One of my all time favourite authors is Oswald J. Smith. In 1988 I read his book "The Challenge of Missions" and it made an impact on me. In more recent years, I've been blessed by "The Work God Blesses" and - my favourite OJS title - "The Revival We Need." His books appear to be out of print (at least here in Australia), but "The Revival We Need" is available on line at
http://www.gospeltruth.net/OJSmith/revival_we_need.htm I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
It's VERY inspiring.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Are you as desperate as Rachel?
Poor Rachel. She was all lined up to marry Jacob, but her sister Leah was given to him instead. So when Rachel did marry Jacob, a week later, there were three of them. Not a good situation.
But there was more pain in store for Rachel. Leah turned out to be a fruitful bearer of children. She gave birth to four sons. But during the time Rachel was unable to have children. This was no doubt a source of pain, shame, and anxiety for her. She longed for children, but it just wasn't happening. But out of this pain comes one of the most desperate statements found in the Bible.
Rachel said to Jacob, "Give me children or else I die!" (Genesis 30:1)
I have a question...
Are you as desperate to see people saved as Rachel was to have children?
Am I?
Do we LONG to give birth to spiritual children? This is not simply about "wanting results." It's having a Holy Spirit inspired, passionate longing to see people saved. It's even having the personal heart-cry, 'Lord, please give ME spiritual children!'
Are we as desperate as Rachel?
But there was more pain in store for Rachel. Leah turned out to be a fruitful bearer of children. She gave birth to four sons. But during the time Rachel was unable to have children. This was no doubt a source of pain, shame, and anxiety for her. She longed for children, but it just wasn't happening. But out of this pain comes one of the most desperate statements found in the Bible.
Rachel said to Jacob, "Give me children or else I die!" (Genesis 30:1)
I have a question...
Are you as desperate to see people saved as Rachel was to have children?
Am I?
Do we LONG to give birth to spiritual children? This is not simply about "wanting results." It's having a Holy Spirit inspired, passionate longing to see people saved. It's even having the personal heart-cry, 'Lord, please give ME spiritual children!'
Are we as desperate as Rachel?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Could it be?
Dear fellow pray-ers,
COULD IT BE that there are breakthroughs we are praying for - and not yet receiving - which will only come if we move up to prayer and fasting? Do you think that is possible?
Perhaps God is wanting us to up the ante.
Perhaps prayer and fasting alone will bring the breakthrough.
Perhaps a greater sacrifice is needed before the miracle occurs.
We read in Isaiah 58:6, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?"
When we are praying for a person's salvation, are we not praying that"the bonds of wickedness" will be loosed? Could it be that there are cases where those bonds will NOT be loosed until we move up to prayer and fasting?
It's worth thinking about.
COULD IT BE that there are breakthroughs we are praying for - and not yet receiving - which will only come if we move up to prayer and fasting? Do you think that is possible?
Perhaps God is wanting us to up the ante.
Perhaps prayer and fasting alone will bring the breakthrough.
Perhaps a greater sacrifice is needed before the miracle occurs.
We read in Isaiah 58:6, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?"
When we are praying for a person's salvation, are we not praying that"the bonds of wickedness" will be loosed? Could it be that there are cases where those bonds will NOT be loosed until we move up to prayer and fasting?
It's worth thinking about.
Monday, March 8, 2010
A few can make a difference!
A.J. Gordon said, "A few Spirit-filled disciples are sufficient to save a church." I believe this is true. Just a small remnant of zealous, praying, spiritually-minded, desperate disciples can - through their prayers and influence - TURN THE TIDE in a church! Do you believe this? They can be used by God to stimulate revival.
Why are we not seeing many churches experiencing true revival? Perhaps there is not a remnant! Perhaps there is not ONE church member who is giving themselves to desperate prayer. But with even just one, things can change! Are you that one?
Why are we not seeing many churches experiencing true revival? Perhaps there is not a remnant! Perhaps there is not ONE church member who is giving themselves to desperate prayer. But with even just one, things can change! Are you that one?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
"I am of Paul"
One thing us Christians must beware of, but which we can easily fall into, is pledging allegiance to man. For example:
"I am of Calvin." "I am of MacArthur." "I am of Piper." And the list goes on.
