Grappe's Blog

SHOULD PREACHERS RIDE HARLEYS?

2011-02-28T10:37:00.001-08:00

For as long as I had my HotRod I heard that preachers should not have "race cars". Since I have sold my "hotrod" I bought a Harley. Now, I hear that preachers should not ride Harleys.
When I asked, I was informed that it is okay for preachers to have boats, numerous rod and reals, baits, etc etc--to have guns, bows, pay ungodly amounts for corn, leases, etc for hunting--to have cows, chickens--even show chickens--to sum it up I discovered that it is okay for preachers to have most any hobby except for "HotRods" and "Harleys".

Since I have such intellectual brothers I thought I would ask you the million dollar question:
Should preachers ride harleys?

Sincerely not--hehe
LLL

What Constitutes Legal Marriage?

2011-01-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Two young people ( male and female) decide they love one another and begin living together:both are church members. They are approached and instructed that they must get married, move into separate houses, or they will be excluded from fellowship.

Two elderly people (male and female), after a few years of marriage decide that for financial reasons they will get a divorce. They are both church members and continue living as husband and wife after their secret signing. They are not approached, even after their deed has been made known. The church understands that for "financial" reasons they "had" to do what they did. Their rationalization is that marriage is between two people and their vows to one another, and that man's law calls for licenses etc etc.

I will leave it right there my brothers..you fill in the blanks

NKJV

2010-12-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

So I finally took a moment to research the NKJV. It did not take long to realize that of all the different versions available today, the NKJV is as dangerous if not worse than all other. The NKJV presents itself as being "Equivilent" to the KJV. The scholars who worked on this project sought to ride the "shirt tail" of the KJV. In their own preface they go to great lengths to present both as one in the same.
While the translators claim that the "Textus Receptus" was the "BASIC" text used in translation, they also admit that many other Greek Texts were considered. While reading some key scriptures in the NKJV I found some differences that I, as a KJV advocate, would rather the original translation over the new, and while some may think that their are no "smoking guns" in which one must be alerted over, in fact, the "weapons of mass destruction are there".
Here is the danger of the NKJV.
1. They claim to be an equivalent to the KJV (If they thought so highly of the KJV, why did they see a need to change it?)
2. They claim to use the "Textus Recptus" in thier translation, while in the next sentence admit that other Greek Texts were used. (They used other texts when the "True" text did not agree with their theology/)
3. They created the NKJV translation with footnotes. These footnotes reveal differences in other Greek Texts. When other Greek Texts disagreed with the Textus Receptus they alerted people to that fact.
a. In their own words the scholars stated that they felt that it was better for them to leave it up to the average reader as to what text they would accept, therefore they used footnotes.
(So basically if I read the NKJV and don't agree with what it says, and I find in the footnotes that another Greek Text omitted that particular part--by the guidance of the scholars of the NKJV, I have the freedom to "choose" which one I like best.)

The NKJV by far is the most dangerous of all versions in that it seeks to deceive people into thinking that it is an "Equivalent" of the KJV, when in fact it is a version that promotes the "Average Reader" to make their own decisions as to what is God's Word and what is not.

Bro. Joey Grappe
Missionary Jena Louisiana

Heartaches In The Ministry

2010-10-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

I used to listen to pastors speak of all they encountered while pastoring. All of them spoke of how it was a privilege to preach the gospel, and that, they desired to do nothing else but preach. They would speak of all of the joys they had in their ministry, but they also spoke about the heartaches that they often suffered. I was a young preacher at the time and could not understand what heartaches could be associated with pastoring a church.

After ten years in the ministry I now understand what they meant by heartaches in the ministry. As pastor of a New Testament church you pray for the members daily, you prepare lessons from God's Word that they might be edified, you provide for them in times of need a shoulder to cry on, and are always ready to listen to them. Pastors have a genuine love for the members of the church they pastor, a compassion, a heart of sympathy and empathy.

In a former pastorate I was given a letter by a member. This member was one whom I respected a great deal, one of those members that pastors love to have because they could teach and be a help in the ministry. The letter ripped my heart out, and while I tried to find some amount of truth within its content, all I found was criticism.

My first reaction was sadness, then anger,and then, well my emotions were as a roller coaster with no end. The letter attacked me as a person, as a pastor, my family, my hobbies, likes and dislikes. I found that I was not respected as a pastor or a person. I made it a priority to read the letter daily. I felt that there was something within its pages that could give evidence as to why this person felt as they did.

After a while I realized that the letter was the result of sin. The writer admitted that they were in a spiritual slump, and while the slump was blamed on me it was evident that things present in their life at that time had prompted the letter. Many times when we are hurting, or when we do not understand something, we lash out at others. And while my heart ached I realized that the writer did not need my reproving or rebuking, but my prayers.

The Bible teaches that LOVE covers a multitude of sins. 1 Corinthians 13 reveals what love does. Nothing bad comes from love. Was the letter a result of love? No, but preachers just because we are not loved by church members as much as we feel we should be, we should never stop loving them. We are supposed to be the spiritually mature one. Therefore let all God called preachers, when we face heartaches in the ministry, let us allow the love of Jesus to be spread abroad in our hearts. Let us never, no matter what we face in the ministry, stop loving, caring, praying for or preparing lessons from God's Word, for the edification of our brethren.

Though heartaches may come in the work of the Lord, there is no greater work. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do, save preachng the gospel of Jesus Christ and pastoring God's churches.

Blowed Head Gasket

2010-04-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Man it was fast it was fast it was faaaaast.

It was fast right up to the point where it began to melt the copper head gaskets.

Why why why?????

Because there was a loose nut behind the steering wheel.

FYI--when you add timing and subtract fuel the engine runs lean--this makes the engine produce more power and the car goes faster. This type of tune, however, is a 1/4 mile tune. While using a tune such as this on fuel injected engines DO NOT RUN THE CAR AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE PAST A 1/4 MILE OR IT WILL--IT WILL--IT WILL DISINTEGRATE THE ENGINE

Ps. I will never make this mistake again

IT IS COMING

2010-02-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

One more month until the Trick Flow Ford Mustang rumbles the ground at Twin City Dragway. I am ready to put 565 horses to the ground in a low 11 second run. Chevy boys beware!!!!

Let Me Explain!

2010-02-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

Okay my Brothers,

My thoughts on the last blog had nothing to do with "associations".

My thoughts were concerning individual New Testament churches (who are soveriegn and can do what ever they want) and individual members of New Testament churches taking part in the activities of false religions.

I know, please define a false religion--Any organization that does not have the authority Jesus gave His church.
How do you know? By the doctrines they teach. (Bro. James there very well may be a true New Testament church out there that do not call themselves "Baptist") Good luck finding one. Even in non-denominational religions that teach Bible salvation do not teach "church authority"

I do not take part in Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Pentecost, Church of Christ, Church of God, Assembly of God, Nazarene, Latter Day Saints, Jehovah Witness, any Baptists who are not of like order and faith (doctrinally--nothing to do with missions and associational works), Non-Denominational or any other religion that was started by a man, or woman.

I don't pray with them I pray for them. To pray with them is to accept their beliefs.

ie. I was once invited to the football stadium. All the religions in the parish were coming together to pray for the salvation of the youth. I did not go. Some, maybe even some of you, said that I did not care about the youth. They wanted to know why I did not join the effort. My answer to them was this--If all religions assemble to pray for the salvation of the youth, all believing in different ways to be saved, WHO is God going to listen to?

My friends God does not here the prayers of those who ask Him to save by works, baptism, or any other means outside of grace through faith.

To attend this prayer service would be an admittance that each religion represented were just in my eyes and in the eyes of God.

When we as a church or as an individual go to the organized functions of false religions we are consenting to their teachings.

Just as Peter in Galatians, we proclaim by our actions-we implicate that we accept the religion--its teachings and practices.

Okay everyone wants to hear it from me so here it is---M B S F
There is nothing wrong with the MBSF inviting "ALL" "WHOSOEVER" to their Bible studies and any other function they may have.
The MBSF must not, however, compromise teachings to keep from offending other religions (not referring to the doctrinal statement of the ABA.
First teach them how to be saved, teach them of Baptism and church membership also after they are saved.
Of course their are many other lessons for them, things to help them cope with things etc etc.

The MBSF, although they invite all, they should never attend the organized functions of another religion.
When asked why a door is opened to teach them why, and witness to them about Jesus.

This was my thought in my post. The taking part in the organized functions of false religions. As members of the Lord's New Testament church we are to be a witness of truth. We are not to compromise with false teachings. Sadly, this is what has happened with many. Our desire to have fun and be a part of a "Christian" group has caused us to compromise and conform. Churches are conforming, church members are conforming, and God's men are conforming.

My Brethren, in all honesty of heart ask yourself the following question.
When I assemble myself together with a religious group, in a worship setting, or in a manner in which all perceive that a group of "Christians" are gathering together in oneness and harmony; what do my actions say?

To the false religions they say "Hey, we are all working to get to the same place--though we believe different it doesn't matter God accepts us all"
To the onlooking world we say, "There is not difference in any religion, all are equally the same."

AT THE END OF THE DAY

It is your decision. I do not condemn you nor do I attempt to correct you. I am only posting my beliefs that I have based on God's Word. So brothers please let us not get into an all out debate after you wrest some of my phrases from its context. I do love to see people saved. I would never be rude to anyone--not even an athiest.
I would not ridicule them or the religion in which they support. I would, however, do all I could to teach them why I believe what I believe. Lastly, let us be careful at the things in which we participate, in the quest to see souls saved. Let us not use our liberty for a cloak; not all things done in the name of Jesus have anything to do with Jesus.

Love You My Brothers--if you want to debate email me @ grappejc@att.net.

