Feb 23 

STAYING SHARP

What is a sharp character?

sharp, keen, acute mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm and a penetrating mind.

President Abraham Lincoln was asked one time, Abe you are a famous rail splitter. “If you were going to chop down a mighty Oak tree, how would you go about it.”  He replied, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”

Men must prepare and steel themselves for any significant work.  Praying, putting on the full armor of God, seeking advice of other godly men sharpens us before any enterprise or battle we face.

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

God’s Word is truth, it is powerful and it reveals the truth about ourselves to help us have God’s mind on things as opposed to our fleshly desires.  Staying in God’s Word with keep us sharp, ready for good works. Jesus is described as the logos, God’s Word alive and He stayed prayerful, knew and quoted the scriptures to model living life well.

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Like minded Christian men need to be in relationship with each other sharing our goals and concerns and helping each other stay sharp for successful living in a fallen world.

Every man should have a Paul, a mentor in their life; a Timothy, a protégé that they can disciple and to whom they can pass on the faith and walk; a Barnabas, someone who can encourage and be a cheer leader when they are down; and a Nathan, an accountability partner who will keep them accountable and on God’s path for successful living.

Attend church regularly, join a men’s small group, stay in contact with your Paul, your Timothy, your Barnabas and your Nathan to live successfully.  Stay sharp men!

Waiting for the right time...

You remember how it feels when you are a child and you are waiting on Christmas.

It seems like it will never come.  Recently, my youngest son, David, and his wife Jacqui were waiting on their first child to be born, a girl, who just at the right time arrived on the scene to change their lives forever.

Ask any 9 month pregnant mother and they will tell you they are ready for that baby to arrive.

Talking to Zoe’s other grandpa we commented that “God is never early, but He’s always on time!”

Ephesians 1:10 says,  And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

The children of God are waiting for the return of Christ, just like as kids we were waiting on Christmas… or at least we should be.

Psalm 105 reminds us that at just the right time God called Abraham out of Ur to call out a chosen people.  At just the right time God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt to preserve the Jewish people through the famine.  At just the right time God sent Moses as His instrument to deliver the Jews from slavery in the exodus.

A few weeks ago, we were talking about our spiritual plans for 2023.  God has a plan and at the right time the LORD will come back and this messy old world will be fixed.

In the mean time, let’s work our plan to be obedient joyful witnesses of the blessings in Christ.  Let’s take some folks with us.  Now’s the right time.

Join us Thursday mornings at 6:30am for the FISHERSMEN ZOOM MEETING for fellowship, Prayer and Encouragement.

 

Blessings,

 A Prayer for National Revival in America 

(by Christian Union Day & Night 8/3/2020)

I exalt you, King of the nations, who righteously reigns over the earth in perfect wisdom and strength.

I praise You, Father, for the United States of America and for all of its blessings.

I thank You, God, for the Church You have raised up in America from generations past through today.

Now, Lord, let the fire of the Holy Spirit be fanned into flame in Your Body, in the name of Jesus.

Let every local church building in America become a house of prayer, as you commanded in Your word, in Jesus’ name.

Let Your consuming fire burn all the dross that has attached itself to Your Church, in Jesus’ name.

Father, purify Your people in holiness and remove unfaithfulness from the bride of Christ, in Jesus’ name.

Let every evil spirit deceiving Your people into disobedience die now, in Jesus’ name.

Let every spirit of complacency fall off of Your Church, in Jesus’ name.

Lord, I consecrate my body, soul and spirit to Your purposes afresh, in Jesus’ name.

Father, use me as an agent of revival and national transformation, in Jesus’ name.

Let all fear of men be driven far from Your people, in Jesus’ name.

Holy Father, take away the love of self, love of money, love of pleasure and the love of sinning from Your people, in Jesus’ name.

Destroy disunity in Your people, in Jesus’ name.

Let love for God and allegiance to the name of Jesus Christ be paramount in our hearts and our churches, in Jesus’ name.

Our Chief Shepherd, give Your sheep self-sacrificial under-shepherds to protect Your flock with uncompromising devotion to prayer and to feed Your flock with the pure milk of Your Word.

Father, strengthen the leadership of "Christian Union" to fulfill its calling to help promote national revival.

Father, strengthen all Your people to use their spiritual gifts and do the work of the ministry, in Jesus’ name.

