Sorry for the delay of entries on this blog, many things came on my plate, that made it difficult to keep up with blog. I have learned that it is easier said then done when having a blog.

CHRISTMAS TIME ALL OVER THE WORLD

There seems to be a great war against the word "Christmas", because of the images it invokes. So, may use words such as "Happy Holidays", "A time of peace", "Love", "family coming together", "doing good to our fellow man", "a time to think of others", "a time of celebration". The list can continue if I wanted too, but I will leave it here.

No matter what our human efforts try to conjure to mask over the true meaning of what "Christmas" it will not stop God from getting out His proclamation. For as it is record in the Bible were ultimate truth can be found. The meaning of Christmas is given in the book of Luke Chapter 2 verses 8 through 15:

^2:8 Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. ^2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. ^2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: ^2:11 Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. ^2:12 This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” ^2:13 Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ^2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” ^2:15 When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.”

Christmas time is a special time as the world takes a brief reflection, on a miracle that had accord over 2,000 years ago.

But my challenge to all is not just reflect on the miracle of Christmas, but also explore your heart and see have you made room for this miracle which is Jesus the Christ and Lord.

Revelation Chapter 3 verse 20

^3:20 Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me.

Will you accept the gift of God? Which is forgiveness of your sins.

Worldview

Worldview? What on earth is that? ... Not too unlike a collection of stuffed animals or coins or baseball cards, a worldview is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe as held by a human being (or sometimes a group of people). It is the perspective from which an individual observes and understands the world.*

*Fann, A., & Taylor, G. (2006). How to get ready for short-term missions: A survival guide (2). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The things to which we are exposed to each day of our lives, family, friends, trends, entertainment, education, media, and religious convictions.

What is the strength of their influence? When it comes into influence of the Word of God(Bible) in your life? Do we let the Bible make the finale decision on how these things influence us?, or Do we try to figure out how we can get the Bible to conform to our world view of things.

It is a hard balancing act since the Bible does not take anything in this world into consideration when it comes to how we should live. 

"Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NET)

"You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth." 

(Ephesians 4:22-24 NET)

I will be concentrating on the book of Romans as my starting point on what is the Gospel of Christ and how to present it correctly. We will be in this book for awhile.

^1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ^1:17 For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”

• It is at this point where Paul first mentions the gospel that he begins to develop the theme of the gospel and to state its content. The word “evangelism” appears in this section as well. It is found in the Greek verb in Paul’s statement, “I am ready to preach the gospel …” (i.e. to announce the good news). He not only wanted to preach this message to these at Rome but to others elsewhere. 

• Paul simply summarizes the nature of the gospel, without developing all of its details, in I Cor. 15:1–8 in the statement that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” He died that death in place of our own deserved death for our sins. He further explains that the gospel includes the fact that Christ was buried. In a way which the Apostle will explain later in Romans 6, we were buried in Christ when He was buried. When He lay in Joseph of Arimathaea’s tomb, we too, in the sight of God, lay in that cool, dark tomb below Calvary. When Christ rose from the dead we who have believed in Him arose from the dead in Him.

THE FIRST STEP OF THE SOULWINNER: 

Exposing Man’s Total Lack of Righteousness Before God (Rom. 1:15–3:20)

A.An Introduction to Paul’s presentation of the Gospel

• How many steps or time it takes to lead someone to Christ?

• That is a difficult question to answer since it depends on the receptiveness of the person hearing the message. But on the other hand we depend greatly on the Holy Spirit of God to move on the hearts of the unsaved person.

• The other issue is how the presenter of the Gospel is cooperating with the Holy Spirit on what they should say, to bring the person into the saving knowledge of Christ.

This seems to be suggested by Christ’s words in that great Upper Room Discourse. In it He marvelously prepared the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit after His own resurrection and departure for heaven 40 days later. In part He said: “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, who will go out from the presence of the Father, He will testify of me; and you also shall bear witness …” (Jn. 15:26–27).

In this study when I say, “5 steps to soul winning” of course not all will agree, but this is not intended as steps to follow. But there are 5 aspects that must be considered when you say, “I am evangelizing today.” Also when looking at the entire book of Romans soul winning is presented in a 10 step perspective that should be followed, but this study will only cover the first 5 (Chapter 1-6).

To Be Continue..........

