Thursday, September 3, 2009

Is Your Preacher Boring

Some have asked this question before. Some have the feeling that the preacher is boring. Have you wondered about these questions?
· Do you want to hear something new and exciting?
· Are you tired of hearing the same old thing?
o Does it seem like it is repetitious?
· Is the preacher not bringing in enough people?
What we should be asking instead is:
· Is the truth being taught? (II Timothy 2:15)
o Is it being compromised because it isn’t new? (II Peter 2)
· Is it the same thing the apostles were preaching? (Acts 2:36-41)
o Are we preaching the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 4:17)
§ Teaching repentance necessary!
· Is the truth boring us? (II Timothy 4:1-5)
o Why do we believe we need something different than those on Pentecost?
Sadly many want to blame the preacher for many things in the church. He is a scapegoat and easy target for many to point the blame. Instead, we should be asking if the preacher is preaching the word of truth (Hebrews 5:14). The work of all of us is to bring the word of truth to others. We cannot add to or take away from the Bible (Revelation 22:18-19). There are strict and severe consequences if we compromise the truth of the Bible.
Many people who call themselves “preachers” compromise. Excuses are made and, well, the Bible isn’t exciting enough so people decide they need to jazz the Bible up to their liking and present something that will excite people instead of preaching the truth. False teaching happens when we want to jazz up the scriptures and preach something else (II Peter 2). There are consequences because not only does it lead them astray, but also it is also leading others astray.
The word of God is simple and complete (II Timothy 3:16-17). Is heaven not exciting for us? Is the word of God that leads us to eternal life no longer exciting or enough for us to follow? Do we somehow desire more than what God offers for us? Are we no longer having the same desire of wanting to reach heaven (Philippians 3:12-16)?
Let’s consider this for a moment: Is the preacher helping us and showing us through the Bible on what we need to do to have eternal life (John 14:1-6). Are we searching the same scriptures for the proof on the matter and following along when a lesson is being presented (Acts 17:11)? Are the lessons according to God’s word? If it isn’t then we must inform the one presenting the lesson it isn’t truthful. However, if the lesson is truthful and according to the Bible then how can we say the preacher is boring. Truth is truth! Truth when defined is saying it is absolute. Is the truth being taught? Isn’t what we are to be doing is speaking and rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15)? How can this be boring?
When this question is posed about is the preacher boring let us first answer these questions. Is the preacher speaking truth? Are we wanting to change the word of God? Are we desiring something more than the Bible offers? Is the Bible exciting to us? Are we excited about eternal life? Does the preacher speak words that are showing us the way to eternal life?
Let us examine the scriptures and answer these questions simply. If the preacher is speaking words that will lead us and show us the way to eternal life through God’s word this should be sufficient. Let us be encouraged that there are people who are willing and able to stand for truth in this way. Let us be encouraged that God has made heaven possible for us and not be bored with God’s word!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Better House

Ecclesiastes 7:3-4 speaks of two different houses. We have the house of mourning and the house of feasting. It is written here the house of mourning is better than the house of feasting. Why is this?

So many times today people are in the house of feasting. One is hitting all the high points of life. Everything is working in their favor. However so many times when everything is going in this direction they have forgotten one thing. This of course is God! Instead of realizing how much God has belssed our labor and work they turn away to something else.

The house of mourning is a house that brings one closer to God. We realize that we do not need the finer things of life. As long as we have God in return God will take care of everything else for us. God will be tehre in the high times and the lwo times. Sadly when many are in the low times they turn to God but once one rebounds many forget about God again.

We are to remember God in both types of houses. The high times in how God has blessed our hands and our families in so many ways. The low times as well remembering that God cares for us always (I Peter 5:7).

We should let our light shine at all times remembering God in all things!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Stand For Christ

As Paul writes in II Timothy 4:2-5 Paul is giving some lasting instructions to Timothy. AS Paul points out we ened to be preaching the word.

We need to be ready at all times in doing. Time willcome when people no longer desire to hear the truth. Instead they will heap up teachers that will please the ear.It is a charge that we need to have in our lives at all times. Many do not desire to hear the whole truth. One desires to pick and choose or ammend the word of God. What that means is a meeting in the middle. Is this what the scriptures were made for.

Just a chapter back in II Timothy 3:16-17 we are told the word of God is complete. It gives us everything we already need to be found pleasing and acceptable to God.We may encounter people that we see or run into and ask reasons asto why we do the things we do.

We need to be ready at all times for thse encounters and share with others the reason and hope of heaven that is in us (I Peter 3:15). Share the truthGo to God's word and share with them the truth. If we share the truth and preach the word we are doing the great work that we needto do for Christ.

Let our lights shine!!!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Back Door Christian

It amazes me so much that there are many who are willing to push others in front of them and use other Christians as a shield for them. How many times does this occur when it comes to responsibility that others will back away? Or that others will try and make someone else do it. It is a situation that some want to keep their hands clean and make otehrs do the work.

