Truth Triumphant

Standing on the Word!

2012-02-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

The Heavens declare the Glory of God!

2012-01-19T13:53:00.000-05:00

Perhaps we need to spend more time looking up. Man was made to worship the Almighty God and to fellowship with Him. All of creation shows God's handiwork and concern for detail, but the Bible tells us that it is the Heavens, the Universe which declares His Glory!!

We have not yet reached the edge of the universe. Scientists have not found the top or the bottom. They can't reach the left side so that they can head to the right side. The vastness is so immense that they must measure in 'light years' (the speed that light itself travels in one year) just to make the size manageable, but than they still must use billions and trillions and even more zeros to encompass just the area we can see. The size of the universe shows the smallness of man and the Almighty magnitude of an infinite God! Even the 'Big-Bang' theory starts with the universe intact because the scientists can't get outside of the universe to come up with another extreme theory to show how the universe got there. In other words - without being able to see outside of the entirety of the magnitude of the Heavens, they can't begin to explain how it began. They don't even know how big it is.

Truly the Heavens declare the Glory of God!

What are Proud people like?

2012-01-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

Some characteristics of Pride:

* Proud people focus on the failures of others.

* Proud people have to prove they are right.

* Proud people claim their rights - are very demanding.

* Proud people desire to be served and look down on the server.

* Proud people have a drive to be recognized and promoted.

* Proud people feel confident in how much they know.

* Proud people are quick to blame others.

* Proud people are overly concerned about what others think.

Taken from 'Seeking Him' by Tim Grissom and Nancy Leigh DeMoss

We are to DO God's will!

2011-11-30T14:09:00.000-05:00

We often struggle in trying to figure out God's will for our lives. The Word of God is full of His commands and His truth. In Deuteronomy 30:11-14 God makes it very clear to the nation of Israel that it is their duty to DO all that has been commanded. God has clearly given us His truth - and often we feel it is our duty to defend the truth, learn the truth, share the truth, etc. All of these are good - but over and over again in the Scriptures God just tells us to DO His Truth! Obedience is the Key! God's commands are Doable, Understandable, and Available. Let's just make sure we are Doing what we are supposed to be Doing!

"Set your affection on things above..."

2011-11-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

Things in life change - it is inevitable. People, institutions, governments, health, culture - all will change. God knows that and I believe He also knows how much we inwardly desire stability. That is why God reminds us often in Scripture that He does not change! He is always the same. It is interesting to do a Bible study on the word 'forever' and see how often it is used. The Lord tells us that He shall reign forever and ever (Exodus 15:17,18). His Word is settled in Heaven Forever ( Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8). Salvation is Forever (Psalm 37:23-28, Romans 8:38-39, I Peter 1:4-5). God even gives us some definitive names that highlight His eternalness: He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, The Everlasting Father, the Resurrection and the Life, the Rock, and the Chief Cornerstone. When life seems to be unraveling - the Lord is forever. Most of all He makse it personal as He reminds us that He will "never leave thee or forsake thee".

Forgiveness

2011-09-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

When we are tempted to 'un-forgive' someone after we have granted them verbal forgiveness:

1) Don't rehearse it - don't replay the hurt in our mind
2) Don't nurse it - don't lick our wounds thinking about how bad we were hurt
3) Don't curse it - waiting for God to rain vengeance upon them
4) Rather - pray for them!

Have a proper relationship with others leads to a proper relationship with God!

Global $$ Problems - an open door to Antichrist!

2011-07-27T20:43:00.000-04:00

The book of the Revelation explains that the Antichrist will be able to conjure world control and peace for the most part during the first 3 1/2 years of the Great Tribulation. Many have wondered how in the world he would be able to do that. How could so many countries follow a single leader's direction. How could he get so many to take the infamous 'Mark of the Beast'. How? The global financial crisis seems like a great opportunity. Greece is in total chaos and nearing complete default. Ireland and Portugal's economies have been downgraded to 'junk' status. Spain and Italy are close behind. The Euro is in terrible straits. The US Dollar is near its lowest value ever and we are all aware of our own debt crisis. China is beginning to feel the pinch with their biggest customers all hurting and there is now evidence of their own "Ghost cities" that they built but 'no one came'. Japan is still suffering the effect of their Tsunami.

The World is one major crisis from collapse. What an ideal time for someone to emerge and restore order. Could that one major crisis be the Rapture?? Don't know for sure - but things are setting themselves up like never before!!

- More insight into Revelation coming in the next few days ...

Turning our back on Israel ...uh oh!!

2011-05-19T17:23:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — President Barack Obama is endorsing the Palestinians’ demand for their future state to be based on the borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war, in a move that will likely infuriate Israel. Israel says the borders of a Palestinian state have to be determined through negotiations.

In a speech outlining U.S. policy in the Middle East and North Africa, Obama on Thursday sided with the Palestinians’ opening position a day ahead of a visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is vehemently opposed to referring to the 1967 borders.

“So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, and a secure Israel,” Obama’s prepared remarks said. “The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state. ”

Until Thursday, the U.S. position had been that the Palestinian goal of a state based on the 1967 borders, with agreed land swaps, should be reconciled with Israel’s desire for a secure Jewish state through negotiations.

America is not immune to difficulty

2011-05-17T19:11:00.001-04:00

I believe too many Americans (and especially Christians) believe that we are somehow immune to the difficulties that have faced much of the world. So many Christians have told me "when things get real bad, then the rapture will take place and we'll go to Heaven".

I believe that the rapture is imminent and there is nothing that is delaying Christ's return - so we should be always ready! However, there were many Christians in the former Yugoslavia that suffered greatly through their economic collapse and ethnic cleansing. There are many Christians today in Vietnam, India, North Korea and many other countries that are suffering severe persecution. There were many Christians in Argentina that had to struggle through their severe inflation in the late 1980's (they removed 6 zero's from their currency - that means that 1 million dollars became 1 dollar very quickly).

I believe Christians should be prepared for difficult times before Christ returns. We should prepare for economic turmoil, persecution, and severe cultural decay as we prepare for Christ's return. I believe that if we are serious about having revival in America, it will come at the expense of America's comfort. Christians should be prepared to give the gospel to a hurting and desperate world around us. We know the end of the Book and Who is in control - we will have answers when no one else does. As Christians, we should not be the ones who are desperate and in shock when things go bad. It is an opportunity for evangelism!!