Paul spoke against this. He didn't like Corinthians saying "I am of Paul." He rebuffed this with "Was Paul crucified for you?" (1 Cor 1:12-13). He cleverly exposed the foolishness of what they were doing.
I sense that there are Christians today who need to be reminded not to pledge allegiance to Calvin. Or Calvinism. God hasn't called us to "sign up" to a system of doctrine, and then look down on Christians who have a different view. The same applies to Pre-millenialism, the Pre-tribulation position, the Pentecostal view (or conservative view) of the sign gifts, and so on.
There is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (Eph. 4:5-6). May we pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ, not to any mere man or system of belief.
"Thank You God, that You are our Father. Thank You, Jesus, that You died for us all, and that we are all on an equal footing.
"I am of Calvin." "I am of MacArthur." "I am of Piper." And the list goes on.
Paul spoke against this. He didn't like Corinthians saying "I am of Paul." He rebuffed this with "Was Paul crucified for you?" (1 Cor 1:12-13). He cleverly exposed the foolishness of what they were doing.
I sense that there are Christians today who need to be reminded not to pledge allegiance to Calvin. Or Calvinism. God hasn't called us to "sign up" to a system of doctrine, and then look down on Christians who have a different view. The same applies to Pre-millenialism, the Pre-tribulation position, the Pentecostal view (or conservative view) of the sign gifts, and so on.
There is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (Eph. 4:5-6). May we pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ, not to any mere man or system of belief.
"Thank You God, that You are our Father. Thank You, Jesus, that You died for us all, and that we are all on an equal footing.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
I hope this verse doesn't apply to my church!
Matthew said of Jesus' visit to Nazareth, "He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Matt. 13:58). I hope this verse doesn't apply to your church, or mine! Wouldn't it be sad if we missed out on "mighty works" because we didn't expect them or pray for them?
May we be people of faith, who EXPECT God to do the miraculous. Actually, let's go the whole way. Let's be people of GREAT faith! (Matthew 8:10!)
May we be people of faith, who EXPECT God to do the miraculous. Actually, let's go the whole way. Let's be people of GREAT faith! (Matthew 8:10!)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Richard Dawkins
The famous and outspoken atheist, Richard Dawkins, does not believe in God. But every breath he takes is given him by God! Isaiah 42:5 says,
"Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And Spirit to those who walk on it"...
Every breath that Richard Dawkins takes is given to him by God. When he sits at his desk (eg. To type on a computer a book or article denying God's existence) EVERY BREATH HE TAKES DURING THAT PROCESS IS A GRACIOUS GIFT FROM THE ALMIGHTY.
Oh, the folly of atheism! To deny the existence of One's own creator!
But there's hope for the atheist. God can shine in his heart and bring him to salvation (2 Cor. 4:6). God loves the atheist, and wants to save him (1 Tim. 2:4). But if the atheist continues in his or her defiance and refuses to humble themselves before God, they will suffer His wrath for eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15!) There, they will regret their defiance against the One who made them.
"Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And Spirit to those who walk on it"...
Every breath that Richard Dawkins takes is given to him by God. When he sits at his desk (eg. To type on a computer a book or article denying God's existence) EVERY BREATH HE TAKES DURING THAT PROCESS IS A GRACIOUS GIFT FROM THE ALMIGHTY.
Oh, the folly of atheism! To deny the existence of One's own creator!
But there's hope for the atheist. God can shine in his heart and bring him to salvation (2 Cor. 4:6). God loves the atheist, and wants to save him (1 Tim. 2:4). But if the atheist continues in his or her defiance and refuses to humble themselves before God, they will suffer His wrath for eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15!) There, they will regret their defiance against the One who made them.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Doing our best
Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, said,
"It's no use saying, We are doing our best. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary."
I love that quote! This is applicable to Christian living and service. The first priority for the Christian is not to "do our best." It is to obey God. Here's what I mean...