Let Your people build up one another in our most holy faith, in Jesus’ name.

Let zeal for Your name consume us, in the name of Jesus.

Let the mind of Christ rule our thoughts, in the name of Jesus.

We plead for the power of the Holy Spirit to fall on us and make us bold witnesses for Jesus, in Jesus’ name.

Gracious Father, stretch forth Your hand to perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant, Jesus.

Father, make our homes places of holiness, worship and peace, in Jesus’ name.

Lord, raise up Christian men to lead in our homes, in Jesus’ name.

Lord, inspire Christian women in purity and love, in Jesus’ name.

Lord, let our children know Your ways, love Your name and lead a new generation to the Savior, in Jesus’ name.

Father, let the wisdom of our older generation guide our steps, in Jesus’ name.

King of the nations, turn the hearts of our leaders at every level to do Your will, in Jesus’ name.

Father, abolish the sins of abortion, love of money and love of pleasure from our nation, in the name of Jesus.

In the spirit of blind Bartimaeus, we cry out, “Son of David, have mercy on America!”

Father, send Your Holy Spirit to bring repentance and faith to the lost, in the name of Jesus.

Lord, raise up the army of Your Church to conquer the powers of darkness at work in America, in the name of Jesus.

Lord, let every Christian speak Your Gospel with clarity and courage, in Jesus’ name.

Let the spirit of unbelief die in America, in Jesus’ name.

Let every generational sin and every curse be broken off of America, in Jesus’ name.

Let cycles of sin, poverty and unbelief be reversed to generations of blessing, in the name of Jesus.

Father, let Your name be hallowed in America, in Jesus’ name.

Father, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in America, in Jesus’ name.

King of the nations, let this future Christian revival and transformation of America be a sign and a wonder to all the nations of the world and a glory to Your name, in the name of Jesus.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise You now for Your love and power to do the impossible.

Introduction

Our God is the King of the nations (Revelation 15:3). The prophet Jeremiah reveals that the Lord has plans for people groups, not just for individuals. When a nation turns from evil and listens to the Lord, He will direct His mercy and grace to that land and to its people.

If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.

And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. (Jeremiah 18:7-10)

Even under the Old Covenant, God had plans for nations other than Israel. The King of the nations has special purposes for each and every nation - including the United States - that exists throughout history.

The people of God must stand in the place of intercession for its nation (Ezekiel 22:29-30). We must act with faithfulness and continuously plead our case that God will bring repentance and faith to the nation before it is too late.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

The disciples of Jesus are the salt of earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). If we lose our saltiness or hide our light, what hope will be left for the lost people of our nation? Our relentless cry must join with the psalmist:

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)

Prayer and repentance are two of the chief means by which God accomplishes His purposes. The Father will hear and respond to the cries of His children.

Prayer

Pray these prayers for revival of God’s people. Pray with zealous passion and determination to have what you seek, according to the word of God (Luke 18:1-8).

 John the Baptist, the best advance man in history!

This past week we took a look at Matthew 3 which shares some information about Jesus' 2nd cousin through Mary and forerunner, John the Baptist.  By Jesus he is called the greatest man/prophet of all time.

Unconventional, John obeyed God and was no respecter of persons in his prophesies.  He called the people to repentance and identified Jesus as the promised Messiah who would baptize his followers with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John fulfilled Isaiah 40:3 in being the voice crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.

Got Peace?

My favorite Bible letter, and favorite chapter in that letter is Philippians 4. Pastor Bruce spoke on it last Sunday, but as I was re-reading and thinking about the passage, what struck me was that the Apostle Paul told his brothers and sisters in Philippi more than once, "May God's peace be with you!" It reminded me of what Jesus said to His disciples shortly before His passion, " Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

So in Christ, it says we can have peace, even in the midst of the world's chaos. The Jewish concept of peace, or "shalom" carries with it not only the idea of being at peace, but also the thoughts of " Nothing missing, Nothing broken, wellbeing, and completeness, or wholeness." I think Philippians 4 has some other verses that give us clues as to how to live in God's peace:

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Wow, look at all the nuggets in Philippians, chapter 4!

Has the world got you stirred up? Beat up? Read through Philippians, chapter 4. Meditate on the second half of the chapter, and tell me if it helped you feel at peace. Paul says, If you PRACTICE the Christian way of life, then the God of peace will be with you.

