Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hate crime vs. Free speach
Here are some thoughts after Wednesday night's bible study at the corps...
First let me share this report from Jim Brown taken from OneNewsNow.com - 10/29/2009 8:30:00 AM
-----------------
Hate crimes law - ungodly, unconstitutional, unnecessary
A Christian evangelist who was once arrested, jailed, and charged under Pennsylvania's hate crimes law says the federal hate crimes bill signed into law by President Obama is one of the most dangerous laws in the history of the United States.
With the stroke of President Obama's pen yesterday, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law. It creates additional penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim's "actual or perceived" gender, "gender identity," sexual orientation, or disability.
Michael Marcavage, director of Philadelphia-based Repent America, was one of 11 Christians who were jailed and charged with a hate crime for carrying Bible verse banners and preaching at a 2004 homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges were later dismissed -- and in 2008, the state's Supreme Court ruled the law had been passed illegally by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Marcavage says the new federal hate crimes law is yet another move by the federal government to "silence Christians." "What this bill does is [seek] to shut down those who dare to speak against the sin of homosexuality with the hope and freedom that is found in Jesus Christ," says the Christian activist.
"Having been charged under a hate crime, I'm definitely moved with compassion on those who the government is trying to silence us from reaching out to," he continues, "but we're going to continue to do as we have been doing, and ministering to those trapped in the bondage of this lifestyle."
Marcavage offers three reasons why he opposes the new law. He says it is ungodly because it "seeks to shut down the gospel of Jesus Christ"; unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment; and also unnecessary because there are already laws on the books that punish violent crimes.
-----------------
No matter what your understanding of this current new hate crime law is... we as believers in Jesus Christ all understand this... that the world would like to silence the message that all sin is sin, it is offensive to our Holy God, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be forgiven of our sinfulness. Only by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and empowered to now live a holy life as directed by the Bible and be fit for heaven.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Here is the truth...
1. we currently have freedoms of speech unparalleled by other places in the world.
2. Our freedoms are currently being taken by law or societies requirement to be "tolerantly politically correct."
What must our response be... Whether we are approved by law, or accepted by society, we must continue to preach the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Go be bold in your declaration that Jesus is the Savior from sin and death.
Here is some of our portion of study for next week...
Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
First let me share this report from Jim Brown taken from OneNewsNow.com - 10/29/2009 8:30:00 AM
-----------------
Hate crimes law - ungodly, unconstitutional, unnecessary
A Christian evangelist who was once arrested, jailed, and charged under Pennsylvania's hate crimes law says the federal hate crimes bill signed into law by President Obama is one of the most dangerous laws in the history of the United States.
With the stroke of President Obama's pen yesterday, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law. It creates additional penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim's "actual or perceived" gender, "gender identity," sexual orientation, or disability.
Michael Marcavage, director of Philadelphia-based Repent America, was one of 11 Christians who were jailed and charged with a hate crime for carrying Bible verse banners and preaching at a 2004 homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges were later dismissed -- and in 2008, the state's Supreme Court ruled the law had been passed illegally by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Marcavage says the new federal hate crimes law is yet another move by the federal government to "silence Christians." "What this bill does is [seek] to shut down those who dare to speak against the sin of homosexuality with the hope and freedom that is found in Jesus Christ," says the Christian activist.
"Having been charged under a hate crime, I'm definitely moved with compassion on those who the government is trying to silence us from reaching out to," he continues, "but we're going to continue to do as we have been doing, and ministering to those trapped in the bondage of this lifestyle."
Marcavage offers three reasons why he opposes the new law. He says it is ungodly because it "seeks to shut down the gospel of Jesus Christ"; unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment; and also unnecessary because there are already laws on the books that punish violent crimes.
-----------------
No matter what your understanding of this current new hate crime law is... we as believers in Jesus Christ all understand this... that the world would like to silence the message that all sin is sin, it is offensive to our Holy God, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be forgiven of our sinfulness. Only by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and empowered to now live a holy life as directed by the Bible and be fit for heaven.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Here is the truth...
1. we currently have freedoms of speech unparalleled by other places in the world.