ABC News NightLine program last night ran a report entitled, "Atheist Summer Camp Is Heaven on Earth for Nonbelievers"

Click on the link below to read article on program,

 http://abcnews.go.com/US/atheist-summer-camp-heaven-earth-nonbelievers/story?id=17067039

If you had one of these children or adults approach you, what would you say to them?

This is not an easy thing to do, but we must share the truth of the Gospel of Christ to all.

What is your view of the article? 

Sorry for the delay in the blog, but my wife had been very ill. Thank the Lord that she is doing much better.

So here we go....

“Some want to live within the sound, Of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop Within a yard of hell.”

—C.T. Studd

The Christian’s responsibility is not to win but to witness.

In witnessing, “I know” is better than “I think.”

If an indifferent Christian could spend just five minutes in hell, he would come forth as a flaming evangelist seeking the lost.

In evangelism the contents of the message and the method of presenting it are to adhere to the highest standard of integrity.

Too often we gossip the bad things and ignore the good things. Christians need to gossip the gospel.

The difference between evangelism and missions is largely one of geography.

The harvest is at our doorstep as well as in fields across the ocean.

We have the only remedy for the world’s ills. What a shame that we share it in dribbles when we should do so in a flood.*

*Hobbs, H. H. (1990). My favorite illustrations (85). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.

What are your thoughts on this author? Are we or you being a true light in the darkness?

Do We Need to Open Our Mouth

I have heard many a preacher say, from either the pulpit, radio this quote from Francis of Assis "Preach the Gospel as much as possible, and when necessary use words". This has been used so many times to justify the great emphasis of social programs of all types in our churches. There is a more modern version of this philosophy or approach to outreaches aka evangelism, "People have heard enough messages, they want to see a message". While this may have it's place since in the book of James it saids, "²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2:20 KJV)

In the context and content of the Scriptures it is a mandate that we who proclaim to be Christians should tend to the needs of the poor.  "Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27 NET)

These manifestations to tend to the needs of humanity are from an inward conviction that comes from God. But, to only to attend to the outwards needs and not address the inward need of the unsaved. We have not completed the the command of the Lord, we must speak the message of the Gospel of Christ.

¹³ For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.¹⁴ How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” ¹⁶ But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” ¹⁷ Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ. (Romans 10:13-17 NET)

If all we do is give someone a bowl of food and say, "Jesus loves you". Is this enough? Have we fully presented the Gospel of Christ?

Brickell the Miracle Dog

Yesterday on the radio I caught the end of a report of a man, that jumped off a bridge into the water to save a dog. But could not find the dog once he hit the water, so the next day he went back to the same spot to continue his search. This time he found the dog along the shore line, he took the dog home with him. Apparently the news of this rescue went global and offers have been coming from all parts of the world to adopt the dog, but the man decided to keep the dog himself. What I was mainly amazed at was the compassion the world seem to express to this lost, but now rescued dog. The dog is named "Brickell the Miracle Dog"

What have you done that expresses the compassion of God to a lost and hurting world?

The following was taken from  "Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times." Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc. Tan, P. L. (1996).

Burial Of Emperor Joseph

 Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria was buried in the gloomy crypt of the Church of the Capuchin in Vienna, where sleep all his fathers of the house of Hapsburg. At the entrance to the vault the procession was halted by a voice from within: “Who is there?”

 The reply was: “His most serene majesty, the Emperor Francis Joseph.”

 The challenger then said, “I know him not. Who is there?”

 A second reply was made: “The Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary is outside.”

 Again the challenger answered, “I know him not. Who is there?”

 This time the voice without replied, “A sinful man, our brother Francis Joseph.”

 Then the portal was opened and the king was laid to rest among his fathers. 

—C. E. Macartney

Death is the great equalizer to all no matter who we were when alive. 

"And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation." (Heb. 9:27,28 NET)

Bible and Beer

USA TODAY newspaper on July 13, 2012 by Chuck Raasch, ran a article entitled " Churches Take Their Message to Taverns" sub-title 'People gather to discuss religious topics over a beer'.

