Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
All I have is Christ - video by Chris Powers
This five-minute animated video by Chris Powers of Sovereign Grace unpacks a powerful story of preaching the gospel in a country that's closed. The video is set to the song "All I Have Is Christ" by Jordan Kauflin.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
If today isn't "judgment day", how about...
Many know that today has been predicted by some to be "judgment day". Scripture says no man knows the day or the hour. Enough to that discussion for now.
As many non-Christians will be using the "missed judgment day" for making fun of Christians today, how about asking people this question today or in the next week....
So obviously judgment day didn't happen as man predicted, but what do you think happens when....
Start a conversation with someone today about eternity and present them the saving gospel of Jesus Christ who died for their sins so that if they will repent and live by faith, they might find eternal life.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
As many non-Christians will be using the "missed judgment day" for making fun of Christians today, how about asking people this question today or in the next week....
So obviously judgment day didn't happen as man predicted, but what do you think happens when....
- our time on earth is over
- we die and leave this world
- you've breathed your last earthly breath
- a hundred years from now you and all your loved ones have all passed away
Start a conversation with someone today about eternity and present them the saving gospel of Jesus Christ who died for their sins so that if they will repent and live by faith, they might find eternal life.
- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
- There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
- All our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
- Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, (Hebrews 9:27)
- For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a)
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)
- God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
- For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)
- the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)
- If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ... “anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:9-11)
- Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14;6)
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A word of encouragment to my friends at DHQ
Recently at a Corps review I was mentioning how I missed "the field" and that DHQ is a special ministry and important for resourcing those "on the front lines" of ministry, but that I did miss being a corps officer terribly.
A retired officer gave me a word which moved me greatly and I received as from the mouth of God.
This man of God retold the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 (feel free to grab a bible and read it today). David is going off to fight against the Amalekites, he has 600 men, but 200 are too tired for the fight and stay behind to watch the supplies while 400 men go with David off to battle.
On a victorious return the 400 men didn't want to share the plunder with the 200 left behind with the supplies.
David's response is found in 1 Samuel 30:24... The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.
This wonderful "retired" (whatever that means) officer told me that just because I wasn't in the fight (at the field level), that my share would be the same as if I had been in the battle, simply because I was being obedient to where God had asked me to be "on the supply line".
All this I know in my head to be true, but in my heart that day it hit very close to home.
Thank you to all the officers and soldiers serving in the field in the heat of battle for the salvation of the world. Keep up the good fight, victory is certainly ours in Jesus Christ.
For those of my fellow officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers at Divisional and Territorial Headquarters and other support roles, be not discouraged, God sees your service, and you will share in the victory and the field sees people come to Jesus daily!
Finally, remember that there is a mission field in and around where you work to, tell someone about Jesus today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
A retired officer gave me a word which moved me greatly and I received as from the mouth of God.
This man of God retold the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 (feel free to grab a bible and read it today). David is going off to fight against the Amalekites, he has 600 men, but 200 are too tired for the fight and stay behind to watch the supplies while 400 men go with David off to battle.
On a victorious return the 400 men didn't want to share the plunder with the 200 left behind with the supplies.
David's response is found in 1 Samuel 30:24... The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.
This wonderful "retired" (whatever that means) officer told me that just because I wasn't in the fight (at the field level), that my share would be the same as if I had been in the battle, simply because I was being obedient to where God had asked me to be "on the supply line".
All this I know in my head to be true, but in my heart that day it hit very close to home.
Thank you to all the officers and soldiers serving in the field in the heat of battle for the salvation of the world. Keep up the good fight, victory is certainly ours in Jesus Christ.
For those of my fellow officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers at Divisional and Territorial Headquarters and other support roles, be not discouraged, God sees your service, and you will share in the victory and the field sees people come to Jesus daily!
Finally, remember that there is a mission field in and around where you work to, tell someone about Jesus today.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
SA Songbook #380 Praise God for what He's done for me
Song song by men in the A.R.P. this past Sunday... (to the tune of On Christ the Solid Rock I stand)
1. Praise God for what he's done for me!
Once I was blind, but now I see;
I on the brink of ruin fell;
Glory to God, I'm out of Hell!
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
2. I spurned his grace, I broke his laws,
But Jesus undertook my cause;
Bad as I was he cleansed my soul,
Healed my disease and made me whole.
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
3. The Lord has pardoned all my sin,
And now to praise him I'll begin;
I never praised the Lord before,
But now I'll praise him more and more.