God told Jonah to go to Ninevah. If Jonah had gone to Tarshish instead and "done his best," would that have been acceptable to God? No. God wanted Jonah in Ninevah. He wasn't looking for Jonah to "do his best" somewhere else.
If God tells a Christian to go as a missionary to Thailand, and instead they start a Christian band and travel all over Australia performing concerts, "doing their best" for Jesus, will God accept that?
Our priority is not to do our best. It is to obey the Lord. The prophet Samuel told King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). We can spend a lot of time and energy doing something other than what God has called us to do, and end up accumulating a big heap of wood, hay, and straw (1 Cor. 3:12).
May we devote ourselves to obeying God, not "doing our best" at something else.
"It's no use saying, We are doing our best. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary."
I love that quote! This is applicable to Christian living and service. The first priority for the Christian is not to "do our best." It is to obey God. Here's what I mean...
God told Jonah to go to Ninevah. If Jonah had gone to Tarshish instead and "done his best," would that have been acceptable to God? No. God wanted Jonah in Ninevah. He wasn't looking for Jonah to "do his best" somewhere else.
If God tells a Christian to go as a missionary to Thailand, and instead they start a Christian band and travel all over Australia performing concerts, "doing their best" for Jesus, will God accept that?
Our priority is not to do our best. It is to obey the Lord. The prophet Samuel told King Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). We can spend a lot of time and energy doing something other than what God has called us to do, and end up accumulating a big heap of wood, hay, and straw (1 Cor. 3:12).
May we devote ourselves to obeying God, not "doing our best" at something else.
Monday, February 1, 2010
What can I pray for my Local Church?
For a Christian with a heart for their local church, and a desire to see it grow (through conversion growth), what are some things we can pray? Here's some suggestions:
# Wisdom for the leaders
# A visitation of the Holy Spirit
# That God will dynamise the preaching
# Faithful expository teaching of the Word (a great need in many churches)
# Increased attendance at the prayer meetings
# Transformed and exhilerating prayer meetings
# The God will stir up a passion for souls
# A passion for missions
# God's manifest presence in the Sunday services
# A restoration of fasting
# Unity
# Dynamic small groups!
# Wisdom in evangelism
# That God will raise up leaders for the future
These are just a few. There are so many things we can pray for the local church, and to do so is to make a wise and strategic investment.
# Wisdom for the leaders
# A visitation of the Holy Spirit
# That God will dynamise the preaching
# Faithful expository teaching of the Word (a great need in many churches)
# Increased attendance at the prayer meetings
# Transformed and exhilerating prayer meetings
# The God will stir up a passion for souls
# A passion for missions
# God's manifest presence in the Sunday services
# A restoration of fasting
# Unity
# Dynamic small groups!
# Wisdom in evangelism
# That God will raise up leaders for the future
These are just a few. There are so many things we can pray for the local church, and to do so is to make a wise and strategic investment.
Encouragement for Preachers
D.L. Moody once wrote, "It is God's Word, not our comment on it, that saves souls." [1] How true that is. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, with the power to penetrate hearts and change lives. It has transformational power!
Therefore, in preaching, it is imperative that us preachers give the Word of God pre-eminence. While it is helpful to use illustrations, tell stories, refer to current events, use humour, quote statistics, and share personal experiences, in a sermon the Word of God must be given top priority.
The Word must be the basis of the message. Only the Bible, applied to the heart by the Spirit, can produce the kind of life change God is seeking. All preachers need to heed Paul's instruction to Timothy - "Preach the word!" (2 Tim 4:2)
The power of the Word is highlighted in something God Himself said through the prophet Jeremiah:
""Is not my word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?""
What other book is like a hammer?
The preacher who has a high regard for the Word will give it the highest priority in his sermons. He will resist the temptation to be trendy and preach "contemporary" messages with minimal Scripture and maximum humour and story-telling. (It's sad to hear sermons of this kind).
First things must be first. May we faithfully preach the Word, and believe that God will change lives.
