught up in the ways of this world? Suddenly other things have become more important than living for Jesus. Are the thorns choking out the Word of God? It's easy to let happen. Just recognize those thorns and weed them out of your life. If your walk with Christ isn't as strong as it use to be, if the things of this world are interfering with your relationship with Jesus Christ, he's waiting for you to come back with open arms. The love of our Father never goes away, it's yours, just come back home.

Hornets Nest...

2007-08-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

Well it seems I've stirred some folks up with the posts about satan. First I don't capitalize his name for a reason, second I've been accused of being paranoid. Let me say that I'm not paranoid at all. I live for my Lord and Savior and have put all my trust and faith in him. You can't do that and be paranoid. Yes Jesus is Love, Grace, and Mercy. But if you believe in Jesus, you have got to believe in satan. You can't have one without the other, you can't believe part of the Bible and not believe the other part. I'm just pointing out to be cautious and on your guard with him like we're told to do in 1 Peter 5:8. Is satan responsible for everything bad that happens? No. But we do have to stay in the Word, he runs from the truth of Gods Word.

James 4:7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

He's Real...

2007-08-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

How do you picture satan in your mind, or do you believe he exists at all? I know I've been talking about the spiritual battle alot lately but that's where God has had me. And where he has me in his Word is where I'll stay. Many Christians not only aren't in this battle, they're oblivious to the warfare that's going on. Now back to my question, how do you picture satan in your mind? Does he have a pointy tale and horns? We can always answer our questions by looking at Gods Word.

2 Corinthians 11:14 "...for satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."

Doesn't sound like he has a pointy tale and horns there does it? He masquerades as a messenger of truth. Someone who is spreading Gods Word.

2 Corinthians 11:13 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ".

We have to be on guard for false teachings. They are everywhere, just turn on your TV and you'll see them. So what do we do? We must check everything we're told with the truth of Gods Word. Have you noticed how everything revolves around knowing Gods Word? As Christians we must know it, we must live it, we must study it for ourselves and quit relying on someone else to tell us what it says. And as for those who don't think that satan exist or is just a superstitous tale, satan is real and he is powerful. He's refered to 250 times in the New Testament.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeing whom he may devour".

Look at that, not mess with, not make uncomfortable, not cause you problems but to DEVOUR you. He will do whatever he can to drag you out of fellowship with Jesus Christ and out of Christian service. The way to resist the devil is by remaining in the Christian faith, live by the truth of Gods Word. Put on your Armor!

His Word..

2007-08-29T06:25:00.000-05:00

Paul tells us in Ephesians.......

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

So how do we fight this battle against spiritual wickedness? We fight it with the word of God. We read and study the Bible. Wanna see it in action? Just look at the temptation of Jesus.....

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Jesus used Deuteronomy 8:3 to ward of this attack.

Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Jesus used Deuteronomy 6:16 on this one...

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

And here it was Deuteronomy 6:13

We have got to know our Bible to ward off the attacks. Knowing Gods word keeps you armed and ready so satan can't get a foothold in your life. Knowing the word of God helps you spot the false teachings that are out there. Most of all reading and knowing the word of God gets you closer to God. Put on the whole armor of God......

The belt of Truth
The breastplate of Righteousness
The shoes of The Gospel
The shield of Faith
The helmet Salvation
And of course, the Sword which is your Bible

Gear up for the battle against satan, it's going on right now in your life. Paul tells us....

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

So put on the armor and satan take your best shot!

Only One Way

2007-08-27T05:36:00.000-05:00

Why is it that people let there own feelings twist reality to what they want things to be instead of how things really are. I don't know how many times I've heard someone say, "We'll there's more than one way to get to Heaven" or "If I live a good life and do more good than bad I'll get to Heaven." The Word of God tells us there is only one way to get to Heaven and have eternal life.

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

There it is in a nutshell. If you don't believe and put your faith in Jesus Christ you won't get into Heaven. Now before you get all huffy, that's not me saying that, that's the Word of God that says that which means Jesus said that, not me. Now you might be saying "That certainly is a narrow way of thinking". Guess what, the Word of Gods got that covered also.....

