Saturday, December 13, 2008
I'm Thankful for my Friend
Tomorrow I am baptizing a lady that has been coming to our church for about six months. Our church is excited for her because God has done a great work in her life. We have been blessed this year to minister to people that have a need of God. They all have wonderful testimonies of what God has done in their lives. Truly, God is our hope in this world. Many years ago my wife and I both committed our lives to God and we have no desire to ever turn back. With every passing year we realize what a blessed life we have lived. We started Redemption Ministries with a mind to minister to people, whatever their situation, about God's great love for them. It is a great source of joy to see God make such wonderful changes them. You don't have to let this world chew you up. You don't have to continue to surround yourself in the noise that tries to drown out the still, small voice of God. God loves you with a great love. He wants to be your friend. We find few friends in this world that will stick with us no matter what. God has been with me from the moment I turned my heart toward Him. I'm so thankful for my savior, my friend.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Into His Presence
Sermon: “Into His Presence”
By Steven D. Niswonger
Scripture Reference: Psalm 84:1-5, 10
David was a man who recognized the value of being in the presence of God. He stated that his “heart and [his] flesh cry out for the living God.” David longed to be in the presence of the Almighty, but was never allowed to be because that was the right and role of the priest alone. Instead, he had to settle for being in the courts of the Lord. Still his heart cried out for a touch, for just a moment in the presence of God. David dwelt in the house of the Lord, but could never know the presence of God. He longed to get past the outer courts and into the Holy of Holies…but he was never allowed.
Today we know and believe in the power of God’s salvation. We know that God honors the prayer of repentance. We know that God washes away our sin in baptism. We know that God fills us with the Holy Ghost when we seek after Him with a pure heart. These things are necessary. These things are valuable. But these are a means to an end. That end is a communion with God and a life lived in His presence. That is what God intends for us.
The Old Testament Temple was full of symbols that would foreshadow God’s plan of salvation and His plan for our life after salvation. The outer court of the Temple was the place of sacrifice and purification. When entering in through the gates of the Temple, the first thing you would come to was the Brazen Altar. The Altar was a place of reflection, a place of recognition, and a place of sorrow. This was the place of repentance. Repentance takes reflection and recognition so that we can see our need for God’s salvation. It is only when we see ourselves as sinners that we see how truly powerless we are to change our situation. After this recognition, sorrow comes at the realization of our trespass against God. This Godly sorrow leads us to repentance. We come to the Altar…the place of death…and we die to our old way of life.
After the Altar, there was the Laver. The Laver was a large pool of water. This was the place of cleansing. After the sacrifice at the Altar, the priests would be filthy and would need to be cleansed before entering into the presence of God. They would completely immerse themselves in the Laver, cleansing them of all the filth in which they were covered. The Laver represents baptism. This is the place of cleansing and preparation. Repentance shows us that we are filthy and makes us want to be clean; baptism cleanses us of the sins that we have committed. It was only after the priest had experience the Altar and the Laver that he was allowed to enter into the presence of God…the Holy of Holies.
Only once a year was the priest allowed into the presence of God. He had served day after day, longed day after day, and was allowed one day in the presence of God. The death of Jesus and His offering of blood unleashed the presence of God in this world. Now, He manifests Himself in the Holy Ghost and has made Himself available to all who would seek. The gift of salvation…repentance, baptism, the infilling of the Holy Ghost…gives us unlimited access to the Throne of God.
What have we done with this gift? David was happy to sit in the courts of God, outside of God’s presence, because that is all he was allowed to have. Too many today, even the saved, are happy with David’s experience. But even David’s heart and flesh cried out for something more…something that he could not have, but is available to each of us. We can do what David could not. We can get past the Altar, past the Laver, past the ceremony of religion, and into the very presence of God. He waits for us to cry out for Him, to yearn for Him. He waits for the day that we will learn to live in His presence and will push through every obstacle to reach Him.
Are you ready to enter into His presence?
By Steven D. Niswonger
Scripture Reference: Psalm 84:1-5, 10
David was a man who recognized the value of being in the presence of God. He stated that his “heart and [his] flesh cry out for the living God.” David longed to be in the presence of the Almighty, but was never allowed to be because that was the right and role of the priest alone. Instead, he had to settle for being in the courts of the Lord. Still his heart cried out for a touch, for just a moment in the presence of God. David dwelt in the house of the Lord, but could never know the presence of God. He longed to get past the outer courts and into the Holy of Holies…but he was never allowed.
Today we know and believe in the power of God’s salvation. We know that God honors the prayer of repentance. We know that God washes away our sin in baptism. We know that God fills us with the Holy Ghost when we seek after Him with a pure heart. These things are necessary. These things are valuable. But these are a means to an end. That end is a communion with God and a life lived in His presence. That is what God intends for us.
The Old Testament Temple was full of symbols that would foreshadow God’s plan of salvation and His plan for our life after salvation. The outer court of the Temple was the place of sacrifice and purification. When entering in through the gates of the Temple, the first thing you would come to was the Brazen Altar. The Altar was a place of reflection, a place of recognition, and a place of sorrow. This was the place of repentance. Repentance takes reflection and recognition so that we can see our need for God’s salvation. It is only when we see ourselves as sinners that we see how truly powerless we are to change our situation. After this recognition, sorrow comes at the realization of our trespass against God. This Godly sorrow leads us to repentance. We come to the Altar…the place of death…and we die to our old way of life.
After the Altar, there was the Laver. The Laver was a large pool of water. This was the place of cleansing. After the sacrifice at the Altar, the priests would be filthy and would need to be cleansed before entering into the presence of God. They would completely immerse themselves in the Laver, cleansing them of all the filth in which they were covered. The Laver represents baptism. This is the place of cleansing and preparation. Repentance shows us that we are filthy and makes us want to be clean; baptism cleanses us of the sins that we have committed. It was only after the priest had experience the Altar and the Laver that he was allowed to enter into the presence of God…the Holy of Holies.
Only once a year was the priest allowed into the presence of God. He had served day after day, longed day after day, and was allowed one day in the presence of God. The death of Jesus and His offering of blood unleashed the presence of God in this world. Now, He manifests Himself in the Holy Ghost and has made Himself available to all who would seek. The gift of salvation…repentance, baptism, the infilling of the Holy Ghost…gives us unlimited access to the Throne of God.
What have we done with this gift? David was happy to sit in the courts of God, outside of God’s presence, because that is all he was allowed to have. Too many today, even the saved, are happy with David’s experience. But even David’s heart and flesh cried out for something more…something that he could not have, but is available to each of us. We can do what David could not. We can get past the Altar, past the Laver, past the ceremony of religion, and into the very presence of God. He waits for us to cry out for Him, to yearn for Him. He waits for the day that we will learn to live in His presence and will push through every obstacle to reach Him.
Are you ready to enter into His presence?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
There’s No Christ Without the Cross
Matthew 26:36-46 (KJV)
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
The time had come for Jesus to fulfill that for which He came into the world. The cross was just before Him. He was sorrowful and heavy in spirit so He went to Gethsemane with some of His disciples to pray. The prospect of facing the cross was terrifying. Jesus prayed for another way, if possible. But He prayed for God’s will whatever may come. Of course, Jesus knew there was no other way. This plan had been put in motion from the foundation of the world. Gethsemane means “oil press”. Jesus won the battle in the press.
Sometimes we think that the purpose of prayer is so we can escape whatever bad that we might be facing in life. Perhaps we need to go through the oil press so that we can stand firm in our faith no matter what comes our way. The Christian life isn’t about ease and pleasure. It’s about denying the flesh and standing firm in God’s will. The cross was all about denying the flesh. Jesus wouldn’t be who He was without the cross. He couldn’t be the savior without the cross. Is it any wonder that the cross is a universal Christian symbol?
The disciples slept through Jesus’ most trying hours. There may be things you face where it seems you are alone. Be strong. God will see you through your most trying times. Though it is comforting to have brothers and sisters in Christ to help us pray and give us words of encouragement, we must face the cross with God as our only help.
Let’s see what Matthew chapter 16 tells us about the cross in our lives.
Matthew 16:21-26 (KJV)
21From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
When Jesus told the disciples how He would suffer Peter said “Be it far from thee, Lord:…” But Jesus rebuked Satan. Sometimes Satan works through people to discourage us. He wants to sidetrack us from God’s will. As I said earlier, the cross is about denial of self. Jesus denied Himself when He took up the cross. Then He told us that we need to deny ourselves and take up the cross.
The following is from Barnes notes on the NT:
“When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus, Christ carried his, until he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. The cross was an instrument of death. To carry it was burdensome, was disgraceful, was trying to the feelings, was an addition to the punishment. So “to carry the cross” is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or is trying, or is considered disgraceful, in following Christ. “
There is no Christ without the Cross! It’s a place of self denial. It’s a place of death.
But the place of death led to the place of life. Whosoever will save his life will lose it and whosoever will lose his life for Christ’s sake will find it. When we fall on our knees at the cross, thank God, we can find life.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
The time had come for Jesus to fulfill that for which He came into the world. The cross was just before Him. He was sorrowful and heavy in spirit so He went to Gethsemane with some of His disciples to pray. The prospect of facing the cross was terrifying. Jesus prayed for another way, if possible. But He prayed for God’s will whatever may come. Of course, Jesus knew there was no other way. This plan had been put in motion from the foundation of the world. Gethsemane means “oil press”. Jesus won the battle in the press.
