In church this morning we sang the hymn by Robert Lowry titled, "Nothing But The Blood of Jesus." In all the recent encounters I and those I know have had with The Church of Christ, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons lately... this song was such a faithful reminder of the purity of our Lord's gospel. Here's a link to it: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/b/nbtblood.htm
For those who believe baptism has a part in salvation, the opening lines of this hymn resonate soundly in Scripture... "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." It's a beautiful song. Water can never wash away your sin, no matter how holy it may seem.
Good news at work... we got a Produce manager! Things should smooth out now. I also saved back all the money spent on classes for the coming semester and more! Praise God for His provision. I was even able to do a little shopping this weekend. This means everything I will save over this semester will be gravvvvvy that goes toward Spring! I'll be calling Moody Tuesday or Wednesday for a status update on my application for Spring. At work Friday there was a noise coming underneath the wet rack where all the vegetables are sitting in most stores (with the thing that sprays them with water to keep them fresh). The guy had to cut up the black matting to get to the problem. After he did that, I knew it wouldn't be sensible to leave it cut open, so I had to do half of the job we've needed to do for a while now. I took all the produce off that side, removed the plastic layers and the metal small rack portions, cleaned it out, put new black matting on, and the produce back on. It took about 2 and a half hours. I still ended the week with under 40 hours.
This weekend I decided to drag myself downtown for Friday and Saturday night. I wanted to take advantage of the Friday night opportunity before school began again. I'm glad I did and I soon regained the energy I needed for the night. We had a good group. Pastor Ted brought his youth group and about 5 other guys came out. I ended up preaching for about 45 minutes straight without thinking. I'm thankful the Lord shined through and gave me the passion to preach the gospel without nearly the amount of distractions I've had lately in mind. I had 2 first time experiences this weekend in evangelism... 1. Friday night after giving a group of guys tracts, one of them mooned us. 2. Saturday night an older Spanish gentleman was encouraged by the preaching and asked me if he could give me a break! The guy preached the Bible 3-4 times that night! We'd never met him before! His name was Willy. I praise God for brothers in Christ! I tried to add the photo I took of him in this post, but I'm new to Blogger so we'll see what happens.
Please pray for Kenneth who we also spoke with Friday night. He believed he was a Christian, but did not believe in hell or that "the Bible is the Word of God." He walked away with a gospel message and hopefully God makes the seed we planted grow inside of him. He was very willing to talk and very kind in his tone. I gave him my email. Saturday we had a good group come out as well... lots of preaching. I also got to see Domenic again. It's been months since I last saw him. We had a doctrinal disagreement a long time ago and it's been hit and miss ever since. He seemed happy to see us.
What I really wanted to talk about in this post is the full reality of something God's been teaching me over the last few years. As part of my testimony I would always share the quote from one of Joshua Harris' books. H e said he was "in love with being in love." That perfectly described me before I was saved. Infatuation was my obsession. Through my experiences in relationships after salvation, it's been quite a struggle still. This morning the pastor spoke about Idolatry. He preached from Exodus 32 and the story about the golden calf. It was a fitting picture of idolatry. As time passed it was as if it were standing still for me.
I was brought to the depth my own idolatry. Why is it that I say women and relationships are my Achille's heel? Why is it that near the end of my last relationship I more and more often found myself overanalyzing, fumbling words, missing the mark, falling down, falling into obligation, etc.? Why is it that my stress and neck pain have been so strong? It's because I hadn't grasped the magnitude of just how bad this idolatry was. God surely taught me and continues to teach me in His good timing and sanctification that I must trust only in Him and place no security in human beings... no matter how much I care for them. No relationship outside of biblical marriage has any gaurantees. I told my best friend that there were times I asked myself, "What Would ______ Do?" and "What Would ______ Think?" only to insert her name. It had no place in those blanks. Near the end of the sermon, I was nearly in tears. I held them until I got out on the road. She was the only person I made eye contact with as I left. I left quickly this morning too.
