I was brought up in a wonderful Bible believing family. We prayed regularly, had devotions together, went to Bible believing churches, and my father was a true man of God, in my eyes.
Most of the churches I went to, as well as the Bible College (Grace University, Omaha NE) and seminary (Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake IN) had series on prophecy. Invariably all the pastors and professors espoused the Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church. That is, that true believers will suddenly disappear from earth before the prophesied 7 years of horrible Tribulation, mentioned in Daniel 9, and 11, and Matthew 24, and the Book of Revelation. I absorbed this training well, and was convinced it was right.
Then, in my first church in Lake View NY, I had a seminary student from a different seminary. When he came home on vacation, we would discuss many things, especially our different views on End Times. I would sing, "Jesus May Come Today", and he would respond "No way, No way".
One summer, he challenged me to just study the prophecy Scriptures, without using all the books on prophecy that were in my library. I agreed, and spent that summer comparing Scripture with Scripture.
I admit that I was surprised that the Pre-tribulation Rapture of Christ's Church wasn't as plainly taught as I thought.
I shared my thoughts with a neighboring pastor, who had also graduated from my seminary, and comparing notes, we agreed. After much prayer, I spoke to the leaders of the church, and thankfully, they didn't just have me removed (This has happened to other pastors and teachers). Thankfully, I belong to a denomination (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference or CCCC) that allows for differing views on End Times.
Since that time, in the mid-70s, I have spent much time re-reading Scripture, re-reading books on prophecy, and purchasing new ones.
Now, it is 2010, and I still believe that Christ's Church will go through at least the majority of the 7-year time called the Tribulation, when most of the world will turn on true believers, Jew and Gentile, because of Jesus Christ.
I believe that Jesus Christ gave the signs to look for in what is called The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21). Here are my reasons:
1) All three Gospel records of this teaching time mention that it was specifically given to Jesus Disciples, especially Peter, James, John and Andrew. He was carefully preparing them to be the leaders in His Church. This Discourse was given only one or two days before His death on the cross for our sins. Jesus did not want to lead them astray, so He spent many hours preparing them for what the world was going to become before He would return to earth to gather His chosen ones and bring them into His Millennial Kingdom, to reign with Him on the earth. He clearly gave them their role in spreading the Gospel to every ethnic group. He keeps using the second personal plural pronoun "you". Even though the disciples have long since died, we who are still here and are true believers are included in this "you" plural.
2) The early church, for at least 200 years believed this way. Prophecy students call this view "historical pre-millennialism". It was only when church leaders, such as Origen and Augustine began to spiritualize (really allegorialize) prophecy that the church lost its belief in the clear, normal/natural interpretation of Scripture.
3) I believe that to teach pre-tribulationism to the church makes for unprepared believers when real persecution arises. Jesus repeated time and time again, that the whole world would hate believers "because of Me" before He returns to earth. Though He centered His teaching on Judea and Jerusalem, and the awful situations that will happen there, He includes all the nations of the world in hating believers in Jesus.
4) I have found that the simplest and most natural interpretation of prophetic Scriptures has forced me to use my teaching and preaching time to prepare people for a time when the world will think they are doing a service to God to persecute, and kill Christians and Messianic Israelites.
I have many, many more reasons for my change of views on prophecy, but I want you all to understand that I am not moving away from the normal/natural interpretation of Scripture, but I am actually being more literal.
For instance:
1) Jesus said no man knows the DAY OR THE HOUR when He will return. I take that literally, because I believe Jesus meant it. He had just spent hours telling His disciples what would be the "signs" to watch for as we near the time when He will return.
2) Pre-tribulation Rapturists have misinterpreted Scripture to fit their scheme. For instance, all the Left Behind series and previous pre-tribulational movies center around the sudden disappearance of the saints, leaving automobiles to crash into people, planes to crash, etc., etc. All of this is eroneously based on 1 Corinthians 15:51-52(NIV) 51 "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." Re-read these two verses carefully. They do NOT say we will disappear in a twinkling of an eye. They clearly teach "we will be changed" in a twinkling of an eye! There is no hint of disappearing. In fact, if we compare this with their other favorite passage, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we are even noisy events that will accompany this time: "the trumpet call of God" will blow. I have two shofar's I bought in Israel. Neither one of them are quiet instruments. Some of my people cringe when they see me bring one into the auditorium.