Here is some of the article: "Every Monday night, Uncle Charlie's bar in Cheyenne, Wyo., host "bibles and Beer", a discussion that routinely pulls people of all faiths and an atheist. As man as 45 people have shown up, some toting Bibles. Some might have a drink; others stick to water. Some talk; others mostly listen. There are only a few ground rules: Avoid debate and stick to the text to be discussed that week. ... The mixture of spirit and spirits is not entirely new. Roman Catholics have sponsored "Theology on Tap" gatherings in bars for years. "It is primarily an outreach to young Catholics and those interested in the faith.  ... "

Now this was a very long article that shows that by having Bible studies in Bars as opposed to a church is good, because those that attend will not go to a church for the study. So, a beer in one hand and a Bible in the next on is the method some are taking to "discuss the Bible".

Are there any problems this method you feel my come up? Do we have to resort to this type of relevancy? What do you think? 

John Eliot (1604–May 21, 1690), was a Puritan clergyman who was known as “The Apostle to the Indians,” as he was the first to teach Christianity to the Indians of New England. Born in England, he graduated from Cambridge and traveled to Boston, 1631, to serve as a teacher and pastor. A young Indian who had converted from paganism to Christianity helped Eliot learn the various Indian dialects. John Eliot was responsible Bible and the first Indian grammar book.

In addition, he established 3,600 Indians into over a dozen self-governing communities. The unfortunate incident of King Philip’s War destroyed most of these.1
1 Federer, W. J. (2001). Great Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced according to their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions. St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch.
History is showing us that the power of the Gospel of Christ being procliamed by John Eliot not only brought spiritual renewal to the American Indians. But also was the key of establishing communities amoung the Indians.

John Eliot only translated the Bible in various Indian dialects, and brought about social order. If social order was not established would Eliot had been a failure?

Explain your answer.   

What is Heaven? / Where is Heaven?

The ABC program 20/20 ran a show on Friday July 6, 2012 on the topic of heaven. Barbara Walters was the host and it ran for 2 hours, and the 2 questions "What is Heaven?, and Where is Heaven? was given to a series of religious leaders and hollywood entertainers. The responses were were interesting within themselves, since all of had their own view. 

The following is a Biblical view of these 2 questions, there are 739 times the word "heaven" is used in the Bible in 691verses.  From Genesis to Revelations this topic of heaven is discussed and describe. 

I will like to just reference one passage of Scripture that describes how to get there, and who is there. John 14:1-11 Jesus is speaking

^14:1 “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. ^14:2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. ^14:3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. ^14:4 And you know the way where I am going.” ^14:5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ^14:6 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ^14:7 If you have known me, you will know my Father too. And from now on you do know him and have seen him.”

^14:8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be content.” ^14:9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me, Philip? The person who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ^14:10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on my own initiative, but the Father residing in me performs his miraculous deeds. ^14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me, but if you do not believe me, believe because of the miraculous deeds themselves. 

What are your thoughts on the issue of heaven?

Liberty

Before I write my next blog entry, I would like to make this first make a quick update. I will be making an entry every 3 days as opposed to one each day or every other day.

This week America is celebrating its independence from England, and there were many instrumental leaders that played key roles that gained the 13 colonies freedom. I would like to focus on Patrick Henry.

Henry, Patrick (May 29, 1736–June 6, 1799), was an American Revolutionary leader and orator, who spoke the phrase, “Give me Liberty or give me death!” He was Commander in Chief of the Virginia Militia, a member of the Virginia General Assembly and House of Burgesses, 1765; and a member of the Continental Congress, 1774–75. He was the five-time Governor of the State of Virginia, 1776–79, 1784–86, and was instrumental in writing the Constitution of Virginia.¹

Here are some of the social issues that he addressed before 1776 and after:

On the reverse of The Stamp Act Resolves, passed in the House of Burgesses, May 1765, Patrick Henry wrote:

This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us.

If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable.

Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.

(signed) P. Henry

Prior to the Revolution, in 1768, Patrick Henry rode for miles on horseback to a trial in Spottsylvania County. He entered the rear of the courtroom where three Baptist ministers were being tried for having preached without the sanction of the Episcopalian Church. In the midst of the proceedings, he interrupted:

May it please your lordships, what did I hear read? Did I hear an expression that these men, whom you worships are about to try for misdemeanor, are charged with preaching the gospel of the Son of God?

     In a courtroom speech, Patrick Henry stated:

I know, sir, how well it becomes a liberal man and a Christian to forget and forgive. As individuals professing a holy religion, it is our bounden duty to forgive injuries done us as individuals. But when the character of Christian you add the character of patriot, you are in a different situation. Our mild and holy system of religion inculcates an admirable maxim of forbearance. If your enemy smite one cheek, turn the other to him. But you must stop there. You cannot apply this to your country. As members of a social community, this maxim does not apply to you. When you consider injuries done to your country your political duty tells you of vengeance. Forgive as a private man, but never forgive public injuries. Observations of this nature are exceedingly unpleasant, but it is my duty to use them.