I've learned so much lately. God can pull out the rug from underneath you faster than you can blink. I pray that I never make another woman or relationship into a golden calf and may whoever she is be patient with me in this endeavor.
I praise God for his perfect sanctification!
Prayer:
-Kenneth (above)
-Application in the magnitude of what God has helped me to see in my life
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Feeling a slight draft...
Tonight at work I was lifting a case of bananas.... We are supposed to squat and bend knees as we lift to save our back. I lifted the case and heard a rrriiiiiiiiip. I tore a gaping hole in the bottom end of my work pants! I tied another apron around the back for the remainder of the night. On the way home I had to stop in at Wal-Mart to buy more pants and pick up a few other items. I walked up to the register only to realize that I didn't take my wallet with me to work when I left this afternoon! Because I work at 5am tomorrow, I had little choice but to come home, change, and head back up there. What a night!
Things have been going alright lately. I decided not to commit to the church puppet evangelism team. I can't guarantee I'd be able to make meetigns and rehearsals once school starts. I've been doing a refresher study in the spiritual gifts in the mornings as I'm able, otherwise I just read a Psalm or another chapter elsewhere for my devotion. It's interesting how much ambiguity I'm finding in how Bible teachers interpret the gifts. Some suggest that we only have one gift, others that we can have many gifts, and still others that the gifts manifest themselves at different times in different ways. Some say the gift of prophecy is no longer for us, others say it was replaced by the gift of teaching, many say it includes foretelling and AND forthtelling and today takes the form of preaching. Very interesting.
I also had a very encouraging meeting with my accountability partner last night from like 7-11pm. he really does challenge my reasoning, thoughts, and opinions. I'm so thankful he isn't just a "'yes' man" that agrees with everything I say. That wouldn't be accountability. He brought some interesting perspectives for me to consider. I greatly appreciate his influence in my life.
School begins the 28th and I'm excited. These entry-level classes will really help tie up any loose ends of the foundations of my biblical knowledge and growth.
Prayer:
-A sound mind, clarity, and courage in all relevant areas of life lately
-A co-worker I've been witnessing to
-That God would speak through my co-laborer and I as we try for the first time to preach downtown during lunch hour this Thursday from 11am-12noon
-favor with Moody as the time to call them for an application status and planning to visit is quickly approaching
Things have been going alright lately. I decided not to commit to the church puppet evangelism team. I can't guarantee I'd be able to make meetigns and rehearsals once school starts. I've been doing a refresher study in the spiritual gifts in the mornings as I'm able, otherwise I just read a Psalm or another chapter elsewhere for my devotion. It's interesting how much ambiguity I'm finding in how Bible teachers interpret the gifts. Some suggest that we only have one gift, others that we can have many gifts, and still others that the gifts manifest themselves at different times in different ways. Some say the gift of prophecy is no longer for us, others say it was replaced by the gift of teaching, many say it includes foretelling and AND forthtelling and today takes the form of preaching. Very interesting.
I also had a very encouraging meeting with my accountability partner last night from like 7-11pm. he really does challenge my reasoning, thoughts, and opinions. I'm so thankful he isn't just a "'yes' man" that agrees with everything I say. That wouldn't be accountability. He brought some interesting perspectives for me to consider. I greatly appreciate his influence in my life.
School begins the 28th and I'm excited. These entry-level classes will really help tie up any loose ends of the foundations of my biblical knowledge and growth.
Prayer:
-A sound mind, clarity, and courage in all relevant areas of life lately
-A co-worker I've been witnessing to
-That God would speak through my co-laborer and I as we try for the first time to preach downtown during lunch hour this Thursday from 11am-12noon
-favor with Moody as the time to call them for an application status and planning to visit is quickly approaching
Friday, August 10, 2007
At the Carnival!
