Question: "What is the purpose of the church?"

Answer: Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying.

The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).

Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those who are in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by the principles given above – Biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.

So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.

-gotquestions.org

What Went Wrong???

Brad's dream of a happy family with Angelina is shattered. Now the kids are caught in the middle. Who's to blame?

What went wrong, indeed. If breaking up with your wife to be with your on set girlfriend isn't right. If being with your girlfriend actually just means living with her with no marriage. If a happy family means keep adopting kids out of wedlock till you just can't take it anymore. Well, if all that didn't work, then I just don't know what else I could say to help.

Thank You, Come Again!

Last night the crew met up at the Kwik-E- Mart. This was a 7/11 in Burbank that has been redesigned for the promotion of the Simpson's movie opening. They are selling Buzz Cola, Squishees and Krusty-O's Cereal. Basically, they rebranded all the regular merchandise, added some signs and turned a regular 7/11 into a theme attraction with a half hour wait outside the door.

We showed up and started giving away dollars for Simpson's trivia questions, and led into an open air session of good ol' Law and Grace. Except for the security getting a little nervous as to what we were up to, we had a great time. It was a little slower than we were used to on a Saturday night, so after not too long, the group moved up to our regular spot in Downtown Burbank.

But, this is a great example of finding new and innovative ways to get off the couch and get out there and tell more people the truth of God's coming judgment and His immeasurable grace to all of us sinners.

Flirting With Adultery

Exodus 20:17

Welcome:
1.Recall and share a time in your life were you had to have a “courageous” (tough) conversation with someone? What made it hard? How did you see God move in that situation?
2.In what ways has our current culture influenced what we believe in the church?

Word:
In Dudley’s sermon this past weekend he establishes right off the bat that “God knows Best,” when it comes to our sexual choices and behaviors.

1.In general, why do you think this point is so often quietly debated and contested in our hearts as individuals?
Read Matthew 5:27-28, Proverbs 5:22-23, and Romans 12:1-2
2.How does personal discipline and responsibility play into honoring God with our minds and bodies?
3.As it relates to moral and sexual purity, what do discipline and responsibility look like in the context of your own life?
Read Galatians 6: 1-3
4.How can we as believers come alongside one another when one of us has fallen?

Worship:
The aftermath of adultery or any moral breach for that matter, leaves collateral damage and emotional scars that may take some time to heal.

In Galatians 5:1 Paul reminds us that it is for freedom that we have been set free, so we should stand firm and not let ourselves be burdened by the yoke of slavery.

Meditate on Psalms 51: 1-14. This Psalm of David is one of repentance and cry for restoration after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Allow the words of his heart to rest on yours. Take note of what actions David commits to doing after his repentance in verses 13 and 14.

Witness:
Think of one or two people you will be deliberate and intentional about inviting them to your life group.

You Shall Not Murder

Exodus 20:13

Welcome:
1.Share one of the silliest things you’ve ever done because you were angry?
2.If you had a dollar for every time you’ve gotten angry would you be rich or poor right now? Explain.

Word:
Read Exodus 20:13 & Mathew 5:21-22

1.How does Jesus raise the bar on the commandment, “…you shall not murder?”
2.Why is anger so deadly?
The bible tells us that anger, in and of itself, is NOT wrong, but when we are angry Not to sin:

3.List some things, situations, and time when getting angry would be appropriate.
4.How do you handle you anger (are you a re-presser, explosive expresser, stealth assassin)?

5.What happens when we repress, and suppress anger?
6.Reading Proverbs 29:11, James 1: 19-20, and Proverbs 10:19; what practical guidelines can we apply as it relates to releasing our anger appropriately?
7.In what practical ways can you better manage your anger?

Worship:
1 John 1:9 tells us that, “…if we confess our sins [God] is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and clean us from all unrighteousness.”

If you are harboring un-confessed anger, tend to blow up in anger, or maybe you have a habit of just repressing it, realize this is a great time to share your heart with the group (if you have not already done so), and as a group pray for one another.