2. Our freedoms are currently being taken by law or societies requirement to be "tolerantly politically correct."
What must our response be... Whether we are approved by law, or accepted by society, we must continue to preach the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Go be bold in your declaration that Jesus is the Savior from sin and death.
Here is some of our portion of study for next week...
Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
To do halloween or not???
Hello soldiers, freinds, and fellow followers of Jesus Christ,
Just a reminder that this year our Corps will not be hosting a halloween alternative carnival. Although we have enjoyed the fun in past years and always gave some form of gospel presentation, we couldn't justify the cost and man-power for such little turn-out and no real corps growth.
SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO???... Halloween options abound....
Just a reminder that this year our Corps will not be hosting a halloween alternative carnival. Although we have enjoyed the fun in past years and always gave some form of gospel presentation, we couldn't justify the cost and man-power for such little turn-out and no real corps growth.
SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO???... Halloween options abound....
- This year several church have combined for a united outreach for a safe alternative if you want to join with them.
- You might want to go trick or treating and give out tracts, invites to church, or do one on one evangelism.
- You could open your home to give out treats and also give out gospel information, church invites, etc...
- You could go find a scary part of town and do street witnessing to those who are out and about.
Whatever you do, make sure you use this time of year to speak with people about what they believe about eternity, and then love them enough to share the truth about Jesus Christ. No one will join God Almighty in heaven for eternity without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No one will be a ghost and hang around, you won't come back for another try, there is only the fact of a place called hell that will be far worse than any haunted house turned reality you can imagine. Jesus Christ was crucified and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death for us. Why not take His offer of eternal life and forgiveness and pass it on to those around you.
Live holy, preach Jesus!Wednesday, October 28, 2009
How to set up the "Sermon.net" tool on your blog.
Hello friends (and specifically pastors today),
A few people have asked for how to post my sermons on-line. So here it is...
There are a few steps in the process, but all in all it's virtually free, so if you don't mind a couple steps it's a great way to keep the corps up to date with a series, or just to let your sermons live forever after you preach them.
Here is the website to my free sermon site...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Just click in the top corner to "Join sermon net" and go to "contributor sign-up". After you register you can get all the "free stuff". There is a small cost for the bells and whistles, but I don't need them here yet. Sign up first and they may walk you through better than I can. Since I can't recall here is what I do....
You will also need a way to record your messages. Since we have no "sound" person I do everything myself. I bought a small cheap RCA digital voice recorder that holds about over 15 hours of recording for about $30. I paid another $15ish for a lapel mic. I just put the lapel mic on the same clip as my wireless mic at the corps and remember to turn on the recorder as I start each message.
If I recall right, Sermon.net will give you a basic walk through the process of posting your messages some, but if not, here is what I basically do....
After church I download from the "voice recorder" to my computer. (I know fancy corps record right to digital or a laptop, but we aren't fancy yet)
I use the program with the recorder to save it as a "WAV".
Then I drag that file into a free program you get on the web called "Audacity 1.2.6" here is the link... http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Once in Audacity you can listen to the whole sermon and cut (even copy and paste) all the "UM's" or "sneezes" or "added comments yelled by kids in the meeting". If you're brave enough you can skip any editing and just go as is.
When it's ready you save that project as a new "WAV" file.
Next you use the "converter" that comes when you sign up with "sermon net". This will convert your WAV to an MP3.
Then log into sermon.net - put in the information for your new sermon (all easy and self-explanatory after you're signed up) and then "Upload your converted message" and any written notes (it will automatically change your Word notes into a pdf for you).
Last it will give you an embed code to past where ever you want - like your blog or web page.
Sermon net also has the code to paste into Blogger that will show the "sermon player" I have at the bottom of my blog.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, and I learned everything by trial and error. I'm sure there's some fancy programs that might cut out a step, but this way works. Hopefully your Corps has a tech / sound wizard who can help.
If I've scared you off completely - it's really less work than it sounds. Feel free to write for more specifics or find a local techie to get you started the first time.
PS. If you know an easier faster way or a better system, a tool that helps me skip a step, etc... please give me some tips.
Blessings,
Captain Mark Thielenhaus
A few people have asked for how to post my sermons on-line. So here it is...
There are a few steps in the process, but all in all it's virtually free, so if you don't mind a couple steps it's a great way to keep the corps up to date with a series, or just to let your sermons live forever after you preach them.