FELLOWSHIPPING TOGETHER

2010-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Why is fellowshipping with those who are not of like faith and order such a big issue today?
Why do so many try to justify ecuminicalism?

The reason is that many today just like having fun; fellowshipping with all who profess to be "Christians"
While we are having our fun fellowshipping with those who are not of like faith and order, we are forgetting that iin our fellowshipping we are condoning their beliefs. [Call it what you want preachers this is the truth].

Call me mean, hateful and unloving; call me uncaring, but the fact is this--Jesus established His church to go into the world to preach the Word to the unbelieving, not fellowship with them and wish them God Speed.

If you like to play "Christian Fellowship" with the religious of the world that is your choice, but please don't take the Bible, bend it and wrest it to make it say what you want it to say or support ecuminicalism.

Final Thought--Why is this subject such a debate today? Because God's people are neck deep in ecuminicalism and don't know how to get out, or don't want to get out--because it is so much fun.

Love Your Brother in Christ
Bro Joey Grappe

PS. To my Brethren who want to slay me with Scriptures, PLEASE make sure that you use them in context.

A LONG FAR CRY!

2010-02-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

A little boy riding a tricycle is a long far cry from a race car driver.

A little boy with a BB gun is a long far cry from a sniper.

A little boy with a toy airplane is a long far cry from an astronaut.

You Add The Rest

WHY?

2010-01-28T22:16:00.000-08:00

Why can't the Lord's New Testament churches just do what He sent them into the world to do? Why do His churches have to be involved with everything except the "Great Commission"?

Why can't God's men, whom He called into the gospel ministry, just commit themselves to fulfilling their calling? Why are we, as God called men, trying to change God, His ways, His teachings? Why can't we just preach and teach God's Word?

Why can't God's people be happy with service that is undefiled before God? Why do many seek to stone "Stephen" when truth is taught? Why do they seek the pleasures of the world over the service to the Lord?

1. Because we have to keep up with main stream religion. Because the "Great Comission" is old school, we live in the 21st century, we have to be more hip, mix things up--Hey, if we don't have it or offer it we cant add to the church--God adds not us

2. Because we remain ignorant of Bible truths. We don't study like we should. Because we would rather make people laugh that preach truth that convicts them of sin. Because we want to be popular, liked, men pleasers we have become.

3. God's people are becoming less and less faithful-in service and in godly living. Less interested in the things of God and more interested in competed with false religion.

Summary: If the Lord's churches would commit themselves to the "Great Commission", and God's men would stop playing who is the best preacher and start fulfilling their office, then God's people would be taught, they would be growing, and they would be seeking to please God instead of self.

HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY

2010-01-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY
James 2:1-4

INTRODUCTION
A. James addresses his “brethren”. This is not a physical kinship but a spiritual one. “My brethren”, my brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow members of the Lord’s New Testament churches, those who are now scattered throughout the region.
B. James is going to speak concerning the “faith”
faith: the doctrine of Christ and His teachings, those delivered unto His church.
C. These verses address the manner in which God’s people “have”, hold or possess the faith.
D. These four verses will expose those who are prejudice against those whom the Lord desires to be saved, baptized, and taught the all things.

“have not the faith”
have not the faith: to hold as your personal possession

A. James warns his brethren that they shouldn't hold onto the faith as if it is their own personal property in which they can possess in any manner of their choosing. It is the faith:

“of our Lord Jesus Christ”

A. The “faith” that was delivered unto the saints is the Lord’s system of doctrines in which His church is to deliver unto the world.
1. The church is to preach, baptize, and teach the all things to all men in all places.
B. James refers to our “Lord Jesus Christ” as “the Lord of glory”.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the glory of God revealed unto men.
C. Therefore His teachings are God’s teachings and by His teachings, by the faith, all men may see the glory of God and glorify God.
D. Therefore church do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“with respect of persons”
respect of persons: to fix the eye upon, to show partiality or favoritism

A. James addresses a problem that is still present in the Lord’s churches today.
1. We will preach, baptize, and teach those who are appealing to us—we will witness to those who we think will make a good church member.
2. Those who are less desirable to us can receive the faith from someone else.
B. The “faith” is not ours to distribute to who we think deserves it or to those who we desire over others.
1. The Great Commission teaches us that the church is to spread the faith throughout all the world—preaching it to every creature.

“For if there come unto your assembly” 2

A. Not any assembly but “your” assembly”. The church—James addresses the manner in which church members treat visitors, and even their own church members.
Read 2-4
B. James speaks of two men—the man in goodly apparel—and the man dressed in vile raiment. Rich man poor man
C. The rich man was shown favoritism while the poor man was given the lowest estate in the congregation-under the footstool.
D. How do you treat those who come to your assembly?
1. Are some looked upon with greater desire than others?
2. Do we treat everyone the same or do we cater to the rich, the beautiful, intellectual, etc?
3. Who will you give your seat to—the thief, drunkard, drug addict, murderer, beggar—or is it reserved for the rich man.
E. Again the rich man has more to offer than the poor; therefore many times these are treated with favoritism—in hopes to win them that they may give what they have to offer.
F. The poor man wore vile raiment.
vile: dirty, filthy-it reflects a man in a mendicant state, a beggar/ more than dress but this man is nasty and filthy—he can also be a very sinful man (this man represents that which is disgusting to society.
G. The poor man is in the same condition as the fatherless and widows in their affliction (1:26, 27). They don’t have much to offer so their place is under “my” footstool.
1. Many are guilty of showing this partiality to those who visit their assembly.
2. Partiality is even shown within the membership--many churches today are placing all their emphasis on the youth while neglecting the older of the church.
3. The faith is to be delivered unto all men of all ages—rich and poor.

“Are ye not then partial in yourselves”?

A. In your own mind you have made a distinction between the rich man and poor man.

“and are become judges of evil thoughts”

A. By your evil thoughts you have judged as to who you believe is worthy of receiving the faith.
1. In our mind the rich man and poor man are different—one more deserving than the other.

CONCLUSION
A. When we hold the faith with respect of persons we are partial in ourselves and are judges of evil thoughts.
B. We take the faith, which is meant for all men to hear and receive—and distribute it to who we think is worthy.
C. Churches need to take a long look at to whom Jesus delivered the faith.

Pastors, Have you ever been asked?

2010-01-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love the questions that are asked when going in view of a call. You know them:
1.Do you agree withe the 21 doctrinal statement of the ABA? We say yes--I ask do you even know them?
2. Grape juice or wine?
3. Do you visit?
4. Testimony of salvation and call
5. Do you mow your grass?
6. Do you run up the utility bills?
7. Etc Etc
8. Do you meet the qualities stated in 1 Timothy 3? Anybody ever said no? of course not

One question that I have never been asked, nor have I ever heard of any my brothers being asked,
Do you have a desire to pastor a New Testament church?

I think it would be a good one to ask--what do you think?

EVIDENCE OF THE DIVINE CALL OF GOD

2010-01-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

What evidence exists that reveal the divine call of God?

IF A MAN "SAY" HE HAS FAITH

2010-01-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

James 2:14-26

INTRODUCTION
A. These verses of Scripture are very familiar to us. They are the verses that teach us that faith without works is unprofitable; James calls this type of faith, dead faith.

B. A good summation of these verses could be:
1. As God’s people we are to show our faith by our works—we are to do more than just “say” we have faith: works should accompany our faith if we are going to be profitable in the work of the Lord. If we do not have works that accompany our faith the brother or sister isn’t clothed and warmed, the sacrifice of service is not made, and we are not a help to God’s people and His purpose (Rahab).

C. Everything in this summation is true and scriptural, but in the context, is James concerned with the lack of works that are accompanying the saved or is he speaking concerning the absence of saving faith altogether?
1. What is the author saying?
a. As we will discover, these verses do not refer to the saved person who has no works—These verses teach that saving faith WILL produce or result in good works.

D. We like to believe that we cannot tell if a person is saved or unsaved. While we cannot know the heart of man as God knows, the Bible does teach that God’s people, His children who are saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, will stand out from the lost.

E. The Bible reveals evidences that prove one’s faith.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” 14
profit: advantage

A. To what advantage is it for a man to “say” he has faith?
say: to speak or profess
1. James did not say “What doth it profit……though a man have faith?” but what advantage is it though a man “say he hath faith”
2. A mere profession of faith does not mean a possession of faith, or the natural accompaniments of faith.

“and have not works”
A. How important are works of faith?
1. According to the Bible those who possess faith will have works of faith, thus becoming profitable to and for the Lord.
2. Works of faith are a natural accompaniment of faith; now the man who says he has faith yet no works:

“can faith save him?”
A. There are two kinds of faith here.
faith: A firm relying confidence in the savior Jesus Christ, such a confidence that brings us to repentance and give our lives to him.
faith: An intellectual belief in God and His existence

B. The second faith, “can faith save him?” refers to the intellectual belief in God and His existence.
1. This type of faith cannot save, neither can it or will it produce works of faith.
2. If this type of faith saved, the devils, demons would be saved. 19

C. The Bible teaches that man is saved by grace through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-10). This faith is the first faith, that firm relying confidence in Christ as savoir.
1. When a person has that firm persuasion and conviction, based on God’s Word, that the blood of Jesus saves, and he accepts Christ, he is immediately indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
2. God creates in him a new creature ( 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). He has a new heart, new desires, one that wants to be profitable for his Savoir.
a. It is this faith only that can produce works of faith—it is this kind of faith that is profitable.

Read 15-17*
A. Faith alone is dead, useless in that it is no faith at all.