Wilkerson on the need for Anguish in Prayer

2011-05-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/lGMG_PVaJoI

God uses the poorest to supply the need!

2011-04-12T18:17:00.000-04:00

When God's prophet Elijah was in need of a meal, God did not send along a wealthy merchant to meet his need. Instead, God sent Elijah to the poorest widow in Zarephath who was preparing her very last meal with her very last morsel of food. When the widow supplied the food to Elijah, she found she was never short of food again. God could have brought along a bountiful harvest for Elijah, but he taught both that day that He "gives us this day our daily bread"!!!!

Could lead codices prove ‘the major discovery of Christian history’?

2011-03-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

The following is from Yahoo News 3/30/11:

British archaeologists are seeking to authenticate what could be a landmark discovery in the documentation of early Christianity: a trove of 70 lead codices that appear to date from the 1st century CE, which may include key clues to the last days of Jesus' life. As UK Daily Mail reporter Fiona Macrae writes, some researchers are suggesting this could be the most significant find in Christian archeology since the Dead Sea scrolls in 1947.

The codices turned up five years ago in a remote cave in eastern Jordan—a region where early Christian believers may have fled after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The codices are made up of wirebound individual pages, each roughly the size of a credit card. They contain a number of images and textual allusions to the Messiah, as well as some possible references to the crucifixion and resurrection. Some of the codices were sealed, prompting yet more breathless speculation that they could include the sealed book, shown only to the Messiah, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. One of the few sentences translated thus far from the texts, according to the BBC, reads, "I shall walk uprightly"--a phrase that also appears in Revelation. "While it could be simply a sentiment common in Judaism," BBC writer Robert Pigott notes, "it could here be designed to refer to the resurrection."

But the field of biblical archaeology is also prey to plenty of hoaxes and enterprising fraudsters, so investigators are proceeding with due empirical caution. Initial metallurgical research indicates that the codices are about 2,000 years old--based on the manner of corrosion they have undergone, which, as Macrae writes, "experts believe would be impossible to achieve artificially." ...

Meanwhile, biblical scholars who have examined the codices point to significant textual evidence suggesting their early Christian origin. Philip Davies, emeritus professor of Old Testament Studies at Sheffield University, told Pigott he was "dumbstruck" at the sight of plates representing a picture map of ancient Jerusalem. "There is a cross in the foreground, and behind it is what has to be the tomb [of Jesus], a small building with an opening, and behind that the walls of the city," Davies explained. "There are walls depicted on other pages of these books, too, and they almost certainly refer to Jerusalem."

David Elkington, an ancient religion scholar who heads the British research team investigating the find, has likewise pronounced this nothing less than "the major discovery of Christian history." Elkington told the Daily Mail that "it is a breathtaking thought that we have held these objects that might have been held by the early saints of the Church."

The root of bitterness!

2011-03-29T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 12:15 tells us to "look diligently ... lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you..." We too often just try to deal with the 'fruit' of bitterness. We try to fix a quick temper, anger, laziness, depression, etc. That is just the outward sign of the inward problem: bitterness. We need to honestly assess ourselves and see if we are resentful towards what someone said, someone did, something unjust that happened to us, etc. When we dwell on past hurts or wrongs, bitterness will take root. If we allow bitterness to grow and continue to feed into it, it will destroy us from the inside out. That is why Scripture tells us to "LOOK DILIGENTLY"!!

You can hear my complete sermon on this subject by going to www.cedarhillbaptistchurch.org and listening to the audio from Sunday March 27.

Egypt Air removes Israel from its map!

2011-03-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

From www.theblaze.com 3/25/2011:

Accident, prophetic, or wishful thinking? Those are the questions swirling after it was discovered Egyptian airline Egypt Air does not include Israel on a destination map on its website.

“Egypt Air, the largest airline in Egypt, has removed Israel from the map – literally,” the Israeli news outlet Ynetnews.com reports. “On its website, Ynet has learned, Jordan’s land reaches the Mediterranean Sea.”

According to the outlet, looking past Israel’s existence is odd considering one of it subsidiaries, Air Sinai, regularly flies to the tiny, Jewish country.

“On the map are the names of the Mideast capitals – Amman, Beirut, and Damascus – but Israel is nowhere to be found,” YNet says. “The omission is especially odd seeing as the company continues to fly to Israel four times a week.”

Religion close to extinction in 9 countries

2011-03-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

The following is from www.theblaze.com on March 24, 2011:

“That’s me in the corner, that’s me in the spotlight, losing my religion,” the band R.E.M once sang. For select countries across the globe, that could be true. And while the prediction doesn’t currently include the U.S., there are ominous signs that could change.

According to a new study by the American Physical Society (APS) using census data, religion in nine countries is slowly dying — and, as the BBC puts it, may even become “extinct.”

Those countries include Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

The study was published earlier this year and recently unveiled at an APS meeting in Dallas. It uses a mathematical model to “account for the interplay between the number of religious respondents and the social motives behind being one,” the BBC reports. The result is scary: “religion will all but die out altogether in those countries.”

One of the study’s authors, Richard Wiener of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement and the University of Arizona, explained to the BBC that “The idea is pretty simple.”

“It posits that social groups that have more members are going to be more attractive to join, and it posits that social groups have a social status or utility,” he said.

Translation: it seems it’s becoming popular not to be religious — and the more popular that becomes, the more people will join.

“In a large number of modern secular democracies,” he explained, “there’s been a trend that folk are identifying themselves as non-affiliated with religion; in the Netherlands the number was 40%, and the highest we saw was in the Czech Republic, where the number was 60%.”

America isn’t immune, either, as Foxnews.com notes:

The study also found that “Americans without affiliation comprise the only religious group growing in all 50 states.”
“In 2008 those claiming no religion rose to 15 percent nationwide, with a maximum in Vermont at 34 percent,” the study says.

Still, Wiener admitted the study isn’t perfect, and the the team is working to update the model to more accurately reflect current-world conditions.

“Obviously we don’t really believe this is the network structure of a modern society, where each person is influenced equally by all the other people in society,” he told the BBC. But, he added, “It’s interesting that a fairly simple model captures the data, and if those simple ideas are correct, it suggests where this might be going.”

“Obviously much more complicated things are going on with any one individual, but maybe a lot of that averages out.”

