Friday, December 22, 2006
Resurrection Life
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Fineprint on Finney
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Missions Minded
Gospel for Asia is one of the premiere missions currently operating in the Indian subcontinent. While they are based primarily in India, their influence extends into many neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
If you have not read Revolution in World Missions by brother K.P. Yohannan, then you have missed out on one of the most important movements happening in the kingdom today. GFA is on the cutting edge of evangelism in the 10/40 window and has seen thousands come to Christ every year. There are simply too many things to say about this awesome organization so I will simply refer you to their website where you can become more familiar with their work.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Filler
The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5 year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".
Friday, December 08, 2006
Love & Marriage
Thursday, December 07, 2006
New Link
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Faith Alone
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Sinless Perfection
2Co 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Php 3:15
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
2Ti 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1Pe 1:15
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1Jo 2:1(a)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
Joh 8:11
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Japan Mission
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The True North
Friday, December 01, 2006
Check It Out!
People read books for all sorts of reasons. For some reading opens up doors of knowledge and learning, while for others reading gives them an enjoyable pastime whereby they can escape into a fantasy world of their imagination. As a young boy I loved to read adventure novels as well as anything to do with the outdoors, military, or cowboys. I was greatly intrigued by military history and loved reading through books detailing great wars of the past.
Within the heart of every man is a longing for adventure and excitement. Sadly, many of us pass the days cooped up behind desks, or chained to endless menial tasks. Our yearning for this adventure wains as we age but there is always a quiet longing lurking in the heart. God has designed men this way, and while these desires have been greatly abused throughout history, nevertheless God is still looking for men who will step out in faith and trust Him to lead them into the unknown.
For many of us who grew up as church kids or were raised in christian homes, we thought of the christian life as a docile and passive existence where we attended the meetings and were good quiet little members of society. So when I began to read "Rebel with a Cause" I was immediately drawn to the adventurous lifestyle of Franklin Graham. Even after Christ saved him, Franklin was still willing to risk his safety to reach people with the gospel, and bring much needed relief through meeting physical needs.
I had always though of both Billy and Franklin Graham as simply evangelists who never really knew what the average man went through, or for that matter ever exposed themselves to hardships etc. But as I read this book, I gained a whole new sense of respect for Franklin and his ministry, Samaratin's Purse.
While this book definitely doesn't rank as a theological book, it nevertheless meets the most important requirements for any sound theology; that of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to lost sinners. I was impressed that Samaratin's Purse makes sharing Christ the main reason for their endeavours and ministry. From what I can gather, they have not simply become another christian humanitarian organization that gives but neglects to preach the message of Christ, rather, their desire for the word to be spread is evident in their condition of accepting projects.
A very interesting concept I read about was something that the founder of World Vision, Bob Pierce, called "God room". I will let Franklin explain:
From India we went to Katmandu, Nepal, and Iran. While traveling with Bob, I learned many of life's lessons. But the lesson Bob taught me that stands out above all else is what Bob called "God room". "What do you mean?" I asked him once when he started talking about "God room". He gave me a glance that was close to disgust, almost as if to say, "Don't you know?" He took a deep breath and sighed before he said, "'God room' is when you see a need and it's bigger than your human abiities to meet it. But you accept the challenge. You trust God to bring in the finances and the materials to meet that need. "You get together with your staff, your prayer partners, and supporters, and you pray. But after all is said and done, you can only raise a portion of the resources required. "Then you begin to watch God work. Before you know it, the need is met. At the same time, you understand you didn't do it. God did it. You allow Him room to work."
Is that not the essence of faith? Allowing ourselves to go beyond what our eyes can see and by faith accept the challenges the Lord puts in our path? God wants to be glorified through our lives, but we must be willing to let Him have control and the ultimate say. This concept lit a fire in me as I began to see more the practical working of faith.
This book is a personal look into the life of one of America's most famous Christian families, and yet it is more than simply a autobiography. I found it to be faith challenging as I was presented with situations where christian men were willing to step out by faith, and allow God to be magnified while bringing the gospel and food and clothing to impoverished souls.
I would strongly encourage you to get this book and allow your faith to be stretched. May we all be willing to ask, "Lord what do you have for me?"
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Who Are You Feeding?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Missions Monday
I have decided to highlite one mission each week. So to start off this hopefully soon to be tradition, I decided to pick a domestic mission that is rarely glamourized by the Church.
When one thinks of a rescue mission, immediately a picture of skid row enters your mind where drunken bums lie in filth, intoxicated by any numbers of mind numbing drugs. Our initial reaction is to turn away in disgust not wishing to become stained by their filthiness and rank odour.