3) Pre-tribulationists use Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:10) where Jesus says "I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those living on the earth", to teach that we won't be on earth during this time. Imagine my surprise, when I was translating this verse, and compared it with Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17:11, 12, 15 to find that He used the same word there. In John 17, it is translated "protect", while in Revelation 3:10 it is translated "keep". John 17:15 says: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one". Literally, the phrase "protect them from the evil one" should be translated "guard (tereo) them out from within (ek) of the evil one." Revelation 3:10 should read "I will guard (tereo) you out from within (ek) the hour of trial". Comparing Scripture with Scripture, as I was taught to do in Bible College and Seminary, this verse doesn't promise we will be raptured out before the Tribulation, but that believers will be guarded and protected from the evil one, and the hour of trial that will come on those who refuse to believe God's Good News.
I liken this to how God protected Israel from the latter plagues, when they were being delivered from the gods and slavery of Egypt. The plagues happened all around them, but the Israelites were not affected in a negative way.
As an old preacher used to say at Bible Camp, "I could go on and on", and he would. I won't.
I invite you to do as I do and keep studying the Word of God for yourself. You will be strengthened and prepared for whatever takes place. "Even so come, Lord Jesus. Amen!"
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
44 Years of Ministry/Love
Yesterday, my wife, Linda, and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary.
We spent the evening reminiscing. This morning I want to share some of my thoughts on the value of marriage in the ministry.
When I was in Bible College I worked in a nearby Catholic hospital - St. Joe's in Omaha. One patient I served during those years was the Monsignour of Boys' Town.
As I worked with him, he encouraged me to become a priest. I was already engaged to Linda, and boldly answered: "No, thank you. I want to get married!"
Looking back on my years in the ministry (I will have been ordained 40 years next fall), I can see the value of a godly wife, and co-worker in the ministry. There are many things that I do not believe I could have accomplished, had I not been married. Here are a few of them:
1. I would have been very lonely. Nothing takes the place of having my best friend (besides God), by my side. I have been a pastor in: western New York, western Michigan, eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and now western Nebraska. Each place has great memories for Linda and me, because we experienced them together. I can't imagine doing this alone.
2. I would not have had a godly, loving critic. Knowing Linda wants the best for me and our ministry to God has helped me understand why she spoke to me about inappropriate jokes, clothes that didn't match, people that need to be visited, the way I disciplined and discipled our two sons, encouragement to spend more time praying with her, etc. Linda's words have helped me avoid lots of problems.
3. I would not have had someone who filled the gaps in my spiritual gifts. In many ways, Linda and I are opposites. I love to sing; Linda feels she can't stay on key. I enjoy meeting new people; Linda enjoys deep relationships with the people in the church. I love to preach and teach; Linda loves to organize. I see things through a man's eye; Linda sees things from a woman's view point. Most of our counseling we do together. We have found these differences to be very valuable.
I could say more, but I want you to think things through in your own experiences. If you are not married, that is OK, if God has that plan for you. But, I know I would not be what I am or where I am if I did not have Linda by my side.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing such a wonderful person into my life - my best friend, co-worker, and lover - Linda!
We spent the evening reminiscing. This morning I want to share some of my thoughts on the value of marriage in the ministry.
When I was in Bible College I worked in a nearby Catholic hospital - St. Joe's in Omaha. One patient I served during those years was the Monsignour of Boys' Town.
As I worked with him, he encouraged me to become a priest. I was already engaged to Linda, and boldly answered: "No, thank you. I want to get married!"
Looking back on my years in the ministry (I will have been ordained 40 years next fall), I can see the value of a godly wife, and co-worker in the ministry. There are many things that I do not believe I could have accomplished, had I not been married. Here are a few of them:
1. I would have been very lonely. Nothing takes the place of having my best friend (besides God), by my side. I have been a pastor in: western New York, western Michigan, eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and now western Nebraska. Each place has great memories for Linda and me, because we experienced them together. I can't imagine doing this alone.