New trend: Parents who 'hate' parenting??

2011-03-22T07:37:00.000-04:00

Check out this quote for two num nuts from Canada:

New studies by Richard Eibach and Steven Mock, psychologists at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, confirmed that people idealize parenthood in order to justify the costs, which are mind boggling—more than $200,000 to raise a child born in 2007 to age 18, according toU.S. Department of Agriculture data.

So we parents just 'act' like we like parenting in order to 'justify' the cost. It always comes back to the money in our culture today. God gave us children as a HERITAGE to the Lord.

Open-Minded??

2011-03-21T20:12:00.000-04:00

Why Be Openminded?

“The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”

—The Autobiography, vol. 16 of The Collected Works of G. K. Chesterton (San Francisco: Ignatius, 1988), 212.

Taken from www.thegospelcoaltion.com

New NIV is gender-neutral

2011-03-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/The Blaze) — There‘s a new translation of the world’s most popular Bible: the New International Version, or NIV. It has been criticized by some conservatives who don’t like its use of gender-neutral language, arguing altering the text may affect its theological message.

The new version does not change the pronouns referring to God, who remains “He” and “the Father.“ But it does aim to avoid using ”he“ or ”him” as the default reference to an unspecified person.

In one example of the altered text, Mark 1:17 in the NIV Bible reads: “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” The NIV Bible uses “people” instead of the traditional term “men.”

Book of Revelation a 'work of fiction' says MSNBC's O'Donnell

2011-03-18T19:55:00.000-04:00

Here is what Lawrence O'Donnell, an MSNBC host, stated on his program Thursday evening March 17, 2011:

The book of Revelation is a work of fiction describing how a truly vicious God would bring about the end of the world. No half-smart religious person actually believes the book of Revelation. They are certain that their God would never turn into a malicious torturer and mass murderer beyond Hitler’s wildest dreams.

A complete refusal to understand man's ultimate problem: SIN!! Sin brings God's judgment. Sin causes man's problems. Sin is the problem. Man must blame someone - and in this instant he blames God Himself!!

Christians are 'blood-stained' not just blood washed!!!

2011-03-17T09:31:00.000-04:00

I went to a seminar at the county coroner's office and listened as the deputy coroner explained about forensics and crime scenes. She said this: "You cannot hide the blood. People think they can and come up with all kinds of ways to try and wash the blood away, but the properties of the blood stick to everything and under the right light you can always see the blood'!!

Wow. Think about that Christian. Why did Christ have to shed his blood? Why did God use the shedding of blood throughout the Old Testament as a picture of redemption? Because you cannot hide the blood! When we stand before Jesus Christ (The LIGHT) He will determine who is washed in the blood of the Lamb and who is not! There is only One Way! Only through Jesus Christ. My works and my deeds are absolutely pointless. If I am not stained by the blood of Christ, I do not have salvation.

Rob Bell claims that there is no such place as Hell!

2011-03-16T11:52:00.001-04:00

Rob Bell is the Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville MI. He is a leader of the 'Emergent Church' movement. He is on a book tour for his new book (released 3/15/2011) entitled "Love Wins". In this book he claims that God's love will ultimately win everyone over - even after death. Therefore he explains that there is no hell; no damnation; no torment. This MSNBC host asks Rev. Bell some questions that he has a very difficult time explaining.

Being Responsible with Responsibilities

2011-02-18T18:43:00.001-05:00

A popular theme of our culture is to stay young through our mindset, activities, fashion, plastic surgery, etc. There is nothing wrong with staying current with technology or fashion. It does "keep us young" by continuing to participate in activities. However, this mindset becomes an issue when we begin to neglect our responsibilities. The idea of being young and carefree has led far too many to neglect their families, leave their husband or wife and children in order to follow a new passion, or to spend so much time in hobbies that they neglect their faith or duties. We can enjoy ourselves and stay young through our activities, but we must remain responsible with our responsibilities.

Interesting to note that Jesus grew in "wisdom, stature, favor with God and favor with man". He was viewed as wise beyond his years. He baffled the leaders in the synagogue when just a child. We don't see where anyone ever said "Jesus was intent on staying young and having fun". We could also agree that those who make history are those who show maturity and wisdom far and above those around them.

The question is WHO? not Why?

2011-01-31T13:20:00.000-05:00

God wants us to know WHO He is and WHO is in control of all things and WHO created all things. We always want to know why? Why am I ill? Why aren't things working out the way I had hoped and prayed? Why does God not seem to be listening? We want to know why? but God wants us to ask WHO?

When Job was going through his trial and had lost everything - his friends spent weeks trying to convince Job Why it was happening. When God answered, God explained WHO He was. God went back to creation and the wonder of life to explain to Job that the real question is WHO and not Why? In fact, we don't ever see where God explained to Job why. Job found his strength and confidence in WHO God Is and Was!!!

** Thoughts taken from Jim Berg's "Quieting a Noisy Soul"

You can KNOW for sure!

2011-01-10T16:38:00.000-05:00

As a Pastor I have been surprised by the many people, some I have known and some that I had just met, who wait until they are faced with death to meet with the Pastor and make sure of their salvation. Why? Why did they wait so long. The Bible tells us that God does not lie and that which He promises He will carry out. whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Make sure!

The manger!

2010-12-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

Being born in a stable and placed in a manger was no accident. Isn't it amazing that whenever we hear the word "manger" we immediately think of the Christmas Story and the birth of Christ! If Jesus had been born in the local hospital and placed in a crib - like every other child is today - then the story would have lost its wonder. Instead God gave us the uniqueness of the stable, the manger, the shepherds and the star that night in Bethlehem. Merry Christmas!

Mary had a little lamb - or rather The Little Lamb!!

2010-12-16T13:51:00.000-05:00

Mary had The Lamb that would be slain to take away the sins of the world. What a wondrous story we celebrate at Christmas! Jesus Christ puts aside the power of the Godhead to take on the totally dependent form of a baby. He came, not with the usual hopes and dreams of a child, but rather with the anticipation of death. He came to die. Yet He lives again! No wonder the Scripture tells us "but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart"!!! Merry Christmas.

What is a 'Fundamentalist'?