Mat 7:13 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it.
Mat 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The way and the gate is narrow. We can't love the things of the world and make it through the narrow gate. You can't depend on "religion" to get you into heaven. Religion is a ride on the A train straight to hell, I'm talking about a true relationship with Jesus Christ. You can't earn or buy your way into Heaven. If you're a part of a "religion" that requires you to "earn" your way into Heaven, that "religion" is false. To recieve the gift of eternal life, all you have to do is repent and accept the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is that simple. He's waiting for you, all you have to do is accept it. Why in the world would you want to try and work your way into heaven when it's there for the taking? That's why Jesus came and died on the cross, he bore our sins on himself. Let me ask you this, if you have to try and earn your way into Heaven, why did he die on the cross? If your a part of any of the many false religions ask yourself that question and read the Word of God and the Word of God only. You don't need a "companion" book to the bible that was written by man. The Bible is the word of God, that's all you need. Bottom line is so many people waste time searching for "their way" when there's only "one way" and that's through Jesus Christ. The purpose of this post wasn't to offend anyone, I don't want anyone going to hell and I love you enough to tell you the truth even if it upsets you.

Calming the Storms

2007-08-22T07:37:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that in life, some people will walk with Jesus until one of lifes storms comes up? As long as life is easy and goin good we love Jesus but the minute things start to get a little tough, we start thinking Jesus doesn't care, we start questioning our faith. Even the disciples went through this......

Mark 4:37 And there arose a windstorm, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full.
Mark 4:38 And He was in the stern of the boat, asleep on a headrest. And they awakened Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we perish?

As we go through life and storms come up we can totally put our faith in Jesus and he'll provide and take care of us. After all, look at the rest of events that unfolded on that boat....

Mark 4:39 And He awakened and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:40 And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

Keep your faith and trust in Jesus. If he can calm the wind and sea, you know he can take care of our problems.

Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?

He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, he is God.

Give me a break...

2007-08-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

So I'm watching TV last night and a promo for a women's conference comes on. In one of the cuts the preacher says "Jesus came to give you the good life". WHAT! I literally upchucked. That's what's known as the prosperity gospel. Believe in Jesus and you'll have a new car, your bills will automatically get paid, you'll have everything that this world has to offer. After all, isn't that what it is, things that this world has to offer?

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

That's what's wrong with our churches today. Preach what the people want to hear so they don't get offended. Fill the churches with as many people as possible and make sure that we don't preach anything that offends them. Tell them what they want to hear. That's LUDICROUS!

Mar 7:7 However, they worship Me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Does God bless us for being obedient, yes he does. But not necessarily with a new house or car. We have a relationship with Jesus out of love for him and what he did. Not for what we can get! It's not about us, it's all about Jesus dying on the cross for OUR SINS! Jesus did not die on the cross to provide us with a new car or house.

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.

Everlasting life, that's our reward for being a faithful, loving, obedient servant to our Lord Jesus Christ, NOT A MERCEDES!

Wait, I think I just upchucked again.......

Deny yourself....

2007-08-20T10:22:00.000-05:00

Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

"Let him deny himself" Can we do that? Deny our worldy desires and give our all to our Lord Jesus Christ? Can we put Jesus first in our life? Not just on Sundays but every single minute of every single day. We MUST take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Are we doing that or are we too concerned about what people will think? Do we let things get in the way of serving Christ? Doubt, fear, insecurity all play a part in satans plan to stop you from sharing the news of Jesus. BUT, if we draw our strength from our Lord Jesus Christ, if we hit our knees and pray to God to gives us strength, NOTHING will stop us from sharing the news of Jesus. Look at some of what Paul went through....

2Co 11:24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one.
2Co 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep.
2Co 11:26 I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers.
2Co 11:27 I have been in hardship and toil; often in watchings; in hunger and thirst; often in fastings; in cold and nakedness;
2Co 11:28 besides the things outside conspiring against me daily, the care of all the churches.

