Book Review Summary . Book Review Preview . Shellie Nichol . Pain . Hope . Radio Broadcaster . Radio Trip . Rest Stops . Detour . God's Journey . Inspiration
Beep ... Beep ... Beep
The hospital monitor beeps loud and constant with Shellie's beautiful son's heart attached at the other end. The beep stops. An alarm sounds. Kody is not breathing. The nurses rush in and yell for her son to breathe.
Shellie shares the most difficult parts of her life in her book. She also suffered from being physically and mentally abused as a child, molested, bullied, going through two divorces, fighting cervical cancer, losing a child, suffering from an eating disorder, experiencing panic and anxiety, ADD, OCD, and a doctor pronouncing a death sentence on her first born.
This was the very second her life changed and led her to the edge of the exciting ride down ... when her life would suddenly become a miraculous story.
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." 'Proverbs 16:9'
Shellie is glad for those who have decided to come on this journey with her. Shellie never gives up.
She wants to make sure we have everything we need. Grab a suitcase to all out travel essentials.
Tissue (for the tears that will sneak up on you)
Disinfectant soap (to wash away the stubborn stains)
Underclothes
Umbrella (for the rain will surely run into)
Band-Aids (to protect your wounds, so they can heal}
Your Great Big Book of Hope (Your Bible)
Sunglasses (the sun is going shine and it will be brrr-ight - that's God's promise, and her's)
One Way - Preparation
"All journey's have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."-_ Martin Buder
When we are children, our innocence allows us to pave the perfect road. We believe everything is perfect, that it will stay perfect, and nothing will get in our way.
There is no perfect road. God himself says: "For I know the plans I have for you; declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to to harm you, plan to give you a hope and a future"
So are you ready to jump in and discover God's plans?
Heather and her husband already had a son when they found out they were expecting twins. The names Rebekah and Rachel came to mind before she knew they would be girls.
Heather enjoyed dressing her girls up in the same outfits.
Then one fateful day, Heather discovered while changing her baby's diaper of her 18=month old baby something that did not appear right. Rebekah had to have a biospy which determined a rare form of cancer.
Rachel now 6, began to complain about back pain . Rachel began screaming in pain and asked to go to the doctor.
Rachel had leukemia, her bone marrow and spinal fluid.
Heather's mother lost all hope and died. She died of a broken heart,
Miraculously, despite the aggresive treatments, Rachel suffered no side effects at all: God had answers these prayers.
Are you ready to ask God to take over? Do you trust ?Him?
Breakdown Lane - Feel - Do
Choice
Think - Feel - Do
Most traveled is best of all in the anticipation or the remembering the reality by more to do with losing your luggage. _ Regina Nadelson
Shame
Thin - Feel - Do
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6
She became a Christian at the young age of 6. She fell in love with Jesus. She rode her bike to Church all alone.
Wrong Way
Control
Thin - Feel - Do
"Certainly. travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanence, in the ideas of living _
Mary Ritter Beard
Well, I know we may be weary and tired of driving, but we still have a long way to go before we can rest. She promise to speak only the truth, and the truth hurts sometime.
They were dealing with health issues about Kody = which were terminal.
Struggle
Think - Feel - Do
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
I'm sure you're feeling like we need to rest a while longer before hitting the road again.
High Water
Grief
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffer harms." Proverbs 13:20
Are you feeling better about your struggles? Are you sensing the power of hope?
Travel Buddies
But Oh, thank God for the Travel Buddies - Those wonderful people placed in your path who stick like glue.
Perseverance
Think - Feel - Do
"Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get you to the right place." _ Mandy Hall
Detour
Diversion
Think - Feel - Do
merry-go-round, you see a lot of the scene.
The author, Shellie Nichol hosted the radio show, 'Amazing Hope' on Salem Network's KFAX in San Francisco for over a year before launching her own channel on Live365.com. Amazing Hope Radio is one of the fastest-growing Christian radio stations on Live365.com currently ranking #7 in the Christian genre and #280 in all genres (out of 6,000 stations).
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
Family Shepherds
“The character of the Church and of the state depends on the character of the family. If religion dies out in the family, it cannot elsewhere be maintained.”
--From the book “Family Shepherds”
By Voddie Baucham, Jr.
Studies have recently surfaced about the rush of Millennial youth back to the church. One of the cornerstones of such research: Millennials are returning to church because they are hungry for the truth regarding God, Jesus Christ, church and…the family. Thus, in our ‘teched-out’ age, a return to tradition is being ushered in not based upon whim, but based upon actual need. One cannot learn how to lead a family for the glory of God, unless one understands that God has given men the duty and responsibility to create and lead godly homes, and raise up godly families.
Pastor and Author Voddie Baucham, Jr. has put together an inspirational work that clearly shows how men have been called by God to lead in the home--right from the Scriptures. His book “Family Shepherds: Calling And Equipping Men To Lead Their Homes” (2011, 190 Pages, Crossway) is an outgrowth of some monthly meetings he held with the men of his own church. Some of the talks he had with them centered upon the need for strengthening their own homes, with tools provided from the Word of God. In his bold view the church is the equipper of men to head their own families…NOT the usurper of that ‘head of household’ role from a godly man.
