Last night a friend of mine asked me a question. "If a fifteen year old boy in Tibet were to die today and never have heard the gospel would he go to hell?" One of her co-workers and her were in an argument whether or not he would go to hell so she asked me.
This question is very important for the Christian to consider. I thought much about it since then. But this is the reason we send missionaries to the world. The reason we pray for the world. Even if someone never hears the gospel he still will go to hell for his sin. The book of Romans teaches this in the first few chapters.
Romans 1:18-21 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
Here in this passage I find that all men everywhere are without excuse. All men are worthy and under the wrath of God. That is why missions is so important. It is not that if the world does not know about Jesus they won't go to hell. It stands that the world is against God and has the wrath of God on it and unless they accept the gospel they will spend eternity in hell suffering the wrath of God.
John 3:36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Here we see that it doesn't matter if they ever hear the gospel the wrath of God is on them and it is up to us to take the good news to them that they might hear and believe. Without a witness they will perish.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Trusting God
In the past few weeks I have posted a couple of times about trusting God. I had been struggling to trust God with my finances for I knew that he asked me to make some changes in my life but I was scared that He would not supply all of my needs. This past week I have seen God bring in all the money that I need in His own way.
I never needed to not trust God or be scared that it would not come in for God is faithful and truly will supply my every need. He provided all the money that I need in His own way.
I am so thankful that God does not make my life easy and just a bed of roses cause then I would never depend on Him like I should and draw near to Him. I am so thankful that God allows things to be hard and all just so He can show me how great He is and grow my trust and faith in Him.
I serve a GREAT GOD!
I never needed to not trust God or be scared that it would not come in for God is faithful and truly will supply my every need. He provided all the money that I need in His own way.
I am so thankful that God does not make my life easy and just a bed of roses cause then I would never depend on Him like I should and draw near to Him. I am so thankful that God allows things to be hard and all just so He can show me how great He is and grow my trust and faith in Him.
I serve a GREAT GOD!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Romans
"The Epistles stand in relation to the Gospels somwhat as Leviticus to Exodus. In the Gospels we are set free through the blood of the Lamb. In the Epistles we are indwelt by the Spirit of God. In the Gospels, as in Exodus, God speaks to us from without. In the Epistles, as in Leviticus, God speaks to us from within. In the Gospels we have the ground of fellowship with God, i.e. redemption. In the Epistles we have the walk of fellowship with God, i.e. sanctification. As in Leviticus, so in the Epistles there is exhibited to us the many-sidedness of our Lord's atonement as it bears on those who are already redeemed." - J. Sidlow Baxter
The Love of God
I was thinking today as I was reading in the Bible when Jesus washes the disciples feet in John 13. Two things that struck me about Christ's love and willingness to serve.
First it is concerning Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew that Judas would be the one that very night who would betray Him for just a few pieces of silver. But Christ knowing this was going to happen still washed His feet. He did not treat Him in a different way or like He was less. Judas was treated as an equal by Christ and served the same as all of the disciples despite what he was planning on doing.
Second and last it is concerning Simon Peter. I find this to be just a little more shocking. I often have thought in my life that what Jesus does for me is dependent upon what I do for Him. But Christ is so much better and greater than that. Jesus knew when He washed Peter's feet that Peter was going to deny Him. He knew that Peter was going to fail Him and not trust or believe Him. He knew that Peter was going to love himself more than Christ. Christ knew when He washed Peter that within a few hours Peter was going to turn his back and deny that he had ever been with or known Christ.
I am so thankful that as God loved and washed Peter's feet in spite of what he knew Peter was going to do. I am so thankful that God did the same for me. I used to think that God did not love me the same when I sin as when I do right. But God when he saved me knew every mistake that I would ever make, every time that I would choose to please myself, every time I would deny Him control of my thoughts, actions and deeds, every time I would sin against Him and who He has made me to be. In spite of knowing all of this God still chose to save me and love me and wash me, and justify me (declare me righteous), give me a new name and seat me in the heavens with Him.
I am so thankful that God's love for me and His saving of me has nothing to do with what I do. I am so thankful that salvation is fully of God and none of me. Truly I serve a great God who is worthy of praise, honor, glory, power......