         In a 1773 letter to Robert Pleasants, Patrick Henry expressed his disapproval of the slave trade:

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the receit of Anthony Benezet’s Book against the slave trade. I thank you for it.…

Is it not amazing, that at a time when the rights of humanity are defined and understood with precision in a country above all others fond of liberty, that in such an age and in such a country, we find men professing a religion most humane, mild, meek, gentle and generous, adopting a Principle as repugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent to the Bible and destructive to liberty?.…

I will not, I cannot justify it.… I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.…

It is a debt we owe to the purity of our Religion to show that it is at variance with that law which warrants slavery. I know not when to stop. I would say many things on this subject, a serious review of which gives gloomy perspective to future times.1

In light of what you just read is there room for evangelistic work within our halls of justice, the senate, the congress, and the most powerful the President of the United States.

^1,1 Federer, W. J. (2001). Great Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced according to their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions. St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch.

Love is the compelling reason why the Gospel of Christ is shared, for the best example for this expression of love is God. A Bible verse that is well known to many people weather they are Christians or not, John 3:16. It became very popular at many a American baseball game a man holding a sign that says, "John 3:16", that would end up being caught by one of the TV cameras. 


I often thought when I would see the sign, "How many people know what that means?" or "How effective is this sign?" As time went by people in sports media, were commenting on the sign by saying "There's that sign again." 


Now days the sign is no longer seen, but thank God that the message of the Gospel is not dependent on just one sign. For there is a sign that has been in existence for more than 2,000 years. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate sign of the love of God being express to all humanity, and the Bible explains what is "John 3:16" the message of the Gospel of Christ, 


"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18 KJV)


What are your thoughts on, are there many expressions of the Gospel of Christ?  

     

The above picture was taken in a town in Western Kenya in Oct 2011. This small town had never had anyone from America come and share the Gospel of Christ. This out door evangelistic outreach was done for 5 days, and we had between 150 to 200 people each night come to hear the message of salvation. But the hook if you will is that to so many villagers coming out was just to see someone from the USA for the first time. For this was a town in a deep rural location of Western Kenya and they never saw a non-african so up close to them. Each night we saw 50 to 60 people make a decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. We give the honor and glory to God to be a laborer in the Harvest field of the Lord.

Traditionally the above would have been considered the only way someone hear the Gospel of Christ in order from them hearer to have an opportunity to come too the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But in the 21st century many churches and ministries have taken different approaches in what they call sharing the Gospel. I have heard it said, "Different methods, same message."

In light of the following Scripture, ^”For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” (Rom. 10:13-15 NET)

The above passage is clear in it's context that no matter what methods are being employed the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ has be verbally presented it the person is to call "on the name of the Lord." 

What is your view on this issue taking into consideration all the things churches and ministries do, and say the are  proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. The things we do and say are they truly sharing the message of salvation?

Your comments are most needed on this most important issue. 

The main purpose or thrust of this blog is to report and share thoughts on the perspective of the proclamation of the Gospel in the Global North and South. I have been able with my wife to have the opportunity to see how the Gospel is being proclaimed within and outside of America for over 30 years. This pass August 17, 2011 makes 10 years now that we have been blessed and honored to be ministering in the continent of Africa, and I thought what better way to celebrate this mile stone than to begin a blog on “The Gospel and the World.”

In the days in which we currently live, especially here in America we that say, "I am a minister". It has taken a whole new meaning depending if you are conservative, or liberal in your thinking. For the minsters of the 19th and 20th century are not the ones of the 21st century.

Now this is what the Apostle Paul says regarding the emphasis of minister's of the Gospel Of Christ.

“For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) to gain those under the law. To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law. To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some. I do all these things because of the gospel, so that I can be a participant in it. ( 1 Cor. 9:19-23 NET)

As we reflect on this passage of Scripture, the question we need to ask  our selves is. “I’m I participating in the spreading of the Gospel at this level?”

Please express your thoughts here for this is the purpose of this blog. To create an environment of shared ideas and concepts.