2010-12-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

The term 'fundamentalist' is so misunderstood and mis-defined today. I have been a 'fundamentalist' all my life. I believe in the fundamentals of the faith - the principles of the Word of God. We often hear that the Islamic extremists are 'fundamentalists' as well. In many ways they are; they believe in the very fundamentals of their faith. They believe that Christians are the enemy and capitalism is of the Devil. These are 'fundamentals' of their faith. Most Muslims do not adhere to these principles.

A coach of a basketball team will tell you how important it is for his team to be strong in the fundamentals of the game; free throws, guarding, dribbling, etc. If they are not strong in the fundamentals of their game, they will ultimately break down on the court. As a Christian we must remain strong in the fundamentals of our faith: Salvation by grace through faith, the inspiration of Scripture, the Atonement of Christ's shed blood, the return of Jesus Christ to set up His Millenial Kingdom, etc.

We must clearly define who we are and what we believe or the world will define us themselves.

An example of heresy among churches today

2010-11-18T15:51:00.001-05:00

Following is an excerpt from the mission statement and beliefs page of a local church. I was invited to a conference and seminar that the pastor of this church is a leader of. This is what they say:

From soon after the time of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, the Church began to enter into religious tradition, mental idolatry and apostasy. Eventually, despite much advance, the Church lost much Biblical truth, or else understood and implemented truth in a corrupt way.

The Church is on a journey to restoration and discovery of all truth, and it is being built up in understanding and ability as well as in numbers.

God has ordained apostles and prophets whose principal task is to receive divine wisdom and revelation of Biblical truth, proclaim it to the whole Church, and build the Church in accordance with what has been revealed.

The end of the journey is the Church achieving perfection, being conformed to the character of Christ; the personal return of Christ and the attaining of immortality.

To this end, God is building a new human race in Christ, with renewed understanding and motivation, free from the corruptions of the present age.

The recovery of truth and the building of the character and power of the Church are opposed by invisible principalities and powers working from both outside and inside the Church. These principalities and powers have to be resisted and overcome. A major part of the strategy of the enemy is to work within the Church through establishment of dead religious tradition, invasion of corrupt values, and the counterfeiting of true ministry.

Christ will not return until the journey is completed, the Church made ready, and all His enemies defeated.

Noah did not want to bring the woodpecker along!

2010-11-16T15:05:00.002-05:00

Smarter than my teachers?

2010-11-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

I have more understanding than all my teachers... Psalm 119:99 This is a verse that perhaps every junior higher in Sunday School has memorized, but what did the psalmist mean? Last night I heard a scientist proclaim that people that commit adultery have something inbreed into their minds and, therefore, are predisposed to their adultery.

I am sure that the professor has much knowledge - but I have more understanding. He has more degrees, more accomplishments and would beat me at Trivia Pursuit a hundred times. I have found that man's problem is his SIN NATURE based upon the ABSOLUTE TRUTH of the WORD OF GOD. He might be smarter - but I have more understanding. This reminds me of the verse: professing to be wise, they become fools. Romans 1:22

Given; never earned!

2010-11-04T12:51:00.000-04:00

I passed a truck with an advertisement for the Marines on the side. The slogan was: "Earned; Never Given!". Great advertisement about how hard it is to be a US Marine. It made me think though that Salvation is exactly opposite. Salvation from Christ is only through God's Grace. It is Given and Never, Ever earned. If only more would understand that - If only more of us would proclaim that!!

Love thy neighbor

2010-10-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

God commands we love one another. Christ taught it over and over again. A very strong emphasis is placed on this command. Wonder why? Probably because it is so difficult sometimes to love people. People will let you down, falsely accuse you, misunderstand you, take advantage of you, and outright be mean to you. So - this is something we MUST work on. We don't really have an option!

Telling others about Christ is the 'easy part'!

2010-10-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

We often hear Christians complain about how difficult it is to tell others about Christ. We come up with many excuses such as; people are too busy, it is harder than it used to be, people are too skeptical, I just 'live' it, I'm too bashful to tell others, etc.

Telling others about Christ is OUR part. Our one, little part in the whole plan. If we didn't have a part - Christ could just call us home to Heaven as soon as we are saved. However, He kept us here - told us that while we are not of the world we are supposed to go into the world and 'preach the gospel to every creature'.

If we honestly evaluate the whole scope of salvation, I think we would find that we actually have the easiest part! Christ PAID for salvation and bore the sins of the whole world upon His shoulders. The Holy Spirit is to SEAL them that are saved until the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit also CONVICTS the lost of their sin and REAFFIRMS the Word of God in their lives. The Word of God is the seed that, once planted, begins to take root and grow in ones life.

So - we don't have to convince them, convict them, die for them, pay the price for them, carry their sin for them, keep them saved, prepare a place for them, come later to get them, raise them from the dead, etc. ALL we have to do is TELL THEM!

How a missionary interpreter really works

2010-10-14T14:55:00.002-04:00

Life as a houseplant

2010-10-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

I believe all too often our Christian lives are like the plant in my office window. I don't usually remember to water it until it begins to look brown around the edges and the leaves begin to shrivel. Then I drench it with water and revive it for a while until it begins to turn brown again. It never fully grows and flourishes as it should because it is constantly in a state between dying and reviving.

Is that how we are as Christians? Do we starve ourselves spiritually until it becomes so blatantly obvious that we soak ourselves in the truth and then, just as quick, begin to neglect our spiritual senses until the cycle repeats. Every time we 'revive' ourselves though, we have lost a little bit - there are dry areas and dead spots that, like the plant, have suffered because of our neglect.

A pointed reminder to churches everywhere!

2010-10-05T14:12:00.002-04:00

Marriage & Divorce - Part 3

2010-09-03T18:09:00.000-04:00

  A couple of things I have learned in dealing with people going through divorce:

1. The claims of how bad the spouse has been are always exaggerated while going through the divorce. ( Please note that I am not referring to those instances of direct physical abuse ). It's the wild claims of how mean the spouse has been, how lazy they really are, how the person someone else sees is never the person they have to live with at home. These claims are exaggerated by the spouse that wants to leave in order to garner support for their decision to terminate this marriage.

2. A spouse with children will undoubtedly fail to realize that by seeking divorce they are probably giving up half of the time they will ever spend with their children. In shared custody, the spouses will only have every other week, or every other weekend with their children. They will miss all the special events and special moments when their children are with their ex-spouse. For example:

   * Your son's first day of school may not fall on your week - it may fall on your spouse's week with your son. Oh, I know you think you'll share this special day - but your ex-spouse's new wife/husband will now take a priority in their life - and you'll be on the outs. So when your former husband/wife drives them to school on the first day and they kiss them AND their step-mom/dad goodbye instead of you...