B. In verses 17, 20, 26 James refers to faith without works being dead, a dead faith.

Application: This is not teaching that some saved people do not have works of faith therefore their faith is dead, as meaning useless to others. This is teaching that faith without works is dead in that it is no faith at all.
1. It is a faith that is dead in trespasses and sins
2. You can be saved and still sin, but you cannot be saved and nothing change.

C. James gives three examples of works of faith.
1. Each work of faith justifies inward faith to man.
2. Abraham was justified before God by his faith, but his works justified him before man—was profitable
3. Rahab also, her faith justified before men by her works

I. WORKS OF BENEVOLENCE 15, 16

A. The second greatest commandment Matthew 22:37-40
1. Love thy neighbor
Application: How many have no heart when it comes to the suffering of others?

II. WORKS OF SACRIFICE 21-24

A. The greatest commandment Matthew 22:37-40
1. Love God with all our heart, soul and mind
B. Committing ourselves a living sacrifice unto God
Romans 12:1, 2

III. WORKS OF SERVICE 25
1. Service to God’s people
2. Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ

A. Who did Rahab help? God’s people
1. She showed her love for God’s people through her service unto them.
2. She sacrificed her own self, her own safety to help the messengers.
Application: We are called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
1. This love is the evidence of our salvation, 1 John 3:11, 14
2. We are commanded to sacrifice ourselves for our brothers and sisters in Christ 1 John 3:16
3. The absences of this kind of love shows an absence of love for God and is indicative of dead faith 1 John 4:20

CONCLUSION
A. We show our saving faith by our works.
B. The Bible teaches that works accompany saving faith.
C. Read 2:26*--Dead, no life
D. James wants people to know that intellectual faith is the same as demon faith, and cannot save.
E. Saving faith does not just believe the things concerning Jesus, saving faith produces repentance, and true repentance unto salvation produces good works.

THE DISSENTING BEGINNING OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

2010-01-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1

The Foundation of Roman Catholicism

The foundation of the true Christian church is Christ. Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The “rock” to which Jesus referred was Himself, thus Jesus is the foundation of the church. Paul stated, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). The Roman Catholic Church proclaims its origin and foundation to be in Christ. The Catechism declares, “The one true Church established by Christ is the Catholic Church.”[i] While the Roman Catholic religion claims its origin and foundation to be in Christ, the history of the church dictates something opposite. History reveals the origin and foundation of Roman Catholicism to be men, and its construction began with the dissenting of New Testament churches from truth.
L.L. Clover, “Baptist History” wrote, “by the middle of the second century there was a great change in the attitude and practices of many of the churches. This was due largely to the fact Christianity was growing into a thing well known and widely accepted in the Roman Empire. The leaders among the Christians were sore troubled as to ways and means of marshalling and controlling the ignorant masses that were coming to them from heathenism.”[ii] The attempt to control this issue began a practice that replaced Christ as the head of the church. This new practice was a preacher rule or a church official rule. Clover stated, “Thus preacher rule, church official rule; along with thoughts of universalism, which were the seeds of Catholicism, began to raise their ugly heads upon the horizon of the Christian world. Along with these ideas there came also a relaxing of moral standards, and demands for a separated church membership taught by the first churches.”[iii]
In the first two centuries, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and into much of the known civilization. Over this period of time, some of the churches began to practice error and compromise. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans influenced many churches in the first two centuries of the church. The Nicolaitans, a kindred to a antinomian sect: these where “One of a sect who maintain, that, under the gospel dispensation, the law is of no use or obligation; or who hold doctrines which supersede the necessity of good works and a virtuous life. This sect originated with John Agricola about the year 1538.abused the doctrine of Christian liberty.”[iv] H. Cowan, “The Bible Dictionary” wrote, “In defiance of the apostle’s warnings, (1 Corinthians 6:13-20; 8:9, 10; 10:8) as well as of the decree of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), they permitted participation in heathen feasts connected with idolatry and in the fornication which frequently accompanied such feasts.”[v]

While Jesus commended the church at Ephesus for hating the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6), He condemned the church of Pergamos for having those who hold their doctrine (Revelation 2:15). The Easton’s Bible dictionary states concerning the Nicolaitans, “They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul’s doctrine of grace, and were probably identical with those who held to the doctrine of Baalam.”[vi] Jesus said concerning the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, “which thing I hate.” (Revelation 2:14). Jesus hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The word “hate” translates from the Greek word “misw”, a present active indicative verb indicating an action that is a reality. Jesus actually hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. Spiros Zodhiates, “The Complete Word Study Dictionary”, defines “misw” as “the opposite of agapao, to love, phileo, to be a friend, it is equivalent to not loving.”[vii] Zodhiates refers to apecomai as a synonym for misow. Apecomai means to abstain or refrain.[viii]

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans were contrary to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The churches received warnings to abstain from practicing and refrain from fellowship with those whom Jesus said concerning “which thing I hate.” In the church epistles of the Bible, Paul dealt with many of these errors that streamed from Nicolaitan teachings. John, while on the Isle of Patmos, wrote letters to the seven churches of Asia concerning the practicing of error. Some of the New Testament churches in this time began to follow false teachings and practice false doctrine. While some were content to adhere to the new teachings and practices, some were not willing to accept the changes. J.M. Carrol in his book “The Trail of Blood”, wrote, “This irregularity began in a small way, even before the close of the second century. This was possibly the first serious departure from the New Testament church order.” [ix]

The churches that accepted the new doctrines and practices began a dissention from the teachings of Christ and the apostles while others held to the ancient landmark teachings of Christ. From around A.D. 90, when John wrote the Revelation, until around A.D. 251, many teachings and practices of the churches changed. The heresies about which Paul and John warned the churches had festered; the heresy among the churches threatened their existence as true New Testament churches. A split was inevitable. True New Testament churches did not accept the heresies of the churches that forsook truth. Around the middle of the second century, churches that held to truth declared a non-fellowship with those which practiced heresy. Concerning the dissent ,J.M. Carroll wrote, “Let it be remembered that changes like these here mentioned were not made in a day, nor even within a year. They came about slowly and never within all the churches. Some of the churches vigorously repudiated them. So much so that in A.D. 251, the loyal churches declared non-fellowship from those churches which accepted and practiced these errors. An thus came about the first real official separation among the churches.”[x] As a result the foundation of Roman Catholicism began. Just as John prepared the material for the Lord’s New Testament church, so the heresies instilled in the churches of the first three centuries laid the foundation for what exists today as the Roman Catholic Church, a foundation of heresies and dissents from truth.
The Founder of Roman Catholicism

Around A.D. 306, Constantine, the Emperor of Rome, in the course of his wars with his enemies to establish himself on the throne, had a vision. Halley’s Bible Handbook records that, “on the eve of the battle of Milvain Bridge, just outside Rome (October 27, A.D. 312), he saw in the sky, just above the setting sun, a vision of the Cross, and above it the words, “In This Sign Conquer.”[xi] Constantine believed that the vision was a sign from God, and he decided to fight under the banner of Christ. He won the victory. Halley’s Bible Handbook called it, “a Turning Point in the history of Christianity.”[xii]

Until Constantine’s vision, many different sects persecuted Christians. After seeing the vision, Constantine made his Edict of Toleration. History records the nature of this edict “By this Edict, Constantine granted to (Christians and to all others full liberty of following that religion which each may choose) this was the first edict of its kind in history”[xiii] Constantine, now in favor of Christianity, offered many favors unto them. Among these favors were such as ministers were exempt from taxes and military service. He encouraged and helped in building churches. He also made Christianity the religion of his court.
In A.D. 325, Constantine issued a general exhortation to all his subjects to embrace Christianity.[xiv] Constantine, in his mind, saw himself as a great protector and perpetuator of Christianity; under his reign he built churches, stopped persecution, provided Bibles for many, stopped the gladiatorial fights that killed innocent people, reformed slavery, and abolished crucifixion as a form of execution. Many believed that the Chritianization of the Roman Empire would bring many great things to Christians and Christianity. As history reveals, however; Constantine’s good desire to advance Christianity proved to be destructive to true Christianity.

During his reign, Constantine created a hierarchy of church leaders. J.M. Carrol wrote in his book, “The Trail of Blood”, in reference to the Hierarchy, “The hierarchy organized under the leadership of Constantine, rapidly developed into what is now known as the Catholic Church. This newly developing church joined to a temporal government no longer simply an executive to carry out the completed laws of the New Testament, began to be legislative, amending or annulling old laws or enacting new ones utterly unknown to the New Testament.”[xv] The subjects of this newly developing church were those churches that dissented from the truth in the years prior. The churches looked for someone to head the churches, to protect the churches from heresies and provide the churches with direction. The churches that accepted Constantine’s hierarchy did not realize that they, in desiring these things of men, looked for someone to replace Christ as their provider, protector and perpetuator.