And we're worried about making somebody mad by talking about Jesus? Don't let fear of man stop you from sharing the news of Jesus Christ. When we do that, we let the fear of man become more important than our love for Christ.

1Pe 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified.

Thank You Jesus...

2007-08-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

I have to say that everything I have in my life is because of God. Not only has God graced me with some wonderful children but he truly blessed me with my wife Teresa. I don't know where I would be without her. When I was building my business she was there and not complaining a bit in the slim start up time, she's constantly giving to others of her time and God given talents. We're a team, that since walking with God, has gotten even closer than we ever thought we could. She's giving, loving, caring and always puts herself last. When we first got married we did a quicky wedding at the courthouse. Last night, I asked her to marry me again but this time in front of God, our family and all our friends. Ephesians 5:28 says "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself". Thank you Jesus for my partner, my wife and my best friend. Details coming soon on the renewing of our vows!

Opportunities

2007-08-09T07:39:00.001-05:00

I have got to thank our Lord above for the experience I had this morning. Two guys, Kenneth and Dan, from the power company were cutting brush around the power lines on my property. They had to park their truck at my house. So this morning Jesus gave me the opportunity to talk with them about him. We talked about how hot it's been and as we talked, I turned the conversation to Jesus, Kenneth informed me he was a Deacon in his church. Needless to say we started to have services right there in my driveway praise God! They were up from South Carolina helping out and are heading back today. I ask you to keep these guys in your prayers. Kenneth is saved but Dan isn't. I made reference to the heat and mentioned how much hotter than that hell is. Then told Dan the story about Lazarus and the rich man and how the rich man described hell and how Jesus could keep him out of there. I just wanna thank God for giving me the opportunity to talk to Kenneth and Dan. My God be with them as they travel back to South Carolina and keep them safe on the job. This leads me to think how difficult we make it sometimes to talk about Jesus. God gives us the opportunities and there's no set formula, there's no pattern to follow, just tell about the love and grace of Jesus. Thank you Jesus, what a great way to start the day!

The Love of Christ....

2007-08-06T05:49:00.000-05:00

It amazes me how anyone could not accept the love of Christ. Here's a man that died for us, was beaten for us, humiliated for us, spit upon for us and yet we as a society constantly turn our back on him. We reject him because of our pride and love of sin. Let's face the facts GOD LOVES YOU! So many people don't take the time to truly spend time with him and have a relationship with him. How do you do that? Read his Word, the Bible and pray. When you do that, you learn first hand for yourself about his love, mercy and grace. The Bible is all you need to learn what God loves and what God hates. You don't need a "companion book" to the Bible. There is only one word of God, and it's the Bible. Read it, love it and live it. He will change your life. Turn your back on the sinful ways of this world, realize that none of that matters. All that matters is your relationship with Jesus. Do we faulter, yes we're human. But we have an Advocate with the Father. Look in 1 John 2:1 ".....and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Does this mean we can sin whenever we want, no it doesn't. As you grow closer to God, you actually start to hate the things God hates and love the things God loves. He puts new desires in your heart and you hate the sinful ways of your life and you start to eliminate that from your life. We're all gonna die and you've only got one of two places your headed. Heaven or hell. I love Jesus Christ my Savior and in the words of D.L. Moody "I'd rather be narrow and right than broad and wrong".

Book of John

2007-08-03T04:46:00.000-05:00

First I want to thank God for all the blessings he's given me, I truly don't deserve any but that's just how great the Living God is. I've started studying the Book of John. I'm not talking about just reading it, I'm talking about rollin up the sleeves and really getting knee deep in the Word. I highly recommend this to everyone. Don't just read, study. If you need a good study bible, I highly recommend The MaCarthur Study Bible. Studying your Bible will definitely open your eyes and open your heart and mind to the Living God. The Book of John looks at Jesus through the perspective of his Deity and man is He an awesome God! Just look at the first 18 versus in the first chapter. I won't write out the versus but will list the location so you can check it out yourself. In the first 18 versus 6 basic truths are revealed about Jesus.....