The work meeting went alright. It was mostly about how many hours and new employees each manager will get. I didn't benefit a whole lot other than just being in the loop. I thought the meeting would be about the visible changes to the store as well. I expected slides or something. Afterward I visited a nearby store I knew was a Lifestyle one already. It was apparently the first one. I checked out their produce department and most things had like a double spread on the product as if they sold double. The Asst. Grocery mgr. said they did about $1 million in sales their opening week. Construction begins September 23rd. Things will be interesting to say the least. Hopefully most of their construction happens overnight... ?
It was SO hot today. I'm debating whether or not to go to carnival tomorrow morning that work is providing. it's in some park in Fort Worth I think. We'll see. I'm already up late right now.
Went witnessing at a local carnival tonight. One of the police officers was a Christian, the people who owned the property were just concerned about the content of my tracts. They wanted to know what I was giving out... I suppose to make sure it wasn't porn or something. Talked with a few teens and an older couple. The man asked a lot skeptic questions that I didn't have time to answer. I was able to take him through the law, judgment, righteousness, and hell... he wasn't concerned about his eternity and then they walked into the carnival.
While I was so fearful, God will use every bit of it for His glory. Between Jacky and I we gave out about 100 tracts or more!
It was SO hot today. I'm debating whether or not to go to carnival tomorrow morning that work is providing. it's in some park in Fort Worth I think. We'll see. I'm already up late right now.
Went witnessing at a local carnival tonight. One of the police officers was a Christian, the people who owned the property were just concerned about the content of my tracts. They wanted to know what I was giving out... I suppose to make sure it wasn't porn or something. Talked with a few teens and an older couple. The man asked a lot skeptic questions that I didn't have time to answer. I was able to take him through the law, judgment, righteousness, and hell... he wasn't concerned about his eternity and then they walked into the carnival.
While I was so fearful, God will use every bit of it for His glory. Between Jacky and I we gave out about 100 tracts or more!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Baptist Wednesdays
My church is not currently holding Wednesday night Bible Study and in fact is planning to change the dynamic of Wednesday nights in the Fall. I'm still thinking about what I will do with my schedule... work on the free Wednesday nights or visit another church for Wednesday service only?
I've currently decided to visit a small Baptist church on Wednesday nights near the former home of a woman I was courting. I gave the pastor a copy of Hell's Best Kept Secret over a year ago. As with many Baptist churches, they are zealous and evangelistic. This is why I go. It's encouraging. The preaching is topical and only goes so deep, but the passion for the lost is deeper than many I've met. The atmosphere actually reminds me of my old church in other ways (although they just might be Independent Baptist). The funny phenomenon is that I am picking up on the little theological differences now more easily. I need to keep a spirit of grace and patience so as to not join the "word police" and critique everything that's said (verbally OR mentally). I'm so thankful to God and select people He placed in my life to encourage and convict me in my speech. I was reading through Proverbs not long ago in the mornings and it's interesting how often they speak of our words, mouths, tongue, speech, lips, etc. God knows how powerful words are on both ends of the spectrum. In sanctification, He teaches me this on a more practical level. Here's a good lesson I've learned through some pain, heartache, reaping, and sowing... just shut up! That's today's lesson.
Work is going alright, except somehow we went from a -2% in sales to a -13%. It seems I can't win. There were some factors involved that contributed, but that's nuts! Well, hopefully we'll balance out soon. Tomorrow I get to be in the manager's meeting on the remodeling coming to our store. We're becoming a "Lifestyle" store. It will look quite snazzy, we'll carry more, we'll have more employees, and sales go up. I'm somewhat excited about the meeting and to see the changes.
I'm also finishing up a booklet full of written sermons on the topic of marriage from preachers in the 17 and 1800's. It's pretty good. I find it interesting that they use the term "religion" as a synonym for Christianity, unlike today's Christian culture that likes to say, "not a religion, a relationship." The Bible uses "religion" a few times in a positive sense as well... at least in the NIV. I'm not saying one way is better than the other, but it's interesting to note as you read further back into Christian history. My goal is to finish that and move on to the next batch of literature from www.mountzion.org.
