A well-written article well worth your time to read on the subject of preaching.
Ponderables
The religions that man creates are actually attempts to escape having to face the true God. We invent religion – not because we are seeking God but because we are running away from Him. — James Montgomery Boice
The Apostle Paul wrote what is perhaps the most perceptive critique of human nature ever written and it is recorded in the Letter to the Romans, chapter 1 verses 18-32:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed [q]forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Is Jesus Enough? Audio Edition Sale
The audio edition of Is Jesus Enough? is now on sale for a limited time. Only $1.99 at Amazon.com
Weekly Photo Challenge – Beyond
The Celebrity Pastor
Here is a link to a very thought provoking article on celebrity pastors. Please, read this and contemplate on how your pastor could use some support and encouragement
http://defendingcontending.com/2013/01/11/do-you-follow-a-celebrity-pastor/
Persian Proverb
He who knows not – and knows not that he knows not
Is a fool — shun him
He who knows not – and knows that he knows not
Is a child — teach him
He who knows – and knows not that he knows
Is asleep — wake him
He who knows – and knows that he knows
Is wise — follow him
Weekly Photo Challenge – Illumination
Video — You: “What is my Calling?” Bible: “Exactly the Same as Everyone Else’s. Now Let’s Go!”
A great video by a friend of mine. Heed his words of wisdom and grow a truly strong, spiritually mature church wherever you are.
Rev. Foley says that every Christian has exactly the same calling. In other words, don’t say, “that’s not my spiritual gift!” That’s simply not Scriptural! For example, everyone is called to preach the gospel, not just the pastor of the church. If you only serve in ways that are comfortable to you, then you are not fulfilling God’s call upon your life to be a generalist. Ultimately, each one of us needs to be able to replicate a church entirely on our own!
YouTube Video Link – http://youtu.be/0TijPDT6PCk
For all of the latest podcasts on Preparation and on past Work’s of Mercy visit our Seoul USA Podcast Page!
The Doctrine of Adoption
The article below gives a very good overview of a doctrine that is often overlooked. Our being adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters, becoming a co-heir with Jesus Christ is an essential teaching that is not stressed enough in our churches. Please take a look at this article and post comments.
http://covenantofgracechurch.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=11
January 2013 Newsletter
Here is the link to the January 2013 newsletter