The distorted dream of Constantine for a Christian Rome ended with his death and the coronation of the Emperor Theodosius (A.D. 378). Theodosius reigned as emperor for 20 years, bringing great persecution to the once-protected Christians. Theodosius made Christianity the state religion.[xvi] He began a reign of terror to all who did not unite with the church. The nature of the church changed. The churches that united with Constantine and Rome desired to witness to the world of Christ, however, this changed under Theodosius. Halley’s Bible Handbook records that, “the Military Spirit of Imperial Rome had entered the church. The church conquered the Roman Empire. But in reality the Roman Empire had conquered the church, by making the church over into the Image of the Roman Empire.”[xvii]
The dissenting churches now depended upon Rome instead of Christ, thus putting on Rome instead of Jesus. The Roman Catholic Church portrays its founders and foundation, the evil Roman Empire. Christ is not the founder or foundation of the Roman Catholic Church as the church claims. Christ, the founder and foundation of His church, founded it during His personal ministry on earth and founded it upon Himself. The Roman Catholic Church finds its founder in Roman emperors and its foundation in heresy and Roman traditions as well as traditions of many cultures.
The Fallibility of Roman Catholicism
. The Roman Catholic Church accredits its growth and power to Rome. The church accepted and practiced the doctrines of Balaam and Nicolas: the church also accepted and practiced beliefs and teachings from many different cultures. Don Nardo wrote in his book, “Catholicism” “It is not by accident that the oldest surviving Christian denomination still has its main headquarters in Rome and calls itself the Roman Catholic Church. Nor is it by mere chance that today’s Catholics, as well as members of other Christian denominations that sprang from Catholicism, retain numerous beliefs, rituals, and customs that developed in ancient Roman society.”[xviii]

The Bible teaches that Christ is the head of the church. The headquarters of the church is where Christ is. Therefore in Heaven and not Rome abide the headquarters of the Lord’s church. Nardo seems to boast of the ancient beginning of Roman Catholicism and its adhering to the numerous beliefs, rituals and customs that developed in the Roman society. The beliefs and practices of the Lord’s church did not develop from society but from Christ Himself. Nowhere in the Bible does God speak of society as being a leader or legislative tool for truth. Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:16). The Holy Ghost leads the church into the beliefs and practices taught by Christ, not the beliefs and rituals of man. Today, the Holy Ghost leads the church in the teachings and practices of Christ as revealed in the Bible.

Nardo claims that, “The Romans provided the early religion with two very useful tools that proved crucial in its development.”[xix] Nardo’s statement is correct: The Roman empire was instrumental in the development of Roman Catholicism; however, the Roman Catholic religion is not the true church of Christ as claimed, but on the contrary began with the dissention from truth by true New Testament churches. One of the useful tools provided for the church, according to Nardo, was a well-maintained system of roads.[xx] Because of Rome’s highway system, Nardo said, “Thus Christianity often reached a new regions, not through the work of missionaries or preachers, but rather through traveling traders, slaves and others.”[xxi] According to Nardo, the church owes its growth the Rome and its system of roads.
While the roads of the Roman Empire did in fact provide access to many different places and peoples, God has always been the protector, provider, and perpetuator of His people. Egypt possessed corn in a time of a great famine; Jacob and his family moved to Egypt and in Egypt Jacob’s family grew into a nation of people. It was not the wealth and power of the Egyptians, however, that caused this, but it was the providential care of God. Joseph, when speaking to his brothers, said unto them, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:5-7). God preserved and protected His people. The Hebrew
word translated “preserve” is ,which means, “to care for or commit to.”[xxii] God preserved, protected and perpetuated His heritage Israel just as He preserves, protects and
perpetuates His heritage, the church, today. Jesus taught His church in the Sermon on the Mount that He would feed them, clothe them, and protect them. Jesus promised His church that as long as they served Him in truth they would never be in want for anything (Matthew 6:25-34).
Jesus, through the Comforter, provides, protects and perpetuates His church; He has the ability to do this without the assistance of any society or culture. Jesus promised this to His church before He ascended into Heaven. Jesus promised, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). Through the Holy Ghost, God provides, protects and perpetuates, and that not of the Roman Empire. The word “Comforter” translates from the Greek word paraklhton. James Strong in “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible”, defines paraklhton as “an intercessor, consoler, advocate, comforter.”[xxiii] The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, is the protecting, providing and perpetuating presence for the church.
The second useful tool in the development of the Roman religion, according to Nardo, was the rich cultural melting pot of the Roman Empire. Nardo wrote,
“Rome provided the early Church was a rich cultural melting pot from which to draw religious ideas, practices and customs. In the first century A.D. the Roman Empire was made up of many different peoples with diverse ethnic, intellectual, and religious backgrounds. The early Christians were strongly influenced by many of the ideas in this Mediterranean melting pot. But they were particularly influenced by the beliefs and customs of the Jews, since the Christian movement was at first an offshoot of Judaism.”[xxiv]

From the claims of Nardo, and others who hold to this belief, it is easy to see that the Roman religion is an institution which foundation is in the dissention of true churches from truth, and its founder a Roman Emperor. Roman Catholicism exemplifies much pride in its construction, which, that by its own admittance formed from beliefs, practices, ritual, and cultures of the Mediterranean area. The fallibility of the Roman Catholic religion is in its foundation, founder and construction. The church’s foundation is heresy. The founder was a Roman Emperor. The construction was the idea of compromise.
Roman Catholicism is a product of an empire that history reveals to be evil. Many true churches of the first three centuries dissented from truth, united with the Roman Empire and birthed the Roman religion. The Roman Catholic religion left the image of Christ and put on the image of the world power. It influenced many during history. Influencing many nations, Roman Catholicism exists as a religious giant in the world. Spreading its heresy throughout the world, this religious tyrant has victimized many with its deceitful and devastating teachings.

[i] Chatechism
[ii] Baptist history pg 172 2 and 3 paragraph
[iii] same as above 3 paragraph
[iv] 1828 antinomean
[v] The Bible Dictionary page 547 vollume 3 big book
[vi] Eastons definition of Nico
[vii] Zodhiates pg 987 3403
[viii] same pg 213 567
[ix] trail of blood ph=g 15 3rd
[x] Trail of blood pg 16, 17
[xi] Halleys Bible Handbok pg 759
[xii] Halleys Book pg 759
[xiii] Same as above
[xiv] Sane as above
[xv] trail fo blood pge 19 --16
[xvi] Halleys pg 760
[xvii] halley 760
[xviii] Nardo pge 12
[xix] nardo pge 12 bottom
[xx] nardo pge 14
[xxi] nardo pge 14
[xxii] strongs
[xxiii] strongs 3875 pg 87
[xxiv] nardo pg 14

ROMAN CATHOLICISM

2010-01-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION (7 Chapters total)

Around 750 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah prophesied, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). Malachi, many years later, prophesied, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple” (Malachi 3:1). Both prophets spoke concerning John the Baptist. The apostle John wrote, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe” (John 1:7, 7). God sent John the Baptist with a special commission. The commission of John included preparing the way of the Lord Jesus Christ and preparing the material that Christ would use to establish His New Testament church.
John the Baptist completed his mission. He prepared the way of the Lord and prepared the material for the church of the Lord Jesus, the material being saved, baptized individuals. Jesus Christ, being the Lord for whom John prepared a way, took the material that John prepared and began His New Testament church. Christ taught His church that He would endure death and burial before rising again after three days. He taught His church that He would leave them but would send them a Comforter to lead and teach them (John 14:26). Before Christ ascended to the Father He gave His church an important duty. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20):
In the absence of Jesus, the church would carry on His ministry of leading mankind to salvation. On the Day of Pentecost, God empowered the church that Jesus built. The Holy Spirit came upon the church and gave it power to carry out the important work of spreading the Gospel. Thus the church was a God-ordained institution sent into the world to carry out the laws of the New Testament; Christ being the Head.
After the ascension of Christ, Christianity grew rapidly spreading across the known world. Many New Testament churches arose and continued to carry out the commission of the Lord; however, as Christianity spread throughout the known world, gaining members from different cultures, many problems began to arise. These problems led to the dividing of true New Testament churches. The result of the divisions in the second century of church history was instrumental in the forming of the Roman Catholic religion. The Roman Catholic religion over the past 1700 years, has proved to be evil in its practice, proclamation, and polity. In its history it has compromised truth and converted literally millions of members.
Paul Blanshard wrote in his book, “American Freedom And Catholic Power”, “In two hundred years the Roman Catholic Church in the United States has increased from the smallest to the largest church in the nation, claiming in 1948 the allegiance of some twenty-six million Americans.”[i] Marcus Bach, in his book “Had You Been Born In Another Faith”, concerning Catholics who make the sign of the cross, wrote, “As you make this sign you are assured that there is a community of more than 500,000,000 people throughout the world who understand this salutary act.”[ii] This statistic, a worldwide statistic in 1941, reflects the number of Catholics and others whom Roman Catholicism influenced. Today in the United States statistics show that 63.4 million people in 19,081 parishes profess to be Catholic.[iii] The eleventh edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica states, “The Roman Catholic Church is by far the most widespread, numerous and powerful of all the Christian communions. It is the dominant Church in the majority of European states, in South and Central America and in Mexico; it is the largest single religious body in the United States of America”[iv]
Domination and power is the Catholic plan for the world; this plan is the same as that of Constantine and Theodosus; former emperors of Rome who were instrumental in the founding of Roman Catholicism. These men desired a Catholic, universal, religious world. Today the Roman Catholic religion still desires a Roman Catholic world. Paul Blanshard wrote, “In a Catholic world every national government would establish the Roman Catholic Church in a unique position of privilege, and support its teachers and priests out of public revenues. That is what the Holy See has always demanded in every country where it has had the power to support the demand with reasonable strength.”[v]
Catholicism rules the world; this is the desire of Roman Catholicism; a world in total submission to its hierarchy. Blanshard went on to write, “In any Catholic state, schools receiving public funds would be either entirely Catholic or operated under Catholic moral supervision. Vituperative attacks on the clergy would be suppressed, and all books directly attacking the hierarchy or its doctrines would be forbidden.”[vi] This type of rule, reign and quest for power finds its beginning in the great dictatorships of the first ancient empires. The Catholic plan for the world is the same as ancient kings such as Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar, the Pharos of Egypt, and the Ceasers of Greece and Rome. These men sought for supreme power over all, even so, does Roman Catholicism.