“Family Shepherds” is divided into five sections, with three chapters each. Among the sections you will find such headings as: “The Need To Equip Family Shepherds”, “The Training And Discipline Of Children”, and “Marriage Enrichment”. What makes the work truly useful is the section on single-headed homes/fatherless families…something which contains a lot of useful items that swim against the ‘social’ dictates of the modern era.
Godly men don’t just ‘happen’ to become spiritual leaders, leading husbands and loving fathers. It takes work, more work, and still more work, rooted in strong churches with courageous pastors who will train their men in how to get the job done. If you want a successful blueprint, this is the book for you--and your church.
Mike Ramey is a Minister, Reviewer and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Line Reviews brings current and lesser-known titles to public light in the quest to re-kindle a love for reading in a sea of modern technology.
***********************
Lift up Christ and lay the sinner low. --C. H. Spurgeon
--From the book “Family Shepherds”
By Voddie Baucham, Jr.
Studies have recently surfaced about the rush of Millennial youth back to the church. One of the cornerstones of such research: Millennials are returning to church because they are hungry for the truth regarding God, Jesus Christ, church and…the family. Thus, in our ‘teched-out’ age, a return to tradition is being ushered in not based upon whim, but based upon actual need. One cannot learn how to lead a family for the glory of God, unless one understands that God has given men the duty and responsibility to create and lead godly homes, and raise up godly families.
Pastor and Author Voddie Baucham, Jr. has put together an inspirational work that clearly shows how men have been called by God to lead in the home--right from the Scriptures. His book “Family Shepherds: Calling And Equipping Men To Lead Their Homes” (2011, 190 Pages, Crossway) is an outgrowth of some monthly meetings he held with the men of his own church. Some of the talks he had with them centered upon the need for strengthening their own homes, with tools provided from the Word of God. In his bold view the church is the equipper of men to head their own families…NOT the usurper of that ‘head of household’ role from a godly man.
“Family Shepherds” is divided into five sections, with three chapters each. Among the sections you will find such headings as: “The Need To Equip Family Shepherds”, “The Training And Discipline Of Children”, and “Marriage Enrichment”. What makes the work truly useful is the section on single-headed homes/fatherless families…something which contains a lot of useful items that swim against the ‘social’ dictates of the modern era.
Godly men don’t just ‘happen’ to become spiritual leaders, leading husbands and loving fathers. It takes work, more work, and still more work, rooted in strong churches with courageous pastors who will train their men in how to get the job done. If you want a successful blueprint, this is the book for you--and your church.
Mike Ramey is a Minister, Reviewer and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Line Reviews brings current and lesser-known titles to public light in the quest to re-kindle a love for reading in a sea of modern technology.
***********************
Lift up Christ and lay the sinner low. --C. H. Spurgeon
Friday, February 12, 2016
The Full Sufficiency of Christ .. Book Review
Book Review . Jesus . Eternal Life . Salvation . Christ . Death . Resurrection . Hell
For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only Son, that whosoever believes in HIM will; have eternal
life. (John 3:16)
The Bible teaches that people are sinners by nature and that we choose to sin, or do wrong. As Romans says, "...all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written>(None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.
Without God we are in bondage to sin, we are in chains.
Most of the world's religions, for except for Christianity, teach that a mixture of faith and works is needed to be made right with God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so no man can boast."
Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be obtained by good works, baptism, church membership, church attendance, witnessing to others, by knocking on doors, mission trips, or giving financially to a church.
The gospel message is that all people are sinners, and our sin separates us from a loving God, our Creator, who wants to have a relationship with everyone. This can't occur through our good works, bout only through in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. and HIS bodily resurrection from the dead.
The book of Hebrews describes Christ death in the following ways: It saves believers completely(Hebrews 7:25), it gives believers eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12), it makes believers holy (Hebrews 10:10), it makes us perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14), and where sins have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:18).
The Bible says that "the wages of sins is death" (Romans 6:23) and that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22).
As the writer of Hebrews says, "for it IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE Blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).
I Peter 2:24 says "HE himself bore our sins in HIS body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By HIS wounds you have been healed." And 1 Peter 3:18a says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous that he might bring us to God.
John 1:1-3 states in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. HE was in the beginning with God.
Not only did Jesus have to be 100% human, He had to be 100% totally and fully God.
The Bible says, "But God shows HIS love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Bible says that God is love. Love is many things, and one of these things in action.
Jesus resurrection showed that HE was truly sent from God, because only God has the power over sin and death.
"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.
Then HE said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God! (John 20:27-28).
God sent HIS Son
They call HIM Jesus
HE came to love, heal, and forgive
HE lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives
Because HE lives I can face tomorrow
And life i worth living just because HE lives
Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done" (Matthew 26:42).
If there was another way, then Christ would not needed to die.
God didn't create people with the intention that any would go to Hell. But God gave them free will, with which they can choose to be with HIM or reject HIM.