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
-------
Why not tell someone what God has done for you, forgiveness, deliverance, and the hope of heaven.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Songbook 380 Praise God for what he's done for me
1. Praise God for what he's done for me!
Once I was blind, but now I see;
I on the brink of ruin fell;
Glory to God, I'm out of Hell!
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
2. I spurned his grace, I broke his laws,
But Jesus undertook my cause;
Bad as I was he cleansed my soul,
Healed my disease and made me whole.
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
3. The Lord has pardoned all my sin,
And now to praise him I'll begin;
I never praised the Lord before,
But now I'll praise him more and more.
Chorus
For what the Lord has done for me,
I'll praise him through eternity.
-------
Why not tell someone what God has done for you, forgiveness, deliverance, and the hope of heaven.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Ready to Preach, Pray, and Pass away - doing 2 out of 3 at once.
Just thoughts on prayer today...
I hope you all pray publicly out-loud in the world, we should be unashamed.
Today in a Denny's for men's fellowship the C.O. (Corps Officer - pastor for those of you in other denominations) stopped to pray for our food, we were at 2 different tables and not all facing one another, but he prayed loud enough to be heard by the table behind us. Not only did the other table of men quiet for the prayer, but the whole (rather noisy) room, brought the volume down almost to complete silence for the prayer over our food, our fellowship, and the blessings of the new corps we will be moving into soon. No one in the room was offended, in fact the sight of seeing men stop to give thanks and recognize God in prayer caused others to offer silence in respect. In America it is still a right to speak of our faith and pray in the Name of Jesus (at least it is right now), so while others risk their lives for His Name in the midst of persecution, let's be bold enough to stand for Jesus in times of "reasonable tolerance".
Another thought was we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate one of my daughters birthday party today, so when the food got there we huddled up our group (virtually all believers) and in the midst of it being way too loud I prayed to be heard by our group. I said a short prayer of thanks for Crystal's life and for that fact that Jesus loved her so much that He died on the cross for her sins so she'd go to heaven some day, thanked God for friends, fun, and the food, and said Amen. There's no way the room heard it, but I knew the table next to us (also with a party) had a man watching and listening (I believe with a look of curiosity) like he didn't get what we were doing.
When praying in a public setting especially among believers, mention salvation through Christ.
The best example I have of his is that at one volunteer recognition dinner for volunteer bell ringers when I was in Homer, we had people come to the corps (Church) for a meal and to let us give them a simple gift, brag about the season, I prayed before the meal and mentioned that I thanked Jesus most of all that He died on the cross for our sins, so that we who would repent of our sins and live for Him on His terms, would be saved from hell to heaven, and be blessed in the here and now with His presence. It was almost a year later that one of my saved friends from another church mentioned that he was "impressed" that in a room with volunteers (of many faiths, some contrary to us) that in a short prayer I had mentioned the way of Salvation through Jesus, planted the seed, said amen, and got on with the dinner without any conflict at all.
People respect others with enough faith to stand and speak out what they believe in. Why not preach and pray at the same time!
This week...
Pray for others to receive Jesus.
Pray for yourself to proclaim the gospel boldly as you should.
and Pray proud, out-loud, and mention the Savior Jesus Christ by Name.... HE IS WORTH IT!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I hope you all pray publicly out-loud in the world, we should be unashamed.
Today in a Denny's for men's fellowship the C.O. (Corps Officer - pastor for those of you in other denominations) stopped to pray for our food, we were at 2 different tables and not all facing one another, but he prayed loud enough to be heard by the table behind us. Not only did the other table of men quiet for the prayer, but the whole (rather noisy) room, brought the volume down almost to complete silence for the prayer over our food, our fellowship, and the blessings of the new corps we will be moving into soon. No one in the room was offended, in fact the sight of seeing men stop to give thanks and recognize God in prayer caused others to offer silence in respect. In America it is still a right to speak of our faith and pray in the Name of Jesus (at least it is right now), so while others risk their lives for His Name in the midst of persecution, let's be bold enough to stand for Jesus in times of "reasonable tolerance".
Another thought was we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate one of my daughters birthday party today, so when the food got there we huddled up our group (virtually all believers) and in the midst of it being way too loud I prayed to be heard by our group. I said a short prayer of thanks for Crystal's life and for that fact that Jesus loved her so much that He died on the cross for her sins so she'd go to heaven some day, thanked God for friends, fun, and the food, and said Amen. There's no way the room heard it, but I knew the table next to us (also with a party) had a man watching and listening (I believe with a look of curiosity) like he didn't get what we were doing.
When praying in a public setting especially among believers, mention salvation through Christ.