   * You turn on your former spouse's Facebook page to find that your ex has been on vacation with their new love AND your kids - and now in every photo on their site you see your children with their Mom/Dad and their new partner - and YOU have been replaced.

   * Your ex-wife has remarried and her new husband has a 15 year old son. This is most concerning to you because you have a 14 year old daughter. Your daughter tells you how uncomfortable she is now spending the week at her Mother's house with this 'new' brother who is not really a brother, but who is now sharing a restroom, refrigerator, and everything else with her.

   * You have finally gotten your divorce and now your new boyfriend/girlfriend want you to move to their hometown an hour away and begin a new life together. Problem!! You have a couple of children and your spouse is not moving so the judge says NO! You cannot take your kids to their new home away from their other parent. This begins to put some serious pressure on your New relationship.

These and others are real situations I have witnessed or helped others to deal with. When you get divorced and add new relationships to the mix - the children are torn and put into very awkward situations.

Think - think - think before you decide the best course of action is divorce. IT IS NOT THE BEST FOR YOUR KIDS!!!

Marriage & Divorce - Part 2

2010-09-01T12:13:00.000-04:00

The responsibility is on the man!

While our culture has such a difficult time with the 'submission' thing - they totally miss the fact that the Bible puts the vast amount of the responsibility for the marriage upon the man. Remember - marriage is the picture used to show the relationship between Christ and the Church. The Church is the Bride of Christ!

1. The Groom gave His life for the Church - complete sacrifice! Romans 5:6
2. The Groom loved the Church before they loved Him! Romans 5:8
3. The Groom promises to Never leave or forsake! Hebrews 13:5

Isn't it interesting that the Bible only commands the husband to love the wife and never commands the wife to love the husband. Obviously, the wife should love the husband in order for the marriage to work - but the command is upon the husband. (Ephesians 5:21-33) In fact, only 1 women in the whole Bible is recorded to have 'loved' her husband. That was Michal, wife of David. ( I Samuel 18:20)

more to come...

Marriage & Divorce - Part 1

2010-08-31T10:45:00.000-04:00

As a Pastor in my sixth year of ministry, I have been involved in counseling or assisting in many marriages and divorce situations. I thought I would put some of my thoughts and advice into several blog postings. These thoughts will be both spiritual ( from the Word of God ) and practical life lessons. Feel free to comment.

Part 1 - Our culture today ( more than at any time since the Roman Empire ), has placed a greater importance on the relationship of Parent to Child than Husband to Wife. This is in contradiction to what the Bible teaches us. The Word of God makes it clear that Husband and Wife is a life-long commitment. The vows are taken before God and in front of witnesses. The picture of marriage is a picture of the Christ and the Church. This is the Biblical principle of 'cleaving' to one another.

The Bible tells us that parents are to "train up a child" and to teach them diligently. Then, the parents and child together are to sever the tie and allow the child to cleave to their spouse. Marriage is long term; parenting is short term. Our culture today has placed the priority on the parenting. We hear "nothing is more important than my kids". The children get shuffled around from school to church to music practice to sports practice to activities to play dates ... Meanwhile, the marriage is suffering as the parents are spending no time together. The Husband and Wife center all of their available attention on the kids and neglect each other.

Then - the marriage crumbles and the parents get divorced. Then, of course, the kids ironically suffer the most! Every divorcing couple claim that they will do whatever possible to make it easy for the kids - BUT IT NEVER IS! Three weeks ago in the Patriot News Sunday edition, there were two articles. One about Ben Roethlisberger ( Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback ) and the other about a male celebrity from the TV show Mad Men ( I don't recall his name ). BOTH articles mentioned that these two individuals came from 'difficult' childhoods. Why? Because both came from divorced parents while they were young. Society paints the picture that Divorce is natural and expected - but it also reveals that Divorce is a major setback for the children.

... more to come

Looking at Grace in the 'past tense'

2010-08-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

I believe that all too often we look at Grace in a past tense application. We say things like: "but for the grace of God, I wouldn't be here today" or, "I know I gave into temptation, but because of the grace of God I can find forgiveness". Understanding Grace means we learn to tap into the power that God gives us. He enables us to DO what He wants us to do. We should be tapping into Grace BEFORE we are tempted, BEFORE we do ministry, and BEFORE we interact with the world around us. Let's get Grace in the right place.

Thoughts on Prayer from John Hyde

2010-08-03T15:22:00.000-04:00

It is 'self' in some shape that comes between us and Him, so self must be dealt with as he was dealt with. Self must be crucified, dead and buried with Christ. If not 'buried', the stench of the old man will frighten souls away. If these three steps downwards are taken as to the old man, then the new man will be revived, raised, and seated - with corresponding steps upward which God permits us to take. Then indeed Christ is lifted up in our lives and He cannot fail to attract souls to Himself !

Taken from the book "Praying Hyde: Apostle of Prayer"

Thoughts on telling others about Christ

2010-07-21T14:31:00.000-04:00

* It's the Great Commission; not the Great Suggestion!

* We are to be witnesses - witnesses are not the judge or the attorney. We are not to convict or pass judgment. We are to tell others what Christ has done for us! We can only tell what we know.

* You may be the only Bible most people will ever read!

* If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence from others to convict you?

The Kingdom during the Millennium

2010-06-17T20:37:00.000-04:00

I am in the midst of an in depth study of the Millennium period. There is much to consider, but there is an overwhelming theme throughout the gospels in relation to the kingdom: Warnings!!! Warning of being unprepared, of being caught off guard, of arriving empty handed, and warning of being sorrowful over our position there. Do we really consider that "all tears are wiped away" AFTER the Millennium? Are we ready for the Kingdom to come? Do we give it any thought?? Do we just think we are going to float around on clouds after death? There is a 1000 year period after the Great Tribulation that we are going to reign with Christ - AND - what we do with this life here on earth - WILL MATTER!

Only one life, twill soon be past;

Only what's done for Christ, will last!