Jude 1:7 reads, "Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Rahah the prostitute was justified in the eyes of the messengers she saved. Before this, she already had faith in the true God; now she was acting out of faith. First, she believed in God, because of that faith she acted.
The Book of James is saying that when one is saved by faith (belief) alone in the life, death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, he is saved by a faith that will produce good deeds and changes in the person's life.
Christopher Hearn sent me a copy of his book to review. The author has served as a missionary to Russia with (OM) Operation Mobilization and currently is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Sweden, Maine. He has a MDIV from Bethel Theological Seminary San Diego.
For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only Son, that whosoever believes in HIM will; have eternal
life. (John 3:16)
The Bible teaches that people are sinners by nature and that we choose to sin, or do wrong. As Romans says, "...all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written>(None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.
Without God we are in bondage to sin, we are in chains.
Most of the world's religions, for except for Christianity, teach that a mixture of faith and works is needed to be made right with God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so no man can boast."
Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be obtained by good works, baptism, church membership, church attendance, witnessing to others, by knocking on doors, mission trips, or giving financially to a church.
The gospel message is that all people are sinners, and our sin separates us from a loving God, our Creator, who wants to have a relationship with everyone. This can't occur through our good works, bout only through in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. and HIS bodily resurrection from the dead.
The book of Hebrews describes Christ death in the following ways: It saves believers completely(Hebrews 7:25), it gives believers eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12), it makes believers holy (Hebrews 10:10), it makes us perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14), and where sins have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:18).
The Bible says that "the wages of sins is death" (Romans 6:23) and that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22).
As the writer of Hebrews says, "for it IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE Blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).
I Peter 2:24 says "HE himself bore our sins in HIS body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By HIS wounds you have been healed." And 1 Peter 3:18a says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous that he might bring us to God.
John 1:1-3 states in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. HE was in the beginning with God.
Not only did Jesus have to be 100% human, He had to be 100% totally and fully God.
The Bible says, "But God shows HIS love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Bible says that God is love. Love is many things, and one of these things in action.
Jesus resurrection showed that HE was truly sent from God, because only God has the power over sin and death.
"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.
Then HE said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God! (John 20:27-28).
God sent HIS Son
They call HIM Jesus
HE came to love, heal, and forgive
HE lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives
Because HE lives I can face tomorrow
And life i worth living just because HE lives
Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done" (Matthew 26:42).
If there was another way, then Christ would not needed to die.
God didn't create people with the intention that any would go to Hell. But God gave them free will, with which they can choose to be with HIM or reject HIM.
Jude 1:7 reads, "Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Rahah the prostitute was justified in the eyes of the messengers she saved. Before this, she already had faith in the true God; now she was acting out of faith. First, she believed in God, because of that faith she acted.
The Book of James is saying that when one is saved by faith (belief) alone in the life, death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, he is saved by a faith that will produce good deeds and changes in the person's life.
Christopher Hearn sent me a copy of his book to review. The author has served as a missionary to Russia with (OM) Operation Mobilization and currently is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Sweden, Maine. He has a MDIV from Bethel Theological Seminary San Diego.
Friday, January 22, 2016
4 Weddings & a Funeral .... Saving the best for Last .. 1/24/16
Sunday School Summary . Psalm 77:11 . Tehillim 11 . Acts 2 . John 9 . Matthew 15 . Matthew 5 . Luke 4 . John 2. Miracles . Health . Gift . Wedding in Cana .
Monday - January 18, 2016 - The Mighty Deeds of God - Psalm/Tehillim 77:11-15
The victory which the psalmist had - The psalmist calls to mine all God's great deeds on behalf of his people. To encourage the psalmist he recalls God's mighty work in the past.
Tuesday - January 19, 2016 - The Resurrected Messiah - Acts 2:22-28
Peter's sermon - The sermon evokes immediate response. Definite plan; God raised Jesus up -- Peter's sermon at Pentecost.
Wednesday - January 20, 2016 - The Gift of Sight - John 9:1-11
The man that was born blind restoreth to sight - Jesus spit on the ground and told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. Jesus is the light of the world. The blind man is not suffering because of his parents nor his sins. There are times when God allows suffering for a purpose. And he brings good out of it, for the individual himself. The man that was born blind restoreth to sight. Spit was considered to have medicine value. 'sent' a symbol of Jesus 'sent' from God to give light. Healing of the man born blind.
Thursday - January 21, 2016 - The Gift of Health -Matthew 15: 29-38
Jesus healed the daughter of the woman of Canaan, and other great multitudes, and with 7 loaves & a few little fishes feedeth 4,000 men, beside women and children. The Canaanite woman; further healings; 4,000 fed. The woman though a Gentile, speaks to Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Healings. Canaan territory between the Mediterrean Sea and the Jordan River reaching from the brook of Egypt to the area around in Syria or to the Euphrates. Canaan means different things at different times.
Friday - January 22, 2016 - The Clean Gift - Matthew 5: 22 - 26
Sin begins in the mind & the will. That is where it must be rooted out. Fool should be apostate - meaning that any man who calls another an outcast of God is in danger of being cast out himself. Sacrifice offered by an individual was of no value if he had not put right an offence committed against a fellowman. True understanding of the Law. Jesus taught God's way to Live.