The Problem
The true desire of Roman Catholicism remains a mystery to its members. The citizens of the United States who are members of the Roman religion do not realize that they, being a citizen of a country that stands for freedom and liberty, are servants of a dictator. This dictator is not a citizen of the United States but of Rome. The Roman Catholic churches of the United States answer to the same dictator: He, the Pope, makes the decisions concerning all moral and spiritual matters of the church as well as the members.
Freedom does not exist in Roman Catholicism, only a state of bondage. Loraine Boettner wrote in her book “Roman Catholicism”, “The lesson of history is that Romanism means the loss of religious liberty and the arrest of national progress.”[vii] Paul wrote, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). God, through the blood of Jesus, has called men out of bondage and unto liberty. Children of God must answer to Christ. He is to have the preeminence in all things (Colossians 1:18). He and He alone is the head of the church. No man has the right to lay claims to this position, save Jesus; who purchased the church with His own blood. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the

church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

The Purpose
Bible advocates must expose the evils of Roman Catholicism. The Bible and the history of Roman Catholicism prove this religion to be evil and misleading in every form and fashion. Roman Catholicism practices unbiblical principles in the world today. Its practices, proclamations and polity break the great commands of Christ. Those who profess to be Catholic must know what they proclaim. It is sad to know that most Catholics do not know what Catholicism promotes. They walk in the darkness, thus they follow the master of all lies. The Catholic Church has birthed many other false religions. In the 1500s, reformers protested against the church of England, a faction of the Church in Rome. These reformers desired liberty from the hierarchy of the Church. The eleventh edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica states, (Protestantism) has survived as embodying for many the conception of liberty, of the right of private judgment, of toleration for every progressive idea in religion, as opposed to the Roman Catholic principles of authority and tradition,”[viii] The Encyclopedia Britannica lists Protestants in America as Methodists, Lutherans, Disciples of Christ, Congregationalists, and Episcopalians.[ix] Protestant religions, though protesting against the Roman Catholic church, today practice and proclaim many of the same doctrines as the church in which they once desired to reform. Many of these have re-pledged allegiance to the church and recognize the Pope as the vicar of Christ.
More people are members of the Roman Catholic Church than any other religion in the world. Refusing to accept the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice and upholding that the traditions passed down to the Church are equal to “thus sayeth the Lord.” Catholicism leads literally millions astray; even those who once protested against the church. The Bible teaches that all Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible must be the sole rule of faith and practice for mankind. The Scripture exposes the evil in the principles, practices and polity of Roman Catholicism. Exposing the fallibility of Roman Catholicism, using the Bible, is simple; however, the practicality of exposing Roman Catholicism as an evil religion proves to be almost futile.

Members of Roman Catholicism very seldom convert. Roman Catholic doctrine teaches that to question or doubt the faith of the church is to commit heresy or a sin against the faith. Concerning heresy and doubting, the catechism states, "Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of Catholicism subject to him." [x] Roman Catholics must adhere and accept without question or doubt all decrees of the Pope and the church; thus, from fear of committing a sin against the faith, members of Roman Catholicism are hesitant to convert for fear of damnation or even death. The practice, proclamation and polity of Roman Catholicism contradict the Bible. The Bible proves Roman Catholicism to be evil; therefore, in light of the Scriptures Roman Catholicism is evil.

[i] paul blanshard in a catholic world
[ii] Had I been born in another faith pge 148
[iii] 12th edition of denominations in America pge 94 see green note book
[iv] encyclopedia Britanica pg 487 right second paragraph
[v] blanshard pg 270 top of page
[vi] same as above pg 270 middle of page
[vii] boettner pg 13 last paragraph
[viii] volume 22 pge 472 britanica left second paragraph
[ix] Encyclopedia Brit. Pg 826 New Werner Edition New American Supplement The Werner company Akron Ohia 1904
[x] The Great Heresies http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp

Answering The Call

2009-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

With the growing number of New Testament churhes in need of pastor I have to aks the question, "Where are God's men?"
Is God not calling men to pastor New Testament churhes? Does God not see the great need for pastors? Are God's men just not answering the call?

Along with pastoring a New Testament church comes responsibility. Is the responsibilty of being held accountable by God for the teaching and leadership of His church to great a burden for some? I judge not men's motives or actions, but WHERE are God's Pastors?
New Testament churches are in need of men who will dedicate themselves to feeding the flock of God and leading them as he is led by the Holy Spirit.

The shortage of pastors is not God's fault. God knows the need, and according to His promisses to His church, He will supply her with her needs. God is calling but men are not answering. Men are not fully committing themselves to God's calling. It is more than announcing a call. It is more than preaching a message every now and then. To fully answer God's call is to dedicate oneself to the gospel ministry. This dedication involves study, further education and also pastoring a local New Testament church.

If a man desire the office of a bishop...what a great desire God gives His men. What has happened to that desire?
God calls men to pastor New Testament churches. I ask, "Where are God's men?"

HOW DO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES BEGIN?

2009-12-30T23:52:00.000-08:00

From the pages of the book of Acts until the present day, how did all of the Local New Testament Churches begin?

On February 22-24 Maplevale MBC will be hosting a Mission's Seminar, all are invited

HOW IS YOUR BACKBONE?

2009-09-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

As God called men we must take a stand on Bible truth. We must preach the whole counsel of God, even when it goes against the status quoe. When it is politically incorrect to preach the whole counsel of God, we must preach the whole counsel of God.

I find it alarming at how hard we make excuses for things we do, and lead the Lord churches into. In a day and time when people will not endure sound doctrine, are we giving them what they desire? Are we becoming ear scratchers instead of Bible preachers?

The ecumenical movement is overcoming the Lord's churches and God's men. We are getting caught up in the excitement of getting along with everybody under one "Christian" banner. We are so caught up that we take Scripture, twist it around so that it justifies our actions.

We need BackBone men. BackBone to stand on Bible truth. And let us all remember, we are not in a popularity contest we are God called men--we are to feed the flock, lead the flock, and be an example to the flock.

How Is Your BackBone?

Are The Youth Of The World Being Entertained To Hell?

2009-09-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

What are we teaching the youth of the world today? Are we teaching them that they are a sinner and in need of a Savior? Are we teaching them that Jesus is the only Savior and that for one to be saved they must accept Him by faith? Are we teaching them the importance of baptism and church membership after salvation? Are we teaching them that the religions of the world do not believe as the Lord's churches, even if it seems as if they do?

What do we teach the youth by our actions? Are we confusing them with our actions? Are we leading them into falsehoods by our actions?

The Bible teaches that the Lord's New Testament church is a teaching institution, the pillar and ground of the truth. Jesus commissioned His church to preach, baptize and teach. This is the work that the Lord sent His church into the world to do.

Over the years I have heard the phrase "we need to find a way to reach the youth of the world". I agree, we need to reach the entire world, including the youth. The Bible teaches us how to reach the people of the world, by the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Romans 10:17 teaches us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. According to the Bible we have the way God intended to reach lost sinners, including the youth of the world.

Why is it that we are so eager to find another way? Why does the preaching and teaching of God's Word not work anymore? The Bible fact is it does. God does not change. His way of leading mankind to Jesus is the same. People need the gospel: youth need the gospel.

I find it alarming that when I talk to young people about the Lord and church, how many tell me how fun their church is. Sadly, when asked about what they learn, they cannot tell you. All they remember, the ones whom I have talked to, is how much fun they have.

I love fun. I love to have fun. But according to the Bible fun will not save. Have we, the Lord's New Testament churches, exchanged our commission for entertainment and excitement? What is our goal in reaching the youth of the world? Do we want to see them saved, baptized, unite with a New Testament church and serve the Lord or do we want to make sure they have fun when they come to church?
What is our focus? What is your focus?Are we entertaining young people to hell?

SUSTAINING WORSHIP (part 3 of 3)

