No Christians need apply in San Antonio!

I was not too surprised, but truly saddened by the article found here: Penalize Bible Believers. I certainly think it is appropriate to speak out against unjust laws in defense of God's truth, and because it is best for mankind. However, as I am teaching on the Christian response to unjust suffering this week, and how it is a crucial part of our witness, I am reminded that when it comes to our being personally wronged by this kind of persecution, there is a God glorifying way to respond:

1 Pet. 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”  ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (NKJV)

God give us the wisdom and strength to respond in a way that demonstrates You are Lord and our hope is in You!


"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Altar Calls?

Follow the link to a sermon on Sermonaudio. I do typically invite people to come forward for prayer at the end of services, either with me or alone at the front of the sanctuary, and I will certainly end many services by encouraging people to put their faith in and follow Jesus if they desire to be saved. I am not at all comfortable with suggesting anyone will be saved by coming forward, praying a prayer or any other outward act.

I think the speaker in this sermon gives some very compelling arguments for not using the traditional alter call and it certainly makes me think more deeply about what I do say when closing our services.

I would love to hear some feedback!

Two amazing videos from Wretched Radio - Is this America?

I never get tired of this!

Rev. 5:8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
¹⁰ And have made us^[d] kings^[e] and priests to our God;
And we^[f] shall reign on the earth.”

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³ And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”^[g]

¹⁴ Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four^[h] elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.^[i]

 

And now consider evangelism as an act of worship?

 

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore^[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.^[d]

 

What a great act of worship it is to submit to Jesus' call to tell others of His glorious saving work, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey Him. This is a major way we worship Him now, it is what we are to do until the end of the age, then all who believe will worship together before His throne!

 

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

 

Men evolved into mermaids, really?

I saw this video on Wretchedradio, sad, funny, pathetic, you decide......

A Greater Love Than John 3:16, by John Piper