First it is concerning Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew that Judas would be the one that very night who would betray Him for just a few pieces of silver. But Christ knowing this was going to happen still washed His feet. He did not treat Him in a different way or like He was less. Judas was treated as an equal by Christ and served the same as all of the disciples despite what he was planning on doing.
Second and last it is concerning Simon Peter. I find this to be just a little more shocking. I often have thought in my life that what Jesus does for me is dependent upon what I do for Him. But Christ is so much better and greater than that. Jesus knew when He washed Peter's feet that Peter was going to deny Him. He knew that Peter was going to fail Him and not trust or believe Him. He knew that Peter was going to love himself more than Christ. Christ knew when He washed Peter that within a few hours Peter was going to turn his back and deny that he had ever been with or known Christ.
I am so thankful that as God loved and washed Peter's feet in spite of what he knew Peter was going to do. I am so thankful that God did the same for me. I used to think that God did not love me the same when I sin as when I do right. But God when he saved me knew every mistake that I would ever make, every time that I would choose to please myself, every time I would deny Him control of my thoughts, actions and deeds, every time I would sin against Him and who He has made me to be. In spite of knowing all of this God still chose to save me and love me and wash me, and justify me (declare me righteous), give me a new name and seat me in the heavens with Him.
I am so thankful that God's love for me and His saving of me has nothing to do with what I do. I am so thankful that salvation is fully of God and none of me. Truly I serve a great God who is worthy of praise, honor, glory, power......
Saturday, September 26, 2009
"Play the Man"
2 Samuel 10:12 " Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good."
Here in this passage of Scripture we find Joab and his brother coming against two enemies that outnumber them from two directions. So they split the army between them and then Joab says what is said in this verse. I think some of the most shocking words to me is when Joab says "let us play the men". He knows here that he cannot defeat the enemy on His own. He knows that the job is to great for him and unless God comes in and works he will fail. But he doesn't just stand and wait rather he plays the man. He does what he knows to do and leaves the results to God.
When Joab says this he knew that he could die that day. He knew that he could have lost the battle and been defeated by the enemy. He was outnumbered by two enemies. He knew that only God could bring the victory. But in spite of all of this he continues to do what he knows is right. He "plays the man" does what he knows to do knowing that only God can control and win the victory for him.
How much I needed this verse this morning. If I don't know what to do or what the outcome of saying or doing something will be I won't do it. I want God to show me the end before I step out by faith and do what He has for me. Today I have determined that I will "play the man". I will do what I know to do. Do whatever God asks of me even if I have no idea what the end will be and leave the results to Him. I will no longer wait on God to show me the end before I move in the present.
Here in this passage of Scripture we find Joab and his brother coming against two enemies that outnumber them from two directions. So they split the army between them and then Joab says what is said in this verse. I think some of the most shocking words to me is when Joab says "let us play the men". He knows here that he cannot defeat the enemy on His own. He knows that the job is to great for him and unless God comes in and works he will fail. But he doesn't just stand and wait rather he plays the man. He does what he knows to do and leaves the results to God.
When Joab says this he knew that he could die that day. He knew that he could have lost the battle and been defeated by the enemy. He was outnumbered by two enemies. He knew that only God could bring the victory. But in spite of all of this he continues to do what he knows is right. He "plays the man" does what he knows to do knowing that only God can control and win the victory for him.
How much I needed this verse this morning. If I don't know what to do or what the outcome of saying or doing something will be I won't do it. I want God to show me the end before I step out by faith and do what He has for me. Today I have determined that I will "play the man". I will do what I know to do. Do whatever God asks of me even if I have no idea what the end will be and leave the results to Him. I will no longer wait on God to show me the end before I move in the present.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Robert Moffat Quote
"Oh that I had a thousand lives, and a thousand bodies; all of them should be devoted to no other employment but to preach Christ to these degraded, despised, yet beloved mortals." - Robert Moffat
What is Best is not always easy
John 11:38 " Jesus therefor again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it."
Here in John 11 we have the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to die and he allowed him to die for the sake of His disciples. When Jesus comes to where Lazarus is he weeps. He loves Lazarus and His family and what was necessary for Him to do hurt His friends for the moment.
I was surprised when I read here this morning. Sometimes I get to thinking that God's will is always pleasant and that I am supposed to always to see that it is good. When Jesus allowed Lazarus to die it was for the best of His children though they could not see it at the time.