John 1:1-3 Shows the external Christ
John 1:4-5 The incarnate Christ
John 1:6-8 The forerunner of Christ which was John the Baptist
John 1:9-11 The unrecognized Christ
John 1:12-13 The omnipotent Christ
John 1:14-18 The Glorious Christ

We see the humility of John the Baptist in John 1:27 "It is he who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose".

We see Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana when he turned the water into wine, we see the passion for reverance when he cleansed the Temple, and he makes reference to his resurrection in chapter 2:19 "Destroy this temple and in 3 days I'll raise it up.

All this in just the first two chapters. Don't just read, study Gods Word. Like it says in Job 23:12 "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."

Don't Be A Wuss...

2007-07-30T07:22:00.001-05:00

I have a plea. Take a stand for Christ. So often Christians seem to take the passive approach to Christianity. We don't want to offend anyone, we don't want to upset anyone. We're too worried about what "man" thinks. In Matthew 10:22 Jesus tells us "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved". Can you endure? Jesus was beaten beyond recognition, hung on a cross and died for you and me and we're worried about what "man" thinks? Imagine if the disciples had felt the way a lot of us feel. They didn't care about how "man" would treat them. All they cared about was there love for Jesus Christ and spreading his word. That's the way we need to be as well. Isaiah 58:1 tells us "Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins." It's time we stopped taking a backseat to everyone else and start taking a stand for our Lord Jesus Christ. If "man" has a problem with the message, then they need to take it up with God and they need to realize we share the love of Christ with them because we love them, not because we want to point fingers or are judgemental but because of the love we have for Christ. In Luke 11:28 Jesus says "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" We need to spread his word, for some, that's the only way they're going to hear it and see it. Shine your light for everyone to see and share the news of Jesus Christ! Take a stand and rejoice in our Savior. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.... I think that's the least that we can do.

We Must Decrease

2007-07-25T05:43:00.001-05:00

I think John summed up our relationship with Christ perfectly. In John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." Notice the emphasis on the second "must". I didn't put it there, that's how it is in the Bible. There's a difference between just believing in Jesus and being totally committed to living our life FOR Jesus. satan believes in Jesus and knows he exists. Everything we think and do should be for the Glory of God. Our wants and desires should become what Jesus wants and desires. We should strive to hate the things God hates and love the things God loves. Can we do that? As our faith grows, I think it becomes easier. As we start to totally submit our lives to Jesus we truly start to see the ways of this world for what they are. We start to realize that what this world has to offer is nothing compared to the love and grace of Jesus. What we want doesn't matter, only the Will of God matters. To do his will, that's all that matters while we're on this Earth. "He must increase, but I must decrease".

Thank You Jesus...

2007-07-23T05:37:00.001-05:00

Thank you Jesus for Faith Community Church, a place to freely worship you without barriers and limitations.

Thank you Jesus for the worship leaders of Faith Community Church, your obedient servants who's sole purpose is to further your Kingdom and show your Love and Grace on a daily basis. Leaders who teach the Word of God without hesitation and with boldness.

Thank you Jesus for the youth of Faith Community Church who have the drive and desire to live for you. Youth who aren't afraid to tell there friends they love Jesus.

Thank you Jesus for a church that doesn't just save and forget, but teaches and shows us how to grow in our Faith and teaches us how to share our Faith in you and what you have done in our lives with other people.

Most of all Jesus, thank you for paying the ultimate price. We are not worthy and we fall short of the Glory of God, but by your Grace and Mercy we can have Eternal life. All we have to do is have Faith in you and accept it.

I invite you to join us at Faith Community Church. Please visit our website at http://www.faith-net.net. If your visiting the beautiful mountains of NC please come worship with us and if you live in the area, please visit with us and worship freely. We're in the High Tech Center in Waynesville.

Are You Truly Saved....