Witness:

THIS WEEK, share this lesson with a neighbor on your street, a friend, or relative. Pray that God gives you an opportunity to engage in a conversation about anger with someone. God may be convicting your heart about someone you may have hurt because of your anger. If this is the case, go to that brother or sister and reconcile that breach.

Honoring Parents

Exodus 20:12

Welcome:

Share a funny time in your life when you got in trouble with your parents.
Or… In what ways are you more like your parents now that you are an adult?


Word:

Read Exodus 20:12 & Ephesians 6:1

According to the text, why is it so important to obey our parents as we grow up?
In Ephesians 6:1 what do you think is the difference between “obeying” your parents and “honoring” them?
How do we honor our parents?
As our heavenly father, how do we honor God?

Read Proverbs 22:6
Dudley mentioned in his sermon that the primary role of the parent is to teach their child the things of God.

What are the implications of this verse?
Share a good thing and a “not so good thing” you learned from your parents?
How has your up bring impacted your current life?

Worship:

Read Psalm 139:1-18
Reflect on your life growing up. Go to God in prayer (forgiving your parents were they may need forgiveness, praying for them were they need prayer) ask God how you may better honor your earthly parents… how you may better honor Him.

Witness:

Have you scheduled your community outreach project? One suggestion is for the group to visit and volunteer at an elderly care center.

Remembering the Sabbath

WELCOME

What was the most fun you have at work and what did you do?
OR
What does your perfect day look like?


WORD

Read Exodus 20:8-11

What was the longest time that you went without a day off to rest? How did it feel not having a day off (physically and mentally)?


This weekend Dudley had 3 points to his message, they were…
The need to work (v.9)
The necessity of rest (v.9-11)
The never ending call to worship (v.10)

What are some of your indicators that let you know you need to rest or take some time off?


What is the hardest part of your job? (All of you stay at home Mom’s; yes this applies to you too.)


Read 2 Thessalonians 3:5-11

What are some of the key truths that you see in this passage about the positive aspects of working?


How do you balance work, rest and worship?


Read Mark 2:23-28

How does this scripture help you understand the purpose of a Sabbath?


Have you ever taken a whole day and dedicated it to the Lord?
(Example; taking a day specifically for prayer, taken a walk/hike just to give thanks for what he created, or gone on a silent retreat.)
If so please share your experience.

WORSHIP

Read and pray through Psalm 62

****Group Challenge: have everyone in your group go out this week to a solitary place to spend at least 2 hours alone with GOD in prayer.

WITNESS

Invite one person from your group to the next HOST TRAINING on July 12 so that they can launch a group. This will provide space in your group for new members and another open home for others who are not yet connected with a LIFE GROUP.

That's my King

Second Life

Last night, I was asked to speak at a church about evangelism. I had twenty minutes to speak on the Biblical method of presenting the Law to sinners and then showing God’s grace in light of that Law. Sounded good to me. There was only one detail I didn’t realize. This was a “virtual” church. I was going to have to suit up in an avatar and jump into cyberspace. There was a bit of a learning curve, but after I figured out how to move around and figured out the voice features of this particular world, it was actually pretty cool.

I walked into the “church” building and spoke to about 20 people who were all attending. In meatspace (a term I just learned for the real world) people were actually all over the world, and I was actually at a Starbucks logged in and speaking to my laptop computer. Though, in cyberspace, it was a real church service. With the audio features of this technology, they had worship music, and prayer and even free Bibles to give out to anyone in attendance.

As I looked into Second Life, it turns out that there are almost two million people who regularly log in and spend time in this world. There are real stores that take real money that sell real items such as mp3 versions of songs, or even things that can get shipped to your house in meatspace. What a world.

What I did learn was that if you are creative, you can find a spot that you can make your own fishing spot, even if it only exists in electrons flying around a Starbucks. But, whatever your particular circle of influence, where is your fishing spot? Get out there (or in there) and seek and save the lost.