In my own life I know that sometimes things don't seem to go my way and I complain and think that God is being unfair with me. I see that if God wanted he could take all my problems away and he could keep the bad things from ever happening.
I am so thankful today that God is bigger than my little thoughts and mind and that he sees the beginning as well as the end of everything. I am happy that God always does what is best even though it might not seem that way in the present.
Here in John 11 we have the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to die and he allowed him to die for the sake of His disciples. When Jesus comes to where Lazarus is he weeps. He loves Lazarus and His family and what was necessary for Him to do hurt His friends for the moment.
I was surprised when I read here this morning. Sometimes I get to thinking that God's will is always pleasant and that I am supposed to always to see that it is good. When Jesus allowed Lazarus to die it was for the best of His children though they could not see it at the time.
In my own life I know that sometimes things don't seem to go my way and I complain and think that God is being unfair with me. I see that if God wanted he could take all my problems away and he could keep the bad things from ever happening.
I am so thankful today that God is bigger than my little thoughts and mind and that he sees the beginning as well as the end of everything. I am happy that God always does what is best even though it might not seem that way in the present.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
This is one of the most popular stories in the Bible. I often read this story and when I read it if I am not careful I will just skim over it and not pay much attention cause I already know this story.
This morning as I was reading through this passage with a friend of mine we read over this story and God showed me something that I had never seen before. Jesus addresses Philip here and asks where are we going to get the bread to feed these people with. But what shocked me the most is the next verse says.
John 6:6 "And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do."
When Jesus is talking to Philip here He is not talking to someone new. Philip was there when Jesus did His first miracle when he turned the water into wine. Philip was there when Jesus did many great works.
Here Jesus is testing Philip to see his faith and whether or not he believes that Jesus can do great things with nothing.
In my life I find myself with Philip many times. I know that God faces me with seeming impossible situations like the feeding of this. Situations where I don't have any idea how God is going to work it out or if what I need will come through. Whether it is if God will provide for my need or a problem will be solved in my life
I would think that by this time after God has done so many great things in my life that I would be able to take anything that comes my way and look to God and say if you want you can solve this issue. But I to often find myself worrying over it and not trusting God with it.
God is proving us in many ways to show us how much we need Him, how little we trust Him, and how much we have to learn, etc... How am I responding to what God is doing in my life? Do I trust Him or do I still think that I have to live my life on my own and not rely on Him for everything?
This morning as I was reading through this passage with a friend of mine we read over this story and God showed me something that I had never seen before. Jesus addresses Philip here and asks where are we going to get the bread to feed these people with. But what shocked me the most is the next verse says.
John 6:6 "And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do."
When Jesus is talking to Philip here He is not talking to someone new. Philip was there when Jesus did His first miracle when he turned the water into wine. Philip was there when Jesus did many great works.
Here Jesus is testing Philip to see his faith and whether or not he believes that Jesus can do great things with nothing.
In my life I find myself with Philip many times. I know that God faces me with seeming impossible situations like the feeding of this. Situations where I don't have any idea how God is going to work it out or if what I need will come through. Whether it is if God will provide for my need or a problem will be solved in my life
I would think that by this time after God has done so many great things in my life that I would be able to take anything that comes my way and look to God and say if you want you can solve this issue. But I to often find myself worrying over it and not trusting God with it.
God is proving us in many ways to show us how much we need Him, how little we trust Him, and how much we have to learn, etc... How am I responding to what God is doing in my life? Do I trust Him or do I still think that I have to live my life on my own and not rely on Him for everything?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The God We Serve
1 Samuel 12:20-22 "And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all you heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hat pleased the Lord to make you his people."
I read this passage of Scripture this morning and God really used it in my heart.
I am so thankful that God's promises and love for us is not dependent on what we do. Here Israel had just asked God to give them a king so that they might be like all other nations. This was a sin against God and it displeased Him greatly. But when Samuel talks to them he doesn't pronounce the judgment of God on them for their mistake instead he calls for them to continue to serve God. Because God did not and bless or love Israel because there was anything special about them. God took care of His people because he chose them and his name was on them.
Many times in my life I get to the point where I know that I have made a lot of foolish decision like Israel did. I think that God will forsake me or leave me because I know that I have messed up. I think that because I have done foolishly that His promises are no longer valid for me.