Sometimes we think that the purpose of prayer is so we can escape whatever bad that we might be facing in life. Perhaps we need to go through the oil press so that we can stand firm in our faith no matter what comes our way. The Christian life isn’t about ease and pleasure. It’s about denying the flesh and standing firm in God’s will. The cross was all about denying the flesh. Jesus wouldn’t be who He was without the cross. He couldn’t be the savior without the cross. Is it any wonder that the cross is a universal Christian symbol?
The disciples slept through Jesus’ most trying hours. There may be things you face where it seems you are alone. Be strong. God will see you through your most trying times. Though it is comforting to have brothers and sisters in Christ to help us pray and give us words of encouragement, we must face the cross with God as our only help.
Let’s see what Matthew chapter 16 tells us about the cross in our lives.
Matthew 16:21-26 (KJV)
21From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
When Jesus told the disciples how He would suffer Peter said “Be it far from thee, Lord:…” But Jesus rebuked Satan. Sometimes Satan works through people to discourage us. He wants to sidetrack us from God’s will. As I said earlier, the cross is about denial of self. Jesus denied Himself when He took up the cross. Then He told us that we need to deny ourselves and take up the cross.
The following is from Barnes notes on the NT:
“When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus, Christ carried his, until he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. The cross was an instrument of death. To carry it was burdensome, was disgraceful, was trying to the feelings, was an addition to the punishment. So “to carry the cross” is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or is trying, or is considered disgraceful, in following Christ. “
There is no Christ without the Cross! It’s a place of self denial. It’s a place of death.
But the place of death led to the place of life. Whosoever will save his life will lose it and whosoever will lose his life for Christ’s sake will find it. When we fall on our knees at the cross, thank God, we can find life.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Where is the Answer?
We are in the middle of an economic meltdown. The stock market has dropped dramatically despite the governments efforts to stabilize things. We have been in a home mortgage crisis that has been brewing for some time. Why are there so many foreclosures? Basically, a reckless policy of loaning people who couldn't afford homes money they couldn't repay. Government officials turned a blind eye to the problems, more worried about being reelected that doing what is right. Does anyone just want to do what is right? Now the government is desperately trying to come up with answers. Everytime they do something the stock market drops further. Our retirement savings are taking a major hit. It is clear that they don't have the answers. With the election upon us people are hopeful that a new administration will provide new answers. Is this where you want to put your faith? The only answer the government ever offers is more government. They have just decided to spend another trillion dollars for this bailout mess. They are now buying troubled banks. I just heard that hearings have taken place about the possibility of wrapping our 401K's into social security! Can you believe it? Things are getting desperate. Here in Michigan, we have been in recession way ahead of the rest of the nation thanks to a state government that thinks that it's financial needs are more imporant than it's citizen's needs. People are concerned about their jobs. The auto industry reeling.
Have I sufficiently depressed you? Where is the answer?
There is hope in this world but it doesn't come from men. I have put my hope in God. He is the rock that will always be solid and never change. Don't you want something that you can depend on that is always there? I may have lost money in my 401K but I know that God will take care of my every need. I have peace in my soul. When I lay my head on my pillow at night I thank God for His blessings. I know that I am in His hands. Jesus Christ is the answer for your life! Have you put your trust in Him?
Have I sufficiently depressed you? Where is the answer?
There is hope in this world but it doesn't come from men. I have put my hope in God. He is the rock that will always be solid and never change. Don't you want something that you can depend on that is always there? I may have lost money in my 401K but I know that God will take care of my every need. I have peace in my soul. When I lay my head on my pillow at night I thank God for His blessings. I know that I am in His hands. Jesus Christ is the answer for your life! Have you put your trust in Him?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I Want God to Move
Mark 1:40 through Mark 1:42 (KJV)
40And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
Jesus is compassionate and loving. He showed compassion to a man with leprosy and healed him. Leprosy was a dreaded disease. People wouldn't want to be approached by a person with leprosy. But Jesus welcomed this man who had this great need. I believe that Jesus wants to move in our lives. We need to seek Him and let Him into our lives with enthusiasm.
It's been 37 years since I gave my heart to God. I’m still excited about my relationship with God. I still desire to feel His presence, to let the praises ring, and to let the tears flow. This is what I want to feel every Sunday in our church and every day in my life.
I want God to move in my life. He has a plan for me. I don't believe that a child of God wanders through this life aimlessly just hoping that things will work out. He wants me to prosper and succeed in my walk with Him. I believe He wants that for you as well.
I pray that God moves in your life. God will move in your home and in your family in ways we can’t comprehend. If we will seek God's will and set our heart to please Him he will bless us regardless of any negative situation in our life.
I want God to move in our church and to speak to our hearts. I believe that God can send us people that want to help and want to be a part of something greater than self. To be a part of something that will last for eternity.
2 Chronicles 20:14-15 (KJV)
14Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (KJV)
17Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
We need the Spirit of the Lord to move in our congregation. This can be a place of healing for you. This can be a place where you get strength to live for God. Don’t be afraid or dismayed by the great multitude of resistance in front of you. The battle belongs to God. Just let Him fight for you. We don’t need to fight. We need to set ourselves, be still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Jehoshaphat and the people won this battle with worshippers instead of soldiers because God fought for them. Be a worshipper, God will fight for you.
Let God move in your life!!!
40And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
Jesus is compassionate and loving. He showed compassion to a man with leprosy and healed him. Leprosy was a dreaded disease. People wouldn't want to be approached by a person with leprosy. But Jesus welcomed this man who had this great need. I believe that Jesus wants to move in our lives. We need to seek Him and let Him into our lives with enthusiasm.
It's been 37 years since I gave my heart to God. I’m still excited about my relationship with God. I still desire to feel His presence, to let the praises ring, and to let the tears flow. This is what I want to feel every Sunday in our church and every day in my life.
I want God to move in my life. He has a plan for me. I don't believe that a child of God wanders through this life aimlessly just hoping that things will work out. He wants me to prosper and succeed in my walk with Him. I believe He wants that for you as well.
I pray that God moves in your life. God will move in your home and in your family in ways we can’t comprehend. If we will seek God's will and set our heart to please Him he will bless us regardless of any negative situation in our life.
I want God to move in our church and to speak to our hearts. I believe that God can send us people that want to help and want to be a part of something greater than self. To be a part of something that will last for eternity.
2 Chronicles 20:14-15 (KJV)
14Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (KJV)
17Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
We need the Spirit of the Lord to move in our congregation. This can be a place of healing for you. This can be a place where you get strength to live for God. Don’t be afraid or dismayed by the great multitude of resistance in front of you. The battle belongs to God. Just let Him fight for you. We don’t need to fight. We need to set ourselves, be still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Jehoshaphat and the people won this battle with worshippers instead of soldiers because God fought for them. Be a worshipper, God will fight for you.
Let God move in your life!!!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tarry until Pentecost
1 Corinthians 16:8 through 1 Corinthians 16:9
8But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
To “tarry” means to abide, stay, or continue. The apostle Paul said that God had put an open door in front of him. He saw a great opportunity to bring the message of Jesus Christ to people but there were many adversaries in front of him.
Pentecost was the day the Holy Ghost was first poured out upon the believers of Jesus Christ. (See Acts 2:1-4) Those there were filled with the power of God to live the Christian life. I am thankful that I have experienced my own Pentecost. I feel the power of God within me and I have the joy of the Lord in my life. Pentecost puts us in the place where God communicates with us.
In Acts 2 they tarried until they got their Pentecost. They pursued God with a passion. It was in an atmosphere of worship that they experienced God in the way that He wants us all to experience Him. I want us to create an atmosphere of worship in our church that puts us in the presence of God. There is salvation in God’s presence, at Pentecost. There is healing in God’s presence, at Pentecost. There is fulfillment in life in God’s presence, at Pentecost.
There are situations that come into our lives where we need to tarry “until Pentecost”. Life can be overwhelming. I need comfort from God. The world can’t offer it because it doesn’t come from this world. I am renewed when Pentecost comes.
We have faults and shortcomings because we are human but there is rest in the Spirit of God. If people don’t believe in you, know that God does. He gives us Pentecost for power to walk in Him and assurance of our salvation. I want to God transform me through the power of Pentecost.
God opens a great door to every believer. We just need to walk through the door he has opened. It’s a place where we experience God’s power. It’s a place where we get an eternal perspective.
Adversaries were at the original Pentecost and will be around to try and deny you of your own Pentecost. I don’t want to miss out on what God has for me.
Have you had your own Pentecost? Jesus waits at the door or you.
Today's Worship
Even before the service started, we were singing and felt God’s presence. I was sitting down when a ray of sunshine hit me for a few seconds. It made me think of how God shines on those who praise and worship Him. We could immediately feel the power of God fill the church as we began the service. I felt goose bumps as we stood in God’s presence. Tears of joy filled my eyes as I was overwhelmed by God’s great love. We are truly blessed to feel God in this way as we call out His name.
The blessing of God is waiting for you. He desires to touch you in a special way. I want to invite you to worship with us and find out how God can be everything that you need in life.
We pray for needs and believe that God hears and answers our prayers. We want to pray for your needs. Go the the Redemption Ministries web site and contact us so we can pray with you for God to move in your life.
8But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
To “tarry” means to abide, stay, or continue. The apostle Paul said that God had put an open door in front of him. He saw a great opportunity to bring the message of Jesus Christ to people but there were many adversaries in front of him.
Pentecost was the day the Holy Ghost was first poured out upon the believers of Jesus Christ. (See Acts 2:1-4) Those there were filled with the power of God to live the Christian life. I am thankful that I have experienced my own Pentecost. I feel the power of God within me and I have the joy of the Lord in my life. Pentecost puts us in the place where God communicates with us.