Saving the Planet with Pop

Partly because nothing else is on, and partly because I want to test out my new HD TV, I am watching the Live Earth concert event today. Today, 7/7/7, the luckiest day of the century or some nonsense.

I really try to stay out of political discussions, especially living here in California, where the mere utterance of the word "Bush" will throw the room into a frenzy.

But, you really can't get away from it. This whole concert thing is really just a big outreach to the youth to get them to vote for the candidates that support their agenda. On the surface, it is about caring for the planet. But, in reality, you can only care for the planet if you vote for Al Gore. And, then you dig deeper and you can only save the planet if you stop Bush and war. And then you really can only save the planet if you stop Christianity and it's evil patriarchal, white, republican dominated nastiness.

Here is a snippet of what I just heard from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

When the sky and the oceans are clean again, we shall be free. (love the creation, not the Creator)

When we're free to love anyone we choose. (Gay marriage)
When this world is big enough for all different views. (no absolute morals)
When we all can worship from our own kind of pews. (The Bible might be 'true for you')
We shall be free...

So, you start out throwing your soda can in a recycle bin, and then you move on to full fledged relativism.

When are we going to turn from "pop" and look to the "Father" to save us?

America, America

I just bought 500 of these tracts to give out at our church's 4th of July Fireworks display. If you are going to be anywhere tomorrow with lots of people waiting around to see fireworks, why don't you join me in passing them out...

See if you can spot the odd one out: earthquakes, floods, droughts, cancer, AIDS, terrorism, war, hurricanes, God's blessing, tornadoes.

Of course "God's blessing" is the oddity. Yet, there are many who would believe the entire list is harmonious. In their ignorance, they think that the devastating things that are happening to this nation are nothing more than nature doing her own thing. You may have noticed that lately there has been an increase in Mother Nature's rumblings. You may also be aware that in the last ten years, incidents of cancer in the U.S. have increased. In 2002 there were 189,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S., with 203,500 cases of breast cancer.

Cancer isn't our only dilemma. Back in 1993, Americans spent an incredible $898 billion on health care. We have moved from one of the lowest infant mortality rates to one of the highest, with over 40,000 newborns dying each year. The National Alliance for Mental Illness diagnosed that ten million people have serious long-term mental disease. The United States of America is continually being plagued with killer earthquakes, new incurable diseases that are outwitting antibiotics, killer hurricanes, devastating tornadoes, calamitous floods, terrible droughts, and the return of once "conquered" diseases such as tuberculosis.

The Cause
The Bible tells us that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Well let's see how we are doing morally:

1. Adultery: USA Today reported that fifty to sixty percent of married couples admit to adultery.

2. Fornication: According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, approximately one in five people in the United States, 45 million individuals, are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes.

3. Rape: A Harris poll sets the figure at 380,000 rapes or sexual assaults that took place back in 1993. The Justice Department says that eight percent of all American women will be victims of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

4. Pornography: UPI News, November 19, 1997 said that porn video rentals soared to 665 million in 1996, accounting for 13.3 percent of video rentals in America.

5. Abortion: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,267,415 abortions in 1998. It's been estimated that there have been more than 40 million since Roe vs. Wade.

6. Theft: It is estimated theft costs the country $500 billion each year.

7. Greed: Focus on the Family revealed that Americans now visit casinos more often than they attend professional sporting events. Collectively, they lose in excess of $50 billion each year to lotteries, horse and dog tracks, casinos, and the various other gambling venues.

8. Murder: According to FBI statistics, over 18,000 people were murdered in 1997. It averaged more than 20,000 per year, totaling 200,000 murders during the 1990s. Over 100,000 murderers were never brought to justice.

9. Drunkenness: Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association estimates that the social costs of alcohol addiction amount to $100 billion per year in lost productivity and related health costs.