2009-07-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

PREPARING TO WORSHIP?
John 4:20-24

INTRODUCTION
A. True worshippers worship God “in spirit and truth”. True worshippers today are saved scripturally baptized people who are members of a true New Testament church.
B. While “truth”, that is church membership is a necessity to be a “true worshipper”, it does not mean that all church members worship.
C. God’s people must prepare to worship if they are going to worship.
D. Worship is not coming to church. Many come to church and never worship. It is sad that many of God’s people never truly worship God. There are some church members that show up Sunday mornings thinking they are going to worship God, but in reality all they are doing is assembling themselves together—which is good and biblical—but it is not worship.
1. Remember that worship is coming into the presence of God acknowledging who He is and accepting whom we are.
2. When we do this we do not go into the presence of God singing and shouting but on our faces, humble and lowly, thankful that He allows us to breath each breath, thankful that He loved us enough—in spite of our sins—to send Jesus to the death of the cross.
a. Some examples of those who worshipped, Exodus 4:31; 12:27; 34:8, 1 Chronicles 29:20, 2 Chronicles 29:28-30* (They sang, praised God, they worshipped God—when they worshipped God what did they do? They bowed their faces in humblnesss) Nehemiah 8:6, Nehemiah 9:3 (confessed and worshipped) Matthew 2:11 (fell down)Matthew 8:2 (if thou wilt—a plea) Matthew 9:18 (pleading for his daughter) Matthew 12:25 (Lord help me) Matthew 28:19 (They held Him (Jesus) by His feet)
3. They whom worshipped God came into the presence of God with a humble spirit. We see them confessing, repenting, making pleas and thanking. There is one similarity with all who worshipped God, REVERENCE.
E. Who is God? Get a response and discuss God in creation, salvation, adoption, justification, and glorification
F. This is the God whom we worship. He is worthy of all glory, honor, and reverence.
G. If we are going camping, hunting, fishing, etc—what must we do before we go?
1. We must prepare ourselves. We must equip ourselves with all necessities needed.
2. Sometimes this is quiet painstaking, but we don’t mind.
H. If we are going to worship God we must prepare ourselves.
PREPARING TO WORSHIP
1. Let us take the thought of preparing to worship God with the idea of preparing to worship God in the worship services of the church.
2. True worshippers can worship God anywhere. You do not have to be in church to worship God. This statement does not, however, teach that God’s people do not have to come to church. On your deer stand, in your office, in your recliner, etc—at any given moment God’s people can worship Him.
a. Keep in mind that when this happens it is not just something out of the blue or spontaneous, were we say “hey I think I will worship God”.
b. Something, prayer, Bible study, confession and repentance of a sin, something causes us to acknowledge God for who He is in light of who we are.
A. When do we begin to prepare to worship in our Sunday morning worship services?
1. At the latest we should begin to prepare to worship God when we awake Sunday morning.
a. But how many wake up Sunday morning with God on their mind?
b. How many wake up and say today I will go to God’s house and worship Him.
c. How many wake up with great anticipation of communing with God—listening to the preaching and teaching of His word that it might bring us close unto Him?
d. How many wake up saying “I hope the preacher has prepared something from God’s Word just for me today?—I need to make some changes in my life—I need to see God this morning that I might remember His greatness and realize that He has blessed me.
e. How many wake up and pray for the worship services? For the pastor? For the lessons and message? for the people? For decisions to be made?
f. How many wake up and say “today someone is going to get saved, come for baptism, church membership, or just get their hearts right with God?
g. If is stopped giving an invitation the church would vacate the pulpit—but it is okay for the church to use the invitation as a time of getting ready to go and planning out their day—it is okay for the church not to expect anyone to move but the preacher cannot stop giving the invitation.
-The invitation is when many come to the point of worshipping God
2. Instead of preparing to worship God when we awake we begin to dread the old Sunday morning routine.
a. After we convince ourselves to get up an go to church we start our rituals, getting dressed, wondering who will be at church and who wont, putting on our smiles—that kills some Baptists to do, and finally we go to church to worship God.
B. Sadly many times we arrive at God’s house Sunday mornings having not prepared to worship God.
1. When we arrive at God’s house we fellowship—this is good—it is good to fellowship with God’s people.
2. But there must be a time when we focus on what we have assembled to do.
3. There must be a time when we erase all thoughts of those things that do not pertain to God and worship.
4. There must come a time when we give ourselves unto the superintending of Holy Spirit.
a. To use the songs, lessons, prayers, and message, to bring me to a place where I can worship God.
b. But this cannot happen if we are allowing our minds to be consumed with other things—our minds hinder us from allowing God to speak to our spirits.
C. When do you prepare to worship if you show up at the worship service unprepared?
1. When do we get God and worshipping Him on our minds?
2. When we focus our mind on God and worship we begin to walk in the spirit, we give our minds to God that in our spirit we might worship Him.
3. Many times we go completely through the worship service thinking about other things.
D. The worship service is designed to bring people to a decision.
1. Prayer, devotion, SS lesson, songs of praise, prayer, message, invitation
a. Pastor is the worship leader—He is responsible for directing the worship service that it might be effective.
2. The song director should have the pastor’s entire message that he might look over it, pray over it, and select the songs for the worship service.
a. How about specials? Pray about singing a special—pray that God would lead you to sing a song that would aid in the worship service, a song that would enhance the message.
b. The song director has a privilege during his part of the service that the pastor doesn’t—he brings an element of fellowship, a laugh with congregation—not in that he tells jokes out of context but softens the congregation—it is good to laugh with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. When it is time for the message the pastor should stand up and proclaim God’s Word.
a. This point of the worship service is a time of sharing God’s Word and allowing it to cause us to reflect on our lives.
b. We have prayed, sang with joy, now it is time for us to allow God’s Word to reveal to us who God is and whom we are—along with our spiritual condition.
-I would rather listen to the song leader tell me something funny about the
preacher rather than the Holy Spirit use God’s Word to show me my sin.
4. When we arrive at the invitation it is decision time—you don’t have to wait until the invitation to make a decision but the invitation is an opportunity for decisions to be made public, such as salvation, baptism, church membership, apologies to the church
5. All parts of the worship service brought us unto this place of decision.
6. If we are not prepared to worship we may miss an opportunity to make a much needed decision in our spiritual life.
7. The worship service is a spiritual service for a spiritual people—it takes more than physical attendance.
Summary: When do we prepare for the worship service? We need to prepare before we arrive at God’s house. Prayers should have been offered and hearts set on God and what He might reveal unto me today.

Paradigm of Biblicle Worship

2009-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Some say that the Bible does not specify how a worship service should be conducted.
Because of this belief God's people have made a mockery of worship.

The Bible gives many examples of true worship.
In Revelation 4-5 John sees a heavenly vision of a real worship service.
Though the vision was futuristic and took place in heaven...it should stand as a paradigm for God's people today.

Read these two chapters--Take notice of God's people--their attitudes and actions
If we would pattern God's worship services today after this and other biblical examples, there may be more worship taking place and less playing.
LLL

SUSTAINING WORSHIP (Part 2 of 3)

2009-07-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

WHAT WORSHIP IS AND WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
John 4:20-24

(sorry: the Greek words did not paste in the proper font
INTRODUCTION
A. There is much confusion today concerning worship. True worship is when a member of the Lord’s New Testament church worships God in spirit and in truth. Having looked at the meaning of spirit and truth we learned that true worship is when in our spirit we come into the presence of God and commune with Him—another words “in spirit and truth” reveal that worship is not something of the flesh—one may become emotional during worship, however, though we demonstrate this emotion in our flesh, it is of a spiritual nature—in our spirit we recognize who God is and all He has did for us—we may weep when speaking of the cross—get excited about the rapture—these emotions are caused by getting close to God, but they are not a necessity for worship—these emotions are of a (passive nature) Example: The message made me emotional. We did not make ourselves emotional but the content of the message caused us to become emotional.
B. Today many are entering into worship expecting an emotional event. Some worship services are designed to move the emotions—this is not “in spirit and truth”.
C. At this point we need to look at the word “praise”. We have praise services. This is the part of the worship service where we get a little excited—we teach that it is okay to get excited and a little crazy during the praise service because this is what praise is.
1. When you do a word study on the word “praise” in the Bible you will discover that our definition of praise is different from the biblical definition.
2. There are 9 Greek words translated “praise” in the Bible.
PRAISE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
136 aio translated “praise” 2 times in the New Testament (Matthew 21:16; Luke 18:43) meaning a saying, proverb—praise, laudatory discourse
134 ainew translated “praise” 9 times in NT (Luke 2:13, 20; 19:37; 24:53; Romans 15:11; Acts 2:47; 3:8, 9; Revelation 19:5) meaning to praise, extol, to sing praises in honor to God
1391 doxa translated “praise” 4 times in NT translated “glory” 145 times in NT—“praise” John 9:24, John 12:43 (two times), 1 Peter 4:11) meaning a good opinion, judgment or view, resulting in praise, honor and glory
1868 epainos translated “praise” 11 times in the NT (Romans 2:29; 13:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 8:18; Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; Philippians 1:11; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:7; 2:14) meaning approbation, commendation, praise
1867 epainew translated “praise” 4 times in NT (1 Corinthians 11:12, 17, 22 (two times) meaning to approve, to praise
5214 umnew translated “sing praise” 2 times in the NT (Hebrews 2:12; Acts 16:25) meaning to sing the praise of , to sing a hymn
133 ainesis translated “praise” 1 time in the NT (Hebrews 13:15) meaning praise, a thank offering
2127 eulogew translated “praised” 1 time in the NT—translated “bless” 143 times in the NT (Luke 1:64) meaning to praise, celebrate with praises, to invoke blessings
703 areth translated “praise” 1 time in the NT 1 Peter 2:9 meaning a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action
D. Praise is done with a jubilant heart, however, it is directed at God and it is not about us. The praising of God is not something to make us feel good but it is done because we are thankful to God, we acknowledge God for all He does for us and who He is—a proper praise service is not a service directed to excite the emotions of those involved or to offer the one praising something but to offer God something
E. Worship differs from praise—while both acknowledges God, praise is not worship and worship is not praise.
WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
4352 proskunew translated “worship” 60 times in 54 verses in the NT meaning to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
Matthew 2:2, 8, 11; 4:9, 10; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 18:26; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19 ; Luke 4:7, 8; 24:52 ; John 4:20-24; 9:38; 12:20 ; Acts 7:43; 8:27; 10:25; 24:11 ; 1 Corinthians 14:25 ; Hebrews 1:6; 11:21 ; Revelation 3:9; 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 9:20; 11:1, 16; 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:7, 9, 11; 15:4; 16:2; 19:4, 10, 20; 20:4; 22:8; 22:9
4576 sebomai translated “worship” 6 times in the NT Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7; Acts 18:13; 16:14; 18:7 meaning to revere or worship
1391 soza translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Luke 14:10 meaning opinion, judgment, view
3000 latreuw translated “worship” 3 times in the NT Acts 7:42; 24:14; Philippians 3:3 meaning to render religious service or homage, to worship
2151 eusebew translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:23 meaning to act piously or reverently
1479 eqeloqrhskia translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Colossians 2:23 meaning will worship
2323 qerapeuw translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:25 meaning to serve, do service
4573 sebazomai translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Romans 1:25 meaning to fear or be afraid
4574 sebasma translated “that is worshipped” 2 times in the NT 2 Thessalonians 2:4 meaning whatever is religiously honored, an object of worship
F. Jesus said that the Father desired for true worshippers to proskunew Him-- to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
I. WHAT WORSHIP IS
A. Worship is coming into the presence of God and acknowledging Him for who He is and remembering who we are.
1. He is God—we are sinners—How do you go into the presence of God, taking into account of who He is and who we are and not be humble? How can we enter into the presence of God in any other manner than as a dog licking his master’s hand?
2. We stand just before God because of Christ, however, we still sin, we still fall short of the glory of God—knowing where you are at this moment in your life, can you stand before God and proclaim total innocence? Can you walk into His presence with your head held high and proud?
3. When we come to worship God we are coming into His presence—When we do this we must recognize and honor Him for who He is.
Illustration
You are driving to town. You are traveling 100 miles and hour and passing cars on the right and left. In your mirror you see a cop and he pulls you over. What is your attitude towards the cop? You know you are guilty of something bad. Do you get an attitude or start begging when he approaches you?
B. So how can we come into the presence of God without humbling ourselves before Him?
C. I am driving down the road, a deer jumps out in front of me, I swerve and miss it. I am happy, relieved, I say with exclamation “praise the Lord!” This is praise—I am thankful for His protection
D. But when I come into His presence to worship I come in a different manner. I come before Him to worship knowing that I am not worthy to be saved from anything. I deserved death, but God, who is rich in grace and mercy saw proper to let me live—even though fall and stumble—worshipping God is realizing that we exist because He allows—He is God and we are but sinners saved by grace, grace He gave unto us.
II. WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
A. It is not about us but God.
B. Worship is for God
C. Anything outside of reverence is not worship
D. We may sing and shout when we praise Him but when we worship we stand before Him knowing that at any moment He could take the breath of life in which He gave us.
1. Understand, however, that this fear of the Lord is a reverent fear and not a fear as of the “boogieman”
2. It is an honoring fear a reverential fear that gives recognition to God for His greatness, His mercy and loving kindness
3. Though art worthy O Lord to be honored, to be reverence—I owe you my life—my eternal state is because of You—and I worship you Lord—I bow in your presence and recognize who You are in light of who I am.
Summary: Worship is not about us but about God. Worship is honoring God for who He is. Worship is coming into the presence of God—How do you come into the presence of an almighty God? Many today think that worship should be this or that—worship should be as God intended. A time of devotion to Him in recognition of who He is.