Recent prayer items:
-Grandpa is in the hospital for breathing issues, not saved, 72 yrs. old
-What role should I play in the church puppet evangelism ministry? They're looking for a leader...?
-Work: The physical drain and burdens of mgmt. responsibility
-Application to Moody for Spring
I've currently decided to visit a small Baptist church on Wednesday nights near the former home of a woman I was courting. I gave the pastor a copy of Hell's Best Kept Secret over a year ago. As with many Baptist churches, they are zealous and evangelistic. This is why I go. It's encouraging. The preaching is topical and only goes so deep, but the passion for the lost is deeper than many I've met. The atmosphere actually reminds me of my old church in other ways (although they just might be Independent Baptist). The funny phenomenon is that I am picking up on the little theological differences now more easily. I need to keep a spirit of grace and patience so as to not join the "word police" and critique everything that's said (verbally OR mentally). I'm so thankful to God and select people He placed in my life to encourage and convict me in my speech. I was reading through Proverbs not long ago in the mornings and it's interesting how often they speak of our words, mouths, tongue, speech, lips, etc. God knows how powerful words are on both ends of the spectrum. In sanctification, He teaches me this on a more practical level. Here's a good lesson I've learned through some pain, heartache, reaping, and sowing... just shut up! That's today's lesson.
Work is going alright, except somehow we went from a -2% in sales to a -13%. It seems I can't win. There were some factors involved that contributed, but that's nuts! Well, hopefully we'll balance out soon. Tomorrow I get to be in the manager's meeting on the remodeling coming to our store. We're becoming a "Lifestyle" store. It will look quite snazzy, we'll carry more, we'll have more employees, and sales go up. I'm somewhat excited about the meeting and to see the changes.
I'm also finishing up a booklet full of written sermons on the topic of marriage from preachers in the 17 and 1800's. It's pretty good. I find it interesting that they use the term "religion" as a synonym for Christianity, unlike today's Christian culture that likes to say, "not a religion, a relationship." The Bible uses "religion" a few times in a positive sense as well... at least in the NIV. I'm not saying one way is better than the other, but it's interesting to note as you read further back into Christian history. My goal is to finish that and move on to the next batch of literature from www.mountzion.org.
Recent prayer items:
-Grandpa is in the hospital for breathing issues, not saved, 72 yrs. old
-What role should I play in the church puppet evangelism ministry? They're looking for a leader...?
-Work: The physical drain and burdens of mgmt. responsibility
-Application to Moody for Spring
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Witnessing To Witnesses... and the rest of life.
Friday was a tiring day at work and I planned on going to a pool party that night. I went, while I was dragging around and content to just sit on the couch with the A/C for about an hour (I got there really early because the time was changed and I didn't know). It was alright since I hadn't been in a swimming pool in over a year. I'm also kinda inclined to stay away from water parks and pools due to the stumble factor. Swimsuits don't have to be skimpy to catch the eye. There was some mild trouble with that, but it wasn't for the same reason. I enjoyed getting out and hanging out, but a few things I wasn't prepared for... lol. I assumed it would be a party of believers, when it was mostly not. That makes things awkward when you pray over the food for "a good time of fellowship."
I also wasn't prepared for something else. Typically when it comes to parties (of any kind) and if they are small with the right characteristics... an interesting phenomenon develops. When single people get together, some of them may tend to size up their potential compatibility with those of the opposite sex in the group and they will either choose to gravitate toward the one they are more attracted to or the ONLY candidate they are attracted to. At this party, I was 1 of 2 guys among 5 girls. In this case it was an old friend of person (whom I knew) that was hosting the party. She had an affinity or a pull to me and those eyes that were kinda waiting for you to show a sign of flirtation. Because I am not interested in pursuing a relationship, this made for an awkward evening. I began asking myself how I would act in my past or maybe even now if I was interested in someone and it all fit perfectly. She may have been physically attractive, but if you've made up your mind about something... at that time at least... it can prove to be a tough situation. I was thankful when I had to head home.