10. Hypocrisy: The Barna Research Group found that sixty-two percent of Americans profess to be Christians, while the book, The Day America Told the Truth said that ninety-one percent lie regularly.

We don't seem to be doing too well. We are no different than Israel, who through the ages, kept straying from God's Commandments into lawlessness. From there, they lost the promised blessing of health, which was conditional upon righteousness (Deuteronomy 28:15-46).

Meanwhile, despite our national sins, a blind and mystified world points to everything from coffee to hot dogs as the reason for the increase in cancer.

As the blessings of God have been removed from the soil, we think nothing of spraying crops with hundreds of thousands of tons of poisons each year to try and combat the onslaught of pestilence. The influence of generations of evolutionary philosophy has us thinking that we are merely assisting (a not quite fully evolved) Mother Nature.

The thought that we have somehow offended God, doesn't even enter the area of our godless reflection.

America the beautiful is no longer beautiful. Violence and sin has made her ugly. America, America, God shed His grace on thee� but now you are reaping the fruit of your sins, and it is time for you to be told:

America, America,
God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in Law.

What does the song-writer mean by "Thy liberty in Law?" - a city whose drivers are lawful, has the liberty of flowing, problem-free traffic. But if drivers refuse to obey traffic laws, there will be accidents, pain and chaos. Winston Churchill was right when he said, "If a nation won't be ruled by God, it will be ruled by anarchy." We are suffering the aftermath of a national loss of self-control, and consequently, lawlessness. Here again is just some of the chaotic fruit of not keeping God's Law - murder, theft, rape, drug-addiction, alcoholism, obesity, fear, hatred, sexual perversion, racial prejudice, greed, disease, spousal abuse, child abuse, child pornography, family break-down, etc. If you are the victim of the sins of America, God knows your pain. The Bible says He is full of compassion and rich in mercy to all that call upon Him. Even though the situation seems hopeless, there is a way to avert the pathetic sight of children with cancer, more terrible disasters, and other horrible diseases from further flooding this nation. There is a way we can, with the help of God, bring healing to this once great country.

The Answer is in Your Hands
Let's stop talking about "America's" sins, and see how you and I personally stand morally. Answer the following with a tender conscience: Have you ever told a lie? This includes any fibs, white lies, half-truths or exaggerations told in the past. Remember, time doesn't forgive sin. God sees the sins of your youth as though it were yesterday. If you have told even one lie, then you are a liar (be brutally honest with yourself, because God will be on the Day of Judgment). Have you ever stolen something? The value of the item is totally irrelevant. If you have stolen one thing, then you are a thief.

Have you committed murder, or have you desired to by harboring hatred in your heart? If you have hated someone the Bible says that you are a murderer.

Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever done that? Have you had sex outside of marriage, or committed adultery, or desired to? Then you have committed sexual sin and cannot enter Heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Have you kept the Sabbath holy, always honored your parents, have you put God first in your affections, loving Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Have you always loved your neighbor as much as you have loved yourself? Most of us have trouble loving our "loved" ones, let alone loving our neighbors. Have you ever used God's name in vain, either employing it as a curse word, or failing to give it due honor? Have you made a god to suit yourself and therefore been guilty of "idolatry" - making a god in your own image, believing in your version of what you think God is like? Have you ever desired anything that belonged to someone else?

If you have broken even one of these Ten Commandments, then you have sinned against God. On Judgment Day every sin you have ever committed will come out as evidence of your guilt. You will be damned forever, and lose your soul. Without God's mercy, you will go to Hell. The Scriptures warn that unless you repent, you will perish. Don't add self-righteousness to your sins by saying that you are basically a "good" person. If you refuse to admit that "America's" sins are your sins, you will never seek God's mercy. Don't also think that God will overlook your sins because He is good. His "goodness" will make sure justice is done. He will punish all liars, thieves, adulterers, etc.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can clean up your life. No "good" you do can wash away your sins - only God's mercy can do that. Two thousand years ago, He came to this earth in human form to take the punishment for us. The Bible says, "God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." When Jesus died on the cross, He stepped into the courtroom and paid the fine for us. His suffering was necessary to satisfy the Law you and I violated. The moment we repent and trust the Savior, God forgives our sins and grants us everlasting life.