But here God says something different. God knows that I will mess up and that I will not always make the right decisions and that I will do things in my life that will hurt me. All he wants is for me to have a heart that is completely surrendered to him. He wants me to love and serve him with all that I am. God is not just going to forsake me because I mess up or don't make the right decision His love and care for His people is so much greater than that.
I am so thankful that God chose me and blesses and takes care of me because of who He is. I am happy that God was pleased to choose me. I am so thankful that there is nothing I can do that will cause God to forsake me!
I read this passage of Scripture this morning and God really used it in my heart.
I am so thankful that God's promises and love for us is not dependent on what we do. Here Israel had just asked God to give them a king so that they might be like all other nations. This was a sin against God and it displeased Him greatly. But when Samuel talks to them he doesn't pronounce the judgment of God on them for their mistake instead he calls for them to continue to serve God. Because God did not and bless or love Israel because there was anything special about them. God took care of His people because he chose them and his name was on them.
Many times in my life I get to the point where I know that I have made a lot of foolish decision like Israel did. I think that God will forsake me or leave me because I know that I have messed up. I think that because I have done foolishly that His promises are no longer valid for me.
But here God says something different. God knows that I will mess up and that I will not always make the right decisions and that I will do things in my life that will hurt me. All he wants is for me to have a heart that is completely surrendered to him. He wants me to love and serve him with all that I am. God is not just going to forsake me because I mess up or don't make the right decision His love and care for His people is so much greater than that.
I am so thankful that God chose me and blesses and takes care of me because of who He is. I am happy that God was pleased to choose me. I am so thankful that there is nothing I can do that will cause God to forsake me!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Dead to Sin, Alive to Christ
Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
I am so thankful to God that He saved me and made me dead to sin. It is so awesome that I do not have to change who I or become someone. I do what is right and live as Christ because that is who I have been made in Christ Jesus. I am so thankful that God has made me dead to sin but Alive to Christ.
This truth makes choosing righteousness over sin a whole lot easier. If I will but choose to look at myself in the same way as Christ does I will not want to defile my body with all those things that I used to. I will realize that what I yield my members to rather sin or righteousness I become its servant.
Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
I want to live my life as a servant to the Lord Jesus Christ so I will do what is right.
I will do what is right because that is who God has made me to be. I do right because I am dead to sin and Alive to Christ.
I am so thankful to God that He saved me and made me dead to sin. It is so awesome that I do not have to change who I or become someone. I do what is right and live as Christ because that is who I have been made in Christ Jesus. I am so thankful that God has made me dead to sin but Alive to Christ.
This truth makes choosing righteousness over sin a whole lot easier. If I will but choose to look at myself in the same way as Christ does I will not want to defile my body with all those things that I used to. I will realize that what I yield my members to rather sin or righteousness I become its servant.
Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
I want to live my life as a servant to the Lord Jesus Christ so I will do what is right.
I will do what is right because that is who God has made me to be. I do right because I am dead to sin and Alive to Christ.
Albania
The Republic of Albania
Albania is slightly smaller than Maryland and has approximately 3.6 million people. It is one of the poorest countries in all of Europe with 12.7% unemployment. 25% of the population is considered below the poverty level.
The government has much political unrest and trouble with the strong crime organizations. Albania is one of the source country for persons and illicit drug trafficking. Women and children from Albania are taken and sold to many countries in western Europe.
70% of the population is Muslim while the remaining 30% are Albanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic. There is very little missionary work going on in Albania. There are close to 7 missionaries working in the country today.
Let's pray today that God would raise up laborers to go to Albania.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Trusting God
Today as I was reading in 1 Samuel 1 I read about Hannah and how she prayed that God would give her a son. When she was done praying Eli the high priest told her that God was going to answer her prayer. Immediately she started to rejoice in the Lord and was no longer sad that she did not have a son. Hannah did not have to see her son in order to believe God and rejoice all she needed was a promise.
After reading this I thought about how often I rejoice in God and am happy just because of His promises. So much in my life my joy is based on what God does for me and not on who God is. The fact that God has promised that He will take care of me, Never leave me, and many more should be enough to cause me joy. But instead I become discouraged and worry when I don't know something or I don't feel God is with me.