In Acts 2 they tarried until they got their Pentecost. They pursued God with a passion. It was in an atmosphere of worship that they experienced God in the way that He wants us all to experience Him. I want us to create an atmosphere of worship in our church that puts us in the presence of God. There is salvation in God’s presence, at Pentecost. There is healing in God’s presence, at Pentecost. There is fulfillment in life in God’s presence, at Pentecost.
There are situations that come into our lives where we need to tarry “until Pentecost”. Life can be overwhelming. I need comfort from God. The world can’t offer it because it doesn’t come from this world. I am renewed when Pentecost comes.
We have faults and shortcomings because we are human but there is rest in the Spirit of God. If people don’t believe in you, know that God does. He gives us Pentecost for power to walk in Him and assurance of our salvation. I want to God transform me through the power of Pentecost.
God opens a great door to every believer. We just need to walk through the door he has opened. It’s a place where we experience God’s power. It’s a place where we get an eternal perspective.
Adversaries were at the original Pentecost and will be around to try and deny you of your own Pentecost. I don’t want to miss out on what God has for me.
Have you had your own Pentecost? Jesus waits at the door or you.
Today's Worship
Even before the service started, we were singing and felt God’s presence. I was sitting down when a ray of sunshine hit me for a few seconds. It made me think of how God shines on those who praise and worship Him. We could immediately feel the power of God fill the church as we began the service. I felt goose bumps as we stood in God’s presence. Tears of joy filled my eyes as I was overwhelmed by God’s great love. We are truly blessed to feel God in this way as we call out His name.
The blessing of God is waiting for you. He desires to touch you in a special way. I want to invite you to worship with us and find out how God can be everything that you need in life.
We pray for needs and believe that God hears and answers our prayers. We want to pray for your needs. Go the the Redemption Ministries web site and contact us so we can pray with you for God to move in your life.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
When It's All Said and Done
I heard an expression one time that has stuck with me over the years. It goes like this "When it's all said and done more will be said than done". In this political season we have already heard more than we care to know about things that won't effect our lives. I want to know what each candidate will do rather than all of the accusations that comes from each side. But when it's all said and done we will go back to our lives as we did before the elections. The politicians will still be politicians and argue about everything while accomplishing little. That's not to say that I don't have a favorite in this race. I don't want to pay more taxes. I don't want an extreme abortionist in the White House. I don't want the government interfering in even more of my life. I want drilling in ANWR and anywhere else so that energy costs will be lower. But what matters the most in life will not change no matter who is elected. God is my refuge. He is my hope. I will continue to strive to live a life that honors Jesus Christ. That doesn't depend on a politician.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
He is God of the Mountain and God of the Valley
In 1 King chapter 20 a man named Benhadad, King of Syria, along with a league of 32 other kings, warred against Israel. It seems Israel has been hated by it's neighbors forever. Benhadad lost a battle against Israel although he had superior numbers. History just seems to repeat itself. Benhadad's advisers counseled him to engage Israel in the valley because, evidently, Israel's God was a God of the mountains. What they found out was that Israel's God is also God of the valley
The Syrians made the mistake that the God of Israel was like their gods. Their gods were limited, in fact they were powerless. They were only gods in the sense that they worshipped them. They were powerless to affect their condition. Their gods were not gods of love and mercy but of wood and stone.
Today's Christian knows that God is God of the mountain. It is easy to trust God when everything is going good and the sun is shining. But is God the God of your valley? The valley where the enemy want to strike. Can we say like David:
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Why would we not trust God in the valley? He’s been there in my darkest hours and kept me from harm. He’s led me past all of the dangers of the dark valley. He is God of the valley just like he is God of the mountain.
We sing the following song in church occasionally. It reminds me that God is God when things are going good and when things are not going so good. I am determined to praise the God of my mountain and the God of my valley.
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your name When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering Blessed be Your name
We don’t have to surrender to negative influence of this world. Satan wants you to believe that there are no answers to the problems you face in life. He’ll say you can never be happy again or that you can never feel good about life again. But he is not the final authority. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and let Him guide you through the valleys and over the mountains of life.
God said He would deliver Israel and they would know that He is the Lord. When you win victories with God you know He is in your corner. You know that Satan can’t win against you.
Our God is God of the mountain and God of the valley!
The Syrians made the mistake that the God of Israel was like their gods. Their gods were limited, in fact they were powerless. They were only gods in the sense that they worshipped them. They were powerless to affect their condition. Their gods were not gods of love and mercy but of wood and stone.
Today's Christian knows that God is God of the mountain. It is easy to trust God when everything is going good and the sun is shining. But is God the God of your valley? The valley where the enemy want to strike. Can we say like David:
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Why would we not trust God in the valley? He’s been there in my darkest hours and kept me from harm. He’s led me past all of the dangers of the dark valley. He is God of the valley just like he is God of the mountain.
We sing the following song in church occasionally. It reminds me that God is God when things are going good and when things are not going so good. I am determined to praise the God of my mountain and the God of my valley.
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your name When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering Blessed be Your name
We don’t have to surrender to negative influence of this world. Satan wants you to believe that there are no answers to the problems you face in life. He’ll say you can never be happy again or that you can never feel good about life again. But he is not the final authority. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and let Him guide you through the valleys and over the mountains of life.
God said He would deliver Israel and they would know that He is the Lord. When you win victories with God you know He is in your corner. You know that Satan can’t win against you.
Our God is God of the mountain and God of the valley!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
God Wants to Build You a House
Matthew 7:24-26
In this parable Jesus talks about how a wise man builds his house on the rock and how foolish men build their house upon the sand. Every building needs a firm foundation. It is critical that we build our lives a firm foundation. A wise man will build his life upon the rock, Jesus Christ. In order to build we need the appropriate tools. We need to be filled with the Holy Ghost to be properly equiped. Jesus said many things that are important to our lives and will equip us to build.
Here are a few of the critical things that Jesus told us:
Come unto me and I will give you rest.
Drink from the well of living water and never thirst again.
You must be born again.
You will receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.
Read God's Word to learn about the things you need to obtain to become a wise builder.
Build upon the rock that is the stone that the builders rejected but has become the chief cornerstone.
The nail, the board, and the hammer.
Trying to live our life without the power of God is like trying to drive a nail with our hand. None of us would try to build a house without the proper tools. Why do we try to live life without the power of God’s Spirit dwelling within us? We need the power of the Spirit to be the “hammer” that will give us the power to “build our house” and live the kind of life that God has for those who believe.
We don’t have the ability to cleanse ourselves from sin.
We need the power!
We don’t have the ability to deliver ourselves from sin’s burdens.
We need the power!
We can’t give ourselves peace and contentment.
We need the power!
I found peace because I let God build my house! Only through the power of teh Holy Ghost can we build a house that stands.
In this parable Jesus talks about how a wise man builds his house on the rock and how foolish men build their house upon the sand. Every building needs a firm foundation. It is critical that we build our lives a firm foundation. A wise man will build his life upon the rock, Jesus Christ. In order to build we need the appropriate tools. We need to be filled with the Holy Ghost to be properly equiped. Jesus said many things that are important to our lives and will equip us to build.
Here are a few of the critical things that Jesus told us:
Come unto me and I will give you rest.
Drink from the well of living water and never thirst again.
You must be born again.
You will receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.
Read God's Word to learn about the things you need to obtain to become a wise builder.
Build upon the rock that is the stone that the builders rejected but has become the chief cornerstone.
The nail, the board, and the hammer.
Trying to live our life without the power of God is like trying to drive a nail with our hand. None of us would try to build a house without the proper tools. Why do we try to live life without the power of God’s Spirit dwelling within us? We need the power of the Spirit to be the “hammer” that will give us the power to “build our house” and live the kind of life that God has for those who believe.
We don’t have the ability to cleanse ourselves from sin.
We need the power!
We don’t have the ability to deliver ourselves from sin’s burdens.
We need the power!
We can’t give ourselves peace and contentment.
We need the power!
I found peace because I let God build my house! Only through the power of teh Holy Ghost can we build a house that stands.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Chris' Testimony
I told you last week I would post the testimony of a man I baptized Sunday. Chris Ruth wanted to detail his journey to God with family & friends. Here is what he shared in our church just before he was baptized.
Testimony
Greetings and welcome to Redemption Ministries. My name is Christopher Walter Ruth and I am very happy to be here with you today. I apologize to Pastor Steve and his family for referring to this church as Redemption Ministry, it is actually Redemption Ministries - plural. They do much more than simply run a church. I suppose that’s where the Ministries part comes in.
I would like to thank you all for coming today in support of this church, in support of yourselves as fellow children of God, or in support of me and the commitment I have made. Hopefully you are here for all three reasons, but regardless, I am pleased to see you all.
Before I give my testimony, I would like to introduce and honor my two new best friends. They are my father and mother, Donald and Theresa Ruth. If not for their continual support, love, and the powerful prayers of my mother, I would not be alive and well as you see me here today.
I would like to read and present them with framed copies of letters that I wrote recently.
Now you may ask why my mother’s poem was short and my father’s letter was quite detailed. I believe that my mother knows she is quite special to me and our heavenly father. However, I feel that my father needs a little more encouragement to feel special.
Please give them both a hand…
And now for my personal testimony…
I stand before you, a weak sinner composed of flesh, but after today, I shall be strong and filled with the Holy Spirit.
I have been through 29 years of depression
27 years of lustful thoughts and excessive pornography
23 years of chronic marijuana use
23 years of binge drinking
The last 6 years without working or being a productive member of society
2 years of heavy cocaine use
And worst of all, I made 3 attempts at taking my own life.