Here is the website to my free sermon site...
http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
Just click in the top corner to "Join sermon net" and go to "contributor sign-up". After you register you can get all the "free stuff". There is a small cost for the bells and whistles, but I don't need them here yet. Sign up first and they may walk you through better than I can. Since I can't recall here is what I do....
You will also need a way to record your messages. Since we have no "sound" person I do everything myself. I bought a small cheap RCA digital voice recorder that holds about over 15 hours of recording for about $30. I paid another $15ish for a lapel mic. I just put the lapel mic on the same clip as my wireless mic at the corps and remember to turn on the recorder as I start each message.
If I recall right, Sermon.net will give you a basic walk through the process of posting your messages some, but if not, here is what I basically do....
After church I download from the "voice recorder" to my computer. (I know fancy corps record right to digital or a laptop, but we aren't fancy yet)
I use the program with the recorder to save it as a "WAV".
Then I drag that file into a free program you get on the web called "Audacity 1.2.6" here is the link... http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Once in Audacity you can listen to the whole sermon and cut (even copy and paste) all the "UM's" or "sneezes" or "added comments yelled by kids in the meeting". If you're brave enough you can skip any editing and just go as is.
When it's ready you save that project as a new "WAV" file.
Next you use the "converter" that comes when you sign up with "sermon net". This will convert your WAV to an MP3.
Then log into sermon.net - put in the information for your new sermon (all easy and self-explanatory after you're signed up) and then "Upload your converted message" and any written notes (it will automatically change your Word notes into a pdf for you).
Last it will give you an embed code to past where ever you want - like your blog or web page.
Sermon net also has the code to paste into Blogger that will show the "sermon player" I have at the bottom of my blog.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, and I learned everything by trial and error. I'm sure there's some fancy programs that might cut out a step, but this way works. Hopefully your Corps has a tech / sound wizard who can help.
If I've scared you off completely - it's really less work than it sounds. Feel free to write for more specifics or find a local techie to get you started the first time.
PS. If you know an easier faster way or a better system, a tool that helps me skip a step, etc... please give me some tips.
Blessings,
Captain Mark Thielenhaus
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday's sermon - Wartime living, submit and resist
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A prayer from one of my youth group...
Today I'm passing on a prayer written by one of my youth group... hear the heart, the need, the surrender... and make sure you take the time to regularly pour out your heart to God today as well.
"Dear God, Please save me, from myself.
You Yeshua, explained the way. Explain my way!
I want to Yearn for You, and ONLY YOU!
For You're my only hope.
All my other paths are hopeless, and reckless.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Holy One, Saving Son.
MY SAVIOUR. I've turned away for far to long.
Now, I'm nothing without you.
I have NOT patiently waited, but I'm crying out now!
Please lift me out of my pit, the one I dug for myself.
I was blaming others for my mistakes.
This was all me. I am the disobedient one.
Please oh God, take from me anything that is displeasing.
I lay at Your feet everything I have put before You.
You and only You are my life, my strength, and my love.
My whole life belongs to you. Clean me lord. Search me!
Take me apart. Everything unclean, please take away, and throw away.
I know now, that you are the only reason for living.
The worldly things seem so good, from far away.
I let myself get caught up in everything I knew was wrong.
You Lord, are my everything. All mighty and powerful.
Heavenly Father, help me through all my troubles.
While through the whole thing being glorified.
Help me glorify you through my words, my thoughts, everything.
You deserve more then I can ever give you.
Words are not enough.
Through everything tomorrow, and everyday Lord, give me the words to speak.
In every situation, I need you with me.
Thank You for being with me, the whole time.
Even when I didn't want to know.
You are my strength, I need You.
Amen "
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Dear God, Please save me, from myself.
You Yeshua, explained the way. Explain my way!
I want to Yearn for You, and ONLY YOU!
For You're my only hope.
All my other paths are hopeless, and reckless.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Holy One, Saving Son.
MY SAVIOUR. I've turned away for far to long.
Now, I'm nothing without you.
I have NOT patiently waited, but I'm crying out now!
Please lift me out of my pit, the one I dug for myself.
I was blaming others for my mistakes.
This was all me. I am the disobedient one.