Saturday - January 23, 2016 - The Healing Mission of Jesus - Luke 4: 16-24
The people of Nazareth admire Jesus gracious words. Teaching & Healing in Galilee. Jesus' custom was not merely to worship in the synagogue but to present HIS message there. The book was a scroll, which Jesus unrolled. The popular reaction became increasingly hostile as the magnitude of Jesus' message sank home.
According to the Old Testament, foreigners sometimes knew God's help when Israel did not. Anyone might be invited to take part in the service of prayers, readings and sermon. The leader stood to pray and read from the scrolls, sat down to teach. Jesus Accepted Messianic Mission & Faced Rejection.
Sunday - January 24, 2016 - A Wedding in Cana - John 2: 1-12
Christ turneth water into wine; departed into Capernaum, and to Jerusalem. Jesus' first miracle has a homely setting. The wedding festivites lasted several days, & when the wine ran out the bridegroom must have embarrassed.
First of seven signs selected by John. All have a purpose they actively support the claims Jesus made, & are intended to lead to faith. Here the new wine of the Gospel is contrasted with the water of the old faith. Jesus had come to bring something really new. Cana: Nathanael's home town; a few miles north-east of Nazareth. Woman: a term of solemn & respectful address; The hour of Jesus' self-disclosure was determined by God, not by Mary's desires. His final manifestation was at the cross. Rites of purification were ceremonial, not hygienic. Jesus' miracles were not wonders to astound, but signs pointing to HIS glory (God's presence in HIM).
Jesus Ministry in the "Cana Cycle" - Jesus first sign at the Wedding in Cana.
Matthew 5:12-16 - Devotional Reading 'declaring who are blessed, who are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the city on an hill, the candle. Where tree happiness lies. The witness of the disciples. Jesus taught God's Way to Live.
Monday - January 18, 2016 - The Mighty Deeds of God - Psalm/Tehillim 77:11-15
The victory which the psalmist had - The psalmist calls to mine all God's great deeds on behalf of his people. To encourage the psalmist he recalls God's mighty work in the past.
Tuesday - January 19, 2016 - The Resurrected Messiah - Acts 2:22-28
Peter's sermon - The sermon evokes immediate response. Definite plan; God raised Jesus up -- Peter's sermon at Pentecost.
Wednesday - January 20, 2016 - The Gift of Sight - John 9:1-11
The man that was born blind restoreth to sight - Jesus spit on the ground and told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. Jesus is the light of the world. The blind man is not suffering because of his parents nor his sins. There are times when God allows suffering for a purpose. And he brings good out of it, for the individual himself. The man that was born blind restoreth to sight. Spit was considered to have medicine value. 'sent' a symbol of Jesus 'sent' from God to give light. Healing of the man born blind.
Thursday - January 21, 2016 - The Gift of Health -Matthew 15: 29-38
Jesus healed the daughter of the woman of Canaan, and other great multitudes, and with 7 loaves & a few little fishes feedeth 4,000 men, beside women and children. The Canaanite woman; further healings; 4,000 fed. The woman though a Gentile, speaks to Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Healings. Canaan territory between the Mediterrean Sea and the Jordan River reaching from the brook of Egypt to the area around in Syria or to the Euphrates. Canaan means different things at different times.
Friday - January 22, 2016 - The Clean Gift - Matthew 5: 22 - 26
Sin begins in the mind & the will. That is where it must be rooted out. Fool should be apostate - meaning that any man who calls another an outcast of God is in danger of being cast out himself. Sacrifice offered by an individual was of no value if he had not put right an offence committed against a fellowman. True understanding of the Law. Jesus taught God's way to Live.
Saturday - January 23, 2016 - The Healing Mission of Jesus - Luke 4: 16-24
The people of Nazareth admire Jesus gracious words. Teaching & Healing in Galilee. Jesus' custom was not merely to worship in the synagogue but to present HIS message there. The book was a scroll, which Jesus unrolled. The popular reaction became increasingly hostile as the magnitude of Jesus' message sank home.
According to the Old Testament, foreigners sometimes knew God's help when Israel did not. Anyone might be invited to take part in the service of prayers, readings and sermon. The leader stood to pray and read from the scrolls, sat down to teach. Jesus Accepted Messianic Mission & Faced Rejection.
Sunday - January 24, 2016 - A Wedding in Cana - John 2: 1-12
Christ turneth water into wine; departed into Capernaum, and to Jerusalem. Jesus' first miracle has a homely setting. The wedding festivites lasted several days, & when the wine ran out the bridegroom must have embarrassed.
First of seven signs selected by John. All have a purpose they actively support the claims Jesus made, & are intended to lead to faith. Here the new wine of the Gospel is contrasted with the water of the old faith. Jesus had come to bring something really new. Cana: Nathanael's home town; a few miles north-east of Nazareth. Woman: a term of solemn & respectful address; The hour of Jesus' self-disclosure was determined by God, not by Mary's desires. His final manifestation was at the cross. Rites of purification were ceremonial, not hygienic. Jesus' miracles were not wonders to astound, but signs pointing to HIS glory (God's presence in HIM).