TREASURE

Job, the righteous old testament a patriarch, when he was in the middle of his testing, due to the attack of Satan said,

"I have not departed from His commands, but have treasured His (God's) words more than daily food." Job 23:12

Sounds like what Jesus said in the wilderness, when the devil was tempting Him,

During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." But Jesus told him, "No!" The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:3-4

Do you treasure what God has to say? Have you been on a healthy diet lately? More donuts than scripture?

Paul told his understudy, Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Do you want to do what's right? Do you want to be equipped and prepared to accomplish your work? Do you want to live in the truth?

Have you been in His word today? This week?

Final Words

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

If you were leaving your spouse and children, your dearest friends on a long trip, and you would not see them again for a long time, what would be your parting words? You would probably tell them that you loved them. But then, you might give them some marching orders; Something like: “Watch out for and be good to your mother,” “make the kids obey,” and “Be good,” or “Do good work.” In the 15^th chapter of John, Jesus tells his followers that He loves them, but the last two scriptures were Jesus’ marching orders to his friends, his brothers, his followers.

The Story of Ying Kai

In 2001 Ying Kai had been assigned as a missionary to an unreached people group of 20 million people in a country in the Far East. For the five years prior to this new assignment, he had been effective in planting one new church per year, and personally discipling about 60 people per year. He was receiving accolades for his effectiveness as a missionary.

But as he considered the overwhelming responsibility of trying to have an impact on 20 million people, he realized that if he kept doing what he had been doing he would never make a dent in reaching these unreached people. As he turned to the Lord in prayer and meditated on the Great Commission, the Lord’s instructions for pursuing his new assignment were there. The Great Commission instructs that we are to go, not just invite them to come to us; that everyone is to be engaged in attempting to reach everyone, everywhere; and we are to make disciples, not just church members or converts.

With these new marching orders, Ying Kai began by teaching a group of 30 Christians how to make disciples who would know how to make disciples. (2 Tim 2:2) During the next 10 years, he was used of God to begin a movement that planted more than 158,000 churches and baptized 1.7 million people.

They love us anyway!

God knows us better than we know ourselves. After all, He made us, the good parts anyway. Yet, He knows about all the bad stuff and still loves us enough to send His Son, Jesus to take away our sin.

Similarly, on earth, our wives know us better than anyone else. They know the good parts and they know the warts and wrinkles too. Yet, they still love us. Shouldn’t we return the favor?

“ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Eph 5:25-28”

“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker (a more sensitive instrument), since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7”

Happy Valentine’s Day guys. Don’t forget your best girl!

HE MADE US

You are no accident, or evolutionary product. God loves you, planned you, made you, thinks about you, prepared works for you to do, and has a future and hope for you. Don’t let the world tell you different!

One of the first people in the bible who followed after God was Enoch. Genesis 5:21-22a” says, “Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. THEN Enoch walked with God…

I’ve recently just seen my first grandbaby, and in that little 8 lb 9 oz bundle is a complete person. She has tiny toes and fingernails, dark inquiring blue eyes and cute tiny ears. It’s a miracle, and like Enoch, many a man has been pointed towards God when they witness the miracle of a new baby.

Yet the world, secular science and evolution tries to deny God’s involvement in the miracle. Here’s what the God says in His word:

Psalm 100:3 says, “Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

Psalm 139:13-17 says, “For You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

You are no accident, or evolutionary product. God loves you, planned you, made you, thinks about you, prepared works for you to do, and has a future and hope for you. Don’t let the world tell you different!

Found: God's will

In talking with my young Timothys I found that they are both at some crossroads regarding carreers and possible relocation, and so it is natural that they are mindful and searching for what God wants them to do to make good decisions. One of them shared a short book by John MacArthur on knowing God’s will entitled “Found: God’s Will.”

MacArthur said that we know that God’s will is: 1) That you be Saved, 2) that you be filled Spirit filled, 3) that you be Sanctified for God’s service, 4) that you be Submissive to God’s authority, and 5) that you be Suffering for the cause of Christ.

Saved God desires all men to be saved, by placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their savior and Lord. If you are still rejecting Christ, you’re not in the will of God.

Spirit filled If you have accepted Christ you have the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ. But are you available? Are you yielded? Are you seeking to be filled with, and led by the Spirit?