2007-07-19T07:07:00.000-05:00

That's an important question. I asked myself that recently. There was something standing between me and God and it was driving me crazy. So I asked him to show me what was the thing standing in the way. God kept showing me the sinfulness of my past life. I would dream about it at night, the horrible things that I did. I asked God that if I was saved, why was my old life getting in the way. Then in a conversation I had with one of our pastors, who had no idea what I was going through, he asked me about when I got saved. It was like a bolt of lightning shot through me and it hit me. That was the problem. I was never truly saved! I can hear you now, "but Russ you said a prayer". Yes, I said a prayer but it wasn't from my heart way back when I was 12 years old. It was because my friends did it and my parents wanted me to. Getting saved isn't a ritual thing, it's a heart thing between you and God. When you are saved you are given new desires and thoughts. You live your life totally and solely for Jesus Christ. Your old ways are gone and you have no desire to do them anymore. Needless to say the first thing I did was hit my knees, truly repented my sins from my old life, and committed my life to Jesus. I now know I'm saved and can serve my Lord however he sees fit to use me. How he uses me is his call, I have no say in it, I just know that whatever he wants me to do I'm his. I posted this in hopes that maybe someone else might read it who did the same thing I did. Just said a prayer when you were younger. If you have doubts about your salvation, take it to God. I can honestly say, once you are truly saved all doubts are gone. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the river to get baptised.....really. Praise God!

Do We Show His Love

2007-07-18T06:27:00.000-05:00

How often in todays world do we as Christians show the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ who lives in us? Do we show it or are we the first to condemn those that need to hear about the love of Jesus more than anything in their life. Do we look at a homeless person and offer to help or do we just say to ourselves "they need to get a job". Do we look at an alcoholic or drug addict and help them or do we say "there doing it to themselves who cares". Let me ask you this, if a hooker came in off the street into your Church would you know that she's there needing and seeking Jesus our would you just look at her and condemn what she's wearing. I'm just sick and tired of seeing some "christians" condemning instead of helping and showing the Love and Grace of Jesus. Imagine if Jesus had been that way? The woman caught in adultery would have been stoned, 5000 wouldn't have been fed, and the list goes on and on about how Jesus HELPED people. Have we become so hardened in our sin and so self righteous that we just don't care anymore? As Christians let's show the Love and Grace of Christ to every single person that we meet, especially to those that we know need it now more than ever. We should be so full of excitement over what Jesus has done to our lives that we should be wanting to share it and shout it from the mountaintops!

Our Responsibility

2007-07-16T05:50:00.000-05:00

I have three great kids. Christina, Mary and Jake. Who's responsibility is it too teach them about Jesus Christ? It's mine. Nobody elses responsibility but mine. In Deuteronomy 6:5-7 it states "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, will all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up". As a parent it is MY responsibility to constantly teach my children about Christ. Not our Pastors, not the youth pastor, not the Sunday school teacher, but mine. If we as parents don't teach our children how are they going to learn about Christ and the sacrifice he made for us? How are they going to learn about his love and grace? And how are they gonna learn about satans traps in this world. The things he uses to keep us away from Jesus. God tells us to teach our children about him and his commandments. It's our responsibility. As stated in Joshua "Me and my house will serve the Lord".

Burden On My Heart..

2007-07-12T05:56:00.000-05:00

I want to thank and praise God for the direction he's taken my life. I have a burden in my heart for the lost and wounded. Not just a feeling of caring but a true hurt in my heart for them and a drive beyond all belief to bring everyone that I can to our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul said in Romans 9:1-2 "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit. That I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart." I pray that God gives this same burden to you. As Christians we should have this drive and desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ not because we have to, but because we love and care for the lost and wounded. We want to bring them out of the pit of hell and into the joy of eternal life. The great preacher Reverend Charles Spurgeon said it best....

"Lord give us but this priceless boon of faithful servants, fit for thee to reap the harvest of the soul; look down and view how great the harvest, yet the laborers few. Oh haste to help ere we are lost! Send forth evangelist, in spirit strong. Arm'd with thy Word, a dauntless host, bold to attack the bold of ancient wrong and let them all the earth for thee reclaim, to be thy kingdom, and to know thy name."

Amen!