[1] Moody, D.L, Notes from My Bible (Baker, Grand Rapids, Mich, 1979) p151.
Therefore, in preaching, it is imperative that us preachers give the Word of God pre-eminence. While it is helpful to use illustrations, tell stories, refer to current events, use humour, quote statistics, and share personal experiences, in a sermon the Word of God must be given top priority.
The Word must be the basis of the message. Only the Bible, applied to the heart by the Spirit, can produce the kind of life change God is seeking. All preachers need to heed Paul's instruction to Timothy - "Preach the word!" (2 Tim 4:2)
The power of the Word is highlighted in something God Himself said through the prophet Jeremiah:
""Is not my word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?""
What other book is like a hammer?
The preacher who has a high regard for the Word will give it the highest priority in his sermons. He will resist the temptation to be trendy and preach "contemporary" messages with minimal Scripture and maximum humour and story-telling. (It's sad to hear sermons of this kind).
First things must be first. May we faithfully preach the Word, and believe that God will change lives.
[1] Moody, D.L, Notes from My Bible (Baker, Grand Rapids, Mich, 1979) p151.
One of the Hardest Prayers to Pray
One of the hardest prayers for a Christian to pray is..
"Father..Your will be done"
It's not easy! It can be a real struggle to pray this way.
Yet Jesus taught His disciples to pray this prayer (Matthew 6:9-10). It can be particularly hard if we sense that God's will is different to ours. To pray, "Father, Your will be done" is:
A prayer of surrender.
A prayer of letting go.
A prayer of yieldedness.
A prayer of submission.
We take our hands off the wheel, move over, and ask God to take control. It's relinquishing our rights and desires, and submitting ourselves to Him. It's also submitting our future to God, wanting His plans to be fulfilled even if they're different to ours. For the surrendered Christian, God's will is the pre-eminent thing.
May God help us to pray, from the heart, "Father, Your will be done" just as our Saviour did (Luke 22:42).
Is there any area of your life where it's a struggle to pray this prayer?
"Father..Your will be done"
It's not easy! It can be a real struggle to pray this way.
Yet Jesus taught His disciples to pray this prayer (Matthew 6:9-10). It can be particularly hard if we sense that God's will is different to ours. To pray, "Father, Your will be done" is:
A prayer of surrender.
A prayer of letting go.
A prayer of yieldedness.
A prayer of submission.
We take our hands off the wheel, move over, and ask God to take control. It's relinquishing our rights and desires, and submitting ourselves to Him. It's also submitting our future to God, wanting His plans to be fulfilled even if they're different to ours. For the surrendered Christian, God's will is the pre-eminent thing.
May God help us to pray, from the heart, "Father, Your will be done" just as our Saviour did (Luke 22:42).
Is there any area of your life where it's a struggle to pray this prayer?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Please! Don't Try It!!
Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."
The first half of the verse is a warning. The person who covers their sins WILL NOT PROSPER. This is a fact! Solomon declares something that is absolutely true. It is true all the time. It's true in every time period, in every life, on every continent. It cannot be escaped from! "He who covers his sins will not prosper"! Count on it.
There are no exceptions to the rule. You can't do it. I can't do it. It's a principle of life on God's planet. A person may not like this verse, but that doesn't change the truth of the verse. They may attempt to hide a sin, thinking this is the way to get ahead, but they cannot hide it from God. (Hebrews 4:13). A person may not like the law of gravity, but that doesn't change the law. If they step off a building they will fall to the ground. They won't actually 'break' the law of gravity. They'll more likely break their leg. The law will catch up with them.
Please. May NONE of us try to cover our sins! If we attempt it, GOD WILL SEE TO IT THAT WE DON'T PROSPER. Sooner or later consequences will enter our lives.
May we heed the warning. This is so serious.
The first half of the verse is a warning. The person who covers their sins WILL NOT PROSPER. This is a fact! Solomon declares something that is absolutely true. It is true all the time. It's true in every time period, in every life, on every continent. It cannot be escaped from! "He who covers his sins will not prosper"! Count on it.