The best example I have of his is that at one volunteer recognition dinner for volunteer bell ringers when I was in Homer, we had people come to the corps (Church) for a meal and to let us give them a simple gift, brag about the season, I prayed before the meal and mentioned that I thanked Jesus most of all that He died on the cross for our sins, so that we who would repent of our sins and live for Him on His terms, would be saved from hell to heaven, and be blessed in the here and now with His presence. It was almost a year later that one of my saved friends from another church mentioned that he was "impressed" that in a room with volunteers (of many faiths, some contrary to us) that in a short prayer I had mentioned the way of Salvation through Jesus, planted the seed, said amen, and got on with the dinner without any conflict at all.
People respect others with enough faith to stand and speak out what they believe in. Why not preach and pray at the same time!
This week...
Pray for others to receive Jesus.
Pray for yourself to proclaim the gospel boldly as you should.
and Pray proud, out-loud, and mention the Savior Jesus Christ by Name.... HE IS WORTH IT!
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Testimony from the Adult Rehabilitation Program
Just a short post today. I was blessed to be able to preach at the A.R.P. on Sunday morning and was truly blessed by the men's testimony time of God's work to transform and deliver, and their praises to God for the gift of His Salvation Army that help to save their lives.
During testimony time (between verses of the singing) here are 3 of the testimonies I wrote down....
1. I no longer try to do spiritual stuff, but I am spiritually living with the goal of heaven.
2. A man praised God for 6 months of sobriety (couldn't recall a time in his adult life going that long), then the said the Lord was restoring his family and he had seen them the past weekend, more than that his dad asked him to kneel with him and pray something (this man said he had never seen his dad nor heard his dad mention any utterance of prayer in his entire life).
3. one man said that he certainly praised God for sobriety but more than that he praised God for a relationship with Jesus because, he said, "Sobriety without God is nothin'"
Sobriety without God is nothing. What good is it to gain the whole world and loose your soul. Not only does God want to fix us in this world to live right for Him, an abundant life free from addiction, but it is to be experienced with Him until we are reunited with Him in heaven for eternity.
Make sure you are right with Jesus your Savior today. May God bless the work of The Salvation Army and its faithful servants in the A.R.P. and A.R.C.'s.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
During testimony time (between verses of the singing) here are 3 of the testimonies I wrote down....
1. I no longer try to do spiritual stuff, but I am spiritually living with the goal of heaven.
2. A man praised God for 6 months of sobriety (couldn't recall a time in his adult life going that long), then the said the Lord was restoring his family and he had seen them the past weekend, more than that his dad asked him to kneel with him and pray something (this man said he had never seen his dad nor heard his dad mention any utterance of prayer in his entire life).
3. one man said that he certainly praised God for sobriety but more than that he praised God for a relationship with Jesus because, he said, "Sobriety without God is nothin'"
Sobriety without God is nothing. What good is it to gain the whole world and loose your soul. Not only does God want to fix us in this world to live right for Him, an abundant life free from addiction, but it is to be experienced with Him until we are reunited with Him in heaven for eternity.
Make sure you are right with Jesus your Savior today. May God bless the work of The Salvation Army and its faithful servants in the A.R.P. and A.R.C.'s.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Why should the devil have all the good websites, Internet evangelism works!
Hello fellow soldiers and followers of Jesus,
Just a reminder that God wants to redeem and sanctify the web too. I have been using Facebook for a couple years now. Everytime I accept a new friend request I send some level of message asking the new friend where they are in their walk with the Lord, their spiritual life, etc. some probing question to find where they are and open a conversation pointing to Jesus as their Savior. I also ask if there is anything I can pray for them about (and for kids or ladies I mention that my wife reads he FB email too so I stay above reproach).
Most of the time people don't even respond to the spirtual question, but at least I have done my part. Tonight I went back through old answered and unanswered emails and just sent a follow up that I was praying for many of them (and I did pray for them).
Most may not answer, but I got two more responses tonight, one still hurting and searching, and the one more positive.
I don't ever want to share something confidential, so I won't mention any names, or share too much, but I thought this line was worth repeating... My FB friend replied.... "Hi Mark!!!! Wow, It is great to hear from you. I can't begin to tell you how much I really do appreciate your message :)
. I have to say that about two years ago when I got a message from you last telling me then to trust in Jesus, to welcome him back into my life without reservation I took your advice on that.
Let me just say first GLORY BE TO JESUS!!!
This FB friend went on to say that they have struggles still to deal with, but I believe God for greater things for all my internet friends.
I gave advice to the other FB responder and challenged them too to repent seek Jesus intentionally and He will show Himself to them too.
Why not share the gospel with everyone on your email, Facebook, or other internet site.