Let's talk....

2007-07-09T10:34:00.000-05:00

I went to The Call this past weekend and man was it great! Over 100,000 people doing nothing but praising our Lord! But, that's not what this post is about. I wanna talk honestly and openly about something that alot of people don't like to talk about. Your local church and money. Oh no! He said the "M" word! Our local churches have got to get out and reach the local community about Jesus instead of waiting for people to come to us. My friends this takes money. If your saying "I'm not giving my money to the church, I don't know what they're going to do with it". Change churches. If you can't trust the leaders of your church with money, you'd better not trust them with your soul. God doesn't need our money, but his servants need it to spread his word. Programs cost money and those programs help bring people to Jesus. Pastors need to be paid, they have families to support just like everyone else and if your pastors aren't getting paid they should be, light bills need to be paid, and the list goes on and on. As a congregation it is our responsibility to give financially to the church. Whatever we make on our jobs is by the Grace of God and we have got to do our part by giving our 10 percent. If you can give more than 10 percent, then do. If you can't give 10 percent then give what you can. As a community, we have got to support our local churches. That is the only way that they are going to grow and truly spread the word of Jesus. We've got to quit taking a "let someone else deal with it" attitude and do our part. If your giving financially to your church God bless you! If you're not, please start.

The Call

2007-07-06T05:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend is just gonna be awesome! Me and some friends are headed to Nashville, TN for The Call. 12 hours of fasting and prayer for our nation. Why would we drive to Nashville to fast and pray in Titan Stadium with hundreds of thousands of people? Because our country needs it. Our country needs a move of God. Our society has become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Does that not describe our nation as a whole? So yes, we'll join everyone and pray for our nation. I ask you to also pray tomorrow for our nation at the same time. It's from 10am to 10pm Est. So please, sometime tomorrow during that time, please say a prayer for our nation, repent from our sins and turn back to God. By the way, the list I mentioned about our nations behavior is from 2nd Timothy 3:1-4 as Paul describes how the world will be when it's in it's last days........

Can I Get A Witness......

2007-06-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

As a Christian, sharing Jesus Christ with the world is our duty. It's something we're not only suppose to do but something we should want to do with all of your hearts. There's one statistic we will all be a part of and that statistic is that 10 out of 10 people will die. When we die, we have two choices. We're either going to Heaven or hell. We have got to do our part to tell people about Jesus. But think about the people you see everyday. Family members, co-workers, even people you don't know. Arm yourself by reading your Bible. Get knee deep in the Word and there's nothing you can't do. Pray, pray and pray again. Ask God to give you guidance and to use you and you can believe that he will. If your church doesn't have an Evangelism and Outreach class I BEG you to start one. Too many people get saved and the church just let's them go figure it out on there own. There are so many resources available that are very affordable even for the smallest Church and some of the resources are even free. If I can help you in your search for resources please feel free to email me. It's time to get the complacency out of our Churches and arm God's army with the knowledge they need to fight the battle for Jesus. Get out in your neighborhoods and show people the compassion and love of Jesus Christ. We have got to move our nation back to God and the only way that's gonna happen is if we each start sharing Jesus in our own backyards.

Take Out The Trash....

2007-06-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

As we look at today's society, I think it's time to take out the trash. In Nehemiah 4:10 "Then Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall". As we look at building the Kingdom of God there's alot of trash that gets in the way. We let "trash" distract us and get into ours lives that causes us to get away from God. A TV show here, a computer site there. And here's the deal with the trash, the enemy will hide in it to attack us. In Nehemiah 4:11 "And our enemies said, "The Jews won't know or see anything until we come among them and kill them and stop the work". The devil uses our "trash" to get ahold of us and turn us away from the Living God. A good example of this is how much more tolerant we are nowadays of sin. Look at the language and sex on TV today. There was a time when it wouldn't have been tolerated. And we won't even get into the porn sites on the web. Every time you go to one of those sites you've committed adultery in your heart. Jesus said that in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." How can we as a nation think that this is okay for us to do? We've created a God that we think will tolerate our "little" indiscretions. Guess what, we're wrong. There's nothing "little" about sin. There is only one true Living God and he tells us in no uncertain terms how it is with sin, no matter how "small" we think it is. How many times have we said, "Oh I'm not hurting anyone". Yes we are, we're hurting God. He sees all of our thoughts and actions. How many times have you gone to a porn site thinking "no one knows". God knows and he sees what you're doing and it hurts him. No one on this earth is sinless. We're all sinners, but we're made right with God through faith. By accepting Jesus and repenting from our sins. It's time to take out the trash! Ever been to the city landfill? It stinks doesn't it? Let's get that "stink" out of our lives and start living for Jesus!