That's how America can be healed of her plagues . . . God will forgive our sins because of what Jesus did on the cross. If you care about America, if you care about the children of America . . . if you care about your eternal salvation, tell God you are sorry for your sins, then turn from them in humble repentance. Think of it this way - you are a man who has committed adultery. You have violated the trust of a loving and faithful wife. She is more than willing to forgive you, so how can you reconcile the relationship? You humble yourself, tell her you are truly sorry . . . then vow to never (even think of) committing adultery again. You shouldn't need someone to write words of sorrow for you to read to your wife, and you shouldn't have to read a prayer of repentance to God from this tract. Just pour your heart out to Him. It's your heart, not the words that really matter. Then put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Trust Him in the same way you would trust a pilot with your life when you fly on a plane. He is but a fallible man, so how much more should you trust in God. Read the Bible daily, and obey what you read, and God will never fail you. Check out our web site for further help: www.livingwaters.com May God bless you, your family, and may God bless America.

Another Basic Training Course completed

Today we finished week 8 of the Basic Training Course, and we are on schedule to start back over next Saturday with Lesson One. This Wednesday is the Fourth of July, and we plan to have the whole evangelism team out in force. Last year there were about 40,000 people in attendance and I doubt I will be able to get everyone there a tract, but I am sure going to give it a try.

Watch Your Talk

Welcome
Did you have any nicknames growing up that you would be willing to share?
Or
Share the most positive name you have ever been called.


Worship

As we attempt to fill our language with good things, let us start with praising the Lord for the good things he has done in our life. Read Psalm 111 and then begin to pray with praise for the Lord.


Word

• Read Eph. 4:29. What are the kinds of “unwholesome” talk you have heard in the last month?

• Ephesians 5:4 talks about “obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking.” What impact does this kind of talk really have on us and our relationships? Can you give any personal examples?

• Based on Matthew 12:34, we know there is a relationship between our mouth and heart. How can we allow the positive and encouraging things that are in our hearts to better flow from our mouth?

• How do you react when someone uses the Lord’s name as a profanity?

• Share with the group some of the ways you have learned to deal with profanity in your own life.
  

• What are some ways you can focus on the “right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable” things as Philippians 4:8 tells us?
  

• Break into groups of two or three and pray for each other in this area of the language we use.

Witness
In your group of two or three share how you can remove or improve something to be a better witness for Christ.

Right God, Wrong Image

Welcome

What is the one thing in your life that you simply can’t do without?
Or
Describe your dream vacation.

Word
Read Exodus 20: 4-6

1.In this passage what is the difference between the first commandment and the second commandment?
2.In vs 5, what kind of God does God say He is? Why do you think He says that?
3.In our society, who or what do we tend to make idols of? Why?
4.Pastor Dudley noted that an idol is anything that you worship rather than God. If you are not careful, what can easily slip into the “idol” position in your own life? Explain.

Read Psalm 115:1-11

5.In the first vs. how does the Psalm set the tone; Who gets ALL of the Worship?
6.How does the psalmist compare and contrast God with other idols? (vs. 3-8)
7.In verses 9-11 what does the psalmist encourage us to do, and why?
8.Dudley’s final point last Weekend was, “Idolatry is really just a subtle form of self-worship.” List out two or three things you can do each day to keep your focus off of yourself and on God.

Witness
If you have not done so already, assign a person (s) to coordinate your summer outreach. It does not have to be complicated. In fact the simpler you make it the more likely it will get done. Do weekend warriors, volunteer at your local shelter; decide to do breakfast for your local fire department to show them how much you appreciate them.