2. I would not have had a godly, loving critic. Knowing Linda wants the best for me and our ministry to God has helped me understand why she spoke to me about inappropriate jokes, clothes that didn't match, people that need to be visited, the way I disciplined and discipled our two sons, encouragement to spend more time praying with her, etc. Linda's words have helped me avoid lots of problems.
3. I would not have had someone who filled the gaps in my spiritual gifts. In many ways, Linda and I are opposites. I love to sing; Linda feels she can't stay on key. I enjoy meeting new people; Linda enjoys deep relationships with the people in the church. I love to preach and teach; Linda loves to organize. I see things through a man's eye; Linda sees things from a woman's view point. Most of our counseling we do together. We have found these differences to be very valuable.
I could say more, but I want you to think things through in your own experiences. If you are not married, that is OK, if God has that plan for you. But, I know I would not be what I am or where I am if I did not have Linda by my side.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing such a wonderful person into my life - my best friend, co-worker, and lover - Linda!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
"For Such a Time as This", #2
I have been doing a lot of thinking about the conditions of this world.
Since God did not call me to be a prophet, but a pastor/teacher, I don't have any new insights into the timing of our Lord's return. However, I still believe His return to rule HIS earth is very near.
I also believe the Holy Scriptures have given us many "signs" to help prepare His servants for His coming.
I am wondering what God is saying through the upheavals seen all around us. Here are some of my thoughts.
What some people are looking for as signs of Jesus the Messiah's return: wars, famines, earthquakes, etc., have been happening since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It may be that they are becoming more common and devestating...or we may just be able to know about them, because of the great advances in technology. Time will tell. Personally, I choose to look more closely at other signs. I base this on Jesus' words: "All these are the beginning of birth pangs" [Matthew 24:8 NIV]. In other words, they will increase more and more as we get toward the end, but they are not the true indication of Christ's return.
Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24:9 (NIV) that "you will be hated by all nations because of Me." I hear, more and more, of the hatred of the world for both Israel and the Christian Church. We are being tolerated less and less for our beliefs in God, His Word and His family of believers. Nations, states and cities are passing laws declaring it illegal to state what the Bible teaches regarding many issues, especially claiming that belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord is the only way to receive eternal life. I urge you to investigate this on The Voice of the Martyr's website and literature, as well as in the world and national news.
Second, Jesus boldly stated that people will "turn away from the faith" [Matt. 24:10]. This is a more important sign. I have been preaching and teaching, publicly, since 1963. I was ministering during the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the collapse of Russian and Eastern European Communism, the Gulf Wars, and the present "conflicts" with radical Islam sects. As I look out at my congregation, and especially out at the empty seats in our church building, the aging of our congregation; listening to the sighs and frustration of other ministers of the Good News, I am more and more convinced that it has now become popular to turn away from the faith, to listen to and follow false prophets, and to give in to the rising wickedness all around.
However, I am more concerned about the next sign of the soon return of King Jesus: "the love of MOST will grow cold" [Matt. 24:12b]. This I see even in my own heart! It is so tempting, some times, to just quit and run away. It is so tempting to just shrink into my little cocoon and not even watch the world going to hell.
But, the next verse keeps coming to my mind and heart: "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved [Matthew 24:13]. When I was younger, I would often tell God's people that their God-given task on this earth was not finished until they died. Now, I see how easy it would be to give in to the same temptations I have seen in God's people, and just quit.
As you can see, I am writing this blog for ME! God the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me, challenging me, encouraging me, and lifting me up. He has been teaching me through His Word. Just like the saints of old, I must "keep on keeping on" until my Savior calls me Home.
As I write this blog, one of our dear saints is in her final hours/days on this earth. She has been such a blessing to me and to our church. She is keeping on keeping on. She still sang with me and prayed with me this day.
My maternal Grandfather, though he never went to college, was a very godly missionary and minister. He was preparing his next Sunday's sermon when he was hit with a heart attack that ultimately took him home.
In the week before my father died (also a missionary and pastor), my brother shared the joy he had listening to Dad's prayers.