Our Lord is the God of the Web too!!!
Lord please empower us with your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses even to the World Wide Web. Bless all my friends (on line and those I see every day) to accept you Jesus as Lord of their lives without reservation. AMEN.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Just a reminder that God wants to redeem and sanctify the web too. I have been using Facebook for a couple years now. Everytime I accept a new friend request I send some level of message asking the new friend where they are in their walk with the Lord, their spiritual life, etc. some probing question to find where they are and open a conversation pointing to Jesus as their Savior. I also ask if there is anything I can pray for them about (and for kids or ladies I mention that my wife reads he FB email too so I stay above reproach).
Most of the time people don't even respond to the spirtual question, but at least I have done my part. Tonight I went back through old answered and unanswered emails and just sent a follow up that I was praying for many of them (and I did pray for them).
Most may not answer, but I got two more responses tonight, one still hurting and searching, and the one more positive.
I don't ever want to share something confidential, so I won't mention any names, or share too much, but I thought this line was worth repeating... My FB friend replied.... "Hi Mark!!!! Wow, It is great to hear from you. I can't begin to tell you how much I really do appreciate your message :)
. I have to say that about two years ago when I got a message from you last telling me then to trust in Jesus, to welcome him back into my life without reservation I took your advice on that. Let me just say first GLORY BE TO JESUS!!!
This FB friend went on to say that they have struggles still to deal with, but I believe God for greater things for all my internet friends.
I gave advice to the other FB responder and challenged them too to repent seek Jesus intentionally and He will show Himself to them too.
Why not share the gospel with everyone on your email, Facebook, or other internet site.
Our Lord is the God of the Web too!!!
Lord please empower us with your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses even to the World Wide Web. Bless all my friends (on line and those I see every day) to accept you Jesus as Lord of their lives without reservation. AMEN.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Preaching to more than the just the Songsters (Choir)
I had the honor of speaking to a meeting of the Kiwanis group of Alaska recently and was charged with giving the inspirational message (a sermon if you will).
I know that not all service clubs shy away from the Name of Jesus, but I know that many indeed do. I also know that some of the friends of the Army in the Kiwanis group are not of the same faith that we are.
As I prepared my message I thought how different is is to give a "sermon" not to "church folk".
I was reminded again that I haven't done an open air or preached to those not in (or of) the church in quite some time, but as Salvationists and as followers of Jesus that must be our goal, not just to preach to the songsters in the corps each week but to a dying world that either is against Jesus, or ignorant of Him.
Catherine Booth said, "A barracks (the corps) is meant to be a place where real soldiers were fed and equipped for war, not a place to settle down in or a comfortable snuggery in which to enjoy ourselves. I hope that if ever, they, our soldiers do settle down God will burn their barracks over their heads!
Our goal in the church is to equip for war and the preaching of the gospel to those outside of our buildings.
As I prepared in the morning to leave to speak I felt the need to "pray on the Armor of God" and began going through Ephesians 6 even as I was getting dressed. Before leaving the house I looked up Ephesians 6:10-20 again and realized that it's not just the spiritual armor for the warfare I needed, but the reminder of the need to fight and declare the truth of God with boldness.
Here it is... Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For 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. Therefore 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lord may every time we have the opportunity to speak your Name and share your Gospel, may we declare it fearlessly as we should.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
I know that not all service clubs shy away from the Name of Jesus, but I know that many indeed do. I also know that some of the friends of the Army in the Kiwanis group are not of the same faith that we are.
As I prepared my message I thought how different is is to give a "sermon" not to "church folk".
I was reminded again that I haven't done an open air or preached to those not in (or of) the church in quite some time, but as Salvationists and as followers of Jesus that must be our goal, not just to preach to the songsters in the corps each week but to a dying world that either is against Jesus, or ignorant of Him.
Catherine Booth said, "A barracks (the corps) is meant to be a place where real soldiers were fed and equipped for war, not a place to settle down in or a comfortable snuggery in which to enjoy ourselves. I hope that if ever, they, our soldiers do settle down God will burn their barracks over their heads!
Our goal in the church is to equip for war and the preaching of the gospel to those outside of our buildings.
As I prepared in the morning to leave to speak I felt the need to "pray on the Armor of God" and began going through Ephesians 6 even as I was getting dressed. Before leaving the house I looked up Ephesians 6:10-20 again and realized that it's not just the spiritual armor for the warfare I needed, but the reminder of the need to fight and declare the truth of God with boldness.
Here it is... Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For 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. Therefore 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lord may every time we have the opportunity to speak your Name and share your Gospel, may we declare it fearlessly as we should.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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