Today though I am going to rejoice and praise God just because of who He is. I will trust His promises whether I see them or not
After reading this I thought about how often I rejoice in God and am happy just because of His promises. So much in my life my joy is based on what God does for me and not on who God is. The fact that God has promised that He will take care of me, Never leave me, and many more should be enough to cause me joy. But instead I become discouraged and worry when I don't know something or I don't feel God is with me.
Today though I am going to rejoice and praise God just because of who He is. I will trust His promises whether I see them or not
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Afghanistan
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
- Though Afghanistan is only slightly smaller than the size of Texas it has a population of nearly 28 million people.
- 99% of the these people are Muslims. It is actually against the law and punishable by death for any one to believe anything besides Islam.
- This country has been a country of much unrest and war for many years. Right now it has much political unrest and inner conflict between the new government and the Taliban a strong terrorist body.
- Millions of people in this country have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel or even know about the one and true way to go to heaven. Though this country is closed what will I do today to further God's kingdom in this country.
- Will I pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into His harvest?
- Will I pray that God would open the door of this country that they may hear of the wonderful things He has done for them?
- Would I be willing to go as a missionary to a country like Afghanistan where I could lose my life?
- Though Afghanistan is only slightly smaller than the size of Texas it has a population of nearly 28 million people.
- 99% of the these people are Muslims. It is actually against the law and punishable by death for any one to believe anything besides Islam.
- This country has been a country of much unrest and war for many years. Right now it has much political unrest and inner conflict between the new government and the Taliban a strong terrorist body.
- Millions of people in this country have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel or even know about the one and true way to go to heaven. Though this country is closed what will I do today to further God's kingdom in this country.
- Will I pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into His harvest?
- Will I pray that God would open the door of this country that they may hear of the wonderful things He has done for them?
- Would I be willing to go as a missionary to a country like Afghanistan where I could lose my life?
Spiritual Leadership
"We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled. Merely pointing the way is not enough. If we are not walking, then no one can be following, and we are not leading anyone." - Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
- Am I moving forward in my Christian life?
- Do I have a walk that is worthy of someone following?
- If someone were to follow me would they move closer to God or would they become distant from Him?
I want how I live my life to always be an example to others of how they can serve and follow God with all they are and have. I must make the right choices today that I not lead anyone that may be following me from God and that I might be able to lead others to a closer relationship with God.
- Am I moving forward in my Christian life?
- Do I have a walk that is worthy of someone following?
- If someone were to follow me would they move closer to God or would they become distant from Him?
I want how I live my life to always be an example to others of how they can serve and follow God with all they are and have. I must make the right choices today that I not lead anyone that may be following me from God and that I might be able to lead others to a closer relationship with God.
Thank you
I would just like to publicly thank God for all the things that he has given to me and done for me.
- For the Salvation that he has freely given to me.
- For having love that is greater than all my sin.
- For bringing me to Vision Baptist Church the greatest church in all the world.
- For giving me the opportunity to come to the Training Center and learn from Pastor Gardner and some of the greatest missionaries in the world
- For allowing me preach and teach His word
- For Pastor Gardner who has been a great help in my life and walk with God.
- For Kathryn who is the greatest girl in all the world.
- For Kyle Shreve who is a great roommate and spiritual encouragement.
- For the Salvation that he has freely given to me.
- For having love that is greater than all my sin.
- For bringing me to Vision Baptist Church the greatest church in all the world.
- For giving me the opportunity to come to the Training Center and learn from Pastor Gardner and some of the greatest missionaries in the world
- For allowing me preach and teach His word
- For Pastor Gardner who has been a great help in my life and walk with God.
- For Kathryn who is the greatest girl in all the world.
- For Kyle Shreve who is a great roommate and spiritual encouragement.
God's Love
It is the most awesome thing to think on the love of God. The greatest realization that I have come to is the fact that God loves me no matter what I do. His love is not based on what I do but on who He is. - Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
For a long time I thought that what I did affected how much God loved me but to realize that He loves me in spite of what I do I causes me to want to serve Him more now than I ever have wanted to in the past.
May God be glorified by my life and the way that I love others as he has loved me.
For a long time I thought that what I did affected how much God loved me but to realize that He loves me in spite of what I do I causes me to want to serve Him more now than I ever have wanted to in the past.
May God be glorified by my life and the way that I love others as he has loved me.
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