SUSTAINING WORSHIP

2009-07-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

SUSTAINING WORSHIP
John 4:20-24

WHO IS TO WORSHIP?
A. We have read this text, heard it taught, maybe even taught it ourselves. It is a popular text. To often only a surface teaching is taught. The surface teaching is usually taught as (God seeks, or desires, to be worshipped, and if you are going to worship God you must worship Him in spirit and in truth)
1. This is not a false statement but it does not reveal all of what Jesus is teaching the woman at the well.
B. We need to look at the context. The woman states that there were discrepancies as to where God is to be worshipped—the Jews say Jerusalem, while the Samarians say in the mountains (most likely the place where Jeroboam set up worship when the kingdom divided)
1. Jesus tells her that she don’t know what she worships. He then teaches the woman that the time has come when God is going to be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
a. No longer in a place but through the spirit of man and in truth
2. Jesus tells the woman that the Father seeks (desires), not for any and all but for the true worshippers to worship in this manner.
a. Yes it is God’s will that all men live according to His will—in that they accept Christ, baptism, church membership, live for Him—
3. However, Jesus refers to a certain type of people that God desires to worship Him. He desires for true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. (antecedent of “such” is “true worshippers”
C. Now before Jesus how was God to be worshipped? In Jerusalem ONLY
1. Only those who went to Jerusalem were true worshippers—those in Samaria were false worshippers—before they could be true worshippers they had to accept the truth concerning worship.
D. Jesus ushered in a new dispensation of how God was to be worshipped. God still desires true worshippers to worship Him
true worshippers: In OT those who worshipped God according to how God commanded—under the law it was in Jerusalem at certain times with ceremonies etc—(they were in the will of God) In the New Testament those who worship God through His Son—saved, baptized, member of Lord’s New Testament church. (in a position to worship God)
in spirit: Spirit (πνεῦμα) is the highest, deepest, noblest part of our humanity, the point of contact between God and man (Rom_1:9); while soul (ψυχή) (seat of emotions) is the principle of individuality, the seat of personal impressions,
in truth: every aspect of truth—motive, manner— To worship in truth is not merely to worship in sincerity, but with a worship corresponding to the nature of its object.
1. In spirit—as apposed to worship conducted through rituals and ceremonies. In truth—as apposed to worship that involved types and shadows instead of reality.
2. True worshippers worship God in spirit and in truth. Worship should center in the worshipper’s own spiritual nature, moved by the Holy Spirit and focused on the unseen but omnipresent God (Romans 8:14, 16, 26)
3. Acceptable worship calls for:

a. regular and frequent assembling of oneself together with the church (Hebrews 10:25)

b. total dedication of oneself to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

c. offerings of praise, good works and monetary gifts (Hebrews 13: 15, 16)

d. prayers for all kinds and classes of people (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Revelation 8:3, 4).
E. What about exciting services that amp you up?
1. The only part of the flesh that is acceptable in worship is the part of the flesh that houses our spirit.
2. God cannot be worshipped with, in or by emotions—therefore creative worship services are unscriptural—adding something to appeal to the flesh.
Summary: The Bible establishes that not all men can worship God, but only those who will accept God’s truth concerning worship—one who is a true worshipper of God. God desires true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. As members of the Lord’s New Testament church we are responsible to sustain the worship of God. We do this by worshipping God in spirit and in truth—anything outside of this is false worship.

The Pillar and Ground of the Truth

2009-04-02T21:28:00.001-07:00

The Apostle Paul, when writing to Timothy, wrote, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).

The Lord's New Testament church is the "pillar and ground of the truth". The church is responsible for contending for the faith, upholding truth. In these days it seems that pillars are cracking and the ground is unstable. Instead of standing firm and supporting the truth many churches are falling away from the truth.

Why is this happening? Why are we allowing the truth to fall?

1. We seek entertainment over the "foolishness" of preaching

2. We seek excitement over reverence

3. We seek experience over worship

4. We self serve instead of sacrifice

The Lord called and commisisoned His church to preach the gospel, baptize the saved, and train up disciples. When the Lord's churches forsake the commission they are forsaking the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Preachers be warned. There was a certain king who lead Israel into idolatry. This king was taken captive; while in captivity he repented from his evil and God restored him to his kingdom. When the king returned he attempted to compel Israel to stop worshipping idols. He made some changes, destroyed some things that hindered the people. Then comes the oh so true words concerning apostasy, "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places,..." (2 Chronicles 33:17).

Apostasy is a one way street; once you are on the road it only leads further away from the truth. Some may say, well preacher I don't teach apostasy and our church doesn't either. Praise the Lord; I must, however, propose this question,Where does apostasy begin?

Apostasy doesn't begin with the total abandonment of the truth but subtly sneaks its way into churches that seek excitement and entertainment; into churches that believe that their must be something more--this is what Satan used against Eve.

The Lord's New Testament churches are the pillars and ground of the truth. Let us keep truth in the Lord's churches. Let us stand and proclaim it in these last days. Let the thrill seekers find their excitement in the false religions of the world, but let the Lord's churches offer the truth. It is the truth that sets men free, not entertainment and excitement.

LLL

The Rapture

2009-04-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

There are diferent views concerning the time when the Lord will resurect the saved. Some believe this event will take place Pre-tribulation, some Mid-tribulation, and James Post-Tribulation. :)

There are three things one needs to know concerning the "rapture"

1. He is coming because He said He was

2. No one knows when

3. Be ready

The Bible proves these three truths.

If you want scriptures look them up yourself--this is a blog not a commentary. :) (got the smilies down Bro. Snide)

L.L.L.

Scriptural Baptism

2009-04-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Do You Have To Get Wet To Have Scriptural Baptism?

Did the scape goat ever find his way back?

2009-04-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

On the Day of Atonement one goat was sacrificed and one was a scape goat. The scape goat was taken outside the camp and set loose in the wilderness.

I wonder if he ever tried to return?

Do you think that some red-neck Israelite went out after it?

If the scape goat returned did he bring with him the sins that were placed on him?

Were did the goat go?

L.L.L.

SPELL CHECKL

2009-03-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys I didnt know that I could check my spellling. THs is going to help trmendusly. :):):):):p :(

Living Forever In A State of Sin

2009-03-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree. They became sinners seperated from God. God cast them out of the garden. He place two angels at the gate to keep them from eating of the tree of life and living forever.

If Adam and Eve would have eaten of the tree of life after they fell into sin, would they have lived forever in a sinful state?

I have heard preachers declare this from the pulpit.!

Taking Prayer out of Schools "Divine Intervention or Devil's Inspirationio/"

2009-03-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Is it a good thing that prayer was taken out of schools?

Mission Work and the "Reverter Clause"

2009-03-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Lets talk mission work. The following is a smal list of questions and comments, not that any are my own oppinions and views, but just somethings that make some curious.

1. Is a mission a church? Why or Why not

2. Who holds the membership of those who attend the mission?

3. Can a sponsoring church overide the decisions of the mission? If yes, is this universalism

4. Can a mission observe the Lord's Supper?

5. Can they travel to the sponsoring church and observe it there?

6. Where does the missionary keep his membership?
a. If with the sponsoring church, can he partake in the Lord's table if the Mission observes it?

7. When does a misison become a church? what is the deciding factor

8. What does the reverter clause do?

9. (Parenthetic) If we practice local visible church then why are our presberties universal?

10. Does this missionary have the authority to veto any motion made by the mission?

L.L.L

The Saved who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah?