The Authority of the Word of God

2010-06-03T20:35:00.000-04:00

In parts of the heathen world, where the Word of God energized by the Spirit of God has penetrated, the powers of the air have fallen back. But in our so called Christian lands, the authority of the Word is now called in question by the great leaders of the churches, and there are few theological institutions where it is recognized as the very Word of God. In like manner, the Spirit of God is dishonored, first, by this very denial of the Word He has inspired, and second, by the disregard paid to His person and authority. Thus, there is a reversion to heathen conditions spiritually, and as the great agents for the overthrow of demonic powers are discredited, these powers are pressing in again upon our country and people.

- John MacMillan

Communication - Tips from my Dad

2010-05-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

Too often when people ( especially married couples ) try to communicate, they have one of these responses:

   1. They 'Clam-up' and refuse to talk about it.
   2. They 'Blow-up' and immediately get defensive and angry.
   3. They 'Cut-up' each other with sarcasm and put-downs.

   * Biblically, we should lovingly 'speak-up' and discuss our problems rationally.
   I Peter 3:7-9

From: Pastor Tom Gunther ( my father )

Control of our tongue

2010-05-21T19:51:00.000-04:00

Wise is the man who, having nothing to say, refrains from giving wordy evidence of the fact!

- Anonymous

Christ and prayer

2010-05-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

Christ began His ministry with the wedding where He turned water to wine. Scripture tells us that He began that day with prayer. He often went into the garden to pray and away from the masses to pray. He arose early to pray and would stay up late praying. His life ended upon the cross with "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit". Christ began his ministry praying; he prayed throughout His ministry; and He ended His ministry praying. Christ was not one that was known by His schedule - but rather by WHERE He prayed! Judas knew where to find Him! Oh - and Scripture tells us that "He ever liveth to make intercession for us". So He prayed for YOU TODAY!!! Maybe, just maybe, we should pray more.

Prayer

2010-05-08T19:41:00.002-04:00

" I may pray no more than 15 minutes at a time; but I have rarely gone more than 15 minutes without praying" - Charles Spurgeon

The Bible

2010-05-06T11:51:00.002-04:00

When we open the Bible; the Bible open's the mind of God! Raymond Barber

Why are we called Sheep?

2010-04-12T19:23:00.004-04:00

It's kind of funny that God calls us sheep. He didn't pick a more glamorous animal like an eagle or a lion. So, why sheep? Sheep graze. They do not eat once a day - they feed continuously. Likewise, we are like sheep. We need to feed from the Word of God continuously - not just once a week in church. Sheep need a shepherd. They wander aimlessly without someone to follow. Similarly we need a Shepherd - a Heavenly Shepherd in Christ and an earthly shepherd in the form of a pastor. Sheep need companionship. They are not an animal that likes to be alone. Christians need the fellowship of the 'flock' of a church. Is it any wonder God calls us sheep?

Striving in prayer

2010-03-26T21:34:00.002-04:00

Far too many refer to their prayer lives as dull, boring, or lifeless. Perhaps we get out of our prayer life what we put in to it. Prayer takes work. Great prayer results come at the end of great prayer effort. Time, sacrifice, and even perhaps, some sweat may be necessary to reap the rewards of prayer. This is why the Apostle Paul states " striving together with me in prayer".

T. W. Gunther

A broken and contrite heart

2010-02-25T19:22:00.002-05:00

Psalm 51 details David's plea for forgiveness before God. "A broken and contrite heart" God will not despise, verse 17 tells us. I believe a broken heart should be our view of sin. It should be our avenue of prayer before God through humility. A few more broken hearts before God would bring revival. A broken heart over our lost and dying world would change our evangelistic emphasis. Perhaps we are too steeped in our pride to consider a 'broken heart'.

Bad decisions

2010-01-08T14:52:00.004-05:00

People tend to make their decisions with their feelings; looking short-term at the results; refusing to get sound advice. This all leads to Poor Decision Making!! As a Pastor, when I am counseling, it pains me to find the predicaments people get themselves into. Simply telling them what they 'should not have done' or telling them 'how bad of a choice that was' doesn't fix the problem today. However - we need to start making Good decisions instead of spiraling downward by compounding bad decisions with bad decisions. The Old Testament character, Lot, had this problem. He 'pitched his tent towards Sodom' because of the economic and cultural influence. He very quickly found himself sitting in a leadership position in Sodom and found that he was the only - the only - godly man in the city. It's not long after this that he literally offers his daughters to the city perverts in order to pacify them. He compounded bad decisions with more bad decisions. It's time we learn to Wait, Pray, Ask Counsel, Look Ahead, and use Discernment!!

Concerns with the 'Manhattan Declaration'

2009-12-20T09:41:00.003-05:00

The Manhattan Declaration has recently become a major topic of discussion in religious circles in regards to social issues in our governments. The Manhattan Declaration (www.manhattandeclaration.org) is a document denouncing abortion, same-sex marriage, and other cultural, moral concerns - signed by leading religious leaders around the world. I agree with the moral concerns - HOWEVER - I am concerned with the ecumenical ramifications of the document and the mis-representation of the gospel in this document.

The Gospel is paramount - and any social issue we resist is secondary to Salvation by Faith through Grace! Many of the architects and leaders of the Manhattan Declaration reject the Gospel as such. The following quote from John MacArthur says it best:

"Instead of acknowledging the true depth of our differences, the implicit assumption (from the start of the document until its final paragraph) is that Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant Evangelicals and others all share a common faith in and a common commitment to the gospel’s essential claims. The document repeatedly employs expressions like “we [and] our fellow believers”; “As Christians, we . . .”; and “we claim the heritage of . . . Christians.” That seriously muddles the lines of demarcation between authentic biblical Christianity and various apostate traditions."

We must not compromise our stand and our defense of the gospel in order to rectify a social issue!

For more information on this issue - read the arguments from John MacArthur, Allistar Begg, Dave Doran, and others.

Why Shepherds?

2009-12-15T20:41:00.003-05:00

Isn't it interesting that the Angels proclaimed the birth of Christ to a bunch of shepherds on the hillside? Why them? They were loners, usually they smelled bad, they were not considered educated, and their profession was looked down upon by most of the culture. So why them? Why did the Angels not proclaim in the heaven's over Jerusalem, or over the palace, or over Rome?

Why? Because the Bible tells us that the Shepherds went "with haste" to see this thing that the Angels had told them of - AND - the Shepherds kept telling everyone about what they had seen and heard.