Please oh God, take from me anything that is displeasing.
I lay at Your feet everything I have put before You.
You and only You are my life, my strength, and my love.
My whole life belongs to you. Clean me lord. Search me!
Take me apart. Everything unclean, please take away, and throw away.
I know now, that you are the only reason for living.
The worldly things seem so good, from far away.
I let myself get caught up in everything I knew was wrong.
You Lord, are my everything. All mighty and powerful.
Heavenly Father, help me through all my troubles.
While through the whole thing being glorified.
Help me glorify you through my words, my thoughts, everything.
You deserve more then I can ever give you.
Words are not enough.
Through everything tomorrow, and everyday Lord, give me the words to speak.
In every situation, I need you with me.
Thank You for being with me, the whole time.
Even when I didn't want to know.
You are my strength, I need You.
Amen "
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Generalisations - from "officer magazine"
This quote from General Paul A. Rader....
"Is my approach to holiness total enough? Is our holiness too therapeutic in its emphasis? There are dangers of beginning with our human problems instead of God's purpose. Is my approach to holiness sometimes too cosmetic? Holiness deals with the essential inner orientation of the personality. The self dies hard. The cross is painful and total. I must confess that I have sometimes had cause to wonder if the holiness I profess and proclaim has made me tender enough. The truth is that we live in an age that is seductively desensitising us to evil. What once might have appalled and embarrassed us, perhaps even angered us, now only makes us sad. What does it take to make us cry out in indignation? What miscarriages of justice, what indifference to standards of integrity, what crass immorality would move us to tears and stir us to action? How much do I care about purity, justice, and integrity? Finally, is my holiness telling enough? Our age cries out for men and women of God whose lives stand in stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"Is my approach to holiness total enough? Is our holiness too therapeutic in its emphasis? There are dangers of beginning with our human problems instead of God's purpose. Is my approach to holiness sometimes too cosmetic? Holiness deals with the essential inner orientation of the personality. The self dies hard. The cross is painful and total. I must confess that I have sometimes had cause to wonder if the holiness I profess and proclaim has made me tender enough. The truth is that we live in an age that is seductively desensitising us to evil. What once might have appalled and embarrassed us, perhaps even angered us, now only makes us sad. What does it take to make us cry out in indignation? What miscarriages of justice, what indifference to standards of integrity, what crass immorality would move us to tears and stir us to action? How much do I care about purity, justice, and integrity? Finally, is my holiness telling enough? Our age cries out for men and women of God whose lives stand in stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds us.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Generalisations - Quote from "Officer Magazine"
This first quote from our founder General William Booth...
"It is a charge brought against us by some that we make a hobby of the subject of holiness - that like Paganini with his violin, we are always fiddling on one string. If it were so, I suppose he would have replied, or someone like him, that he was able to bring more music out of his one string than his rivals could bring out of their four. And if it is true that are too frequently engaged on this one topic, I think there are a good many who can bear witness that there has been brought out of it - some music wonderfully enthralling, which music has been make a wonderful blessing to them, and to many who are round about them. But I take exception to the correctness of this charge. I say, varying the figure, we re running our 'Hallelujah Express' to Heaven not on one line, but on three. The first line of these rails we call pardon, and I am sure we very often talk about that. The second we term purity - a clean heart, with a clean life. The third term is sacrifice."
Tell someone of about pardon, purity, and sacrificial living today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
"It is a charge brought against us by some that we make a hobby of the subject of holiness - that like Paganini with his violin, we are always fiddling on one string. If it were so, I suppose he would have replied, or someone like him, that he was able to bring more music out of his one string than his rivals could bring out of their four. And if it is true that are too frequently engaged on this one topic, I think there are a good many who can bear witness that there has been brought out of it - some music wonderfully enthralling, which music has been make a wonderful blessing to them, and to many who are round about them. But I take exception to the correctness of this charge. I say, varying the figure, we re running our 'Hallelujah Express' to Heaven not on one line, but on three. The first line of these rails we call pardon, and I am sure we very often talk about that. The second we term purity - a clean heart, with a clean life. The third term is sacrifice."