It was the mgr.'s last day of work yesterday and he called in, so I was called in. I expected it and it gave me more hours... which is always good! :) It was a good day overall too. It appears by the end of this month I will have saved back all the money I am spending on tuition for the Fall semester before it even starts! If I'm accepted to Moody for the Spring, this will give room for the funds to visit the school in September as I'd like to. It's also possible for me to transfer to a grocery store within the Safeway company right down the road from Moody. I called the manager there and gave him a time frame. It would be cool to have a secure job in place when I got there... even if I wanted to look for another one. So that's exciting!
I also wanted to talk about last night. Because Jon Speed felt like preaching longer, we were there until like 10pm. I was surprised to see that I was fully awake in church this morning without being sleepy in the least. It could be due to being so burnt out from working. I played dead under the sheet while Jon preached for 45 minutes! It was so humid I almost passed out. I'm thankful Travis came by to ask if I was alright. When we traded places and as I got up, I was dizzy. I hadn't even noticed it! I would have nodded right off to sleep without thinking twice.... untila group of medical personnel woke me up! But I gained my bearings and began handing out tracts. Jon got a good crowd though. That's why he kept going.
Before he got there, Travis and I had a long discussion with a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses. I can't do a full analysis of our discussion and what happened because I'd be writing all night, but a few points I can make that you may find helpful in your evangelistic efforts are as follows...
1. I brought up what I've found to be the #1 biblical support of the deity of Christ. This is the first time I've heard an argument against it. I mentioned it earlier in the blog, but if you compare Revelation 1:8 with 1:17-19, it's clearly a connection in context with Jehovah and Jesus Christ. You have to do some leaps to get another interpretation. Jesus died and rose again so the latter passage in chapter 1 is referring to Him. The connection comes in the simple parallel of "Alpha and Omega" with "First and Last." Alpha is the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. God is saying He is the beginning and the end of all things. He is over all things. This describes His awesomeness and His character. It is a clear connection and only 9-10 verses apart.
They told me it simply means Jesus was the "firstborn of all creation." They believe Jesus was the first created being. This is why I love Hermeneutics!! Context is SO important! Our presuppositions are crucial as well.
2. I also quoted John 8:58, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM." I've heard the argument that this also means Jesus was the firstborn of all creation, but that wouldn't be consistent with all else that He's said, done, and claimed and how those things made the religious leaders so angry. They wanted to STONE HIM because of these words. Strangely... that wasn't the argument I heard last night though. They said Jesus was using "I am" the common way we do today. We know God specifically identified Himself as I AM to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). This is an obvious parallel and makes sense as to why they would want to stone Him immediately after that! If it is like we use it today, would it offend any stranger if I made the same statement (even substituting Abraham for another name) enough for them to want to kill me? Surely not! They would think I was crazy. We don't talk like that today.
3. They also believe Jesus is a mighty god, but not almighty God. Questions... Is there only one true God? OK, is Jesus a true God or a false god? Also, if He is just another "god," are Jehovah's Witnesses polytheistic?
Overall it was an awesome night of ministry. Travis and I were itching to stay later but we both had commitments to get home for. While the 2 JW's could explain themselves rather well, I'm thankful we have the sound confidence in the Word of God in context! Praise Him for the power of His Word and pray for those two gentlemen. May God use the tracts they took to show them their need for the Savior, Messiah, and God Himself... Jesus Christ.