There are no exceptions to the rule. You can't do it. I can't do it. It's a principle of life on God's planet. A person may not like this verse, but that doesn't change the truth of the verse. They may attempt to hide a sin, thinking this is the way to get ahead, but they cannot hide it from God. (Hebrews 4:13). A person may not like the law of gravity, but that doesn't change the law. If they step off a building they will fall to the ground. They won't actually 'break' the law of gravity. They'll more likely break their leg. The law will catch up with them.
Please. May NONE of us try to cover our sins! If we attempt it, GOD WILL SEE TO IT THAT WE DON'T PROSPER. Sooner or later consequences will enter our lives.
May we heed the warning. This is so serious.
The Best Books I've Read
The Bible is incomparable, and is the greatest book of all time, and has had the greatest impact on my life of ANY book. (How many millions could say that?!!)
After the Bible, these are the best books I've ever read. These are the books that have had the greatest impact on me - inspiring me, challenging my thinking, causing life-direction-change, stirring evangelistic zeal, igniting passion to pray, etc.
I'd be interested to hear which books have had the greatest impact on your life!
Here they are, in approximate order of impact:
Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer
The Challenge of Missions by Oswald J. Smith
Revival Fire by Wesley Duewel
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
The Welsh Revival (of 1859) by Thomas Phillips
The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
Praying Hyde (biography of John Hyde, missionary to Pakistan)
Preaching and Preachers by Dr Martin Lloyd Jones
Another Daniel by Joshua Daniel (biography of Indian preacher Brother Daniel)
The Revival We Need by Oswald J. Smith
After the Bible, these are the best books I've ever read. These are the books that have had the greatest impact on me - inspiring me, challenging my thinking, causing life-direction-change, stirring evangelistic zeal, igniting passion to pray, etc.
I'd be interested to hear which books have had the greatest impact on your life!
Here they are, in approximate order of impact:
Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer
The Challenge of Missions by Oswald J. Smith
Revival Fire by Wesley Duewel
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
The Welsh Revival (of 1859) by Thomas Phillips
The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
Praying Hyde (biography of John Hyde, missionary to Pakistan)
Preaching and Preachers by Dr Martin Lloyd Jones
Another Daniel by Joshua Daniel (biography of Indian preacher Brother Daniel)
The Revival We Need by Oswald J. Smith
Will the promise work?
A message for Christians
One of the great promises in the Bible is James 4:7 - "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Isn't that a great promise? It's wonderful to know that as God's children we can stand up to the devil! He will depart from us. He is so much stronger than us, yet we can successfully resist him because of who we are in Christ.
But there's a problem.
I haven't quoted the entire verse. The promise, in it's context, is: "..God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7)
The question is, if we are not submitting to God, will the devil flee from us when we resist him?
If a Christian is saying "No" to God in an area of their life..
If a Christian is heading in a direction God has told them not to go in..
If a Christian has stiffened their neck and is disobeying the Word of God..
If a Christian is refusing to do something God has told them to do..
WILL THE PROMISE WORK?
What do you think?
One of the great promises in the Bible is James 4:7 - "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Isn't that a great promise? It's wonderful to know that as God's children we can stand up to the devil! He will depart from us. He is so much stronger than us, yet we can successfully resist him because of who we are in Christ.
But there's a problem.
I haven't quoted the entire verse. The promise, in it's context, is: "..God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7)
The question is, if we are not submitting to God, will the devil flee from us when we resist him?
If a Christian is saying "No" to God in an area of their life..
If a Christian is heading in a direction God has told them not to go in..
If a Christian has stiffened their neck and is disobeying the Word of God..
If a Christian is refusing to do something God has told them to do..
WILL THE PROMISE WORK?
What do you think?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
It simply doesn't exist!
There is something that simply doesn't exist. Ever! No, it NEVER happens in the life of a Christian. It is a situation that never transpires, under any circumstances. It never has, and never will, occur.
There is no such thing as...................... a purposeless trial!