Tell someone of about pardon, purity, and sacrificial living today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tortured for Christ
Hello Soldiers, freinds, and followers of Jesus,
Just a quick comment that I recently finished reading the book "Torutured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (the founder of the Voice of th eMartyrs). I was a different kind of read, but it was easy to read, kept my attention, and most importantly reminded me of my responsibility to pray and support the persecuted church, as well as my need to use my current liberties to proclaim with boldness the full gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This is a must read for all christians living in the west.
PS. You can request a free copy at this web addresss...
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_cw-tfc-flash-email_309.html
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a quick comment that I recently finished reading the book "Torutured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (the founder of the Voice of th eMartyrs). I was a different kind of read, but it was easy to read, kept my attention, and most importantly reminded me of my responsibility to pray and support the persecuted church, as well as my need to use my current liberties to proclaim with boldness the full gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This is a must read for all christians living in the west.
PS. You can request a free copy at this web addresss...
https://etools.ncol.com/a/tfc/bg_vomtfc_cw-tfc-flash-email_309.html
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A word of encouragement
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just a quick reminder to have you encourage someone today. This past Sunday right after our holiness meeting we had someone (not normally part of our Church services) stand up with a word immidiately following our closing prayer. He basically said he appreciated that the Word of God was taught and spoken at the corps, and that at many other places he just hears "fluff" and a shying away from the whole gospel. Needless to say his word of encouragement was for me that day. God is good.
Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Why not give a word of encouragement to someone you know today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a quick reminder to have you encourage someone today. This past Sunday right after our holiness meeting we had someone (not normally part of our Church services) stand up with a word immidiately following our closing prayer. He basically said he appreciated that the Word of God was taught and spoken at the corps, and that at many other places he just hears "fluff" and a shying away from the whole gospel. Needless to say his word of encouragement was for me that day. God is good.
Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Why not give a word of encouragement to someone you know today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Come near to God, James 4
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quick testimony / gospel shot.
Just bragging on God's work in a corps member... I had a corps member say the "light came on" that salvation is so much more than something that happens the day you die, but that it is something that start right now.
We had a chance to say that in The Salvation Army we might call that "Full-Salvation", not just saved from hell to heaven on the day you die (although praise God that is absolutely true), but that Jesus wants to save us from sin, sinful, and hellish living now, for a life of holiness and heaven-like living NOW.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
We had a chance to say that in The Salvation Army we might call that "Full-Salvation", not just saved from hell to heaven on the day you die (although praise God that is absolutely true), but that Jesus wants to save us from sin, sinful, and hellish living now, for a life of holiness and heaven-like living NOW.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Onward Christian Soldiers... Annual Report
The Salvation Army Annual Report: Commissioner Israel Gaither
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, October 16, 2009
St. Augustine's words about prayer.
St. Augustine, the early church father and theologian, described prayer as like a man in a hapless boat who throws a rope at a rock. The rock provides the needed security and stability and life for the helpless man. When the rock is lassoed it’s not the man pulling the rock to the boat (though it may appear that way); it is the pulling of the boat to the rock. Jesus is the rock, and we throw the rope through prayer.
Have you spent time in prayer today? Honest, real, warfare, intentional, time searching the heart of God, time spent in quietness to hear the voice of God... PRAYER?
Take some time - right this second to pray - then devote some real time to pray intentionally and uninterrupted today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Have you spent time in prayer today? Honest, real, warfare, intentional, time searching the heart of God, time spent in quietness to hear the voice of God... PRAYER?
Take some time - right this second to pray - then devote some real time to pray intentionally and uninterrupted today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Just in need of more prayer. KNEE DRILL!
Hello soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
This is a call for additional Knee Drills.
Many prayer requests at the corps right now, so just asking everyone to "amp" up the prayers.
Ephesians 6:11-13... 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
This is a call for additional Knee Drills.
Many prayer requests at the corps right now, so just asking everyone to "amp" up the prayers.
Ephesians 6:11-13... 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
The movie 2012 (part 2)
This trailer for the movie "2012" says... How would the governments of the planet prepare 6 million people for the end of the world…? Answer…. “they wouldn’t” … "find out the truth"
I agree (not that the world will end in 2012) but it will end as we now know it eventually, and whether you are around to see the end of the world or not, 10 out of 10 - 100% of us will all die someday and have to face a holy God on judgment day. The trailer is right, the government won't help you, the only thing that will matter will be "the truth".