I remember when as a boy while waiting for the bus one time, a drunken man who had obviously urinated in his clothing came into the bus shelter and lay down on the bench to take a nap. Of course I was immediately taken back at his appearance wondering why on earth people would stoop to such a state. Of course, we were no worse than these visibly sin racked individuals. Perhaps the only difference being our sin was hidden and carefully manicured. But underneath it all, the depravity of the human heart can lead each one of us to this miserable state.
Pacific Garden Mission is the longest continuous running rescue mission in America. Since 1877, the "Old Lighthouse" has been meeting the spiritual needs of some of Chicago's most down and out individuals.
Famous evangelists such as Billy Sunday and Mel Trotter were both won to Christ through the faithful preaching of men serving there. D.L. Moody was also involved in the early days of PGM.
I first heard about this mission through a weekly radio program they produce called "Unshackled", dramatizing the lives of men and women who came to Christ. Incidentally, Unshackled is also the longest running radio show in history. I was very impressed with the quality of both the show and the content of the message.
I encourage you to check out for yourself the ministry of Pacific Garden Mission. You can listen to a past drama online right here.
Praise God for faithful men and women who were willing to go and minister to the outcasts of society.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Rest Sweet Rest
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Are You Antinomian?
Who Owns Your Soul?
Why did Jesus forbid his disciples from revealing who He was?
Was Satan actually in Peter when Jesus rebuked him?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Presuppostional Profundity
Foundational Groundwork
A Banquet Table
Monday, November 20, 2006
Monday Questions
1. Who are the demons, and what is their origin?
2. What does the verse "they shall be saved, yet so as by fire" mean?
3. What habitation did the angels in Jude 6 leave to be bound in everlasting chains?
4. Who are the Nephilim in Genesis, and where did they come from?
5. What colour was Adam's skin?
6. Why were the Rechabites commended by God?
7. Is the millenium a literal thousand years?
8. In Luke 4:6 Satan claimed to control all the glory and power of the world. Was there validity in his claim?
9. Why did Jesus stop in mid sentence when quoting Isaiah 61:1-2.
More to come as they pop into my head....
Friday, November 17, 2006
Why We Tarry?
What are you waiting for? A personal invitation?
The command has been given, go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Lord, free us from our feeble excuses and fear of the unknown!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Look Closely
note to politicians: I apologize in advance to those of you who genuinely seek to represent yourselves and your constituents with integrity, honesty, and morality.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Got Milk?
Friday, November 10, 2006
Should Christians Invest?
1. Giving above and beyond our tithe to support missions, and specifically the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Giving to relief organizations is fine, but it must be coupled with the saving news of Christ's atoning work on the cross.
2. Helping out our brethren who are in desperate need.
3. Caring for widows and orphans in our community.
4. Supporting businesses run by Biblical principles even though it means paying a bit more.
These are just four ideas, I would love to hear yours.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
An Observation
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A House Divided
May God continue to bless America and Canada!
Monday, November 06, 2006
VOTE!!
Monday, October 30, 2006
What's the Point?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Whom Fearest Thou?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Captain, That is Illogical?
It seems that the argument breaks down into two sides; the first being that God gave us a mind to rationally and logically understand His word, the second being that only divine revelation can explain what the Bible really means.
Here is a couple of ways in which we can know something is not from God.
- If an idea or thought contradicts what is already commanded in the Bible, it is just plain wrong.
- If it requires a small "compromise" to achieve our goals, we have either not heard from God, or perhaps the timing is not right.
- When it requires us to manipulate a situation in order for the results to be favourable, we are probably going ahead of the Lord.
These are just three and I'm sure there would be many more sound and wise warnings from scripture. (DO YOU HAVE ANY TO ADD?)
Now how about the first argument of using our logical and rational mind? I know what you are thinking; our new regenerated mind is now able to function "logically" so therefore it is safe to trust its judgement.
What is my point?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
America's Love Affair
Friday, September 08, 2006
Are You an Idolator?
During the writing of the New Testament, idolatry was a major concern for many new believers and was a cause for much stumbling among them. Paul and John had much to say regarding the idols and our relationship towards them. The basic summary was to avoid idolatry and any practices associated with them.
While Paul explains clearly that an idol is nothing, he pointed out that behind the idols were demons who received the sacrifices and worship of those serving them. Paul went on to explain that we cannot serve God and the demons at the same time.
While our culture today does not explicity promote the worship of idols, would there not be many things that could be considered part of idolatry?