God helping me, I want to follow in these saints' footsteps and keep on keeping on until I hear my Savior's call. My ministry may change; but, the obedience to that which God calls me to do must remain. I have His calling, gifting, encouraging and strength behind me to keep being all that God wants me to be.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Since God did not call me to be a prophet, but a pastor/teacher, I don't have any new insights into the timing of our Lord's return. However, I still believe His return to rule HIS earth is very near.
I also believe the Holy Scriptures have given us many "signs" to help prepare His servants for His coming.
I am wondering what God is saying through the upheavals seen all around us. Here are some of my thoughts.
What some people are looking for as signs of Jesus the Messiah's return: wars, famines, earthquakes, etc., have been happening since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It may be that they are becoming more common and devestating...or we may just be able to know about them, because of the great advances in technology. Time will tell. Personally, I choose to look more closely at other signs. I base this on Jesus' words: "All these are the beginning of birth pangs" [Matthew 24:8 NIV]. In other words, they will increase more and more as we get toward the end, but they are not the true indication of Christ's return.
Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24:9 (NIV) that "you will be hated by all nations because of Me." I hear, more and more, of the hatred of the world for both Israel and the Christian Church. We are being tolerated less and less for our beliefs in God, His Word and His family of believers. Nations, states and cities are passing laws declaring it illegal to state what the Bible teaches regarding many issues, especially claiming that belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord is the only way to receive eternal life. I urge you to investigate this on The Voice of the Martyr's website and literature, as well as in the world and national news.
Second, Jesus boldly stated that people will "turn away from the faith" [Matt. 24:10]. This is a more important sign. I have been preaching and teaching, publicly, since 1963. I was ministering during the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the collapse of Russian and Eastern European Communism, the Gulf Wars, and the present "conflicts" with radical Islam sects. As I look out at my congregation, and especially out at the empty seats in our church building, the aging of our congregation; listening to the sighs and frustration of other ministers of the Good News, I am more and more convinced that it has now become popular to turn away from the faith, to listen to and follow false prophets, and to give in to the rising wickedness all around.
However, I am more concerned about the next sign of the soon return of King Jesus: "the love of MOST will grow cold" [Matt. 24:12b]. This I see even in my own heart! It is so tempting, some times, to just quit and run away. It is so tempting to just shrink into my little cocoon and not even watch the world going to hell.
But, the next verse keeps coming to my mind and heart: "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved [Matthew 24:13]. When I was younger, I would often tell God's people that their God-given task on this earth was not finished until they died. Now, I see how easy it would be to give in to the same temptations I have seen in God's people, and just quit.
As you can see, I am writing this blog for ME! God the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me, challenging me, encouraging me, and lifting me up. He has been teaching me through His Word. Just like the saints of old, I must "keep on keeping on" until my Savior calls me Home.
As I write this blog, one of our dear saints is in her final hours/days on this earth. She has been such a blessing to me and to our church. She is keeping on keeping on. She still sang with me and prayed with me this day.
My maternal Grandfather, though he never went to college, was a very godly missionary and minister. He was preparing his next Sunday's sermon when he was hit with a heart attack that ultimately took him home.
In the week before my father died (also a missionary and pastor), my brother shared the joy he had listening to Dad's prayers.
God helping me, I want to follow in these saints' footsteps and keep on keeping on until I hear my Savior's call. My ministry may change; but, the obedience to that which God calls me to do must remain. I have His calling, gifting, encouraging and strength behind me to keep being all that God wants me to be.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Biblical Love
Plymouth Congregational Church
I have solved a problem in my understanding of what Jesus and His disciples meant by "biblical love."
For years I have taught about the three basic Greek words we translate "love" in English. Here is what I said:
"Eros" love = (We get our term "erotic" from it) "MY feelings about another person when I sense they are feeling good about me."
This kind of "love" focuses on self.
It emphasizes how "I" feel.
It doesn't take into consideration the feelings or desires of the other person.
It should be translated "lust" instead of "love".
It is the "love" of so many movies and love stories.
It is never used in the Greek New Testament.
"Philos" love = I believe the best translation of this love is "friendship".
This kind of "love" is a two-way street.
It emphasizes the shared feelings and obligations we have with another person.
It helps us understand what real relationships should have.
Jesus used this word, especially on His last few days before and after the crucifixion and resurrection.