John 14:6 records the words of Jesus saying... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It's not what the government says that will matter, it's not even "what you believe", what will matter is "do you believe the truth" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe you can fly - if you jump off the empire state building without a means of safely getting to the ground, you will still die with your wrong beliefs. The "trailer" is right (not about the date) but that you need to find the truth found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus forgiving you, made possible by your accepting Him by faith, with repentance, your sins will wash you away.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I agree (not that the world will end in 2012) but it will end as we now know it eventually, and whether you are around to see the end of the world or not, 10 out of 10 - 100% of us will all die someday and have to face a holy God on judgment day. The trailer is right, the government won't help you, the only thing that will matter will be "the truth".
John 14:6 records the words of Jesus saying... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It's not what the government says that will matter, it's not even "what you believe", what will matter is "do you believe the truth" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe you can fly - if you jump off the empire state building without a means of safely getting to the ground, you will still die with your wrong beliefs. The "trailer" is right (not about the date) but that you need to find the truth found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus forgiving you, made possible by your accepting Him by faith, with repentance, your sins will wash you away.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The movie - "2012" (about the end of the world)
The "sponsored add" next to my "home page" on Facebook reads this...
“2012” In Theaters 11/13 Get ready for the biggest event in history – the end of time. How will you survive?...
Next they totally skip your answer and ask a survey "What do you do now if 2012 is the end? Spend time with family, Max out my credit cards, Pursue my crush?...
If you've only got 2 years left before the end of the world, ask yourself their 1st question, how will you survive? To be saved for heaven and avoid hell we must put our faith in Jesus as evidenced through repentance.
Give up your life to live for Jesus and He will take care of where you spend your eternity. If you only have 20 years, or 2 years, or 2 days (no one is promised tomorrow)... get right with Jesus, live holy for Him, and tell someone about Him today... they aren't promised tomorrow either.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
“2012” In Theaters 11/13 Get ready for the biggest event in history – the end of time. How will you survive?...
Next they totally skip your answer and ask a survey "What do you do now if 2012 is the end? Spend time with family, Max out my credit cards, Pursue my crush?...
If you've only got 2 years left before the end of the world, ask yourself their 1st question, how will you survive? To be saved for heaven and avoid hell we must put our faith in Jesus as evidenced through repentance.
Give up your life to live for Jesus and He will take care of where you spend your eternity. If you only have 20 years, or 2 years, or 2 days (no one is promised tomorrow)... get right with Jesus, live holy for Him, and tell someone about Him today... they aren't promised tomorrow either.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday's Sermon - Are you washed? Keeping your repentance up to date.
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Scripture alone today... Psalm 51
Just getting back from Officer's Councils, so no extra posts yet, until I'm back on track here is some profound scripture from Psalm 51. Meditate on it by reading it slowly several times over, first asking the Lord to speak to you through it. Consider what it is to need forgiveness, to confess and repent, and find forgiveness through the shed blood of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. Use this Psalm as an outline for your praying and keeping your repentace up to date today.
Remember as you read... Sin is falling short of God's perfection. Iniquity is our depravity that is always inclined to sin, and the resulting guiltiness that leaves us in. Transgression is the intentional breaking of God's law, it is rebellion when we do what we know God has said not to, and not doing what we know God has said to do.
Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Remember as you read... Sin is falling short of God's perfection. Iniquity is our depravity that is always inclined to sin, and the resulting guiltiness that leaves us in. Transgression is the intentional breaking of God's law, it is rebellion when we do what we know God has said not to, and not doing what we know God has said to do.
Psalm 51 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Today just something fun
This is just a funny video sent to me by Rob Reardon.
Sally Back - Parody of Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Source: www.youtube.com
This is a Salvation Army (Sally Ann) parody of the popular song by Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland - "SexyBack". I created this video for the Salvation Army National School of Music at Jackson's Point this summer. ...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sally Back - Parody of Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Source: www.youtube.com
This is a Salvation Army (Sally Ann) parody of the popular song by Justin Timberlake Featuring Timbaland - "SexyBack". I created this video for the Salvation Army National School of Music at Jackson's Point this summer. ...