It is a situation like Cain and Abel. When Cain slew Abel and God realized the situation and talked to Cain. Cain replies "am I my brother's keeper?" Cain knew what happened but instead of taking responsibility he instead pushed an excuse in front of it.

Jesus calls to us that the field is white and ready to harvest (John 4:35). The question we need to ask is: Are we ready to help with the harvest? Are we ready to do the work that we are called to do by Christ (Mark 16:15-16)?

Or instead are we going to push others in front and hide behind them? Also are we willing to make excuses. Do we think that we can make excuses to God in the end?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Battling Excuses

How many times have we made excuses before? Think about it. It is 6:00 am and the alarm is going off and we may have some personal days and we wake up and we decide that we do not want to go to work. We call up work and either say that we are using a personal day or sadly sometimes use the fake cough routine and decide to try and persuade their boss they are not able to make it.
Think about this again. It is 8:00 am and the alarm is going off on Sunday. Again it is one of those days that we just don’t feel like coming to services. Sometimes and it is sad to see that people will call and do the fake cough routine to get out of going to services. Or they come up with another excuse to try and persuade someone that they are not able to make it?
Do we see a problem? The real problem is that we are giving an excuse to God for not gathering with our brethren.
Many people today face the battles everyday of excuses. People try to come up with any and every excuse to get out of many things and sadly one of them is worship service at any time. When people come up with an excuse what they are really saying is that I don’t want to come or, I don’t care. It is a hard a difficult battle that people face once they do it for the first time. Once one it happens once guilt is no longer present as much and we don’t feel see any problem with it. It becomes easier and easier to do and come up with something.
Some may ask the question of what are we truly neglecting? Consider with me over in Hebrews 10:25 where the problem lies. The problem is when we neglect the assembling of ourselves together. It isn’t just a Sunday morning. What about Sunday evening or even Wednesday evening? Are these not as important? Are or are we not gathering together to learn more about God.
Brethren need each other constantly. Consider again with me this time in Romans 12:15 and Galatians 6:2. Ask a question “how can I encourage you or you encourage me if we are making excuses of not coming?” I need encouragement as much as you do. It is hard to give and receive encouragement when we do not see each other. In order for to be there for our brethren we need to be able to see them.
Then another battle that we face today is the battle of excuses when it comes to obeying God. Have we heard one of these statements before:

“God’s way is impossible”
“I am too much of a sinner”
“I have to give up too much”
“I am just not ready”

When we hear things like this what is really coming out is that “God isn’t that important.”Is the way of God a burden for us to follow? (I John 5:3) Why is it then that we try to use an excuse of God’s way is impossible. If the ways of God isn’t a burden then it isn’t impossible. Notice what Jesus says in Matthew 7:14 (ESV). Jesus says it is a hard way. It isn’t that is impossible to follow. We are able to just takes dedication and the rewards are eternal and we will be considered blessed.
Then when we look at another excuse of giving up many things one thing that comes to mind is our friends. The thought is that because I am a Christian I have to give up friends. What is our brethren? Can they not also be our friends? What does evil company do to us (I Corinthians 15:33)? Our good habits that we have can become sinful habits. Evil company does corrupt the good habits. Influence plays a huge role in our lives and those that surround ourselves with does play an impact in our lives. Ask a question: are the ones that are involved in my life hindering or helping my service to God?
Battling excuses are an everyday battle. We must overcome then every day. When we start to think about reasons to not come or not obey look to God for guidance. Ask a question “can I give an excuse to God to enter eternal life?”
When it come to excuses overcome them don’t give in. An excuse is a way that we say we don’t care. It is really pure neglect when we decide to give an excuse for not doing the things that God expects for us.
How will we be remembered?