"Agap'e" love = The definition I was taught is "doing the best for someone else, even if there is no response."
I understood that feelings were not involved in it.
I knew that Jesus took a Greek word, already in existence - though seldom used, and gave a new definition to it.
I still believe the above, but, as I studied how the Greeks used this word I received a new insight into what Jesus and His disciples meant by this wonderful word.
The Greeks used this word to describe "family love"!
Now I understood why they didn't use this word very often!
Their "family love" was very low on their list of obligations.
The men had their "paramours".
They had slaves to take care of their children.
One of the major aspects of their "worship" involved sexual activities.
Wives were lower on the list of relationships than "lovers".
Suddenly, I began to understand why Jesus would take this word, and make it THE MAJOR EVIDENCE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
Our relationship with God is that of "Father/child".
By receiving Jesus into our lives we are "born again"!
A major concept of our relationship with other believers is revealed in calling us "brothers" (or "brothers and sisters").
Our treatment of even our enemies is to remind ourselves that they are also made in the image of God, and are special to Him, even if they are not true believers.
No wonder Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love (agap'e) one another" (emphasis mine) [John 13:35 NIV].
My friends, I encourage you to back away from those who would only react in anger with those who disagree. Instead, it is necessary for us to "love" (agap'e) one another.
The major question I need to keep before me is "am I treating the other person as family"?
I have solved a problem in my understanding of what Jesus and His disciples meant by "biblical love."
For years I have taught about the three basic Greek words we translate "love" in English. Here is what I said:
"Eros" love = (We get our term "erotic" from it) "MY feelings about another person when I sense they are feeling good about me."
This kind of "love" focuses on self.
It emphasizes how "I" feel.
It doesn't take into consideration the feelings or desires of the other person.
It should be translated "lust" instead of "love".
It is the "love" of so many movies and love stories.
It is never used in the Greek New Testament.
"Philos" love = I believe the best translation of this love is "friendship".
This kind of "love" is a two-way street.
It emphasizes the shared feelings and obligations we have with another person.
It helps us understand what real relationships should have.
Jesus used this word, especially on His last few days before and after the crucifixion and resurrection.
"Agap'e" love = The definition I was taught is "doing the best for someone else, even if there is no response."
I understood that feelings were not involved in it.
I knew that Jesus took a Greek word, already in existence - though seldom used, and gave a new definition to it.
I still believe the above, but, as I studied how the Greeks used this word I received a new insight into what Jesus and His disciples meant by this wonderful word.
The Greeks used this word to describe "family love"!
Now I understood why they didn't use this word very often!
Their "family love" was very low on their list of obligations.
The men had their "paramours".
They had slaves to take care of their children.
One of the major aspects of their "worship" involved sexual activities.
Wives were lower on the list of relationships than "lovers".
Suddenly, I began to understand why Jesus would take this word, and make it THE MAJOR EVIDENCE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
Our relationship with God is that of "Father/child".
By receiving Jesus into our lives we are "born again"!
A major concept of our relationship with other believers is revealed in calling us "brothers" (or "brothers and sisters").
Our treatment of even our enemies is to remind ourselves that they are also made in the image of God, and are special to Him, even if they are not true believers.
No wonder Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love (agap'e) one another" (emphasis mine) [John 13:35 NIV].
My friends, I encourage you to back away from those who would only react in anger with those who disagree. Instead, it is necessary for us to "love" (agap'e) one another.
The major question I need to keep before me is "am I treating the other person as family"?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"For Such a Time as This"
Our church family is getting ready for a Valentine's Day Spaghetti Dinner. One of the activities for this evening will be to view a film on the life of Queen Esther: "One Night with the King".
In preparation for this movie, I am encouraging our people to read through the Biblical book of Esther. That way they can ferret out the truth from the parts that have been added to this movie "to make it more interesting".
I don't believe that this important story has been inhanced by the additions to the book, because the book of Esther in the Bible is very interesting. It moves rapidly and truthfully; and it has been celebrated for thousands of years by Jews during the annual feast of Purim.
The main point of this historical event was given by Esther's uncle, Mordecai: "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV)
My concern, today, is that most of us - believers in the Messiah, Jesus Christ - do not understand why God has placed us in this world, at this time in history, and in the place where we live. We, also have been sent here by God "for such a time as this"!
