My Conviction

I have been really convicted lately of my lack of commitment to pray and evangelize the lost. We’re commanded to do so (Matthew 5:44,45; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8) and yet I find myself talking to God about how He can help me rather than how I can be useful to the advancement of His Kingdom. What selfishness from this saint! I’ve been reading through Proverbs with a friend and we are currently on chapter 3 and this entire study has been AWESOME! One verse in particular within this chapter has given me great difficulty regarding the issue just mentioned and that is verse 27:

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.”

Doesn’t this verse embody the gospel? I think so. Do we not hold “good” this verse is speaking of? I know we do, because we have the truth of God’s word (Psalm 111:7; 119:142; 119:151; 119:160; John 1:14; 14:6; 15:26; 17:17), which is gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). Do we not have the “power to do it”? I know we do because we have the power of the Holy Spirit which God used to raise our Lord from the dead (Philippians 3:10). Beloved all too often I find myself whining to God about this and that and I forget I am to be a vessel for His service. God, use me as a vessel to expand Your Kingdom and keep me focused on You and Your Kingdom. Forgive me of my sin of selfishness and make me new. Amen. I have a renewed desire to evangelize the lost and to proclaim to them the grace and forgiveness that Christ offers (John 3:16,17; Ephesians 2:8,9). Friends collectively as a church if we would quit being so wrapped up with ourselves and just proclaim the truth of Scripture I think we would see the great revival in this country and around the world that we all pray for. Thanks be to God for our salvation!

Points of Interest

Thought I would post some links to some interesting articles I've ran across over the last few days:

1. The homosexual agenda is alive and well in California and has a complete disregard for the public's interest... again.
   
2. The argument continues with our heretical friends the "Darwinistic Christians" (if there is even such a thing) vs. the biblical account of creation recorded in Scripture. Read the critique of a debate here.
   
3. Is theology important for everyone to study? Find out here.
   
4. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is using our tax dollars to fund forced abortions overseas. Thank you President Obama.
5. Some more liberal agenda from one of our nations universities. Let's scientifically endorse promiscuity.

What A Quote!

I've been reading The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith? - Revised & Expanded Anniversary Edition by John MacArthur and absolutely LOVE this book. In his expositional style MacArthur lays out beautifully a defense of "lordship salvation" which is nothing more than biblical salvation. I came across this statement and thought I should share it:

"Faith obeys. Unbelief rebels. The direction of one's life should reveal whether that person is a believer or an unbeliever. There is no middle ground. Merely knowing and affirming facts apart from obedience to the truth is not believing in the biblical sense. Those who cling to the memory of a one-time decision of "faith" but lack any evidence of the outworking of faith had better heed the clear and solemn warning of Scripture: "He who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36)." pg. 193

Disturbing Video

I saw this video on another blog today of John Crowder and Benjamin Dunn of the Drunken Glory Tour and though it was quite disturbing. I am continually amazed at the junk "Christians" are buying into these days. As the other blog so eloquently stated, "Pay close attention to the hat that John Crowder is wearing. We think he's sending a clear message about why he's engaging in this apostate nonsense."

The Great Adventure

I'm really excited to see what God has in store for the Men's Fellowship Group that my friend, Cory, and I have started in the Tallahassee area. I have felt a need for this sort of small group for quite some time and decided to act upon it a couple of weeks ago. The group's focus is the study of the word of God, being transparent with one another, accountable to one another, sharing our burdens, and praying for each other. We (Cory and I) had our first official get together on Thursday and I was very encouraged to begin our journey in the Word of God and to pray for each other. We've selected the book of Proverbs as our starting point. We are reading one chapter a week and then getting together on Thursdays to discuss the chapter we just read. I have already been tremendously blessed by this study in the two short days we've been doing it. This week, the verses I relate to the most are Proverbs 1:22,23:

“How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?
“Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

Sadly, I see myself in these verses the most. At times I'm naive and simple-minded about my sin, but then I begin to foolishly follow my heart (Jeremiah 17:9) and scoff at God. I spurn His reproof and only want what I want. But then I'm reminded, "do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1Corinthians 6:19). I repent and confess my utter sinfulness and like Proverbs says, "Behold, I will pour my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you." Isn't that refreshing? Praise be to God for His salvation! This is going to be a great adventure!

Testing!

Well, I though I would create a space where my thoughts can ramble. My plans are to discuss Christ and His effect on my life, Theology/Doctrine and current events. I know just another blog of some idiot rambling meaningless babble but I hope to bring encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ as well as conviction to live righteously in light of His impending return to earth. Also, I hope this blog will generate intelligent conversation (i.e. no profanity and/or crass statements) amoung Christians and non-Christians to help answer those difficult questions and even to bring those that may not know Christ under the heralding of His word. I look forward to more posts... let the fun begin!