As I have confessed, I made 3 attempts on my life. After the third attempt, I realized that if I tried again, I would be successful. I could not let that be my legacy to my mother, my family, and my friends. It finally sunk in. I realized that I, alone, was powerless, and I quickly admitted myself to the White Pine Behavioral Health Unit at Saginaw Community Hospital.
I spent a full week in that mental hospital, and at that time, it was far and above, the best week of my life. I learned to laugh and enjoy life without drugs. I learned that by sharing my story, I could help others as they helped me. At the time, I was without faith, but by confessing my defects, I unknowingly opened myself up to new ideas.
I am forever grateful to the entire staff at White Pine and also to the Saginaw County Department of Human Services for picking up the tab. I had spent the last of my money on drugs and didn’t plan on needing living expenses. I was so very very sad. People who didn’t know me personally, gave me money and hope, for I had none.
Covenant Hospital has also cleared a 1,200 dollar debt for their pre-screening emergency room admission prior to transferring me to White Pine. I thank them as well.
I highly recommend the treatment center at White Pine for anyone with suicidal thoughts or severe mental conditions. During my stay, I found that many patients had been petitioned by the courts for their mandatory stays, and some of them made great progress because of it. I implore you all to seek a similar petition for suicidal friends & family. It may be their only chance, but you must do it for the right reasons and in a caring way.
While I was a patient at White Pine, I met many wonderful people. There was one particularly religious woman who told the rest of us during a crafts activity: “You don’t need money, All you need is Jesus”. Being a non-believer, I couldn’t resist a little humor at her expense, and I said “ Well it’s kind of hard to spend Jesus at a strip club!” we all laughed, but not her…
At the time, I had no idea how wrong and how right I was. I was very wrong to persecute her for her beliefs, and also, what I did not know was:, IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU DON’T NEED A STRIP CLUB! I have since asked for forgiveness from God for that remark as well as many other similar ones I have made in my lifetime.
As a matter of fact, I used to regularly persecute and ridicule those I called “Jesus Freaks” and “Bible Bangers”. I would consider them weak, ignorant, annoying, and most of all hypocritical. I also thought they were all the same. I now know that Christianity has many “True Believers” who are strong, intelligent, interesting, and free from hypocrisy.
I will say that over the past several months, I have often referred to myself with joy and happiness as a “FULL-ON JESUS-FREAK” I belong, I feel welcome, I feel special, and I have never felt better in my life.
I don’t really consider myself a “Bible-Banger”, but I would not mind being called a “Bible-Nudger” or a “Bible-Whisperer”. Regardless, I am now open-game for persecution, and I look forward to taking on the enemy as a true soldier and servant of God!
The devil does not attack us in strip clubs, bars, and casinos. He owns those places, and conspires to create trendy or fashionable styles which undermine “True Faith”. The devil attacks us in our dreams, our cars, our homes, our schools, and believe-it-or-not, the devil attacks us in our churches! We must be very discerning about what we believe, even in church. If there is no basis in the Word, you are probably being deceived. While the “True Believers” are probably a minority among all church-goers, I no longer categorically dismiss them. All church-goers are not hypocrites, all lawyers are not evil, all men are not sex-fiends, and all inner-city residents are not criminals. I ask the Lord almost daily to help me see beyond my stereotypes in all people, because we are all equally deserving of His love.
One more quick note on the Devil. Satan really gets fired-up when you get closer to the truth. If you start noticing coincidences, strange messages, and other seemingly supernatural events, be objective and realize that the Devil will shout to get your attention away from God & the Truth. I suggest you seek guidance from a pastor instead of jumping to conclusions. I mention this because I have been tricked many times, and I am certain I have more battles to come.
Once I got out of the mental hospital, my life stresses were back, but I was now partially prepared to handle them. My first week out, I had an appointment with a substance abuse therapist. The first thing he did was question my religious beliefs. I was furious! I almost stormed out, never to return, but suddenly I felt calm, and told him that I would try to be open-minded. My therapist also decided to keep things secular. I think he realized my fierce defiance to organized religion. The second week, he recommended to me a secular self-improvement book. I read the book titled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. I loved the book, it was the best book I had ever read, I told everyone about it, and it introduced me to many wonderful topics including personal spirituality. But at the end of the book, I found out the author was a Christian! That Tricky therapist! Well, that didn’t make me a Christian… yet!
While reading that book, which took several weeks, an old work colleague and neighbor by the name of Steve Niswonger Sr. stopped by to see me. As a fellow engineer, I had admired Steve and his son Steve Jr. for their intelligence, likeability, and pleasant demeanor. I also knew that they had started their own company and might have some leads on jobs. Then he started talking about church! I thought to myself, Not again! Well, I missed the healthy social interaction from the hospital and also thought there may be some single young ladies at church, so I decided to give it a try.
That Sunday was Mothers’ day. Mom, I guess you got more than flowers. I voluntarily went to church for the first time in my life. I was brought up Catholic, but I don’t recall ever going to church voluntarily. I dressed up in my best suit and found out that I was the only person here with a last name other than Niswonger! So much for those ladies!
The church service was quite pleasant. The Niswongers were friendly. And I could not detect the faintest hint of hypocrisy. I decided to come back. I wasn’t hooked, but it was better than loneliness.
I gave a long-time friend, EJ Schwanbeck, a call shortly after that. EJ has been a faithful and devoted Christian the whole 20 years or so I have known him. I told him to sit down. I think he still fell over when I told him I had been to church. I think he was nearly as happy about my revelation as when he married his wonderful wife Shannon, or when they had their adorable daughter Morgan. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to me. I apologize for saying to him that religion is a crutch so many years ago. I thank you, EJ, for your faith, your inspiration, and your prayers.
Also around that time, I ran into an old high school neighbor, Steve Simmet, at his garage sale in Lathrup Park. My dad was interested in some scaffold levelers that Steve was selling, but I didn’t get back with Steve until I ran into him and his wife Stephanie while I was bicycling in their neighborhood a week or so later. Out of the blue, Stef invited me to a cookout on the Sunday before Memorial day. I didn’t really know Steve that well, but I thought that perhaps Stef had some cute friends, so I thought Why Not? Well, there were two couples, three children, and me at the cookout. Strike two, or so I thought. I ended up sharing my story, and Stephanie invited me to check out a bible study and church service at Peace Lutheran Church.
I decided to check out the bible-study called “The Source”. Finally!!! there were some attractive single ladies. The strange thing was, I was so thrilled by the topic that I forgot all about the ladies. I met Kevin and Nikki Hofman, and I was mesmerized by their story of the spiritual healing of their unborn daughter Kiersten. Contrary to the best medical science available, they prayed and fought and believed and thanked the Lord for their healthy baby girl. They had true faith in her health even before the birth. They chose to disagree with science, and their faith was justly rewarded. They have a healthy daughter who just celebrated her first birthday. They don’t brag. They don’t badmouth anyone. They are definitely not hypocrites. They are loving parents. Hearing and seeing them is the highpoint of my week. They were pivotal to this day, the highpoint of my life. Thank you Stephanie, for letting the Holy Spirit work through you, and a blessed Thank you to the Hofman’s, Kevin, Nikki, and Kiersten for being the most spectacular rainbow I have ever witnessed.
I tell everyone I meet. You have to come. You must see. It’s like visiting the Grand Canyon in a church basement!!!
Admittedly, I was blown away by this bible study, but I still had some loose ends about how Christianity really worked. My therapist suggested some books by a popular author named C.S. Lewis. CS Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and is known as a particularly insightful man who turned from atheism to Christianity. I read his book “Mere Christianity” and I found again, THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ!!! If you think Christianity is full of holes and loose ends, read this book. It stitched up the holes and answered every argument I had against Faith. I was hooked!
Since I had begun to refer to myself as a fledgling believer, my awesome therapist suggested a Christian Faith-based 12-step recovery program for help in remaining free of drugs. This incredible program is called Celebrate Recovery, and it meets on Tuesdays here in Saginaw at the New Life Christian Fellowship church on Shattuck near Lawndale. There are other meetings in both Midland and Bay City on other days. Pete Diaz, who just celebrated a very significant milestone in his recovery, started and leads the program. I thank Pete and his wife Sookie for their significant efforts to help many people as well as myself.
This program is totally positive and encompasses recovery from drugs, alcohol, co-dependency, sexual addiction, pornography, anger, depression, overeating, and the list continues to grow. Celebrate Recovery helps to free its members from sin in all its various manifestations. It was through the discussions within Celebrate Recovery that I realized that my drug abuses were driven primarily by my addiction to pornography. The other secular recovery programs help thousands of people every day, but they would have only given me a temporary fix and not my current everlasting success.
While I was beginning to realize how big my pornography problem was, I would pray to God for strength, signs, and assistance in my spiritual growth. Well, he came through for me in many ways.
For example, I have lived in my house on Thistle Drive for ten years and up until a month or two ago, the power has only been out for maybe ten seconds in that ten years. On the evening of Friday, the 27th of June, I was about to view my favorite adult DVD, and suddenly the power went out for several hours. Oh well, I thought, there’s always tomorrow. Saturday came, I went to our church cookout, and then went home planning to watch that DVD. I remembered that I had promised to trim the rosebush on the West side of the church, and since the next day was Sunday, I decided to prune the rosebush first. While pruning that rosebush, some very strange things occurred, I was confronted by a stranger who cautioned me about baptism, a very sudden and strong wind blew up, I started saying “Our Father’s” back to back because I was quite freaked out, then a loud bang occurred, and the wind died back down. I quickly finished pruning the rosebush and returned to my house.