There is no such thing as...................... a purposeless trial!
This scenario does not exist. Every trial has a purpose!
God is sovereign over our lives. He is watching over us, because He loves His children. He orchestrates events, sends down blessings (James 1:17), works in our lives for His pleasure (Phil. 2:13), and allows trials. Every trial that enters our lives is sent or permitted by God. And He has a good purpose.
God is not in the business of sending trials without a reason. James said,"..count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3). Yes, we can be positive about trials because God is doing a work. We can know that He's testing our faith to produce patience. When trials arrive, we are not the victims of bad luck, misfortune, or fate. God has a plan in each trial He allows. A masterful design.
Peter wrote to Christians, "..now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (1 Peter 1:6). Those three words are such a comfort! God only allows a trial "if need be." If you don't need a trial, God won't send it!
So.... the health problem, the financial difficulty, the disappointment, the tension at work, the relational struggle, the depression, the persecution, the attacks from the enemy, the delayed answer to prayer - God only allows these things if we need them. He's working to produce spiritual growth in us and to glorify Himself.
'Thank You God that there are no purposeless trials! Thank You that, as our loving Father, You monitor the trials that enter our lives, and they only happen if they are for our good.'
An Easy Mistake to Make!
"..the men of Israel...did not ask counsel of the LORD"
(Joshua 9:14)
Joshua made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites. They deceived him into thinking they were from a far country. Joshua and the leaders of Israel were tricked by the Gibeonites' old garments, mouldy bread and torn wineskins. This led to them making a mistake.
The writer pinpoints the reason why Joshua and the leaders were deceived. He says they "did not ask counsel of the LORD". That comment hits the mark! The Israelites simply did what seemed right, and God wasn't consulted. They either forgot to pray, chose not to pray, or felt confident in their own judgement and thus sensed no need to talk to God. They did what appeared to be sensible. But this was a mistake. The mistake later became evident, and "all the congregation complained against the rulers" (Joshua 9:18).
There's a valuable lesson for us in this incident. It is very easy to make decisions without seeking God! Have you done it? I have! We look at a situation, believe we know what to do, and implement our decision, AND DO NOT CONSULT THE ALL-KNOWING GOD. But let's face it. This is pride. Pride causes us to act independently instead of humbly seeking guidance from God.
When we neglect prayer we neglect God. We can end up making poor decisions which are followed by painful consequences.
The good news is we always gain when we seek God! By pausing and praying in faith we receive help from above.
May we learn from the mistake of Joshua and the Israelite leaders, and always consult God before making decisions. It's the way of wisdom.
(Joshua 9:14)
Joshua made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites. They deceived him into thinking they were from a far country. Joshua and the leaders of Israel were tricked by the Gibeonites' old garments, mouldy bread and torn wineskins. This led to them making a mistake.
The writer pinpoints the reason why Joshua and the leaders were deceived. He says they "did not ask counsel of the LORD". That comment hits the mark! The Israelites simply did what seemed right, and God wasn't consulted. They either forgot to pray, chose not to pray, or felt confident in their own judgement and thus sensed no need to talk to God. They did what appeared to be sensible. But this was a mistake. The mistake later became evident, and "all the congregation complained against the rulers" (Joshua 9:18).
There's a valuable lesson for us in this incident. It is very easy to make decisions without seeking God! Have you done it? I have! We look at a situation, believe we know what to do, and implement our decision, AND DO NOT CONSULT THE ALL-KNOWING GOD. But let's face it. This is pride. Pride causes us to act independently instead of humbly seeking guidance from God.
When we neglect prayer we neglect God. We can end up making poor decisions which are followed by painful consequences.
The good news is we always gain when we seek God! By pausing and praying in faith we receive help from above.
May we learn from the mistake of Joshua and the Israelite leaders, and always consult God before making decisions. It's the way of wisdom.
Is Transfer Growth a Cause for Rejoicing?
Churches grow through bilogical growth (couples having babies). I love babies! Being a father is one of the joys of my life. It's a wonderful thing when a church is populated by lots of vibrant, delightful children. Bring it on!