So why do you know Christ? Why are you and I saved and have an understanding of what Christmas is truly all about? Maybe, just maybe, we are supposed to be telling others about HIM!

What was Jesus thankful for?

2009-11-25T17:55:00.002-05:00

We tend to be thankful for mostly temporal things. Jesus gave thanks for things other than physical. He thanked God for the common necessities of life (Mark 10:16). He thanked God for spiritual understanding ( Matthew 11:25-26). Jesus thanked God for the privilege of service ( John 11:41). He thanked God the privilege of sacrifice ( Matthew 26:27). Are we thankful for those things that "do not pass away"?

We have an Advocate - Jesus Christ

2009-11-17T20:55:00.003-05:00

I John 2 tells us that God is the Righteous Judge who demands Holiness. Satan is constantly before the throne accusing the saints ( that's us ). Our testimonies, however, do not stand before God on their own merit (for our righteousness is as 'filthy rags'). Instead, our lives are defended by Jesus Christ and His shed blood. Satan accuses, Christ defends, and we stand blameless before God - IF - if we have put our faith in Him. Otherwise, we are standing on our own merits, and they will always fall short.

- Wes Gunther

Planned Parenthood director steps down

2009-11-13T10:19:00.000-05:00

PLANNED PARENTHOOD DIRECTOR HAS CHANGE OF HEART (Friday Church News Notes, November 13, 2009, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Abby Johnson stepped down as the director of the Planned Parenthood office in Bryan, Texas, because of a change of heart after watching an ultrasound of an abortion. She said, “I just thought I can’t do this any more, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that’s it” (“Planned Parenthood Leader Resigns,” KBTX News 3, Nov. 2, 2009). Johnson, who worked for Planned Parenthood for eight years, says, “I feel so pure in heart. I don’t have this guilt. I don’t have this burden on me anymore. And that’s how I know that this conversion was a spiritual conversion.” Johnson says that Planned Parenthood has focused on “getting more abortions in the door.” She now supports the Coalition for Life and prays for volunteers outside the Planned Parenthood facility. The organization has sued Johnson and Coalition for Life, claiming that they “would be irreparably harmed by the disclosure of certain information.” Indeed, the truth hurts!

From Way of Life

The Star Spangled Banner - Verse 4

2009-11-10T19:08:00.003-05:00

Thought Verse 4 ( which no one ever sings anymore ) would be appropriate for a Veterans Day commemoration!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Amen and Amen ( Wonder why they don't sing this one at sporting events?????)

Legalist - Defined!

2009-11-09T20:18:00.005-05:00

The term 'legalist' is so casually thrown around today. Do we really understand legalism? Simply put, legalism is attaching something to the saving grace of God. If we put our own rules, standards, or ideas alongside the grace of God, making them a prerequisite for salvation, than we are indeed a legalist.

Simply having rules to govern ourselves does not make us a legalist. Rules are necessary. Isn't it interesting that when God made Adam and Eve - He set boundaries for them. He placed them in the garden as a home; He gave them the job of keeping that garden and naming the animals; and He gave them one rule - do not eat of that tree! There was no sin, no peer pressure, no bad influences - yet God still knew that mankind needed some structure.

If we state that cursing is wrong - than we have made a rule based upon the truths of scripture. If we state that someone who is saved could not possibly curse - than we are a legalist.

God came back!!

2009-10-27T10:14:00.004-04:00

While preaching Sunday on Genesis 3 and the introduction of sin upon earth - I was hit with this very thought: after Adam and Eve had sinned and realized their shame, they hid themselves in the trees when God returned. They were obviously scared to face God because of their disobedience, but I wonder if they were more scared wondering whether or not He would come back at all! They had disrupted their holy relationship with the Almighty God. What if, during the cool of the day, God had just not returned. Of course, He did come back!! His LOVE is not dependent upon our state - it is unconditional!! They were scared to face Him; BUT He Came BACK!!

Unbelief in Prayer

2009-10-01T14:57:00.005-04:00

The only thing that limits God when it comes to blessings He has in store for us; is our UNBELIEF! Prayer can do anything that God can do; and God can do ANYTHING!!!

Pastor Wes

Bounds on Prayer and Devotion

2009-09-01T19:31:00.005-04:00

"A feeble, lively, showy religious activity may spring from many causes. There is much running around, much stirring about, much going here and there in todays church life. But sad to say, the spirit of genuine, heartfelt devotion is strangely lacking." -E.M.Bounds-

Assurance of Salvation

2009-07-29T15:27:00.004-04:00

I am asked frequently about having assurance of one's salvation. Let me tell you how I know that I am saved:

I Know that I am Saved because:

1. The Bible tells me so. The Word of God tells us that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". Therefore: since I did what the Bible tells me to do - based upon the authority of the Word of God - I am saved!

2. I am convicted when I sin. When I sin, I am not content or peaceful until I ask forgiveness for it.

3. I have a "peace that passeth all understanding". I have a peace in my heart the world cannot understand.

4. I have a "hunger and thirst" for spiritual things. I cannot go without the "food and water" from scripture, prayer, and worship.

5. I have a love for people that compels me to tell others about Him. I do not always act upon that as I should, but I have a deep concern for the lost.

Pastor Gunther - from the message of 7/26/2009 at Cedar Hill Baptist Church

Love of Christ

2009-07-24T09:40:00.004-04:00

"The surest sign that God has done a work of grace in my heart is that I love Jesus Christ best, not weakly and faintly, not intellectually, but passionately, personally, and devotedly, overwhelming every other love of my life."

- Oswald Chambers

Preach the Faithful Word

2009-07-20T20:08:00.002-04:00

"Pray without ceasing, and preach the faithful Word in clearer terms than ever. Such a course of conduct may seem to some to be a sort of standing still and doing nothing, but in very truth it is bringing God into the battle, and when He comes to avenge the quarrel of His covenant, He will make short work of it!!"

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Daniel's 70th. week

2009-07-18T10:02:00.002-04:00

The movement today within evangelical circles is away from a pre-tribulation view of the rapture towards a mid-tribulation view. A proper view of the 70 weeks of Daniel and God's unfinished work with the nation of Israel shoud make this a non issue. Clearly God has promised 7 more years of testing to the Isarelites. The Holy Spirit ( now residing in the heart of the Christian ) must be removed for the anit-christ to come on the scene. Clearly, the church will be raptured, thus beginning the 7 year tribulation period.