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Gone to Officer's Councils
Hello Soldiers, friends, and fellow followers of Jesus,
Just an update that both Michelle and I will be away at officer's councils today through Friday. We will resume our regular programs next week (including Commodities feeding) so we look forward to our time together next week, as well as thank you in advance for your willingness to help cover things while we are gone.
Keep all of us in your prayers as we get together with all the officers of the State up in Anchorage. Pray for traveling mercies, refreshment, productivity, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit to fall afresh!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just an update that both Michelle and I will be away at officer's councils today through Friday. We will resume our regular programs next week (including Commodities feeding) so we look forward to our time together next week, as well as thank you in advance for your willingness to help cover things while we are gone.
Keep all of us in your prayers as we get together with all the officers of the State up in Anchorage. Pray for traveling mercies, refreshment, productivity, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit to fall afresh!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday's Sermon - The Saints in Caesar's House (Nero)
To listen to Sunday's sermon now, just click the play arrow here.
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
For an outline of this message, download, or sharing options, click the menu button at the right of this square and choose your option.
For past sermons or podcasting options see the full size sermon player at the very bottom of this blog page OR you can always access my sermon player site (and countless other preachers) at http://sermon.net/The_Salvation_Army_Homer
God bless your study!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Have a blessed Sunday - Now go lead church?
R.G. Le Tourneau, a wealthy businessman, was a great lay witness for our Lord. This was his challenge to laymen (non-clergy):
"My challenge to laymen is [this]: when Christ said, ’Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel,’ He did not mean only preachers but everyone who believed on Him as the Lord of Glory. The division between the clergy and the laity is a division of our own making...[it] was not instituted by Christ, nor was it evidenced in the early Church. They believed the word ’Go’ meant every man, and they obeyed the Lord’s command. My challenge to you is for a return to this first century...Christianity where every believer is a witness to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:9 says... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you made it to church or not today - make sure, if you are a child of God, you BE God's representative and messenger to the the World outside of "the church". Be God's ambassador and go take the gospel message to someone who needs it today.
Live Holy, preach Jesus!
"My challenge to laymen is [this]: when Christ said, ’Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel,’ He did not mean only preachers but everyone who believed on Him as the Lord of Glory. The division between the clergy and the laity is a division of our own making...[it] was not instituted by Christ, nor was it evidenced in the early Church. They believed the word ’Go’ meant every man, and they obeyed the Lord’s command. My challenge to you is for a return to this first century...Christianity where every believer is a witness to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:9 says... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you made it to church or not today - make sure, if you are a child of God, you BE God's representative and messenger to the the World outside of "the church". Be God's ambassador and go take the gospel message to someone who needs it today.
Live Holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Do you care? Video by Mark Cahill
This is one of two video's we watched this past Wednesday Night. For more information on Mark Cahill you can search Youtube or go to his website at
http://www.markcahill.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
http://www.markcahill.org
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Meditating on Philippians 4
Paul ends his letter to the church located in the Roman colony of Philippi this way...
Philippians 4:22 reads... 22 “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”
What an amazing thought that while Paul was under arrest in Rome, most likely under the Ceasar - Nero, people were coming to Christ right in Nero's own palace.
How hard would it be to live for Christ under Nero's roof???
Alexander Maclaren said about this passage. “Our duty is to stand at our post however difficult our surroundings and unfriendly our company, and if we are sure that He has set us there, we may be sure that He is with us there, and that there we can live the life and witness to His name”
From Maclaren’s expositions of the Holy Scriptures Volume 15 Pg 80
Where must you stand for Christ today? No matter how difficult - God's grace is sufficient - You are His ambassador!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Philippians 4:22 reads... 22 “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”
What an amazing thought that while Paul was under arrest in Rome, most likely under the Ceasar - Nero, people were coming to Christ right in Nero's own palace.
How hard would it be to live for Christ under Nero's roof???
Alexander Maclaren said about this passage. “Our duty is to stand at our post however difficult our surroundings and unfriendly our company, and if we are sure that He has set us there, we may be sure that He is with us there, and that there we can live the life and witness to His name”
From Maclaren’s expositions of the Holy Scriptures Volume 15 Pg 80
Where must you stand for Christ today? No matter how difficult - God's grace is sufficient - You are His ambassador!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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