Sanctified Sanctified means the same thing as holy, it means being set apart for service, like the athlete who is in training, or the soldier with a dedicated lifestyle to accomplish his purpose. It means seeking purity and avoiding sinful entanglements.

Submissive To be faithful, available and teachable, a FAT Christian, one must submit to spiritual, employer, and societal authority. To have humility and a servant attitude is to be really useful.

Suffering To have kingdom impact, one must boldly stand for Christ, with the risks and damage of going against the world, and calling sin, sin. “If you confront the world you will find the hostility that is meant for Jesus coming at you.”

This is my mini-book report on MacArthur’s book. The relationship between God’s direction and being in His will reminds me of the relationship between Character and Reputation. If you take care of your character, your reputation will take care of itself. If you work on the 5 S’s of being in God’s will, and you’re in the game rolling along, it will be easy for God to get you directed where He wants you

Psalm 90

Psalm 90 spoke to me this week.

It says:

LORD, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

LORD, please have compassion on your servants.

LORD, please satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

It reminds us:

LORD, before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the earth and the World, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

A thousand years in God’s sight are like a day that has just gone by

The length of our days is 70 years, or 80 if we have the strength, but they quickly pass , and we fly away.

Finally it asks:

LORD, may your favor rest upon us; and please establish the work of our hands

Sobering and good thoughts, I think.

(Try to make time and read the whole Psalm 90 today when you can)

ONE ANOTHER

The Bible talks about the ministry that believers have to “One Another.” This support for one another happens most effectively in small groups like the Fishersmen. The New Testament tells us that in fellowship with one another many good things happen to build us up and sustain us:

ENCOURAGEMENT

Encourage One Another 1 Thes 5:11 Heb 10:25

Spur One Another on toward love and good deeds Heb 10:24

FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship with One Another 1 Jn 1:7

Offer hospitality to One Another 1 Pet 4:9

Love One Another John 13:34

SUPPORT

Accept One Another Rom 15:7

Agree with One Another 1Cor 1:10

Serve One Another Gal 5:13

ACCOUNTABILITY

Instruct One Another Rom 5:14

Admonish One Another Col 3:16

Submit to One Another Eph 5:21

PRAYER

Brothers, pray for us. 1 Th 5:25

Pray for all men 1 Tim 2:1

Santa and the Baby Jesus?

Yes, I know that Jesus is the reason for the season. But I thought you’d find this letter from Santa Claus enlightening… (Credit to friend, Jack Bussell)

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

There are many rumors regarding whether I am real or exist. I want you to know there is a Santa Claus. I continue to remain in the hearts of children of all ages. Sadly some have denied my existence. Thankfully others believe and continue my traditions in good spirit. My presence is not of any normal life but rather from an existence that is ageless, for all to reflect and enjoy.

My journey began in the 4^th century giving gifts to poor children, those less fortunate. I became known as Sinterklass. Over the ages I have been called Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply Santa. Various cultures share tales of my existence, of my habits and of my traits.

Once a child myself, I grew up to become Saint Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration for the Christian figure of Sinterklaas. I was once a 4th century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey.

As many years passed a number of myths and exaggerations have indeed surrounded my existence. The truth… my presence today continues in the spirit of giving and is an example set by God, who gave his son Jesus Christ so that we may all enjoy forgiveness of our sins and the prospects of eternal life.

May you experience the renewal of the Christmas Spirit, the excitement of anticipation, while sharing in many joyous surprises. My Christmas wish for you is to enjoy your time together and remember the importance of family and friendships. Never forget the joy of giving. In the spirit and generosity of Christmas make each and every day of your life and those that you meet joyful.

So you see, Santa and his traditions are alive, continuing throughout the ages by the Spirit of the Holy Day (holi-day) of Christmas. The gifts in Santa's bag are for your family, shared with a heartfelt reminder to reflect in the generosity of God. They are given in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

So…..Do you believe?

Shared in the Love of Christ

Merry Christmas,
Santa

IN THE FLESH

Ricky Bobby (Will Farrell in Talladega Nights) loves the little 8 lb 6 oz, infant baby Jesus and somewhat irreverently reminds us of most people's vision of our Lord at Christmas time. They are comfortable with a baby, born to humble circumstances, who grew up to teach peace and brotherly love. Man likes to fashion God in a comfortable package.