Jesus Ministry in the "Cana Cycle" - Jesus first sign at the Wedding in Cana.
Matthew 5:12-16 - Devotional Reading 'declaring who are blessed, who are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the city on an hill, the candle. Where tree happiness lies. The witness of the disciples. Jesus taught God's Way to Live.
A Weed in the Church
A WEED IN THE CHURCH
BY SCOTT T. BROWN
“Because the church has embraced this age-segregated philosophy, we have created groups for everyone, but community for no one; meetings for all, but discipleship for few. Age segregation has replaced the older mentoring the younger. Church programs have displaced family discipleship.”
--Scott T. Brown
“A Weed In The Church”
In the book “A Weed In The Church”, author Scott Brown has struck a nerve, and many churches are screaming in pain. The reason? Youth programs are simply not working. The scary part of the mix: instead of churches seeking the solutions from the Scriptures, many in church leadership are spending time and effort to ‘keep’ the failing programs functioning for financial, employment, or prideful reasons.
Meanwhile, the loss of Christian youth--and their families--continues. Brown believes that the time has come to realize that the age-segregation and ‘splitting up’ of families in the church setting needs to end, and the home needs to take its rightful place in the biblical teaching and training role. His book centers upon what God has already said in the Scriptures about the family as HE set it down, not as how society ‘dictates’ to the church the various and sundry social definitions of what a family should be.
“A Weed In The Church” (2010, 286 pages, The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches Publications) is a controversial work to say the least. It is NOT for the ‘faint’ of heart in church leadership, but for those who have seen the lack of movement in the ‘old’ model of Sunday School as it exists today, and want to see a vibrant, God-blessed change and revival in their churches. Chapters include “Interpreting Scripture”, “The Family-Centered Nature of Youth Discipleship”, and “Results of Neglecting Youth Discipleship”.
To keep on doing the same old thing when the times change about you--and a new thing is called for to meet these challenges--is the height of folly. Brown’s work is not for the timid, but for those churches--and Pastors--who want to see the families in their congregations grow stronger, instead of weaker. It is an excellent addition to one’s library.
Mike Ramey is a Minister, Reviewer and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Line Reviews brings current and lesser-known titles to public light in the quest to re-kindle a love for reading in a sea of modern technology.
***************
Lift up Christ and lay the sinner low. --C. H. Spurgeon
BY SCOTT T. BROWN
“Because the church has embraced this age-segregated philosophy, we have created groups for everyone, but community for no one; meetings for all, but discipleship for few. Age segregation has replaced the older mentoring the younger. Church programs have displaced family discipleship.”
--Scott T. Brown
“A Weed In The Church”
In the book “A Weed In The Church”, author Scott Brown has struck a nerve, and many churches are screaming in pain. The reason? Youth programs are simply not working. The scary part of the mix: instead of churches seeking the solutions from the Scriptures, many in church leadership are spending time and effort to ‘keep’ the failing programs functioning for financial, employment, or prideful reasons.
Meanwhile, the loss of Christian youth--and their families--continues. Brown believes that the time has come to realize that the age-segregation and ‘splitting up’ of families in the church setting needs to end, and the home needs to take its rightful place in the biblical teaching and training role. His book centers upon what God has already said in the Scriptures about the family as HE set it down, not as how society ‘dictates’ to the church the various and sundry social definitions of what a family should be.
“A Weed In The Church” (2010, 286 pages, The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches Publications) is a controversial work to say the least. It is NOT for the ‘faint’ of heart in church leadership, but for those who have seen the lack of movement in the ‘old’ model of Sunday School as it exists today, and want to see a vibrant, God-blessed change and revival in their churches. Chapters include “Interpreting Scripture”, “The Family-Centered Nature of Youth Discipleship”, and “Results of Neglecting Youth Discipleship”.
To keep on doing the same old thing when the times change about you--and a new thing is called for to meet these challenges--is the height of folly. Brown’s work is not for the timid, but for those churches--and Pastors--who want to see the families in their congregations grow stronger, instead of weaker. It is an excellent addition to one’s library.
Mike Ramey is a Minister, Reviewer and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Line Reviews brings current and lesser-known titles to public light in the quest to re-kindle a love for reading in a sea of modern technology.
***************
Lift up Christ and lay the sinner low. --C. H. Spurgeon
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Choosing the Right Gift ... 12/13/2015 Sunday School Summary
Sunday School Lesson Summary . Hebrews . Leviticus . Deuteronomy . Isaiah . Micah . Romans . I Corinthians .
I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service... Romans 12: 1 KJV
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 11:4-16
Background Scripture: Leviticus 22:17-33; 23:9-14, 31-32; Deuteronomy 22:6-7; Isaiah 1:10-20; Micah 6:6-8; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 10:14-22
Print Passage: Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33
The Pentateuch (Law/Torah) became a separate book, it is the continuing of the priestly tradition extends without interruption of the first ten chapters of Numbers.