Pastor Wes

Work of Grace

2009-07-17T09:00:00.005-04:00

"Jesus Christ did not come to forgive sin: He came to save us from our sins. The salvation of Jesus Christ removes the sinner from my heart and plants in the saint. That is the marvelous work of God's grace."

- Oswald Chambers

Calvinism Concerns

2009-07-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

Why is the power of the Holy Spirit (called irresistable grace by Calvinists) only in effect before someone is saved? When the Holy Spirit brings conviction to the lost and they cannot resist, but ultimately respond to salvation, does it end there? Clearly after salvation, when the Holy Spirit convicts of sin or compells us to do right, we do not always listen. Interesting, isn't it? To a Calvinist, irresisitable grace is only in effect pre-salvation, when the Holy Spirit is not indwelling the believer, but seems to lose His power after salvation when the Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I will feed thee 'there'!!

2009-07-14T15:39:00.002-04:00

Notice in I Kings 17:1-8 when God sends Elijah to the brook at Cherith - He tells Elijah that he will have the ravens to feed him - and most notably I think, He tells him that the ravens will feed him THERE! Don't you love that! The ravens would not have fed him any where else. He had to go to where God wanted him to be - right in the middle of God's will. When we are where God wants us to be - He will feed us 'there'.

Pastor Wes

The Character of David

2009-06-29T23:41:00.002-04:00

Read I Samuel 17 very closely. This is the story of David and Goliath; perhaps the most well known Bible story of all!

Why was David chosen to be the next king of Israel by God? One of the reasons is because of his character and we find it to be very evident in this passage. Notice a few things, there are many more: 1) He leaves the sheep in the care of someone else! God knew He could trust David with the "sheep" of Israel, because David was very careful with the few sheep he was entrusted with by his father. 2) David rose up early! He did not procrastinate. 3) David upon arrival "ran" to find his brothers - we see his urgency. 4) David held up under criticism - both from Eliab his brother and Goliath his enemy. Sometimes criticism comes from within as well as without! 5) David boldly offered to do that which no one else wanted to do! All the Israelites fled from Goliath - David offered to fight. 6) David had his sling and shepherds bag with him at the battle field - why? his sheep were far away. David was always prepared! David had character!

Pastor Wes

Christians Greatest Sin

2009-04-07T20:34:00.002-04:00

I have come to the realization that the Christian's greatest sin is UNBELIEF! It is unbelief that is the root sin of all other sins. We do not believe God and all that He says. Oh, we say we believe God and we say that He cannot lie, but when faced with crisis or problems, we look to ourselves for answers and solutions.

We must realize that God CANNOT lie. If He says that He is with us always; than He is Always with us, Always!! If He tells us to 'cast our cares upon Him", than we are to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, Always!! If He tells us that He "walks through the valley of the shadow of death" with us, than He walks with us Always!!

Eve doubted God; that was Mankinds first sin. God is Always Good, Always!!!

Wes Gunther

Spurgeon on Anxiety

2009-04-07T20:30:00.001-04:00

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength"

- C.H.Spurgeon

Dr. Carey's Saviour

2009-03-16T19:52:00.002-04:00

On his deathbed William Carey said:

"You have been saying much about Dr. Carey and his work. When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey, speak only about Dr. Carey's Saviour"!!!!

Luther on the Word of God

2009-03-11T13:40:00.003-04:00

"Oh, how great and glorious a thing it is to have before one the Word of God! With that we may at all times feel joyous and secure. We need never be in want of consolation, for we see before us, in all its brightness, the pure and right way. He, who loses sight of the Word of God, falls into despair. The voice of heaven no longer sustains him. He follows only the disorderly tendency of his heart, and of world vanity, which leads him on to his destruction."

~ Martin Luther

Sacrifice?

2009-03-03T18:06:00.001-05:00

"If a commission from an earthly king

is considered a great honor;

then how can a commission from our Heavenly King

be considered a sacrifice?"

- David Livingstone

Begin With God!!

2009-02-27T19:48:00.001-05:00

"You must begin with God ... All things fit into shape and form when you begin with God"

- A.W.Tozer

We are Strangers here!

2009-02-23T10:18:00.001-05:00

"No person is as much a foreigner to his fellow men as a man born from above"

- Charles Spurgeon

God is looking for better men!

2009-02-18T10:56:00.002-05:00

"We are constantly on a stretch, if not on a strain, to devise new methods, new plans, new organizations to advance the church and secure enlargements and efficiency for the gospel. This trend today has a tendency to lose sight of the man, or sink the man in the plan or organization. God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else.

Men are God's method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men."

E.M.Bounds

What God Can Do!!

2009-02-12T12:56:00.003-05:00

When we depend upon organizations,
We get what organizations can do.

When we depend upon education,
We get what education can do.

When we depend upon Man,
We get what Man can do.

But when we depend upon GOD,
We get what only GOD can do!

A.C.Dixon

Missionary Need

2009-02-09T17:53:00.000-05:00

By the Numbers:

100,000 - The approximate number of Missionaries

worldwide in 1950.

1,000 - The number of Missionaries that leave the field each year.

50 - The number that take their place

29,000 - The approximate number of Missionaries worldwide

right now!

* From The Baptist Voice, January 2009

R.A.Torrey's Prescription for Revival!

2009-02-07T19:45:00.000-05:00

I can give a prescription that will bring a revival to any church or community or any city on earth.

First; let a few Christians get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is a prime essential. If this is not done, the rest that I am to say will come to nothing.

Second; let them bind themselves together in a prayer group to pray for revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.'

Third; let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ.

That is All! - R. A. Torrey

Fruit of the Spirit - G.Campbell Morgan

2009-02-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

The Fruit of the Spirit is ... LOVE!

Joy is Love's Consciousness

Peace is Love's Confidence

Longsuffering is Love's Habit

Kindness is Love's Activity

Goodness is Love's Quality

Faithfulness is Love's Quantity

Meekness is Love's Tone

Temperance is Love's Victory!

Welcome to my Blog

2009-02-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the beginning of the Truth Triumphant Blog. My purpose is to provide relevant information and thought-provoking articles. May we grow together in the Word of God as we grow together in our relationship with Christ! Phil. 3:10: "that I may know Him"!!!