What a Blessing!

2007-06-16T16:18:00.001-05:00

My family and I planned a family day today so we headed up to a little place called Waterville Dam just across the Tennessee line. It was a great day with the kids playing at the park and having fun. We then loaded up and headed to Big Creek which is an area where you can picnic and there's a place where you can get into the creek where it's pooled up and the kids can swim. The kids were having a blast and just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, a group of about 20 people came over the bridge to where we were at. One of them came up and asked if it was okay if there church had there baptism at the spot we were at. PRAISE GOD! It wasn't just okay it was FANTASTIC! How glorious it was to watch these people show there belief and faith in Jesus in front of everyone at the creek! PRAISE TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD! There were 10 teens and 4 parents that got baptized. It was so refreshing and it was a blessing from God that me and my family were able to be a witness to that glorious event. I thank God for that. In todays society it seems to be the wrong thing to do to outwardly show your love and commitment for God and that's a shame. I ask that we pray for those today that they will keep showing there love and commitment for God. I pray that you show your love and commitment everyday as well. Let's spread the Good News of Jesus and teach that as Christians, we don't hate the sinner, we hate the sin. And they need to repent of that sin, turn there life away from it, and follow Jesus. He is a wonderful, loving God and I thank and praise him not only for today, but for everything he's done in my life.

Great Trip

2007-06-11T05:23:00.000-05:00

My family went out of town this weekend and I just wanted to start this post by thanking God for getting me and my family there safely and back home. While I was there I had a chance to talk with a family member and the conversation turned to Jesus and getting into Heaven. His response was, "I think God will forgive my sins come judgement day". I asked him if he was saved and he said "no". That broke my heart. I hear this alot when I talk to people. According to the Bible, which is Gods word, the only way we can get to Heaven is by repenting for our sins and accepting Jesus Christ. Come judgement day, if you haven't, and your names not in the "Lambs Book of Life" you will be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity. I'm not saying this, it's what's in God's word. John tells us in Revelations 20 :12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books" In verse :15 "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire".
How do you get your name into the Lambs Book of Life? Repent your sins, leave your old ways behind and accept Jesus Christ. That's it. Gods not just gonna forgive you on Judgement day because you think he's "good". Because he is good he will have to obey his law which is to find anyone not saved as "guilty". He doesn't want you to be found "guilty", he wants you in Heaven with him. He loves you, won't you please accept his gift of Eternal Life in Heaven? Don't accept him because you've heard about the blessings that you'll get or because of how great you've heard life will be. Accept him because you know you've broken Gods Law that's laid out in the Old Testament. Have you ever lied, stole anything no matter how small, ever looked at someone in "lust". Jesus says to look at someone in "lust" is the same as commiting adultery in your heart. I have, I'll be the first to admit it. Give your life to Jesus and your slate will be wiped cleaned, you'll be forgiven and your name will be written in the Lambs Book of Life. I pray for each and every person that reads this that isn't saved to accept Gods free gift. It's yours, just accept it. How cool is that!

satan Loses Another One!