2009-03-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate of the doctrine of security of the believer. I believe the Bible teaches that salvation has always been by grace through faith. I also believe that the doctrine of security of the believer has always been a part of God's plan. The Old Testament saints, when saved, were secure just as we are today.

Here is the question. Could there have been those present in the times of Jesus who had been saved, but didnt beleive Jesus was the promissed Messiah?

Example: The 70 year old Hebrew, who had been saved for many years, while sitting in his house his wife comes in and says, "They are crucifying that man called Jesus today". The man replys, "Well He claimed to be the Messiah, I guess He wasnt. We will keep looking"

This man was saved but didnt beleive that Jesus was the promissed Messiah.

COULD THIS HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IN THAT DAY???????

One more question for you guys--Did the Jews have to believe in the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ to be saved? (Pre D-B-R)

Bring what you got boys--When you are finished with all the jargon I will lay it one you.
L.L.L.

Does Anybody want to Race?

2009-03-13T23:17:00.001-07:00

Does Anybody want to Wrestle?

2009-03-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Left and Lost in the Woods!

2009-02-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, a church memnber and I made plans to take a little ride on our four wheelers on the upcoming Friday. The trip was only to be a short one. Around 4:30 p.m. me and a church member set forth on our evening journey. Along the way we met another church member, he told us he brought two hounds--hog dogs primed and ready to tear the ear off the biggest bore hog in the woods.

Excited about a little hog hunting we set forth into the depths of the pine thickets and hardwood bottoms of Ashley County. As we journeyed along, looking for the illusive hog, we enjoyed a variety of obstacles. Nothing was too tough for our Honda 4x4's. We road in the water, the mud, up hills and down hills. We jumped over logs, dogs, and almost hit 2 hogs; what a wonderful time we were having. Are you familiar with the phrase "all good things must come to an end"? Around 6:15 me and my church member began to experience the reality of that old saying.

SO, here it is,

We were on the way back home when the lead man took a detour. I knew where he was going because I had hunted with him on previous occasions. He left the trail and headed through a hardwood bottom/cutover/ a bunch of blown down trees. I started to continue with my present bearing, but, we were hunting and I did not want to leave him to find his dogs alone. I cannot begin to explain what the remainder of the ride was like. We very methodically and maticulously weeded our way over, under, around and sometimes up obstacle after obstacle. Finally,after about 500 yards we began to go through really tough terain. There was no path, no trail, only woods, thick dark woods.

As I followed my church member--who makes Grizzly Adams look like a city slicker--I began to fall behind. My four wheeler was larger than his, the church member behind me had an even larger bike. We were hanging up on limbs, logs, stumps and vines that would wrap around your bike and squeeze the life from it. The lead man never looked back. He wove his four wheeler from side to side, around and around--at one time he actually had to go between two trees on two wheels. We were in a world of hurt.

Then it happened. As I waited on the man in the back, the man in the front traveled out of site--out of site does not mean he was a long distance from us, he was no more than 25 yards--We Couldnt See Him! Yes he had his lights on. After searching diligently back and forth, on a piece of realistate the size of a living room, we decided to go back the way we came, but which way should we go? We found no path only trees and brush that all looked the same. We were left and lost in the woods.

Alas! my faithful church member, who left us in the woods, called for us. He was only about 100 yards ahead of us. We went to the right and then to the left, but nothing. We could not get through. After about 30 minutes of playing marco polo with the church member who left us in the woods, "JD" (from this point I will refer to the culprit as JD) cranked his four wheeler and left. I could not beleive it. After another 30 minutes of dead ends I called JD. He was at home eating a cinamon role. I told him to come get us. Of course JD, Mr. woodsman, Mr. walks through the woods at midnight with no gun or light, well he told us all we had to do was: I stopped him, he might have well been explaining the physics of the atomic bomb.

Finally! I hear JD calling for us. Funny thing was that he was behind us. I guess we were facing the wrong direction. After one more hour of marco polo, drive left, drive right, get agravated and drive left and right, we park. I called another church member to aid, in what was now a rescue. This church member helped tramendously. He told me to find the big dipper, put its handle on my left and follow it to the road. This really worked great, until the woods got so thick that we couldnt see the sky.

At this moment I began to realize that we were on our on. I decided that we would go towards the highway, even though the voice of our rescuers were in the opposite direction. Now you will never guess what happened next. We found an oppening, we drove in haste and with hope: then the creek stopped our escape. We now drove right and drove left, over and over again. Now dont think that this experience did not have its positive moments. We had about 25 positive moments. About 25 different occasions we found JD's four wheeler tracks. Each time we got excited. Each time we traveled with hast and hope. Hey, do you that all four wheelers make the same tracks? At this point we have realized that we were going in circles, triangels, rectangles, figure eights, I think we even spelled out the Greek alphabet.

Picture this. Picture two grown men on four wheelers on less than a half an acre of land and in the dark: we traveld over 5 miles on this small piece of land. It looked like 500 bikes had traveld through it over 500 times and from all different directions.

Now we are still playing marco polo, at this point very loud. It has been over two hours of playing this game and am growing tired of hearing "WHOOOOO--WHOOOOOO--WHOOOOOO". Did I mention that I split my pants? Of course I did, I am famous for spliting my pants. The worst part is that lately I have been retaining some water. This water retention made my pants a little snug. I found a solution to the snuggy fit. I decided to give my fruit of the looms a break for this trip, this was a mistake.

So during my adventure my pants have been ripped open. I am now experiencing maximum exposure. Remember the limbs, logs, dogs, hogs and at one point I thought I hit a frog, well these have become a nuscence to many parts of my anatomy. Sticks, ticks, briars, weeds, pine straw, my pants are really torn. What started as a small tear has now turned my pants into chaps. I am still left and lost in the woods.

Wait! I see a light to my left. It is JD and another church member. They have walked into the woods and found us. JD began with "all you had to do" I stopped him before he could continue with my own little discourse of the situation. I climbed off my bike to stretch; he got mooned. Now we begin the journey out. They came in on my left but lead us out on our right. Guess what? They took us back through our very high tech figure eight Greek tracks. "See all you had to do was come right here". We had, many many many times. I had the scars to prove it. These two men began to weed their way through a thicket that was alomost impossible to walk through. Then one of them said "come on". Word cannot explain what happend next.

We took our overworked, overheated bikes and put them to the test. Every briar, root, limb, blow down, VINE--man! a vine will pull you from your bike and suspend you in mid air--thanks to my split pants I--well never mind. The next one hundred yards were treaourous. I would never have gone through that--i did however have a good plan. I started to take the tracking collers off the dogs and put them on our bikes and walk out.

Picture if you will. We were thronged by the woods. My pants are nor pants but chaps!!!!!!!!!! Sticks jabbed, briars tore, fenders snapped, break lines ripped from their places, tires blew, motors overheated--My pants are split wide open! I was at the mercy of the prodding forest with millions and millions of sticky thorny things.

Finally we made it to the trail. To our surprise we were only six miles north of where we thought we where. The big dipper let me down this time. I traveld home only to have my wife chastize me. Oh yes, I did call her from the woods and told her my present cituation, she chastized me. To top off the eventfull evening I cooked steak--they were good.

As I was writing this blog I discovered that my head was still full of pine straw. I dont know what is poking me in my backside, and my pants are still split.

So to all my brothers, if you cant really get a good idea of what my evening was like; get on your four wheeler, go out into the woods, find a thick briar patch, take off your clothes, and take off. Dont worry about a trail. We made our own. Dont worry about the limbs, sticks, stumps, briars, vines and poky things, be sure they will find their mark.
LLL

"Worship" a misunderstood term?

2009-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Do we truly understand what "worship" is? Ask any preacher and he will be glad to explain all about "worship". Which brings me back to my original question, do we understand what "worship" is?
Jesus said that teh Father desires for "true worshippers" to worship Him "in spirit and truth" (hey James i wonder if the DA is present in the Greek text? GS rule, does it apply?)
Preachers, who are "true worshippers?"
True worshippers must worship in spirit and truth. While many are confused as to what "in spirit and truth" means--let us stay with the subject of worship. Turn your television to any religious channel and you will see many diferrent displays of what people refer to as "worship". There is excitement and enthusiasm. People are shouting, raising their hands, some even jump out of their seats. They call this "worship", but, this does not coincide with the biblical definition of "worship".
The Bible defines "worship" as an act of reverence or obeisance. The most popular definition of a certain Greek word translated "worship" means to kiss or to bow down--to bow before your master--as a dog licks his master's hand.
Okay preachers that all i have to say. Maybe some of you can explain "worship" to me; I am sure you can.
LLL

Are Videos Creating Lazy Teachers?

2009-02-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

I am not apposed to a good object lesson. I am not apposed to the use of visual aids. I think that visual aids can aid in making a point. The question I have is this; are we depending upon video visual aids to teach God's people instead preparing lessons using of old fashioned Bible study? The thing in the Lord's New Testament churches today is the use of videos; videos that contain lesson material, object lessons, and sometimes testimonies.
Many of these lessons are good, however, I am afraid that an unseen danger is creeping upon us. The lessons are taught by those who are not of like order and faith. They use a variety of Bible versions. They make comments such as, "when he joined the church", in reference to salvation. They teach universalism and promote ecuminicalism, but we praise them for being an enormous help in our teaching.
This is my first blog. I didn't want to write too much, therefore I gave you only a small portion of the subject. I did not fill it with scriptures but I did state a few points of concern. Tell me how you feel on this subject. Maybe you use videos in your lessons, maybe you do not. I love pastoring one of the Lord's New Testament churches. I love teaching the members of the church. When I reach the point where I no longer have a desire to teach, then I will turn to the video teachers of the false religions. I will invite them into the Lord's New Testament church and give them the pulpit.
L.L.L.