The nearness of God not only accentuates the people's sense of sin but prompts them to turn to God in sacrificial service of worship. According to the priestly witness, God has provided the means of atonement and forgiveness whereby the community is restored to wholeness and is reconciled to him.
Monday - 12/7/15 -Living Sacrifice - Psalm/Tehillim 40:1-8
Tuesday - 12/8/15 - Contrite Sacrifice - Psalm/Tehillim 51:15-19
Wednesday - 12/9/15 - Loving Sacrifice - Mark 12:28-34a
Thursday - 12/10/15 - Complete Sacrifice - Romans 12:1-8
Friday - 12/11/15 - Faithful Sacrifice - Hebrews 11:4-16
Saturday - 12/12/15 - Perfect Sacrifice - I John 4:9-16
Sunday - 12/13/15 - Acceptable Offerings - Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33
Reference used/taken from: KJV, & The New Oxford Annotated Bible with The Apocrypha
I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service... Romans 12: 1 KJV
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 11:4-16
Background Scripture: Leviticus 22:17-33; 23:9-14, 31-32; Deuteronomy 22:6-7; Isaiah 1:10-20; Micah 6:6-8; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 10:14-22
Print Passage: Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33
The Pentateuch (Law/Torah) became a separate book, it is the continuing of the priestly tradition extends without interruption of the first ten chapters of Numbers.
The nearness of God not only accentuates the people's sense of sin but prompts them to turn to God in sacrificial service of worship. According to the priestly witness, God has provided the means of atonement and forgiveness whereby the community is restored to wholeness and is reconciled to him.
Monday - 12/7/15 -Living Sacrifice - Psalm/Tehillim 40:1-8
Tuesday - 12/8/15 - Contrite Sacrifice - Psalm/Tehillim 51:15-19
Wednesday - 12/9/15 - Loving Sacrifice - Mark 12:28-34a
Thursday - 12/10/15 - Complete Sacrifice - Romans 12:1-8
Friday - 12/11/15 - Faithful Sacrifice - Hebrews 11:4-16
Saturday - 12/12/15 - Perfect Sacrifice - I John 4:9-16
Sunday - 12/13/15 - Acceptable Offerings - Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33
Reference used/taken from: KJV, & The New Oxford Annotated Bible with The Apocrypha
Monday, August 10, 2015
A Method For Prayer 1710 Edition: Book Review
Book review . A Method For Prayer With Scripture Expressions Proper To Be Used Under Each Head 1710 Edition . Rev Matthew Henry . Minister of the gospel in Chester . London . 1710 . Steve Kindorf . Prayer . Prayerbook . Adoration . Confession of Sin . Petitions & Requests . Thanksgiving . Intercession . Addresses to God . Funerals . Want of Rain . Occasion of Fire . Forms of Prayers. morning prayer . evening prayer . Steve's Affection . Glossary . Bible Reading Plan . teshuvah
An Awesome Prayer Book. I love it!!!!
I was most impressed when Steve sent me a case of books for me & my family - I placed 4 in our Church & the others outside of my Church.
To The Reader:
For if we have spiritual senses exercised, true devotion, that inspiring flame of pious affections to God, as far as in a judgment of charity we discern it in others (though in different shapes & dresses, which may seem uncouth to one another) cannot but appear beautiful & amiable.
Pythagaras's golden verses begin with the precept; Whatever men made a god of they prayed to, Deliver me, for thou art my god (Isaiah 44:17). It is a piece of respect & homage so exactly consonant to the natural ideas which all men have of God, that it is certain those that live without prayer live without God in the world.
Prayer is the solemn & religious offering up of devout acknowledgments & desires to God, or a sincere representation of holy affections, with a design to give unto God the glory due unto HIS name thereby, & to obtain from HIM promised favours, & both through the mediator. Humble adorations of God, & thanksgiving to HIM, are as necessary in prayer, as any other part of it. The Greek word Proseuche from Euche is a vow directed to God. The Latin word Votum is is used for prayer: Jonah's mariners with their sacrifices made vows; for prayer is to move & oblige ourselves, not to move or oblige God. And long discourse of his there to shew that his ho gosnoticos, i.e., his believer (for faith is called knowledge, & pgf. 719, he makes his companions to be hoi homoioos pepis teucotes, those that have in like manner believed)lives a life of communion with God, & so is praying always; that he have their stated hours of prayer, but he para holon euchatai ton bion, prays all his life long. The Scripture describes prayer to be our drawing near to God, lifting up our souls to HIM, pouring out our hearts before HIM.
Some words there must be, of the mind at least, in which, as in the smoke, this incense must ascend; not that God may understand us, for our thoughts afar off are known to HIM, but that we may the better understand ourselves.
Thus prayer must be sparsim (a sprinkling of it) in every duty, & our eyes must be ever towards the Lord.
Nay if the groanings be such as cannot be uttered, HE that searcheth the heart knows them to be the mind of the Spirit, & will accept of them (Romans 8:26,27).