2007-06-07T06:06:00.000-05:00

At prayer meeting last night at church we had a visitor. His name was Tony. After services were over, Tony repented for his sins and asked Jesus to come into his life. AMEN! Another person snatched from the pit of hell! PRAISE GOD! God loves us and doesn't want us to go to hell. He wants us to come to him so we can spend eternity in Heaven with him. I don't want you to go to hell. In order to do that we have to repent for our sins and leave our sinful lives and ask Jesus to come into our lives and we must live our life for him. I know what your saying, "I'm not a bad person". You may not be in your mind but one question. Have you ever told a lie? Even a little "white" lie? Guess what, that's breaking Gods law and come judgement day God will have to judge you guilty. But if you accept Jesus as your Savior and repent from your sins, you will be judged not guilty and you'll be admitted into Heaven. How great is that! Hey, I've been there. The booze, the drugs and the women. It's an empty lonely life. All I cared about was me. When you accept Jesus into your life that emptyness goes away. You look at things differently and best of all, if I were to die today I know where I'd go. The question is, do you?

Spending Time...

2007-06-05T04:58:00.000-05:00

We had a great time last night when our friends Julie and Bubba came by for a visit. I think it's always great when friends get together and just hang out and talk about God stuff. Both have a love for Jesus that burns deep in their heart and are great witnesses for Jesus. I've seen them bring people to church that they just met at a gas station, I've seen guys that work for their Roofing business come to church and accept Christ with their wives. You can check out Bubba's testimony on our church's website at Faith Community Church. What makes Bubba and Julie different? They are obedient servants of God. I strive to be more like Julie and Bubba with my faith. God is using them in unbelievable ways to reach the lost in Haywood County. I encourage and challenge each Christian to talk about Jesus to just one person today. Imagine how many people would hear the good news of Jesus if we did that.

It's a Shame

2007-06-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

I saw a video the other day and they interviewed different people randomly on the street. Out of those people, nobody could name the Ten Commandments. Most were lucky if they guessed two of them. But guess what? They knew the name of ten beer brands no problem. What does this say about our society? What does that say about our witnessing for Jesus Christ? In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells us "You will be my witness in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world". Have you been a witness for Jesus lately? Have you witnessed to anyone? Think of your mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother or co-worker that you haven't shared the Gospel with and think of their terrible fate. Now think of our neglected duty. Here's a letter I've got printed out and posted on my wall.

My friend,

I stand in judgement now and feel that your to blame somehow. On earth I walked with you by day and never did you show the way. You know the Savior in Truth and Glory, but never did you tell his story. My knowledge then was very dim, you could have led me safe to him. Though we lived together here on Earth, you never told me of the second birth and now I stand before eternal Hell, because of Heavens Glory you did not tell."

If you would like to learn more about effective witnessing visit Way of the Master website. It's a great site to learn how to effectively witness. The letter above came from the site. It's time as Christians to be bold about Jesus and spread the Gospel. Our society needs it. As Paul pleaded in Ephesians 6 :19

"Also pray for me that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News without fear."

Compelled To Praise

2007-05-28T13:44:00.000-05:00

Faith Community Church has an awesome dance team! Check'em out...

For more check out their website!

Are ya Sharing?

2007-05-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

Got a question for ya. Are you in a rut? You know what I mean, you do the same thing everyday at the same time. It's easy to do, Monday rolls around and the next thing you know it's Sunday. So you head out to Church. Then it's Monday again and you start it all over. Now let me ask you this, during your "normal" routine, how many times have you shared about Jesus with someone who doesn't know him? I mean really shared the joy of Jesus Christ with even one person. I'm not talking about just talking about him with your friends, I'm talking about truly bringing someone who doesn't know Jesus to him. As Christians it's easy to gather among ourselves and stepping out of that safe zone can be a little intimidating but when you share the joy of Jesus with others outside of the comfort zone the feeling is INCREDIBLE! In Luke 15 verse 7 Jesus says "I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don't need to change". I'll admit I need to do it more myself so yes when I write these post it makes me examine myself as well. In today's society it seems to be politically incorrect to talk about God for fear of offending someone. Personally I'm offended that society has become that way. I'm more concerned with helping to bring the lost and wounded to Jesus than I am about what man thinks. Please share Jesus today with someone. There's a license plate on my truck which sums it all up. "He died for me, I'll live for him".