Churches grow through conversion growth. Lost sinners coming to Christ. Fantastic! A cause for rejoicing!
Then churches grow through transfer growth: Christians joining the church because they've moved from interstate, become dissatisfied with a previous church, or other reasons.
I have a question. Is transfer growth a cause for rejoicing?
Well, it can be a blessing. When people join a church and are keen Christians, willing to serve, and enthusiastic to attend prayer meetings and help at Working Bees - that's great! They may even become leaders in the church.
But transfer growth can also be problematic. People may bring "baggage" with them and even have caused problems in their previous church. But there's another issue that we do well to consider:
Transfer growth can be a smokescreen that hides the fact that a church is not going well.
ie. A church increases from 50 to 80 through transfer growth, AND THAT HIDES THE FACT THAT THE CHURCH HAS NOT SEEN ONE SINNER COME TO CHRIST IN FIVE YEARS. The transfer growth gives the appearance of growth, but it is merely a case of sheep switching paddocks. Church leaders may have a sense of satisfaction that there are more people on seats on Sundays and even boast of "growth." But is it growth?
Is your church growing through conversion growth? Is mine?
Is transfer growth a cause for rejoicing?
Churches grow through conversion growth. Lost sinners coming to Christ. Fantastic! A cause for rejoicing!
Then churches grow through transfer growth: Christians joining the church because they've moved from interstate, become dissatisfied with a previous church, or other reasons.
I have a question. Is transfer growth a cause for rejoicing?
Well, it can be a blessing. When people join a church and are keen Christians, willing to serve, and enthusiastic to attend prayer meetings and help at Working Bees - that's great! They may even become leaders in the church.
But transfer growth can also be problematic. People may bring "baggage" with them and even have caused problems in their previous church. But there's another issue that we do well to consider:
Transfer growth can be a smokescreen that hides the fact that a church is not going well.
ie. A church increases from 50 to 80 through transfer growth, AND THAT HIDES THE FACT THAT THE CHURCH HAS NOT SEEN ONE SINNER COME TO CHRIST IN FIVE YEARS. The transfer growth gives the appearance of growth, but it is merely a case of sheep switching paddocks. Church leaders may have a sense of satisfaction that there are more people on seats on Sundays and even boast of "growth." But is it growth?
Is your church growing through conversion growth? Is mine?
Is transfer growth a cause for rejoicing?
Who are the hard ones?
Now and then lost sinners are referred to as "hard." Have you heard this expression? A Christian may say "The people around here are so HARD!" or "The people in this city - their hearts are HARD! They are not interested in the gospel."
Only the Lord knows how many times lost sinners have been called "hard" by Christians. But, could it be that this is not the major problem? Perhaps it is US who are hard! Maybe THE CHURCH has the problem.
The evangelist John R. Rice once said in a sermon,
"Listen, it is not sinners that are hard. The trouble is it is the preachers that are hard. It is the Sunday School teachers; it is the Baptist deacons and Methodist stewards and Presbyterian elders that are hard. I find it easier to win a soul and get a drunkard or harlot converted than it is to get a preacher on fire for souls."*
Perhaps we need to do some self-examination and ask "Who are the hard ones?" Is it us?
Perhaps it is US who need to repent, before them.
David Hunt
Only the Lord knows how many times lost sinners have been called "hard" by Christians. But, could it be that this is not the major problem? Perhaps it is US who are hard! Maybe THE CHURCH has the problem.
The evangelist John R. Rice once said in a sermon,
"Listen, it is not sinners that are hard. The trouble is it is the preachers that are hard. It is the Sunday School teachers; it is the Baptist deacons and Methodist stewards and Presbyterian elders that are hard. I find it easier to win a soul and get a drunkard or harlot converted than it is to get a preacher on fire for souls."*
Perhaps we need to do some self-examination and ask "Who are the hard ones?" Is it us?
Perhaps it is US who need to repent, before them.
David Hunt
An occasion when we can say "no" to God
God asked Jeremiah, "Is there anything too hard for Me?" The appropriate answer was, of course, 'No'!!