MEMORY VERSE: II TIMOTHY 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

~DANIEL~

Friday, February 27, 2009

It's Not Easy

As we get older our memories become more abundant. Our memory becomes more in tune to everything that has happen. We remember many childhood memories and things that have happened in our life. We tend to magnify everything that we have accomplished or endured.
The world offers many choices in life. It is never an easy thing when we have to choose God over the world. Temptations arise and try to get us to fail to serve God. Some say it is human nature to give in and some say that it is impossible to do.
Then when we look at ourselves who are Christians and see how we have made a transition from sin to salvation, we over simplify it. Sometimes in our thinking we believe that we should just throw off the old man that lead to sin and now just begin living a new life. It is true that this is what needs to happen. However truth of the matter: it is not easy to make this transition. There are many factors that provoke resistance against conformity to truth and conversion. These are things that may be hard to understand unless we are feeling them ourselves. I can imagine that all of us may have felt this at some point but we still may have takenthe opportunity to change. These are things however that we can definitely overcome if we think that it is not easy.
First of all it is not easy to deny the world. The main reason is that the world as an influence is extremely strong for us to overcome. The reason for this is simple and it is called “human pleasure.” Human passions and pleasures become addictions more towards the world instead of spiritual things. From the beginning of time when Satan tempted Eve he used the idea “do what you want when you want” mentality as been the problem for mankind. This desire for freedom from God has been our ultimate demise and biggest obstacle to overcome.
It’s not an easy thing to do but we are instructed by God to do it (Ephesians 4:17-32). We are given instructions to give up the old sinful world. It leads to corruption and eternal doom. We should no longer lie but instead speak truth. Never put ourselves in sinful situations. If we put off the old sinful world we will put off the things that cause us to sin and avoid them at every cost we can. Follow and understand the purpose that Jesus had in this world.
Are the rules of God a burden? The answer of course is no (I John 5:3). If we love and want God we will follow God’s way. They are not designed to be considering what James says in James 1:25 “perfect law of liberty.” They are a better and best way for us. It is a better life here and now (Gal. 5:22-23), a better way (John 14:6), and a better future (Rev. 21:20-27). Secondly, it is not easy to walk away from a past belief. While growing up we learn many things. Math has always been a strong point for me and I was raised that 2+2=4. I am very skeptical to be told differently. Why won’t we believe anything different? While testing the equation “two” is correct in every way. Therefore we will not except any other type of answer.
Let’s change the scenario: we were raised that all we had to do is accept Jesus as our personal Savior and we will be saved. Then someone teaches you it takes belief and action to be saved. It is not easy to conform to this new knowledge. What must we do to put it to the test?
The Bible is our only source of information concerning salvation
We must go to the Word and test the equation
We must see which concept passes the test
Let’s put it to the test and looking at those on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 222:42). There were many different types of people that witnessed the lesson that Peter presented to them. They heard the message that was delivered that day and it did affect them. Peter used scripture throughout his entire sermon that day. The crowd responded in a way that it cut them to the heart replying “what must we do to be saved.”
They realized at that point that belief was not enough. Peter told them to: “believe, repent, and be baptized to be saved from the perverse generation.” That day there were three thousand souls added to the church. They understood through the message that Peter presented using scripture that they needed more and they obeyed.
Lastly, it is not easy to admit a need for salvation. There are many factors that lead to a role in this situation. Some are embarrassed to know that I have sinned. Well, we all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Some may think: I have waited too long and lived a long life without it and now it is embarrassing to admit this need. It is never too late while we live in this earth (Hebrews 9:27). Some come to the conclusion that if I am baptized I will lose my family. Jesus was aware of this situation (Matthew 10:36-39).
Reality needs to set in that we need to obey God to be found acceptable (Matthew 7:21). God and God alone can save us eternally (Romans 1:16). God has spoken so that we might listen (James 1:17-25).
Not one of these things are easy. We must consider the most important factor: What will cost me more staying the same or changing according to God’s will. Are you ready to start something that is not easy but doable and receiving eternal rewards?
Daniel Sanders

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Compromise

It never ceases to amaze me as to how much compromise has become a problem that we face in this world. I am reminded of how I was at a gospel meeting last year and the guest speaker was talking about this issue. He was mentioning how his son went to college for his degree and had to take some science courses. During one of these courses he was in class and the teacher was talking about how the world was made.

When he concluded the boy realized that God was never an option. It was all evolution and no creation. The boy stood up and asked "what about God?" The teacher goes to say that there is no possibility of that. the teacher goes on to say "if you do not stop talking about God I will flunk you." He needed this course in order to get the degree that he had already put in two and a half years for. The teacher thought he had the edge on this student. Final exam comes and throughout the entire semester this student constantly tried to keep God in. The teacher constantly answered "we just need to compromise and just meet in the middle." Teacher gives him the final exam and no answer when it came to questions about how the world came about had answers for God.

The student got handed the teacher the exam and left. On his way out the teacher looked at him and said once again "if you do not take or pass this exam with the questions and answers on here you cannot graduate and get your degree in this field." The student turned and glanced at teh teacher and replied "I ought to obey God rather than man." He went on to start over again and begin to get a degree in new field of work. Two and a half years that he never got back.

People like this come few and far bewteen. As much as it really stunk that he had to start over again in college it was well worth it all. He never compromised his faith in God for money or a degree. When things like this happen we should praise and encourage people who make the stand for God throughout the world.

The battle of Compromise is a serious situation. We as people when we give in to compromise allow God to slowly be eliminated. Eventually when we meet in the middle on God will eliminate God.

It is imperative for us to make a stand for God always. We should in fact never give in to others when one tries to elminate God. This student quoted Peter from Acts 5:29. Peter and the rest of the apostles realized they couldn't compromise when it came to spreading the gospel. Why should we be any different?

We need to make a stand for Christ and be willing to be a living sacrifice everyday according to god and His will (Romans 12:1-2). It requires a dedictaed heart and an unwillingness to compromise God and meet in the middle. Are we doing everything according to God and His will today and not compromising?

Daniel