However, Scripture paints a different vision of the appearance of the incarnate Christ, Emmanuel (God with us) on earth in the flesh:

The baby Jesus was an eternal spiritual being and the creator of all things:

John 1:1-4 1 In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him (Jesus) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The baby Jesus left the throne room of heaven on a mission for men:

Philippians 2:5-11 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The baby Jesus is a winner with an impressive resume with titles:

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The baby Jesus is the supreme Lord of Reconciliation:

Colossians 1:15-21 The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The baby Jesus is Savior, Lord, the only begotten Son of the Living God:

Matthew 1:30 - 35 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God.

Let’s test our vision of who the baby Jesus is. Let’s challenge others this season and speak out about the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.

I am a Mormon… NOT!

Indianapolis was chosen by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormons) as one of its 12 target cities to focus their message at this time. You can see their efforts in billboards and television commercials popping up in greater metro Indy. Their catch phrase, and hence this article is stated as “I am a Mormon.” Mormons are nice people, they’re good people, they don’t drink, even coffee , or smoke. They’re sincere, good business people, and good marketers. But, do we want their religion?

Mormons claim to be a part of Christianity, and yet claim to have a later, more correct revelation about God and His will beyond the old and new testaments. Let’s explore some of the contrasts between Orthodox Christianity and Mormonism: The following is a clip from All About Religion.org

Mormonism vs. Christianity - The Differences

Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was birthed in 1820 by a vision in which two celestial personages appeared to Joseph Smith claiming all existing churches were wrong, all their creeds were an abomination, and all their professors were corrupt. According to these personages, Smith had been chosen to restore—not reform— a church that had disappeared from the face of the earth. The Mormon doctrines that evolved from this vision compromise confuse or contradict the nature of God, the authority of Scripture and the way of salvation.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - View of God

First, while Christians believe that God is spirit, Joseph Smith taught, “God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” Mormonism also holds to a plurality of Gods and contends that “as man is God once was; as God is man may become.” Additionally, the Latter-day Saints compromise the nature of the God-man, Jesus Christ. In Christianity, Jesus is the self-existent creator of all things. In Mormonism, he is the spirit brother of Lucifer who was conceived in heaven by a celestial Mother and came in flesh as the result of the Father having sex with the Virgin Mary.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Revelation

Furthermore, in sharp distinction to orthodox Christian theology, Mormons do not believe that the Bible is the infallible repository for redemptive revelation. In their view, the Book of Mormon is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion.” Two further revelations complete the Mormon quad, namely Doctrines and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Doctrines and Covenants is a compilation of divine revelations that includes the doctrine of polygamy. Not until threatened by the federal government did Mormon president Wilford Woodruff receive a revelation relegating polygamy to the afterlife. The Pearl of Great Price is no less troubling. It was this extra-biblical revelation that was used by Mormonism to prevent African Americans from entering the priesthood and from being exalted to godhood.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Heaven

Finally, while Christians believe that they will stand before God dressed in the spotless robes of Christ’s righteousness, Mormons contend that they will appear before heavenly Father dressed in fig-leaf aprons holding good works in their hands. According to the Latter-day Saints, virtually everyone qualifies for heaven. Murderers, unrepentant whoremongers and the world’s vilest people make it into the Telestial heaven; lukewarm Mormons, religious people, and those who accept the Mormon gospel in the spirit world typically enter the Terrestrial heaven; and temple Mormons make it to the Celestial heaven. Only those who are sealed in secret temple rituals, however, will make it to the third level of the Celestial kingdom, become God’s of their own planets.

These and many other doctrinal perversions exclude Mormonism from rightly being called Christian.

Isaiah 43:10 says, "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD , 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'"

Learn More!

Copyright Christian Research Institute and Hank Hanegraaff. Used by permission

WORD WATCH

I feel a little conviction right now about cleaning up my speech. I work with a bunch of guys who are very professional when talking to our clients and partners, but in our group will use the full English language. And, I have drifted down that path using some words that shouldn’t come out of my mouth. And I know words matter and can destroy or support our witness and walk. So here are some verses I’m trying to ponder.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

This is the first verse that came to mind. Clearly some of my language has been less than wholesome, and not constructive. Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Here’s God on record about not damning this, or invoking the Trinity’s names on anything un-holy.

I should take it as seriously as He does.

