THE MOST CONVICTING BOOK, BESIDES THE BIBLE, THAT I HAVE EVER READ

I have read a lot of books since I started reading as a youngster. When I was saved I started reading books that were Christian or pertained to my walk with Christ.

I say all of this to say that I have not read a book in my Christian life that is so dead-on convicting as this book. Don't let the title fool you. This book is for boys and men of all ages. It has been the kind of book that I try to pick up every year and read.

Here is a brief description from the publisher...

Though aimed at young men, all Christians will greatly benefit from Ryle' s practical wisdom concerning the dangers of pride, the love of pleasure, and thoughtlessness, discussed in a warm, but frank manner.

Go to this link and check it out.

Bible Giveaway!!!!

We all love giveaways, right? Here is a great opportunity to win a super nice Bible from a top-notch ministry/company.

Logos Bible Software is celebrating the launch of their new online Bible by giving away 72 ultra-premium print Bibles at a rate of 12 per month for six months. The Bible giveaway is being held at Bible.Logos.com and you can get up to five different entries each month! After you enter, be sure to check out Logos and see how it can revolutionize your Bible study.

SwordSearcher Bible Software

I am what you would call a Bible Software junkie. I have used, bought, deleted, re-installed, upgraded, updated, reviewed, and previewed Bible software for a long time. I cannot begin to count how many programs that I have used over the years.

Recently, Brandon at SwordSearcher was kind enough to send me a copy of SwordSearcher 5 for me to review. To start off many don't like a lot of the programs out there because many are nothing more than public domain (free software already available). So to be fair, I have to say that SwordSearcher does have some public domain software as part of it.

I must say that $49.95 will get you get you a nice program WITH a money back guarantee. Though, I have seen most, if not all, the software that this program has; the way that it is put together with its interface is great. It is geared for a beginner and even some intermediate users. All references are linked next to the verses and with the program being indexed, it works very fast. I also enjoyed mousing over a text and seeing the verse/reference pop up. It also has a built in word processor so that you can make your own notes as you study. The learning curve is small as most will be able to jump right in without being overwhelmed. Another neat feature that SwordSearcher has is the ability to fully install the program to your hard drive and removing your CD for safe-keeping.

I encourage you to go to this site and look at all the resources that $49.95 will get you. If not, at least download the demo and check it out.

Big Business

I am afraid that church has become big business. Oh, I know that this is not news to most of you but I felt that I needed to add my opinion to the mix.

It is amazing that we (Christians) have allowed the mindsets of the world to influence and conjole us into the business frame of mind in reference to how we "do" church. Let me explain.

Instead of allowing God to bring the increase we do our best to do that for Him. Who needs the power of the Holy Spirit when we have high attendance day, Friend Day, Biker Sunday, Youth sunday, Homecoming and Revival, and etc. We can go and "enroll" people in our Sunday School class at the local Wal-Mart. (Yes, I have seen it done and heard preachers encourage their people to go to Wal-Mart and coerce folks and sign them up.) This is just wrong. We are doing nothing more than making liars out of them. They, in most cases, are saying what you want to hear so that you will leave them alone.

Remember, God does not need you to work for Him. He is self-sufficient and does not need anything. He allows us to serve Him by our work.

Here are some other ideas on the business of church...

Maybe I can sell you some sermons. You know, bundle all of my sermons up and sell them. They even come with the anointing that God had given me when I preached them.

If you allow me to I will come to your church and show you how to turn your meager 50 people on Sunday into 5000 in one week. Of course, there is a nominal fee for me to teach my tricks.

If you bring 10 friends with you to church this week we will turn the baptistry into a mud wrestling pit for the following week's service.

Also, we have turned our baptistry into a firetruck for our youngsters. Just get them to say "yes" to Jesus and they get to take a trip into the firetruck.

This Tuesday night we will be going out and visting people in the community. We will be using the "TWIST" program. This program is simple. You just visit with the people and tell them about Jesus. If they say no, change the way you shared Christ and do it again. If they still say no grab their arm and twist it behind their back. They WILL want to be saved then. This brings amazing results.

Also, we have a "Hot" program for little children. The gist of it is you invite all the children up to the front of church before your sermon. You then proceed to tell that about Hell and how hot it is. The scare factor is crucial here. You have to be dramatic so as to get the desired result. Afterwards, start counting how many want to get saved.

Another great one is the hand raiser. Forget asking anyone to stand up for Christ, just ask them at invitation time to raise their hand. Does "with every head bowed and every eye closed" ring a bell? How about "Yes, I see that hand and that hand..."?

And we must not forget the goldie oldie. If, during invitation time no "movement" is happening, ask folks to come and re-dedicate their lives to the Lord. Don't worry about rededication not being in the Bible, they will never know. Remember, generate movement at any cost. Besides, God needs a little help sometimes.

In the next post, I will elaborate how I know these techniques are true.

Church is big business you know.

Quote of the Day

"When sin is your burden, Christ will be your delight."
--Thomas Watson

A Book of Deliverance and Honesty

Some time ago I came upon a site that really intrigued me. It is a ministry that deals with "Christians" and "churches" who have compromised their beliefs to embrace the sin of homosexuality.

The gentleman who runs that site is named D.L. Foster. He was saved and delivered from this sin and wrote a book about his journey. I have to admit. I have not seen nor read anything so upfront and honest as this book. I do encourage you to read and admire the frankness of this man of God.