There were people out on the street everywhere, I had no idea why. I went inside my house to find the power out. No porn again tonight, I said to myself. I went outside to find that a tree-limb, across the street from my house, had fallen on the power lines. This tree had been professionally trimmed the year before, but All-Powerful really means All-Powerful.
This power outage caused Steve Niswonger Jr. to lose his sermon for the next day on his computer. I think he gave his best sermon that next day, he went off notes and let the Holy Spirit speak through him. I got chills and was brought almost to tears several times.
I am getting a little ahead of the story, so on Sunday morning, the power was still out. Church starts at 10am, and at 9:40 I was preparing to take a shower in the dark, and then… the power came on. I showered and got to church to hear Steve Jr’s awesome sermon.
Now I said on my invitation that I don’t need money, I did that to prevent this day from being corrupted by my greed. I am still weak and composed of flesh. And I really don’t have much money. I tell you this because at that particular service, I was planning to contribute 10 dollars to the church collection, but I only had a 20 dollar bill. It has been over 20 years since a 20 dollar bill meant a lot to me. It means a lot to me right now, but I so enjoyed the service and fellowship that I gave the 20.
I am getting to the point shortly, but there is quite a bit of set-up so please bear with me.
Anyway, later that Sunday I wanted to purchase some inexpensive cologne, so I walked up to Walgreens at State & Center to see what they had. The colognes I was interested in were 32 dollars and I couldn’t justify that in my current financial state. I decided to walk down to the new Rite-Aid in Green Acres Plaza and see if they had a more inexpensive selection. While walking out, I noticed an attractive woman bending down to check out some make-up. Her pants were coming down a bit, reminiscent of a plumber’s, but far more enticing. I stared and had a few moments of guilty pleasure. I felt bad, I felt weak, I felt dirty, and as I exited the store for the first time in my adult life, I asked the Lord for forgiveness. I asked him to forgive my transgression in that store. I took several steps toward Rite-Aid, looked down and saw a crisp new 10 dollar bill lying beside some trash.
Wow… WOW! Did that really just happen!!! I was amazed!
God made change for me! For Me!!!
God also made change in me! I scratched-up & threw out my adult DVD’s that very night. He gave me the strength to overcome my weakness, and He helped me by knocking out the power to my home, and letting me witness His compassion.
As a finish to the story, I went to Rite-aid, and I bought a bottle of cologne and a bottle of vitamin water for a total of 9 dollars and 96 cents.
I have found purpose and meaning outside of and in spite of society. I will no longer compare myself to others or others to me. We should all strive for the perfection of Jesus Christ and be willing to give our lives, as He did, to save our brothers and sisters of humanity. By giving my life to God, I am now free, free to pursue my dreams without earthly chains. I must also state that my dreams are His Dreams, for all things originate in our Father,
I have a dark past. Today, I am leaving that behind. I will face hardships, loss, and tragedy in the future. I do not fear them or waste time worrying. I live only in the present, because God’s biggest present to us is not our past or future, it is our present, dwelling in Him.
The devil dwelled in me for decades, leaving me depleted, dirty, dark, and depressed.
And now: The Word welcomes me and washes me with a wonderful wellspring of hope and love.
Can I really do this? What makes this possible? How can this be?
It is definitely possible…
- Due to the grace afforded us by the death of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
- Due to the faith in God I now have.
- Due to my confessions of sin and asking forgiveness.
- Due to my repentance, or changing my direction away from the shadows of sin and moving toward the Light of God.
- And due to my Baptism where my sinful life will die.
- I will then experience a rebirth and be cleansed, refreshed, and filled with the Holy Spirit so that I can endure with the strength of God’s personal direction both in this world and for all eternity.
Ask… ASK… ASK!!!!
I never used to ask anyone for help. This is a sin of pride or arrogance. I am now able and willing to ask for help. I ask all of you to help me stay on the path of righteousness, but most of all I ask our Heavenly Father for the strength to listen to others.
Please do yourselves a favor and ask God for what you need, and ask in Jesus’ name.
And in closing, I would like to thank then Niswongers for graciously accepting me into their family here at Redemption Ministries, and I would like to thank each and every one of you here today. You lift me up. Thank you.
Testimony
Greetings and welcome to Redemption Ministries. My name is Christopher Walter Ruth and I am very happy to be here with you today. I apologize to Pastor Steve and his family for referring to this church as Redemption Ministry, it is actually Redemption Ministries - plural. They do much more than simply run a church. I suppose that’s where the Ministries part comes in.
I would like to thank you all for coming today in support of this church, in support of yourselves as fellow children of God, or in support of me and the commitment I have made. Hopefully you are here for all three reasons, but regardless, I am pleased to see you all.
Before I give my testimony, I would like to introduce and honor my two new best friends. They are my father and mother, Donald and Theresa Ruth. If not for their continual support, love, and the powerful prayers of my mother, I would not be alive and well as you see me here today.
I would like to read and present them with framed copies of letters that I wrote recently.
Now you may ask why my mother’s poem was short and my father’s letter was quite detailed. I believe that my mother knows she is quite special to me and our heavenly father. However, I feel that my father needs a little more encouragement to feel special.
Please give them both a hand…
And now for my personal testimony…
I stand before you, a weak sinner composed of flesh, but after today, I shall be strong and filled with the Holy Spirit.
I have been through 29 years of depression
27 years of lustful thoughts and excessive pornography
23 years of chronic marijuana use
23 years of binge drinking
The last 6 years without working or being a productive member of society
2 years of heavy cocaine use
And worst of all, I made 3 attempts at taking my own life.
As I have confessed, I made 3 attempts on my life. After the third attempt, I realized that if I tried again, I would be successful. I could not let that be my legacy to my mother, my family, and my friends. It finally sunk in. I realized that I, alone, was powerless, and I quickly admitted myself to the White Pine Behavioral Health Unit at Saginaw Community Hospital.
I spent a full week in that mental hospital, and at that time, it was far and above, the best week of my life. I learned to laugh and enjoy life without drugs. I learned that by sharing my story, I could help others as they helped me. At the time, I was without faith, but by confessing my defects, I unknowingly opened myself up to new ideas.
I am forever grateful to the entire staff at White Pine and also to the Saginaw County Department of Human Services for picking up the tab. I had spent the last of my money on drugs and didn’t plan on needing living expenses. I was so very very sad. People who didn’t know me personally, gave me money and hope, for I had none.
Covenant Hospital has also cleared a 1,200 dollar debt for their pre-screening emergency room admission prior to transferring me to White Pine. I thank them as well.
I highly recommend the treatment center at White Pine for anyone with suicidal thoughts or severe mental conditions. During my stay, I found that many patients had been petitioned by the courts for their mandatory stays, and some of them made great progress because of it. I implore you all to seek a similar petition for suicidal friends & family. It may be their only chance, but you must do it for the right reasons and in a caring way.
While I was a patient at White Pine, I met many wonderful people. There was one particularly religious woman who told the rest of us during a crafts activity: “You don’t need money, All you need is Jesus”. Being a non-believer, I couldn’t resist a little humor at her expense, and I said “ Well it’s kind of hard to spend Jesus at a strip club!” we all laughed, but not her…
At the time, I had no idea how wrong and how right I was. I was very wrong to persecute her for her beliefs, and also, what I did not know was:, IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU DON’T NEED A STRIP CLUB! I have since asked for forgiveness from God for that remark as well as many other similar ones I have made in my lifetime.
As a matter of fact, I used to regularly persecute and ridicule those I called “Jesus Freaks” and “Bible Bangers”. I would consider them weak, ignorant, annoying, and most of all hypocritical. I also thought they were all the same. I now know that Christianity has many “True Believers” who are strong, intelligent, interesting, and free from hypocrisy.
I will say that over the past several months, I have often referred to myself with joy and happiness as a “FULL-ON JESUS-FREAK” I belong, I feel welcome, I feel special, and I have never felt better in my life.
I don’t really consider myself a “Bible-Banger”, but I would not mind being called a “Bible-Nudger” or a “Bible-Whisperer”. Regardless, I am now open-game for persecution, and I look forward to taking on the enemy as a true soldier and servant of God!
The devil does not attack us in strip clubs, bars, and casinos. He owns those places, and conspires to create trendy or fashionable styles which undermine “True Faith”. The devil attacks us in our dreams, our cars, our homes, our schools, and believe-it-or-not, the devil attacks us in our churches! We must be very discerning about what we believe, even in church. If there is no basis in the Word, you are probably being deceived. While the “True Believers” are probably a minority among all church-goers, I no longer categorically dismiss them. All church-goers are not hypocrites, all lawyers are not evil, all men are not sex-fiends, and all inner-city residents are not criminals. I ask the Lord almost daily to help me see beyond my stereotypes in all people, because we are all equally deserving of His love.
One more quick note on the Devil. Satan really gets fired-up when you get closer to the truth. If you start noticing coincidences, strange messages, and other seemingly supernatural events, be objective and realize that the Devil will shout to get your attention away from God & the Truth. I suggest you seek guidance from a pastor instead of jumping to conclusions. I mention this because I have been tricked many times, and I am certain I have more battles to come.
Once I got out of the mental hospital, my life stresses were back, but I was now partially prepared to handle them. My first week out, I had an appointment with a substance abuse therapist. The first thing he did was question my religious beliefs. I was furious! I almost stormed out, never to return, but suddenly I felt calm, and told him that I would try to be open-minded. My therapist also decided to keep things secular. I think he realized my fierce defiance to organized religion. The second week, he recommended to me a secular self-improvement book. I read the book titled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. I loved the book, it was the best book I had ever read, I told everyone about it, and it introduced me to many wonderful topics including personal spirituality. But at the end of the book, I found out the author was a Christian! That Tricky therapist! Well, that didn’t make me a Christian… yet!