I also wasn't prepared for something else. Typically when it comes to parties (of any kind) and if they are small with the right characteristics... an interesting phenomenon develops. When single people get together, some of them may tend to size up their potential compatibility with those of the opposite sex in the group and they will either choose to gravitate toward the one they are more attracted to or the ONLY candidate they are attracted to. At this party, I was 1 of 2 guys among 5 girls. In this case it was an old friend of person (whom I knew) that was hosting the party. She had an affinity or a pull to me and those eyes that were kinda waiting for you to show a sign of flirtation. Because I am not interested in pursuing a relationship, this made for an awkward evening. I began asking myself how I would act in my past or maybe even now if I was interested in someone and it all fit perfectly. She may have been physically attractive, but if you've made up your mind about something... at that time at least... it can prove to be a tough situation. I was thankful when I had to head home.
It was the mgr.'s last day of work yesterday and he called in, so I was called in. I expected it and it gave me more hours... which is always good! :) It was a good day overall too. It appears by the end of this month I will have saved back all the money I am spending on tuition for the Fall semester before it even starts! If I'm accepted to Moody for the Spring, this will give room for the funds to visit the school in September as I'd like to. It's also possible for me to transfer to a grocery store within the Safeway company right down the road from Moody. I called the manager there and gave him a time frame. It would be cool to have a secure job in place when I got there... even if I wanted to look for another one. So that's exciting!
I also wanted to talk about last night. Because Jon Speed felt like preaching longer, we were there until like 10pm. I was surprised to see that I was fully awake in church this morning without being sleepy in the least. It could be due to being so burnt out from working. I played dead under the sheet while Jon preached for 45 minutes! It was so humid I almost passed out. I'm thankful Travis came by to ask if I was alright. When we traded places and as I got up, I was dizzy. I hadn't even noticed it! I would have nodded right off to sleep without thinking twice.... untila group of medical personnel woke me up! But I gained my bearings and began handing out tracts. Jon got a good crowd though. That's why he kept going.
Before he got there, Travis and I had a long discussion with a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses. I can't do a full analysis of our discussion and what happened because I'd be writing all night, but a few points I can make that you may find helpful in your evangelistic efforts are as follows...
1. I brought up what I've found to be the #1 biblical support of the deity of Christ. This is the first time I've heard an argument against it. I mentioned it earlier in the blog, but if you compare Revelation 1:8 with 1:17-19, it's clearly a connection in context with Jehovah and Jesus Christ. You have to do some leaps to get another interpretation. Jesus died and rose again so the latter passage in chapter 1 is referring to Him. The connection comes in the simple parallel of "Alpha and Omega" with "First and Last." Alpha is the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. God is saying He is the beginning and the end of all things. He is over all things. This describes His awesomeness and His character. It is a clear connection and only 9-10 verses apart.
They told me it simply means Jesus was the "firstborn of all creation." They believe Jesus was the first created being. This is why I love Hermeneutics!! Context is SO important! Our presuppositions are crucial as well.
2. I also quoted John 8:58, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM." I've heard the argument that this also means Jesus was the firstborn of all creation, but that wouldn't be consistent with all else that He's said, done, and claimed and how those things made the religious leaders so angry. They wanted to STONE HIM because of these words. Strangely... that wasn't the argument I heard last night though. They said Jesus was using "I am" the common way we do today. We know God specifically identified Himself as I AM to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). This is an obvious parallel and makes sense as to why they would want to stone Him immediately after that! If it is like we use it today, would it offend any stranger if I made the same statement (even substituting Abraham for another name) enough for them to want to kill me? Surely not! They would think I was crazy. We don't talk like that today.
3. They also believe Jesus is a mighty god, but not almighty God. Questions... Is there only one true God? OK, is Jesus a true God or a false god? Also, if He is just another "god," are Jehovah's Witnesses polytheistic?
Overall it was an awesome night of ministry. Travis and I were itching to stay later but we both had commitments to get home for. While the 2 JW's could explain themselves rather well, I'm thankful we have the sound confidence in the Word of God in context! Praise Him for the power of His Word and pray for those two gentlemen. May God use the tracts they took to show them their need for the Savior, Messiah, and God Himself... Jesus Christ.
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