Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Witness’
The State of the Church
Typically in February the President of the United States addresses a joint session of Congress and delivers the traditional “State of the Union.” This year’s address was much different. In a symbolic way it reminds us that the state of our union is somewhat uncertain at this moment. There is always plenty of political maneuvering and rhetorical gymnastics associated with such speeches. However, at this time in our nation there exists an increased division and dissension. O how we need a spiritual awakening in our land! My greatest burden is not just for the state of our union politically or economically but for the state of the church spiritually. You see, the condition of the nation is deeply rooted in…
Read More7 Ways to Show Kindness Today
Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the posts about his passing I was struck, not by the many tributes, but by the vitriolic and even violent comments about his death. When “Satan,” “hell,” and other unprintable words are used about any man’s death it reveals more about their heart than his. I could weep as I read the bitter and vile sentiments. No one who knows the love of God or understand the evil of the Devil could post such things. What has happened to our society that people laugh and joke about things sobering and sad.…
Read More“Just Use My Name.”
In times of need it is wonderful to know someone who has abundant resources. A friend may send you to another with the instructions: “Just use my name.” They mean of course that you have access to supply on their good credit. I am convinced that most believers do not sufficiently appreciate nor appropriate our Lord’s name. His name is greater than every need! Recently as I read through the High-Priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 I was struck by the emphasis He placed on God’s name… “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word” (vs. 6).…
Read MoreCanceled
This has been a strange year for all of us. One of the words that we have heard repeatedly is the word canceled. Business meetings canceled. Church programs canceled. Sporting events canceled. Concerts canceled. Parties canceled. Family trips canceled. It has such a ring of finality and loss in it that many people have found themselves riding an emotional roller coaster over and over. On top of this we are living in what is now referred to as a “cancel culture.” Individuals are cast out of favor and fellowship for disagreeing with cultural norms and politically correct positions. This is not new. Growing up we called it bullying. Spiritually speaking sin and Satan are the great cancelers. They always lead…
Read MoreBig Picture Evangelism
In “Christian” America you would imagine that you could walk up to anyone and begin to talk about Jesus Christ and everyone would have some context. Perhaps at one time that was true. We are now living not only in what is “post modern” but in what has been referred to as a “post truth” culture. Divine absolutes are out and self-awareness is in. This is the world we have been called to evangelize. But this is not the first society to have such a spiritual landscape. When Paul spoke to the people of Athens at Mars Hill regarding “THE UNKNOWN GOD” he began this way: “God that made the worlds and all things therein…” (Acts 17:24). This most intelligent…
Read More3 Things to Remember Behind the Mask
It is a strange day. I can’t get use to seeing everyone in masks. The last few days I have been flying frequently and wearing my mandatory mask in airports and planes. The arguments for and against range from medical to political, from governmental to personal. It is not my purpose to stir that debate, but to remind believers of some things the mask must not change… You are not anonymous. Funny, isn’t it? How easily people begin to act like they are “hidden.” Mask or no mask, you are a follower of Jesus Christ and should exemplify His character through every interaction you have with others. We are to be the same in private as we are in public,…
Read MoreSo Much Insanity!
Have you watched the news lately? At times it seems that the whole world has gone crazy. Logic has disappeared and common sense is at an all-time low. Some say it is a sign of the times, and, while I would agree, I would also say it is a sign of sin. There is a miserable insanity to sin. Sin at its core is a rejection of the God of all wisdom. When you reject the God of wisdom it naturally leads to foolishness. This is how Solomon could know so much and still do so much damage. In short – sin is stupid. Reject truth and you believe a lie. Turn from light and you open the door to…
Read MoreLiving In Uncertain Times
The world is shaking…but God is not! These are uncertain days but the people of God have a certain future. He has not failed us, forgotten us, or forsaken us – and He never will! How can you live with confidence in uncertain times? Rest in what you know for sure. When there are questions that cannot be answered always go back to unchanging truth: God is good. Rehearse His goodness in your own conversations. Recognize that the same good God is at work now. None of this has taken Him by surprise and we may be surprised how the Lord uses this for His own glory. Stay hopeful. Do not allow the news media to set your tone. Stay…
Read MoreThe Misconception Of “Mass Evangelism”
There is nothing in this world quite like seeing an eternal soul come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that Scripture teaches God’s love for all people and that Christ died for every person (John 3:16). Believers are privileged and responsible to share the good news of salvation with “every creature” (Mark 16:15). We should use every God-honoring means at our disposal to get this message out! One misconception that is common in a world of mass media and mass messaging is that somehow the majority of people will be saved through mass evangelism. Many people have a picture in their minds of a well spoken evangelist blowing through town and preaching dynamic sermons with great crowds…
Read MoreFrom A Fellow Evangelist
I thank God for faithful evangelists. They are a gift to the local church (Ephesians 4:11), and properly used, a help to both pastor and people. It has been a joy at this stage in my life to learn more about evangelism both from personal experience and from the experiences of others. Larry Clayton has been one of the Lord’s faithful evangelists for many years. He lives and labors to win the lost to Christ, start churches, and help stir God’s people. Some time ago he and his precious wife came to a gospel crusade where I was preaching. After one of the services we had a meal together and he was a great encouragement to me personally. Men…
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