While reading that book, which took several weeks, an old work colleague and neighbor by the name of Steve Niswonger Sr. stopped by to see me. As a fellow engineer, I had admired Steve and his son Steve Jr. for their intelligence, likeability, and pleasant demeanor. I also knew that they had started their own company and might have some leads on jobs. Then he started talking about church! I thought to myself, Not again! Well, I missed the healthy social interaction from the hospital and also thought there may be some single young ladies at church, so I decided to give it a try.
That Sunday was Mothers’ day. Mom, I guess you got more than flowers. I voluntarily went to church for the first time in my life. I was brought up Catholic, but I don’t recall ever going to church voluntarily. I dressed up in my best suit and found out that I was the only person here with a last name other than Niswonger! So much for those ladies!
The church service was quite pleasant. The Niswongers were friendly. And I could not detect the faintest hint of hypocrisy. I decided to come back. I wasn’t hooked, but it was better than loneliness.
I gave a long-time friend, EJ Schwanbeck, a call shortly after that. EJ has been a faithful and devoted Christian the whole 20 years or so I have known him. I told him to sit down. I think he still fell over when I told him I had been to church. I think he was nearly as happy about my revelation as when he married his wonderful wife Shannon, or when they had their adorable daughter Morgan. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to me. I apologize for saying to him that religion is a crutch so many years ago. I thank you, EJ, for your faith, your inspiration, and your prayers.
Also around that time, I ran into an old high school neighbor, Steve Simmet, at his garage sale in Lathrup Park. My dad was interested in some scaffold levelers that Steve was selling, but I didn’t get back with Steve until I ran into him and his wife Stephanie while I was bicycling in their neighborhood a week or so later. Out of the blue, Stef invited me to a cookout on the Sunday before Memorial day. I didn’t really know Steve that well, but I thought that perhaps Stef had some cute friends, so I thought Why Not? Well, there were two couples, three children, and me at the cookout. Strike two, or so I thought. I ended up sharing my story, and Stephanie invited me to check out a bible study and church service at Peace Lutheran Church.
I decided to check out the bible-study called “The Source”. Finally!!! there were some attractive single ladies. The strange thing was, I was so thrilled by the topic that I forgot all about the ladies. I met Kevin and Nikki Hofman, and I was mesmerized by their story of the spiritual healing of their unborn daughter Kiersten. Contrary to the best medical science available, they prayed and fought and believed and thanked the Lord for their healthy baby girl. They had true faith in her health even before the birth. They chose to disagree with science, and their faith was justly rewarded. They have a healthy daughter who just celebrated her first birthday. They don’t brag. They don’t badmouth anyone. They are definitely not hypocrites. They are loving parents. Hearing and seeing them is the highpoint of my week. They were pivotal to this day, the highpoint of my life. Thank you Stephanie, for letting the Holy Spirit work through you, and a blessed Thank you to the Hofman’s, Kevin, Nikki, and Kiersten for being the most spectacular rainbow I have ever witnessed.
I tell everyone I meet. You have to come. You must see. It’s like visiting the Grand Canyon in a church basement!!!
Admittedly, I was blown away by this bible study, but I still had some loose ends about how Christianity really worked. My therapist suggested some books by a popular author named C.S. Lewis. CS Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and is known as a particularly insightful man who turned from atheism to Christianity. I read his book “Mere Christianity” and I found again, THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ!!! If you think Christianity is full of holes and loose ends, read this book. It stitched up the holes and answered every argument I had against Faith. I was hooked!
Since I had begun to refer to myself as a fledgling believer, my awesome therapist suggested a Christian Faith-based 12-step recovery program for help in remaining free of drugs. This incredible program is called Celebrate Recovery, and it meets on Tuesdays here in Saginaw at the New Life Christian Fellowship church on Shattuck near Lawndale. There are other meetings in both Midland and Bay City on other days. Pete Diaz, who just celebrated a very significant milestone in his recovery, started and leads the program. I thank Pete and his wife Sookie for their significant efforts to help many people as well as myself.
This program is totally positive and encompasses recovery from drugs, alcohol, co-dependency, sexual addiction, pornography, anger, depression, overeating, and the list continues to grow. Celebrate Recovery helps to free its members from sin in all its various manifestations. It was through the discussions within Celebrate Recovery that I realized that my drug abuses were driven primarily by my addiction to pornography. The other secular recovery programs help thousands of people every day, but they would have only given me a temporary fix and not my current everlasting success.
While I was beginning to realize how big my pornography problem was, I would pray to God for strength, signs, and assistance in my spiritual growth. Well, he came through for me in many ways.
For example, I have lived in my house on Thistle Drive for ten years and up until a month or two ago, the power has only been out for maybe ten seconds in that ten years. On the evening of Friday, the 27th of June, I was about to view my favorite adult DVD, and suddenly the power went out for several hours. Oh well, I thought, there’s always tomorrow. Saturday came, I went to our church cookout, and then went home planning to watch that DVD. I remembered that I had promised to trim the rosebush on the West side of the church, and since the next day was Sunday, I decided to prune the rosebush first. While pruning that rosebush, some very strange things occurred, I was confronted by a stranger who cautioned me about baptism, a very sudden and strong wind blew up, I started saying “Our Father’s” back to back because I was quite freaked out, then a loud bang occurred, and the wind died back down. I quickly finished pruning the rosebush and returned to my house.
There were people out on the street everywhere, I had no idea why. I went inside my house to find the power out. No porn again tonight, I said to myself. I went outside to find that a tree-limb, across the street from my house, had fallen on the power lines. This tree had been professionally trimmed the year before, but All-Powerful really means All-Powerful.
This power outage caused Steve Niswonger Jr. to lose his sermon for the next day on his computer. I think he gave his best sermon that next day, he went off notes and let the Holy Spirit speak through him. I got chills and was brought almost to tears several times.
I am getting a little ahead of the story, so on Sunday morning, the power was still out. Church starts at 10am, and at 9:40 I was preparing to take a shower in the dark, and then… the power came on. I showered and got to church to hear Steve Jr’s awesome sermon.
Now I said on my invitation that I don’t need money, I did that to prevent this day from being corrupted by my greed. I am still weak and composed of flesh. And I really don’t have much money. I tell you this because at that particular service, I was planning to contribute 10 dollars to the church collection, but I only had a 20 dollar bill. It has been over 20 years since a 20 dollar bill meant a lot to me. It means a lot to me right now, but I so enjoyed the service and fellowship that I gave the 20.
I am getting to the point shortly, but there is quite a bit of set-up so please bear with me.
Anyway, later that Sunday I wanted to purchase some inexpensive cologne, so I walked up to Walgreens at State & Center to see what they had. The colognes I was interested in were 32 dollars and I couldn’t justify that in my current financial state. I decided to walk down to the new Rite-Aid in Green Acres Plaza and see if they had a more inexpensive selection. While walking out, I noticed an attractive woman bending down to check out some make-up. Her pants were coming down a bit, reminiscent of a plumber’s, but far more enticing. I stared and had a few moments of guilty pleasure. I felt bad, I felt weak, I felt dirty, and as I exited the store for the first time in my adult life, I asked the Lord for forgiveness. I asked him to forgive my transgression in that store. I took several steps toward Rite-Aid, looked down and saw a crisp new 10 dollar bill lying beside some trash.
Wow… WOW! Did that really just happen!!! I was amazed!
God made change for me! For Me!!!
God also made change in me! I scratched-up & threw out my adult DVD’s that very night. He gave me the strength to overcome my weakness, and He helped me by knocking out the power to my home, and letting me witness His compassion.
As a finish to the story, I went to Rite-aid, and I bought a bottle of cologne and a bottle of vitamin water for a total of 9 dollars and 96 cents.
I have found purpose and meaning outside of and in spite of society. I will no longer compare myself to others or others to me. We should all strive for the perfection of Jesus Christ and be willing to give our lives, as He did, to save our brothers and sisters of humanity. By giving my life to God, I am now free, free to pursue my dreams without earthly chains. I must also state that my dreams are His Dreams, for all things originate in our Father,
I have a dark past. Today, I am leaving that behind. I will face hardships, loss, and tragedy in the future. I do not fear them or waste time worrying. I live only in the present, because God’s biggest present to us is not our past or future, it is our present, dwelling in Him.
The devil dwelled in me for decades, leaving me depleted, dirty, dark, and depressed.
And now: The Word welcomes me and washes me with a wonderful wellspring of hope and love.
Can I really do this? What makes this possible? How can this be?
It is definitely possible…
- Due to the grace afforded us by the death of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
- Due to the faith in God I now have.
- Due to my confessions of sin and asking forgiveness.
- Due to my repentance, or changing my direction away from the shadows of sin and moving toward the Light of God.
- And due to my Baptism where my sinful life will die.
- I will then experience a rebirth and be cleansed, refreshed, and filled with the Holy Spirit so that I can endure with the strength of God’s personal direction both in this world and for all eternity.
Ask… ASK… ASK!!!!
I never used to ask anyone for help. This is a sin of pride or arrogance. I am now able and willing to ask for help. I ask all of you to help me stay on the path of righteousness, but most of all I ask our Heavenly Father for the strength to listen to others.
Please do yourselves a favor and ask God for what you need, and ask in Jesus’ name.