Worship
Quietly reflect on what things you may tend to focus on more than you focus on God. After a few moments confess to God in prayer what comes to your heart. Then, someone read Psalm 117 to the group.

Numero Uno

Welcome
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
OR
What is your favorite Ice Cream flavor?

Word
Read Exodus 20 1-3
1. What does the term “God” mean to you, in other words how do you determine if something is being a “God” to you?

2. What are some thing, that people in our society, have made “Gods” in their lives?

3. Which one of these do you struggle with?

4. Name a person who you think does a good job at putting The Lord God first in their life.

Read Matthew 22:34-38
5. How do the “Greatest Commandment” and the First Commandment support each other?

6. Share what it means to you to put love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind?

7. Pastor Dudley talked about the “FIRST” test to see if you are putting God first in your life. The test asks what is the emphasis on the following areas of your life:
Focus, Income, Relationships, Spiritual Food, and Time.

Go around and share how you score on the test.

Witness
Do you want to see your group grow closer than ever before? Outreach events are the greatest contributor to group members growing closer together. This summer is going to be a great opportunity to do at least one outreach project with your group. Start thinking and talking about stepping out in faith and blessing others as God blesses you.

Worship
Take some time to quietly (on your own) go over where you stand on the FIRST test. Go around and pray to make a commitment to put God first in every area of your life.

QYST - Day 15 - Go And Make Disciples

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” MATT. 28:19-20

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” JOHN 14:15
Now that you understand the principles, how are you doing practically? It’s been two weeks since you started this journey, you’re almost half-way through this devotional… how many people have you shared your faith with since you began? This is a challenge we all need...

Over the years, I have asked churches, “How many of you can say before God that you have witnessed verbally to more than 12 people over the past 12 months? That is, at least every 30 days or so, somebody who is sitting in the shadow of death has heard the Gospel of everlasting life from your lips?” I have found that only 8-12 percent will raise their hands. Where is the zeal? Jesus said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, italics added). The Holy Spirit wasn’t given without purpose in mind. He was given so that we might have power for the purpose of being witnesses of Christ. So many profess to possess the power, but where is the lifestyle that confirms what the profess to possess?

Are we hot for God? Can we say that we have witnessed to more than 12 people in the last 12 months? Do we have the testimony, “to live means opportunities for Christ?” Is there a zeal to witness burning in our bones? It doesn’t matter how much we pray, tithe, fellowship… Jesus said “Go.” Obedience is better than sacrifice. Sure those things are the basics of the Christian faith, but if we are not sharing the faith we are not fulfilling our commission. We are like survivors of the Titanic singing songs as we polish the brass in the lifeboat, when there is room for many who are drowning around us. There is nothing wrong with polishing brass… but not while people are drowning around us. We are commissioned soldiers. True Christianity is not a pleasurecruiser on its way to Heaven, but a battleship stationed at the very gates of Hell!

Christianity Without Salvation

The legacy of the "Social Gospel"--100 years later.
BY JOSEPH LOCONTE

Read the full article, but basically the "social gospel", (read liberal Christianity) has "...little need of a Savior. It merely displace[s] the problem of evil--the supreme tragedy of the human soul in rebellion against God--with the challenge of social iniquities. The Kingdom of Heaven [will] come soon enough, if only we put our hands to the plow."


I find it interesting that we have a president who claims to be a Christian (in fact we have not had one yet who claimed otherwise) and people who scream out at how what he does shows that he is a hypocrite. And, we have people running for the office who all claim to be Christian, and people who cry out that by what they would vote to legalize, they are hypocrites. Clearly there is a conflict when each side is claiming their candidate for their idea of Christianity. One of the two sides (if not both) must have a faulty definition of what it means to be Christian.

Should our faith drive us to good works? Sure. But, do our good works make us a Christian?