If we had the tongue of men & angels, & have not the heart of humble serious Christians in prayer, we are but as sounding brass & a tinkling cymbal. It is only the effectual fervent prayer, the Deesis energumene, the in-wrought, in-laid prayer that avails much.
And if any good Christians receive assistance from Rev Matthew Henry's Prayer Book in their devotions, he hoped they would not deny him one request, which is, that they would pray for him, that he may obtain mercy of the Lord to be found among the faithful watchmen on Jerusalem's walls, who never held their peace day or night, but gave themselves to the word & prayer, that at length he may finish have finished his course with joy. .... Matth. Henry, Chester, March 25, 1710
Adoration
Of First Part Of Prayer, Which Is Address To God, Adoration Of HIM, With Suitable Acknowledgments, Professions, & Preparatory Requests.
Let us now attend upon the Lord without distraction, & let not our hearts be far from HIM when we draw nigh to HIM with our mouths, & honour HIM with our lips (I Corinthians 7:35; Matthew 15:8).
Having thus engaged our hearts to approach unto God (Jeremiah 30:21).
We Must Reverently Adore GOD As A Being Transcendently Bright & Blessed, Self-Existent & Self-Sufficient, An Infinite & Eternal Spirit, That Has All Perfections In Himself, And Give HIM Glory Of His titles & Attributes.
Thou art the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning, & from whom preceedeth every good & perfect gift (James 1:17)
Thou art the blessed & only Potentate; the King of king, & Lord of lords, who only hast immortality; dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen nor can see (I Timothy 6:15,16).
We Must Give To GOD Glory The Praise Of That Splendor & Glory Wherein HE Is Pleased To Manifest HIMSELF In The Upper Room.
We Must Give Honor To The Three Persons In The GodHead Distinctly, To The FATHER, The SON, & The HOLY GHOST, That Great & Sacred Name Into Which We Were Baptized, & In Which We Assemble For Religious Worship, In Communion With The Universal Church.
We Must Acknowledge It An Unspeakable Favour, & An Inestimable Privilege, That We Are Not Only Admitted, But Invited & Encouraged To Draw Nigh To GOD In Prayer.
We Must Express The Sense The Sense We Have Of Our Own Meanness & Unworthiness To Draw Near To GOD, & Speak To HIM.
We Must Likewise Profess Our Believing HOPE & Confidence In GOD, & HIS ALL_Sufficiency, In HIS POWER, PROVIDENCE, & PROMISE.
We Must Intreat GOD'S Favourable Acceptable Of Us & Our Poor Performance.
We Must Beg For POWERFUL Assistance & Influence Of The Blessed Spirit Of Grace In Our Prayers.
O pour upon us the spirit of grace & supplication; the Spirit of adoption teaching us to cry, Abba Father; that we may find in our hearts to pray this prayer (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 8:13; II Samuel 7:27).
WE MUST MAKE THE GLORY OF GOD OUR HIGHEST END IN ALL OUR PRAYERS.
WE MUST PROFESS OUR ENTIRE RELIANCE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD, & COME IN HIS NAME.
Confession of Sin
ON THE SECOND PART OF PRAYER, WHICH IS, CONFESSION OF SIN, COMPLAINTS OF OURSELVES, & HUMBLE PROFESSIONALS OF REPENTANCE.
Having given glory to GOD, which is HIS due, we must next take shame to ourselves, which is our due, & humble ourselves before HIM in the sense of our own sinfulness & vileness; & herein also we must give glory to HIM, as our judge, by whom we deserved to be condemned, & yet hope, through Christ, to be acquitted & be absolved (Joshua 7:19).
In this part of our work,
We must acknowledge the great reason the great reason we have to lie very low before GOD, & to be ashamed of ourselves when we come into HIS presence, & to be afraid of HIS wrath, having made ourselves both odious to HIS holiness, & obnoxious to HIS justice.
WE MUST TAKE HOLD OF THE GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT GOD HATH GIVEN US TO HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE HIM WITH SORROW & SHAME, 7 TO CONFESS OUR SINS.
An Awesome Prayer Book. I love it!!!!
I was most impressed when Steve sent me a case of books for me & my family - I placed 4 in our Church & the others outside of my Church.
To The Reader:
For if we have spiritual senses exercised, true devotion, that inspiring flame of pious affections to God, as far as in a judgment of charity we discern it in others (though in different shapes & dresses, which may seem uncouth to one another) cannot but appear beautiful & amiable.
Pythagaras's golden verses begin with the precept; Whatever men made a god of they prayed to, Deliver me, for thou art my god (Isaiah 44:17). It is a piece of respect & homage so exactly consonant to the natural ideas which all men have of God, that it is certain those that live without prayer live without God in the world.