And in closing, I would like to thank then Niswongers for graciously accepting me into their family here at Redemption Ministries, and I would like to thank each and every one of you here today. You lift me up. Thank you.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Today was a Good Day
When attempting to start a church there are good days with, it seems, long stretches of wondering what to do next. We pray, fast, and live our lives and trust God for what the day will bring. We are completely committed to our relationship with Jesus Christ and it is our desire to do the work that He has called us to. Today was a good day. I baptized a man today who has made significant changes in a life ravaged by sin. He is excited about what God has done in his life lately. He has taken time to repent and has removed things from his life that would keep him from progressing with God. He has a tremendous testimony that he shared today before the baptism and agreed to let me post it in my blog. I will be posting it in the next few days, as soon as he sends me a copy. It will inspire you. Pray for us and our work for more good days ahead.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Do We Believe Anything Anymore?
There was a poll recently that I read in our local newspaper. It was conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Here are a couple of the findings:
57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.
My comment:
Don't we really believe anything anymore? Don't we believe the very word of the God we worship? Didn't Jesus say that He was the way, the truth, and the life and that no man can come to the Father but by Him? Numerous scriptures teach us that through Jesus alone we find salvation. The Interfaith movement is a great deception. We can't accept every religions teachings as truth when they reject that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If we don't hold to this simple truth we are no longer Christians.
In all, 70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation shared that view, and 68 percent said there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their own religion.
Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), members of historic black Protestant churches (59 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).
My comments:
Clearly churches are failing their congregations. We will cling to Jesus Christ as our only hope and teach it to all who will hear. God help us!
By similar margins, people in those faith groups believe in multiple interpretations of their own traditions' teachings. Yet 44 percent of the religiously affiliated also said their religion should preserve its traditional beliefs and practices.
My comments:
I know that religion gets it wrong a lot of the time. The watered down message being delivered from many pulpits have made people skeptical. Preachers have become so compromised by sin and scandal that people reject their message even though they cling to their religion. They formulate their own version of truth because their preacher has no anointing. Whatever happened to preachers that are men of God? Men that trembled in God's presence and prayed for the words to speak so the people could be led into truth?
"The Catholic church teaches that the "one church of Christ ... subsists in the Catholic Church" alone and that Protestant churches, while defective, can be "instruments of salvation."
Roger Oldham, a vice president with the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, bristled at using the word "tolerance" in the analysis.
"If by tolerance we mean we're willing to engage or embrace a multitude of ways to salvation, that's no longer evangelical belief," he said. "The word 'evangelical' has been stretched so broadly, it's almost an elastic term."
Others welcomed the findings.
57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.
My comment:
Don't we really believe anything anymore? Don't we believe the very word of the God we worship? Didn't Jesus say that He was the way, the truth, and the life and that no man can come to the Father but by Him? Numerous scriptures teach us that through Jesus alone we find salvation. The Interfaith movement is a great deception. We can't accept every religions teachings as truth when they reject that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If we don't hold to this simple truth we are no longer Christians.
In all, 70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation shared that view, and 68 percent said there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their own religion.
My comment:
How can there be more than one true way to interpret anything? There may be several interpretations, but there is only one truth. The "truth" about God is not a collection of opinions. Our interpretation of scripture or our sincere opinion does not define God or establish truth. There is a truth. It is up to us to be seekers of truth not philosophers with just one of many valid opinions.
Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), members of historic black Protestant churches (59 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).
My comments:
Clearly churches are failing their congregations. We will cling to Jesus Christ as our only hope and teach it to all who will hear. God help us!
By similar margins, people in those faith groups believe in multiple interpretations of their own traditions' teachings. Yet 44 percent of the religiously affiliated also said their religion should preserve its traditional beliefs and practices.
My comments:
I know that religion gets it wrong a lot of the time. The watered down message being delivered from many pulpits have made people skeptical. Preachers have become so compromised by sin and scandal that people reject their message even though they cling to their religion. They formulate their own version of truth because their preacher has no anointing. Whatever happened to preachers that are men of God? Men that trembled in God's presence and prayed for the words to speak so the people could be led into truth?
"The Catholic church teaches that the "one church of Christ ... subsists in the Catholic Church" alone and that Protestant churches, while defective, can be "instruments of salvation."
My comments:
How can a defective church be an instrument of salvation?
Roger Oldham, a vice president with the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, bristled at using the word "tolerance" in the analysis.
"If by tolerance we mean we're willing to engage or embrace a multitude of ways to salvation, that's no longer evangelical belief," he said. "The word 'evangelical' has been stretched so broadly, it's almost an elastic term."
Others welcomed the findings.
My comments:
Things can be stretched so far that they lose their true shape. I pray that churches and Christians will reject the lie that there is salvation in anyone other than Jesus Christ.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
See for Yourself
John 5:3939Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
The entire Bible points to the coming of Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah said:
“Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day couldn’t recognize that the scriptures pointed to Jesus. What a tragedy that He was standing right in front of them and couldn’t see Him. He was speaking to them but they didn’t hear Him. He was right in front of them but they didn’t reach out to touch Him.
Don’t make the same mistake!
Saw (Luke 5:12)
When a man with leprosy saw Jesus he fell on his face. He knew that Jesus was his only hope. When we recognize that Jesus is our only hope we need to fall on our face before Him and cry out to Him.
Heard (Mark 10:46-48)
A blind man heard that Jesus was passing by he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Those around told him to be quiet but he cried the more. He wasn’t going to let his only hope pass by without getting his attention. We can get Jesus’ attention today. We just need to cry out to Him.
Touched (Luke 8:43 through Luke 8:44)
A woman with a disease of twelve years came behind Jesus, and touched the border of his garment. When she touched Him, Jesus noticed. He notices today when we touch Him with our need. Jesus always responds to the cry of our hearts.
1 John 1:1Why could the apostles preach with such conviction? They had seen Jesus with their own eyes. They had heard Him with their own ears. They had touched Him with their own hands.
I haven’t heard Him with my ears but I have heard Him speak to my heart. I haven’t seen Him with my eyes but I see Him through my faith. I haven’t touched with my hands but I have touched Him with my heart.
But more than that I know He is real because He has touched me. He will touch you if you will reach out to Him.
The entire Bible points to the coming of Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah said:
“Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day couldn’t recognize that the scriptures pointed to Jesus. What a tragedy that He was standing right in front of them and couldn’t see Him. He was speaking to them but they didn’t hear Him. He was right in front of them but they didn’t reach out to touch Him.
Don’t make the same mistake!
Saw (Luke 5:12)
When a man with leprosy saw Jesus he fell on his face. He knew that Jesus was his only hope. When we recognize that Jesus is our only hope we need to fall on our face before Him and cry out to Him.
Heard (Mark 10:46-48)
A blind man heard that Jesus was passing by he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Those around told him to be quiet but he cried the more. He wasn’t going to let his only hope pass by without getting his attention. We can get Jesus’ attention today. We just need to cry out to Him.
Touched (Luke 8:43 through Luke 8:44)
A woman with a disease of twelve years came behind Jesus, and touched the border of his garment. When she touched Him, Jesus noticed. He notices today when we touch Him with our need. Jesus always responds to the cry of our hearts.
1 John 1:1Why could the apostles preach with such conviction? They had seen Jesus with their own eyes. They had heard Him with their own ears. They had touched Him with their own hands.
I haven’t heard Him with my ears but I have heard Him speak to my heart. I haven’t seen Him with my eyes but I see Him through my faith. I haven’t touched with my hands but I have touched Him with my heart.
But more than that I know He is real because He has touched me. He will touch you if you will reach out to Him.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Man's Best Friend
There's a reason they call them "Man's Best Friend". Our dog, Gabe, a beautiful Golden Retriever died last Friday, June 6th. He was born 8/1/97 and we had him since he was six weeks old. He was always a great dog. I got him as a gift for my wife's 40th birthday but he soon became my dog. He was overjoyed every time I came home from work. He was beside himself when we would get ready to go to the cottage. Somehow He knew it was time to go up north and would start to get excited Friday afternoon even though we hadn't even started getting ready. As most dogs do, he loved to walk so we would take him out as often as we could. He was a big dog, over 100 lbs, but was great in the house except for the tail knocking things off of end tables occasionally. He slept by our bed every night until he got older and couldn't get up and down the stairs. He loved pizza crust and popcorn. He must have hated us going on a diet because the goodies dried up. He slowed down quite bit as he got older. Lately he just layed around a lot but still enjoyed going into the front yard with us. He would lay in the yard and watch people go by as we sat on the porch. Our 1 year old grandson could crawl all over him without us worrying. Gabe just moved out of his way if it got to be too much.
Even though Gabe had slowed down the past year his death took me by surprise. I got up early to go to work Friday and he was laying in the dining room. I would normally let him outside but it was early so I just let him lay there. My wife told me she couldn't get him to go out and his breathing seemed to be labored. He had seemed to be OK Thursday night. When I got home for lunch he still hadn't been outside so I helped him up but he was unsteady. He went out but he was so weak he just layed down in the grass. His breathing was even more labored. It was hot and humid so I got him back in the air conditioning and called the vet. The soonest they could get us in was 2:15 so I went back to work. I came home again just before 2:00. I tried to help him up but he was completely listless. Just a few minutes later he took his last breath while my wife and I stood by. We loved Gabe and I believe he loved us. He was raised with our family and never knew anything else. I'll miss my old buddy.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Into His Presence
By: Steven D. Niswonger
Scripture Reference: Psalm 84:1-5, 10
David was a man who recognized the value of being in the presence of God. He stated that his “heart and [his] flesh cry out for the living God.” David longed to be in the presence of the Almighty, but was never allowed to be because that was the right and role of the priest alone. Instead, he had to settle for being in the courts of the Lord. Still his heart cried out for a touch, for just a moment in the presence of God. David dwelt in the house of the Lord, but could never know the presence of God. He longed to get past the outer courts and into the Holy of Holies…but he was never allowed.