Colossians 3:16

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Don’t expect to quite hear me singing through life, but if we let The Message dwell in us, and have our mind focused on our purpose, worldly talk is less likely to leak out.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Our words come from our thought life, and there is a way to positively focus our thinking. Filling our thoughts with good stuff, and as the next verse says, being willing to catch ourselves and take captive any bad thoughts leading to bad talk.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Guarding our tongues (my tongue) is an ongoing battle. Let’s hold each other accountable for our walk and our talk. Here’s what brother James says:

James 3:2-10 2

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

MARGIN

Luke 6:12 It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

I was talking with one of our regular Fishersmen who described his very full weekend, with many good activities and accomplishments. But then he described being grumpy on Sunday afternoon, and he was having trouble getting out of his funk, and not grumbling to his wife and children.

We can all relate to that. It’s not as much needing ME time, as it is just having some down time, or a bit of MARGIN in our busy schedules in this hectic world. I was impressed with an Operation Timothy lesson that challenged us in, “If you only have 3 more years to live. Only 3 years to accomplish your life’s purpose, how would you use your time?” Jesus earthly ministry only lasted about 3 years, yet mission accomplished, and He saved and changed the world for eternity.

Only 3 years, but He took time out to get alone, out away from the city, to be calm, focused, and talk to Dad. How’s your margin? Too many plates spinning? Any down time,? empty box time?unscheduled reflection time available to you in the next few days? Weeks?

Retreat, reflect, refocus, recharge, talk to Dad, and perhaps you’ll be better able to accomplish the good works God has for you to walk in, that He prepared for you before the beginning of the world.

I'll be back!

When I was a young child, attending Sunday school, I must have slept through a lesson or two, because when my buddy said, "You know Jesus is coming back again sometime," I said "Where do you get that?" "You must be crazy." You see, I had heard the bible stories, but I had missed this important story. I thought we were talking about a historical figure, a teacher, a good man, the baby in the manger. I didn't know we were

talking about the risen Lord and coming future King.

Here's the story...

Jesus talking to his followers, shortly before his death and resurrection...

John 14:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

Jesus to his followers, after giving them their directives...

Acts 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

The apostle Paul to Jesus' followers at the church in Thessalonica after they had been frightened by reports that Jesus had already come back, and that they had missed it...

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[a] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[b] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died[c] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who

are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

The Apostle John in the revelation given to him about future things seeing the followers of Christ who have risen, getting ready to participate in the wedding feast of King Jesus...

Revelation 19:6-9 New International Version (NIV)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Friends, Mohammad is not coming back. Confusius is not coming back. Buddah may have come back as a cow or a butterfly in another life (NOT). But, Jesus Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords is coming back! And He's coming back soon!

Earthquakes in Virginia? Record Heat and Drought in Indiana?

Earthquakes in Virginia and Colorado in the same day. Record heat and dryness in Indiana. We find ourselves in a time with an explosion of the information age, and the pace of life hectic, with people rushing to and fro. The world has a lack of confidence in our financial systems and political leaders. Does the Bible have anything to say about times like these?

Romans 8:19-23

¹⁹ For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. ²⁰ Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, ²¹ the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. ²² For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,^[a] including the new bodies he has promised us.

Daniel 12:1b-4

Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. ²Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. ³ Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

Matthew 24:14

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 22:12

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.

He is coming soon! Get the word out, and walk the walk!

CONVICTION

Jesus told his followers just before His passion and return to heaven, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the (heavenly) Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” John 16:7-11

Pastor Bruce in his sermon on Sunday said, “Nobody gets saved unless they first get convicted!” Think about that… Unless we get judged in our own hearts as guilty, convicted of being sinners, missing the mark or standard of God’s righteousness; and knowing that we know that we aren’t right before God, then we won’t be ready to accept God’s pardon, Jesus’ grace, or unmerited favor in his atoning sacrifice, to be born again to new life.

Are you born again of the Spirit of God through the grace of Jesus Christ? Are you in His family now following Him? Were you convicted of your sin? Are you now a saint, because you are an Ex convict, that is, convicted of your sin, judged with the penalty paid once and for all by Christ?

If we are His, the Holy Spirit keeps on convicting us daily so that we may crucify our flesh, or natural man, and put on Jesus’ character and life. Paul says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

If you are a Christian, it means you’ve first been convicted!