"No, Lord, there is nothing too hard for You. You made the heavens and the earth. You rule from Your throne. You created stars and planets by speaking. You parted the Red Sea. You delivered Your people Israel in amazing ways on many occasions. There is NOTHING too hard for You."
God can do things that we might regard as impossible. He specialises in the miraculous. Among His amazing repetoire of miracles, He can change people!
He can turn Islamic terrorists into kind-hearted Christians.
He can turn bikies into softies.
He can turn arrogant athiests into zealous evangelists.
He can turn evolutionists into enthusiastic propagators of creation.
He can soften hard hearts.
He can take down-and-outers and turn them into trophies of grace.
He loves to save sinners... even sinners very few expected to be saved!
No, there is NOTHING too hard for God. When we realise this, we pray with expectation.
Perhaps the best stories are yet to be told!
David Hunt
"No, Lord, there is nothing too hard for You. You made the heavens and the earth. You rule from Your throne. You created stars and planets by speaking. You parted the Red Sea. You delivered Your people Israel in amazing ways on many occasions. There is NOTHING too hard for You."
God can do things that we might regard as impossible. He specialises in the miraculous. Among His amazing repetoire of miracles, He can change people!
He can turn Islamic terrorists into kind-hearted Christians.
He can turn bikies into softies.
He can turn arrogant athiests into zealous evangelists.
He can turn evolutionists into enthusiastic propagators of creation.
He can soften hard hearts.
He can take down-and-outers and turn them into trophies of grace.
He loves to save sinners... even sinners very few expected to be saved!
No, there is NOTHING too hard for God. When we realise this, we pray with expectation.
Perhaps the best stories are yet to be told!
David Hunt
An Inconvenient Verse
A message for Christians
The Bible is a magnificent book. It lifts the discouraged and gives hope to the despairing. The Bible is ointment for our wounds and cool water for our thirsty souls. 'Thank You Lord for the Bible!'
BUT... the Bible can also challenge us to the core! There are what could be called "inconvenient verses." They are Bible verses that hit us between the eyes and say something other than what we'd like them to say!
One such verse is James 4:17 -
"..to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Ouch!
James shows us that it is not only doing wrong things that is sinful, but also neglecting to do what we should do. Just think of the ramifications:
# If a Christian knows they ought to pray that God will "send out labourers into His harvest" (as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 9:38) and they do not do it - that is sin.
# If a Christian parent knows they should teach their children the Word of God, and don't do it - that is sin.
# If the Holy Spirit convicts us of a hurt we've caused someone, and tells us to apologise, and we don't do it - it is sin.
Many other examples could be given.
So... it is not only outright disobedience that is sin, but neglect. (Delayed obedience is also a sin, because the period in which we delay obeying God is a period of disobedience!)
"Lord, please open our eyes to sins of omission. Please start with me."
David Hunt
The Bible is a magnificent book. It lifts the discouraged and gives hope to the despairing. The Bible is ointment for our wounds and cool water for our thirsty souls. 'Thank You Lord for the Bible!'
BUT... the Bible can also challenge us to the core! There are what could be called "inconvenient verses." They are Bible verses that hit us between the eyes and say something other than what we'd like them to say!
One such verse is James 4:17 -
"..to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Ouch!
James shows us that it is not only doing wrong things that is sinful, but also neglecting to do what we should do. Just think of the ramifications:
# If a Christian knows they ought to pray that God will "send out labourers into His harvest" (as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 9:38) and they do not do it - that is sin.
# If a Christian parent knows they should teach their children the Word of God, and don't do it - that is sin.
# If the Holy Spirit convicts us of a hurt we've caused someone, and tells us to apologise, and we don't do it - it is sin.
Many other examples could be given.
So... it is not only outright disobedience that is sin, but neglect. (Delayed obedience is also a sin, because the period in which we delay obeying God is a period of disobedience!)
"Lord, please open our eyes to sins of omission. Please start with me."
David Hunt
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