What are some things you think can lead us into idolatry today? How would you define idolatry? What is the basic premise for avoiding idolatry?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Lazy Poster
Let me ask you a few questions to start with:
1. What are the most important topics in world events currently?
2. What is your favourite version of the Bible, and why?
3. Do you think there are any versions that should be considered heretical or blatantly inaccurate?
4. What does the word fellowship mean to you? How would you describe and define it Biblically?
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Only a Boy Named David
However, if anything it was a test of David's character and his reliance upon the God of his youth.
David's life is an Old Testament example of how we as christians are to face the struggles in our soul and the temptations we face in life. While David was not always victorious, he was affirmed by the Lord as a man after God's own heart. That is a very strong commendation. Sure David made many mistakes, and some very serious, but his humility and seeking after repentance showed the desire of his heart to please his God.
One of the things I admired about David was his determination not to lift his hand against king Saul, God's anointed. He realized that in fact he would be lifting his hand against God by harming His chosen man.
This tells me that sometimes God will test us by putting our enemies within our grasp and seeing how we will respond. Will we exact vengeance ourselves by defaming them, repaying evil with evil, or will we simply acknowledge that God has the sovereign authority to deal with them.
There are many wonderful analogies in the life of David. What is your favourite one?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Prosperity Preaching?
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Heaven, Hell, and Earth?
Israeli Peace Plan
Friday, July 28, 2006
Is this Perserverance?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Why the Conflict?
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Prov. 16:7
Looking at the current conflict in the Middle East, one has to question the reasons for this reoccuring unrest. As long as I can remember, Israel and it's neighbours have been fighting and waging war with each other. There must be a reason other than geo-political?
Parallel's
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
My Brother Daniel
p.s. I am not endorsing his pornographic picture however. 18+ required.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Who are They?
And I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10
Who is Zechariah referring to in this passage? Has this prophecy been fulfilled yet? If so, when?
If you have an answer that makes sense please let me know. I am interested in hearing the reformed view of this passage.
Friday, July 21, 2006
A Cup of Trembling
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Are You Relevant?
Now, go and be relevant!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Our Man has Balls!!
For the past 13 years we have had to put up with compromise after compromise, as the former leaders attempted to please everyone from the same-sex marriage advocates to the separatist Bloc Quebecqois.
Now, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is now attempting to right the wrongs and bring some sanity and honesty to the halls of government. After 5 months in office, his mandate is making some obvious improvements.
First, he has reestablished ties to the U.S. administration, which our former leadership had shamefully ridiculed.
Secondly, he has taken the reins of power by sticking to his word on several issues, such as reducing the GST and expanding the military's budget.
But, today I was very impressed to see his comments relating to the current Israeli-Lebanon conflict. Contrary to the apathetic leaders of Europe, he is acknowledging Israels right to a sovereign defense, and during his meeting with Tony Blair cited the need for Hezbollah to release the IDF soldiers as the way to achieve peace. Why is almost every head of state opposed to Israel's right to self-defense?
May God continue to give our Prime Minister wisdom, courage, and integrity to do and say the right things, no matter how politically incorrect. Now, let's pray he will have some guts to stand against the same-sex legislation illegally ramrodded through by the last government.
God bless Canada!
A Sick, Sick Story!
Check it out...this is what we are up against. Speak out!
Beautiful and Sensitive - make me puke!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Stocks and Bonds
…And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open; he drew his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Acts 16:27-34
This account of Paul and Silas’ time in prison leave us with some very interesting observations. There are a number of things I could point out, but I would like to first discuss the issue of the Jailer’s salvation.
It was obvious that he knew of the two men’s faith. They were quite vocal about it, even singing praises unto God in the midst of the prisoners, locked in the stocks.
However, God orchestrated an unusual thing to happen; an earthquake that opened every door and unlocked every chain. Here was their opportunity to escape, after all were they not unjustly arrested in the first place? But Paul had a true heart for evangelism, and here it shines through. In the midst of this chaos he cries out for the jailer to not commit suicide. The same man that was cruel and harsh with Paul and Silas is now being rescued from death by them. In one night he is saved both physically and spiritually.
Now the jailer didn’t need any more prompting, he realized that God was indeed a mighty God and the sudden realization of his lost state overwhelmed him. Rushing into the cell, he fell before them, and in a trembling voice asked what he must do to be saved…
What would you have said? Here is the simplicity of the gospel; all that is recorded for us is that was told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved”.
The next verse describes them as speaking the word of the Lord to him and his household.
After this he and his whole household were baptized in obedience to the word of God. Then he began to wash the wounds of Paul and Silas as well as feed them. His once indifferent attitude was now changed to one full of appreciation and thankfulness for his new life in Christ.
Would to God we could be such witnesses of His grace and light to a dark and lost world.
Now, what else could be said on this passage?