Are You Going To Church Today?

I hope everyone who reads this goes to church today or is planning on going to church today. I know that some can't for a plethora of reasons. The ones I am hitting on are the ones who can go but choose not to go for a plethora of reasons.

The way I look at it is I cannot afford not to go. I need to learn from God's Word. I need to see how my brothers and sisters in Christ are doing so I can minister to them if possible. I need their ministering in my life also. I also realize that we all need this one word; accountability.

So wake up you sleepy head. From the words of Keith Green's song "Asleep in the Light"... "Jesus rose from the dead and YOU...you can't even get out of bed."

MANLINESS

What is manliness? How are men supposed to act nowadays verses yester-year? I have from time to time enjoyed reading The Art of Manliness' site. I like reading about the way things used to be and how a gentleman should act. To me, those topics and many like them are gone. No one seems to care how a husband should treat his wife. Well, you know what? He should!!!


Think about it. Where in the world are you going to have a refreshing article on "Manly Smells" like you would here.


To me, this is a site that celebrates manhood. I think that is good and that men should NEVER cower or be made to feel inferior. If you are a man, God has made you that way, so be happy about and celebrate the differences.


Most of us will admit that it is great to see a "Man's Man." We respect that air that is given off when we see real men like

For those of you who don't know who these men are, can someone name them for me?

I say all of this to say...Be happy to be a man. Act like a gentleman, speak like a gentleman, and by all mean; show ladies that you are a gentleman.

LADIES, CHIVALRY IS NOT DEAD!!!

Quote of the Day

"Any person is a dispensationalist who trusts the blood of Christ rather than bringing an animal sacrifice, and any person is a dispensationalist who observes the first day of the week rather than the seventh."

Lewis Sperry Chafer

A Dirty Mouth

I was reading Defending.Contending. today and thought about this idea of a "dirty mouth."

Should people like Mr. Driscoll (who I know many like) ease up or clean up his "act" or is he just being relevant enough to reach his audience?

And, if he is just being relevant enough to reach his audience, has his relevance gone too far?

I am reminded of...

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:14)

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

An Apology

To the many or few that read this blog I owe an apology for being so long. I know that there is no set time limit but I hate it when I follow someone's blog or site and they take an excessive amount of time in updating it.

Ministry has been busy and challenging. When the needful things get crazy the fun things like blogging take a back seat. I do enjoy sharing my odd, challenging, convicting, and sometimes extreme views. This is definitely what keeps us from being boring.

I do have a quote that made me think.

I read this week where a pastor said that the meanest people he had ever met were in the church.

Agreed, he has probably been hurt but what do you think?

What do you think?

New Toy for Kids at Church

WOW!!! Finally the church can buy a toy for the nursery/preschoolers that really has some meaning. It is a Lego set that allows you to "create" Jesus.

What will they think of next? Twister for your Senior Adult ministry?

Maybe this will grow the children's ministry. AMAZING!!

**Though the product is legitimate, my comments are totally sarcastic.**

Sobering

I know this video is making its rounds on the web. It aggravates me when everyone insists on sharing the same video as others on their blog or site but I had to join that group.

As a pastor, this video made me think, really think. Think about what I am sharing at all times. Think about standing before God and answering to Him about what I've preached, or not preached. I hope you enjoy it.

Quote of the Day

"I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience."
-John Bunyan

Under Pressure

"It may take a crucified church to bring a crucified Christ before the eyes of the world."
- W.E. Orchard

I came across this quote today and it made me really think. The church in America today does not understand nor comprehend what persecution is. I do think that the church would benefit from some persecution. What do you think?

Mothers Who Don't Care

That they may teach the young women to be vigilant, to love their husbands, to love their children. Titus 2.4

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all. ...She will be rewarded with the fruit of her own hands; and because of her works and deed she will be praised in public places. Proverbs 31.28-29, 31

I am sure this post will aggravate some but as my mother says, "tough."

I have noticed a growing trend over the past 20 years. I have also noticed the intensity of this trend picking up at a rapid pace over the last 10 years. The trend I am speaking of is of the slackness of many mothers.

Now I know that every generation of every civilization has had their problems with women who had children but did not want to be a mother. I also know there are psycho moms, just like psycho dads, who wish to harm their children. These are not the people that I am talking about.

I am talking about moms who, have children, but act like they don't want their children. You know the type. The ones who love dropping their child off at the "Mother's Morning Out" so they can "catch their breath." Or the moms who live to take their child to ball practice, or some event so that others can "watch" them. The moms who constantly want to "farm" out their child on some family member or friend. The moms who always want another child to come over to entertain their child.

I see this quite a lot. I see this in church nurseries of mothers who don't want to make their children mind so they dump their child off so that they can "hear the message." I saw this while playing and coaching league ball. I remember one year while having VBS a parent dropped their child off and stated how they needed some time to shop and do other stuff. This is a common mentality today.

I have seen this over and over even while playing and coaching league ball.

Some may say that we all need time to "unwind" but this is oftentimes not the case. It appears that what is meant is that mothers need time off from mothering, caring, and nurturing their child.

This is also a case for public school. I have heard many times christian mothers would like to homeschool their child but they don't know if they could "handle spending that much time with their child." So, it appears that school then becomes a babysitter for their child too.

Are children that awful that mothers need a break? Are they that bothersome that we need someone else to help raise them?