FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 29, 2011

Immunized Against The Gospel by Ed Stetzer

When asked, 8 in 10 Americans will identify themselves as Christians.  I think it’s pretty obvious, however, that by taking a brief look around our nation, 80 percent of people are not living like followers of Christ.

It’s like “the god of the Grammys” who pops up every year during award season. Some singer or actor whose daily ungodliness is chronicled in every tabloid and entertainment website wins the statue and immediately, upon taking the microphone, begins to “thank God for this.” God gets a hat tip at the Grammys but not a holy life day by day.

There is little similarity between the Americanized version of Christianity and what most of us know the real deal is supposed to look like.

I think that many people have received this “Christianity vaccine,” casually or regularly attending churches each week that are presenting a weakened, broken down faith.  It’s the kind of religion that Mark Twain explained when he said, “Church is where good people stand in front of good people and tell them how to be good people.”

CLICK HERE TO READ: Immunized Against The Gospel

The Osteen Moment - Your Own Moment Will Come Soon Enough by Albert Mohler

Joel Osteen found himself forced to answer a question that every Christian — and certainly every Christian leader — will be forced to answer. When that moment comes, and come it will, those who express confidence in the Bible’s teaching that homosexuality is a sin will find themselves facing the same shock and censure from the very same quarters.

CLICK HERE TO READ: The Osteen Moment - Your Own Moment Will Come Soon Enough


How Should You Respond When Another Christian Disagrees With You?  An example from last week:

In an interview on January 16, 2011, John MacArthur made a comment about a book by Darrin Patrick. You can listen to the interview here: “Theology and Ministry: An Interview with John MacArthur.” His comment created quite a bit of buzz over the follwing days. 

Here’s what Dr. MacArthur had to say about his comments after the buzz started.

Radical Individualism - A Good Trait for Young Pastors? by Dr. John MacArthur

And here is a very mature and I think Christ honoring response from Darrin Patrick. I don't know Darrin Patrick but I respect how he responded to this matter. 

Not Radical Individualism - A Reply To Dr. John MacArthur by Darrin Patrick

Marks of a Family-Equipping Congregation by Jay Strother

The goal of equipping families is a church-wide emphasis, owned by all church ministries and leadership. Even though the emphasis is quite visible in the events and activities, family-equipping ministry must move beyond events and activities to become an integral part of a church’s culture.

CLICK TO READ: Marks of a Family-Equipping Congregation

The Turmoil In The Middle East by Michael Youssef

The Muslim Brotherhood has been thirsting for power in Egypt for many, many years. Founded back in the 1920s, the aim of the Muslim Brotherhood was to topple the British rule and its puppet Egyptian government. Their goal then was to draw Egypt back into their militant-Islam, Sharia-following, anti-western, anti-Christian fold.

CLICK TO READ: The Turmoil In The Middle East

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  - 1 Corinthians 6:20

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

Philip P. Bliss

1876

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

This is per­haps the last hymn Philip P. Bliss wrote be­fore he died in a train wreck in 1876. He sur­vived the in­i­tial crash, but was killed try­ing (un­suc­cess­ful­ly) to res­cue his wife. The lyr­ics were found in his be­long­ings af­ter the ac­ci­dent.

This song is one of the first ever re­cord­ed on a phon­o­graph. George Steb­bins made the re­cord­ing dur­ing a dem­on­stra­tion of Thom­as Ed­i­son’s new in­ven­tion in New York C­ity. (taken from www.cyberhymnal.org)

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 22, 2011

Remember the sanctity of life:

Today is the 38th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision that opened the floodgates for abortion in America. The U.S. Supreme Court handed down the decision, declaring that women have a constitutional right to an abortion on January 22, 1973.

Don't give up on the unborn. Support support crisis pregnancy centers, adoption  ministries, etc. and help end the slaughter of innocent babies!  Get involved!

You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:13 ESV

"For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3 ESV

Powerful speech from Representative James Lankford: "The Right To Life Is Self Evident"

Click on the following links to read more:  (WARNING - some of the videos are graphic but true!)

It's Time To Stop Pretending Abortion Is Anything But The Ruthless Killing Of An Innocent Human Being by Randy Alcorn

This Is Abortion by Justin Taylor

What About The Twins: The Deadly Logic Of Abortion by Albert Mohler

Remember our only hope if found in Christ alone!  Below is a video of my favorite modern hymn.

In Christ Alone - 10th Anniversary Arrangement by Keith and Kristen Getty

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 15, 2011

Can We See Jesus Better Than The Saints In The Bible?

Jesus speaks of three ways of seeing himself, each better than the one before.

CLICK HERE TO READ: Can We See Jesus Better Than The Saints In The Bible? by John Piper

Revival: Ways and Means

How do seasons of revival come?

CLICK HERE TO READ: Revival: Ways & Means by Tim Kellar

Cracks In The Crystal Cathedral

Why we a better off letting God make the gospel relevant.

CLICK HERE TO READ: Cracks In The Crystal Cathedral

Pray for Asia Bibi:

Asia Bibi is a Christian woman and mother of five, that has been sentenced to death for "blasphemy" in Pakistan.

Asia Bibi Facing Threat Of Suicide Attack


Muslim Million Man March In Support Of Executing A Christian Mom

New Podcast from Dr. Russell Moore:

      Introducing The Cross And The Jukebox

First episode discusses "I Saw The Light" by Hank Williams. It is worth taking the time to listen to.


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

When God Ran

WHEN GOD RAN

words by Benny Hester

sung by Phillips, Craig & Dean

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE: I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

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