Prayer is the solemn & religious offering up of devout acknowledgments & desires to God, or a sincere representation of holy affections, with a design to give unto God the glory due unto HIS name thereby, & to obtain from HIM promised favours, & both through the mediator. Humble adorations of God, & thanksgiving to HIM, are as necessary in prayer, as any other part of it. The Greek word Proseuche from Euche is a vow directed to God. The Latin word Votum is is used for prayer: Jonah's mariners with their sacrifices made vows; for prayer is to move & oblige ourselves, not to move or oblige God. And long discourse of his there to shew that his ho gosnoticos, i.e., his believer (for faith is called knowledge, & pgf. 719, he makes his companions to be hoi homoioos pepis teucotes, those that have in like manner believed)lives a life of communion with God, & so is praying always; that he have their stated hours of prayer, but he para holon euchatai ton bion, prays all his life long. The Scripture describes prayer to be our drawing near to God, lifting up our souls to HIM, pouring out our hearts before HIM.
Some words there must be, of the mind at least, in which, as in the smoke, this incense must ascend; not that God may understand us, for our thoughts afar off are known to HIM, but that we may the better understand ourselves.
Thus prayer must be sparsim (a sprinkling of it) in every duty, & our eyes must be ever towards the Lord.
Nay if the groanings be such as cannot be uttered, HE that searcheth the heart knows them to be the mind of the Spirit, & will accept of them (Romans 8:26,27).
If we had the tongue of men & angels, & have not the heart of humble serious Christians in prayer, we are but as sounding brass & a tinkling cymbal. It is only the effectual fervent prayer, the Deesis energumene, the in-wrought, in-laid prayer that avails much.
And if any good Christians receive assistance from Rev Matthew Henry's Prayer Book in their devotions, he hoped they would not deny him one request, which is, that they would pray for him, that he may obtain mercy of the Lord to be found among the faithful watchmen on Jerusalem's walls, who never held their peace day or night, but gave themselves to the word & prayer, that at length he may finish have finished his course with joy. .... Matth. Henry, Chester, March 25, 1710
Adoration
Of First Part Of Prayer, Which Is Address To God, Adoration Of HIM, With Suitable Acknowledgments, Professions, & Preparatory Requests.
Let us now attend upon the Lord without distraction, & let not our hearts be far from HIM when we draw nigh to HIM with our mouths, & honour HIM with our lips (I Corinthians 7:35; Matthew 15:8).
Having thus engaged our hearts to approach unto God (Jeremiah 30:21).
We Must Reverently Adore GOD As A Being Transcendently Bright & Blessed, Self-Existent & Self-Sufficient, An Infinite & Eternal Spirit, That Has All Perfections In Himself, And Give HIM Glory Of His titles & Attributes.
Thou art the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning, & from whom preceedeth every good & perfect gift (James 1:17)
Thou art the blessed & only Potentate; the King of king, & Lord of lords, who only hast immortality; dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen nor can see (I Timothy 6:15,16).
We Must Give To GOD Glory The Praise Of That Splendor & Glory Wherein HE Is Pleased To Manifest HIMSELF In The Upper Room.
We Must Give Honor To The Three Persons In The GodHead Distinctly, To The FATHER, The SON, & The HOLY GHOST, That Great & Sacred Name Into Which We Were Baptized, & In Which We Assemble For Religious Worship, In Communion With The Universal Church.
We Must Acknowledge It An Unspeakable Favour, & An Inestimable Privilege, That We Are Not Only Admitted, But Invited & Encouraged To Draw Nigh To GOD In Prayer.
We Must Express The Sense The Sense We Have Of Our Own Meanness & Unworthiness To Draw Near To GOD, & Speak To HIM.
We Must Likewise Profess Our Believing HOPE & Confidence In GOD, & HIS ALL_Sufficiency, In HIS POWER, PROVIDENCE, & PROMISE.
We Must Intreat GOD'S Favourable Acceptable Of Us & Our Poor Performance.
We Must Beg For POWERFUL Assistance & Influence Of The Blessed Spirit Of Grace In Our Prayers.
O pour upon us the spirit of grace & supplication; the Spirit of adoption teaching us to cry, Abba Father; that we may find in our hearts to pray this prayer (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 8:13; II Samuel 7:27).
WE MUST MAKE THE GLORY OF GOD OUR HIGHEST END IN ALL OUR PRAYERS.
WE MUST PROFESS OUR ENTIRE RELIANCE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD, & COME IN HIS NAME.
Confession of Sin
ON THE SECOND PART OF PRAYER, WHICH IS, CONFESSION OF SIN, COMPLAINTS OF OURSELVES, & HUMBLE PROFESSIONALS OF REPENTANCE.
Having given glory to GOD, which is HIS due, we must next take shame to ourselves, which is our due, & humble ourselves before HIM in the sense of our own sinfulness & vileness; & herein also we must give glory to HIM, as our judge, by whom we deserved to be condemned, & yet hope, through Christ, to be acquitted & be absolved (Joshua 7:19).
In this part of our work,
We must acknowledge the great reason the great reason we have to lie very low before GOD, & to be ashamed of ourselves when we come into HIS presence, & to be afraid of HIS wrath, having made ourselves both odious to HIS holiness, & obnoxious to HIS justice.
WE MUST TAKE HOLD OF THE GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT GOD HATH GIVEN US TO HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE HIM WITH SORROW & SHAME, 7 TO CONFESS OUR SINS.
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