In 1 Corinthians, we read,

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Your works will be shown for what they are, being revealed with fire. On this Memorial Day, set aside to remember those who have given their lives, how appropriate to remember the One who gave his life for us. Let's make sure our works are built on His foundation.

A Question of Faith

Retyped without permission from Nick Jr. Family Magazine...

(Ask a Mom - A column by Allison Pennell)

My Parents are religious; we're not. Should we let the kids go to church with them on Easter?

As long as you aren't opposed, and your parents respect your religious leanings, I think you should five it a try. My friend Allie and her husband, who are on the "secular humanist" end of their respective faiths, have opted to let her parents take the kids to temple once in a while. Despite her misgivings going in, she's actually found the whole experience very sweet. She realizes that for her parents, it's more about sharing their culture and community (and showing off their grandchildren) than religion itself.

Just be aware that your kids mishgt ask some questions about your own faith - or lack thereof. ("Why don't we go to church?" "Do you believe in God?") Kids have a knack for sniffing out false piety, so try to answer thier questions as honestly as possible, says Bradford Wilcox, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. Also keep in mind that some kids may want to connect to a tradition larger than themselves, so the stories, rituals, and ceremonies associated with grandma and grandpa's faith may give them a sense of comfort and purpose.

Of course, if you're uncomfortable with this idea, tell your parents no diplomatically bur firmly. You might say, "We appreciate the invitation and know that it's important to you, but organized religion isn't right for us."

Is it just me or does something seem backwards about this letter? What has the world become that we are worried about people taking our childred to church? I can imagine not letting my kids stay somewhere because the family will NOT be taking them to church. And, if somehow these people survived being raised by these 'churchgoers', then why wouldn't their children be OK for one Easter?

I see more tolerance for making sure our kids read the Koran and learn not to judge terrorists than I see for letting kids go paint Easter eggs. I won't even go into my rant about Easter eggs having nothing to do with the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

Perhaps the problem is that the parents in this scenario were probably more into the 'culture and community' than the message? My wife was raised in the Catholic church, and the family sure was into the culture of being Catholic. And, boy do the grandparents love to show off their grandkids at their Easter and Christmas functions. That is fine. But, maybe if the gospel were the focus, you know the part about our sinfullness offending a holy and pure God, and the part where even though we deserve hell, He chose to send His Son to die in our place because he was so full of mercy, you know, that gospel, then maybe these people would be less worried about their kids visiting a church, and more worried about running out to a lost and dying world with the only message of hope that we have.

There... I said it.

QYST - Day 14 - Covetous Desires

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 JOHN 2:15

Today we will look at the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet ... anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness is perhaps the most subtle of sins. It seems minor compared to adultery, theft, or rape. However, before a man steals, he covets. Before he rapes or commits adultery, he covets. Covetousness is the spark that sets off the fuse of sin. It is a sin that lies close to the surface of every human being. Few children are content with ten pieces of candy when the child next to him gets eleven. Covetousness is the bedfellow of jealousy, greed, and lust. It was this quiet sin that found a place in the heart of King David, rich and blessed though he was. His covetous eye roamed toward another man’s wife, and opened the door to a multitude of sins.

Who of us can stand guiltless and say that we have never jealously desired something that belongs to someone else? Whether we long for another’s house, car, income, or lifestyle, our covetousness reveals a lack of gratitude for what God has already given us. That’s why Scripture admonishes us to “be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). Learn to pray along with the psalmist, “Incline my heart unto your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity. . .” (Psalm 119:36,37).

This devotion was excerpted from The School Of Biblical Evangelism, chapter 14, beginning on page 96.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.

23 "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

I've been talking with a lot of people lately, and everyone has their idea of what Jesus taught, or what Christianity is, or even what religion is supposed to do. I'm amazed at when professing Christians even tell me what their religion is supposed to mean. One of the reasons I'm going through the book of John here (and eventually the whole Bible) is to slow down and take a look at what God says Christianity is supposed to do. Let's ask those who heard Jesus. Surely they know what He said.