At my ordination council, an older pastor asked me if I had the choice to live at any time of history, what would that time be? My youthful answer was, God chose to place me on this earth - at this time - and this is the time when I prefer to be alive.
I still believe that. Do you? I don't want to discuss politics at this point, except to tell you that every believer in Jesus Christ has a strategic place in God's plan. We are on this earth, at this time, in the place where we are, with the mental, physical, and spiritual capacity we have, and the spiritual gifts God has given to us for such a time as this!
Our God has been convicting and convincing me that, as the pastor of a small church, in a small community, and at my age, I have a very important place and task to fulfill. My task is to keep in touch with Him, to see what He is doing, and to choose to join Him.
Will you join me in this life-long goal? I'm praying that you will. I'm especially concerned that young people accept this challenge.
May our God direct you, gift you, and provide the means you need to fulfill your role in "such a time as this"!
In preparation for this movie, I am encouraging our people to read through the Biblical book of Esther. That way they can ferret out the truth from the parts that have been added to this movie "to make it more interesting".
I don't believe that this important story has been inhanced by the additions to the book, because the book of Esther in the Bible is very interesting. It moves rapidly and truthfully; and it has been celebrated for thousands of years by Jews during the annual feast of Purim.
The main point of this historical event was given by Esther's uncle, Mordecai: "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV)
My concern, today, is that most of us - believers in the Messiah, Jesus Christ - do not understand why God has placed us in this world, at this time in history, and in the place where we live. We, also have been sent here by God "for such a time as this"!
At my ordination council, an older pastor asked me if I had the choice to live at any time of history, what would that time be? My youthful answer was, God chose to place me on this earth - at this time - and this is the time when I prefer to be alive.
I still believe that. Do you? I don't want to discuss politics at this point, except to tell you that every believer in Jesus Christ has a strategic place in God's plan. We are on this earth, at this time, in the place where we are, with the mental, physical, and spiritual capacity we have, and the spiritual gifts God has given to us for such a time as this!
Our God has been convicting and convincing me that, as the pastor of a small church, in a small community, and at my age, I have a very important place and task to fulfill. My task is to keep in touch with Him, to see what He is doing, and to choose to join Him.
Will you join me in this life-long goal? I'm praying that you will. I'm especially concerned that young people accept this challenge.
May our God direct you, gift you, and provide the means you need to fulfill your role in "such a time as this"!
"Carest Thou not That We Perish?"
This has been a real week for our world, hasn't it? Earthquakes, deaths, hunger, anger, hope, love, hate, courage, fear.
The responses from believers in Jesus Christ is a mixture of love, frustration, carelessness and even selfishness.
God is continuing to work on my heart regarding my view of my place in this world.
When I was saved by Jesus Christ, God didn't take me directly to heaven.
he
T
I admit I haven't always given the glory to God, and have used His gifts to me, wastefully, and sometimes not even at all!
This morning, our Men@Arby's Bible Study group began a book called The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S. We only read the introduction, and already thoughts of conviction, hope, frustration and ideas have been running through our minds.
Like the author, Richard Stearns, I'm not perfect, but I'm hopeful. I hope to learn how to "live out your faith in public", and "be the "good news", from God's Word to us.
I encourage you to read this book, with a group of believers, and take the time to pray, discuss, and plan about what the book is teaching us.
The responses from believers in Jesus Christ is a mixture of love, frustration, carelessness and even selfishness.
God is continuing to work on my heart regarding my view of my place in this world.
When I was saved by Jesus Christ, God didn't take me directly to heaven.
he
T
I admit I haven't always given the glory to God, and have used His gifts to me, wastefully, and sometimes not even at all!
This morning, our Men@Arby's Bible Study group began a book called The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S. We only read the introduction, and already thoughts of conviction, hope, frustration and ideas have been running through our minds.
Like the author, Richard Stearns, I'm not perfect, but I'm hopeful. I hope to learn how to "live out your faith in public", and "be the "good news", from God's Word to us.
I encourage you to read this book, with a group of believers, and take the time to pray, discuss, and plan about what the book is teaching us.
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