Today we know and believe in the power of God’s salvation. We know that God honors the prayer of repentance. We know that God washes away our sin in baptism. We know that God fills us with the Holy Ghost when we seek after Him with a pure heart. These things are necessary. These things are valuable. But these are a means to an end. That end is a communion with God and a life lived in His presence. That is what God intends for us.
The Old Testament Temple was full of symbols that would foreshadow God’s plan of salvation and His plan for our life after salvation. The outer court of the Temple was the place of sacrifice and purification. When entering in through the gates of the Temple, the first thing you would come to was the Brazen Altar. The Altar was a place of reflection, a place of recognition, and a place of sorrow. This was the place of repentance. Repentance takes reflection and recognition so that we can see our need for God’s salvation. It is only when we see ourselves as sinners that we see how truly powerless we are to change our situation. After this recognition, sorrow comes at the realization of our trespass against God. This Godly sorrow leads us to repentance. We come to the Altar…the place of death…and we die to our old way of life.
After the Altar, there was the Laver. The Laver was a large pool of water. This was the place of cleansing. After the sacrifice at the Altar, the priests would be filthy and would need to be cleansed before entering into the presence of God. They would completely immerse themselves in the Laver, cleansing them of all the filth in which they were covered. The Laver represents baptism. This is the place of cleansing and preparation. Repentance shows us that we are filthy and makes us want to be clean; baptism cleanses us of the sins that we have committed. It was only after the priest had experience the Altar and the Laver that he was allowed to enter into the presence of God…the Holy of Holies.
Only once a year was the priest allowed into the presence of God. He had served day after day, longed day after day, and was allowed one day in the presence of God. The death of Jesus and His offering of blood unleashed the presence of God in this world. Now, He manifests Himself in the Holy Ghost and has made Himself available to all who would seek. The gift of salvation…repentance, baptism, the infilling of the Holy Ghost…gives us unlimited access to the Throne of God.
What have we done with this gift? David was happy to sit in the courts of God, outside of God’s presence, because that is all he was allowed to have. Too many today, even the saved, are happy with David’s experience. But even David’s heart and flesh cried out for something more…something that he could not have, but is available to each of us. We can do what David could not. We can get past the Altar, past the Laver, past the ceremony of religion, and into the very presence of God. He waits for us to cry out for Him, to yearn for Him. He waits for the day that we will learn to live in His presence and will push through every obstacle to reach Him.
Are you ready to enter into His presence?
Scripture Reference: Psalm 84:1-5, 10
David was a man who recognized the value of being in the presence of God. He stated that his “heart and [his] flesh cry out for the living God.” David longed to be in the presence of the Almighty, but was never allowed to be because that was the right and role of the priest alone. Instead, he had to settle for being in the courts of the Lord. Still his heart cried out for a touch, for just a moment in the presence of God. David dwelt in the house of the Lord, but could never know the presence of God. He longed to get past the outer courts and into the Holy of Holies…but he was never allowed.
Today we know and believe in the power of God’s salvation. We know that God honors the prayer of repentance. We know that God washes away our sin in baptism. We know that God fills us with the Holy Ghost when we seek after Him with a pure heart. These things are necessary. These things are valuable. But these are a means to an end. That end is a communion with God and a life lived in His presence. That is what God intends for us.
The Old Testament Temple was full of symbols that would foreshadow God’s plan of salvation and His plan for our life after salvation. The outer court of the Temple was the place of sacrifice and purification. When entering in through the gates of the Temple, the first thing you would come to was the Brazen Altar. The Altar was a place of reflection, a place of recognition, and a place of sorrow. This was the place of repentance. Repentance takes reflection and recognition so that we can see our need for God’s salvation. It is only when we see ourselves as sinners that we see how truly powerless we are to change our situation. After this recognition, sorrow comes at the realization of our trespass against God. This Godly sorrow leads us to repentance. We come to the Altar…the place of death…and we die to our old way of life.
After the Altar, there was the Laver. The Laver was a large pool of water. This was the place of cleansing. After the sacrifice at the Altar, the priests would be filthy and would need to be cleansed before entering into the presence of God. They would completely immerse themselves in the Laver, cleansing them of all the filth in which they were covered. The Laver represents baptism. This is the place of cleansing and preparation. Repentance shows us that we are filthy and makes us want to be clean; baptism cleanses us of the sins that we have committed. It was only after the priest had experience the Altar and the Laver that he was allowed to enter into the presence of God…the Holy of Holies.
Only once a year was the priest allowed into the presence of God. He had served day after day, longed day after day, and was allowed one day in the presence of God. The death of Jesus and His offering of blood unleashed the presence of God in this world. Now, He manifests Himself in the Holy Ghost and has made Himself available to all who would seek. The gift of salvation…repentance, baptism, the infilling of the Holy Ghost…gives us unlimited access to the Throne of God.
What have we done with this gift? David was happy to sit in the courts of God, outside of God’s presence, because that is all he was allowed to have. Too many today, even the saved, are happy with David’s experience. But even David’s heart and flesh cried out for something more…something that he could not have, but is available to each of us. We can do what David could not. We can get past the Altar, past the Laver, past the ceremony of religion, and into the very presence of God. He waits for us to cry out for Him, to yearn for Him. He waits for the day that we will learn to live in His presence and will push through every obstacle to reach Him.
Are you ready to enter into His presence?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Exalted By God
The Apostle Peter was a witness of the sufferings of Christ. Can you imagine how humbling it would have been to have witnessed the crucifixion? As one of the disciples, Peter walked with Jesus while he was on earth and listened to His teachings. Peter, like all of the disciples, was demoralized by Jesus’ death. It seemed to Peter that the only thing to do was to go back to his old life and pick up his old job as a fisherman. Thank God that the crucifixion was not the end of the story. When Jesus was raised from the dead he appeared to the disciples and told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. On the day of Pentecost they were gathered in an upper room and were filled with the Holy Spirit. They would never be the same because of their encounter with the risen savior. The same is true today of those who have been filled with the Spirit. Have you met the risen savior? Have you had an encounter with Jesus that completely changed your life? Peter was a changed man who committed his life completely to God.
Peter learned many things from Jesus. I believe that one of the important lessons that he learned was that this life isn’t about the here and now but about laying up treasure in heaven. God will exalt us in due time if we are His faithful servants. We may never be praised by men while we live on this earth but we can hear Jesus say “well done good and faithful servant”, when we get to heaven. Living our lives for the rewards that this life brings will leave us empty and disappointed. Romans 8:13-14 tells us”13For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” I want to be led through this life by God. How about you? In order to be led by God we must be willing to submit to God’s authority in our life. So often we don’t want to give up control of the smallest thing, but God can’t lead us if we won’t submit to Him. Giving up some control can save our life. In an emergency room we willingly give up control to the doctors because we know that they can help us. In the military soldiers willingly give up control to their leaders so that they can be successful and come through the battles they will face victoriously. If we don’t submit to God we will be dominated by our fleshly desires. God wants the best for each one of us. If we will submit to His will for our life He will deliver us from all evil. We read in 1 Peter that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Jesus spoke about “rendering to Caesar” and “rendering to God”. This simply means we need to submit to the laws of the land as good citizens while at the same time giving to God what belongs to God. I want to submit to God. I want to pay attention to the needs of the spiritual man instead being constantly concerned with the natural man’s needs. I want to allow God to lead me into a full walk with Him and get myself out of the way so that God can be all in all. Will you let God work in your life?
Peter learned many things from Jesus. I believe that one of the important lessons that he learned was that this life isn’t about the here and now but about laying up treasure in heaven. God will exalt us in due time if we are His faithful servants. We may never be praised by men while we live on this earth but we can hear Jesus say “well done good and faithful servant”, when we get to heaven. Living our lives for the rewards that this life brings will leave us empty and disappointed. Romans 8:13-14 tells us”13For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” I want to be led through this life by God. How about you? In order to be led by God we must be willing to submit to God’s authority in our life. So often we don’t want to give up control of the smallest thing, but God can’t lead us if we won’t submit to Him. Giving up some control can save our life. In an emergency room we willingly give up control to the doctors because we know that they can help us. In the military soldiers willingly give up control to their leaders so that they can be successful and come through the battles they will face victoriously. If we don’t submit to God we will be dominated by our fleshly desires. God wants the best for each one of us. If we will submit to His will for our life He will deliver us from all evil. We read in 1 Peter that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Jesus spoke about “rendering to Caesar” and “rendering to God”. This simply means we need to submit to the laws of the land as good citizens while at the same time giving to God what belongs to God. I want to submit to God. I want to pay attention to the needs of the spiritual man instead being constantly concerned with the natural man’s needs. I want to allow God to lead me into a full walk with Him and get myself out of the way so that God can be all in all. Will you let God work in your life?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Man in the Mirror
By Steven D. Niswonger
King David found himself with a sin problem. He saw Bath-sheba bathing one day and desired her, even though he knew that she was Uriah’s wife, and he had her brought to him. After a time, Bath-sheba sent word to David that she was pregnant…the only problem was that her husband had been away in battle for some time. David thought he could make the situation right, so he called Uriah back from battle so that he could make it look like the child was Uriah’s. Uriah did not cooperate, so David had him killed by sending him to the front lines of battle.
In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronted David about his sin. The sin that David committed did not just spring up in an instant…it was not a split-second decision. For the righteous, sin is not part of our nature, so it can’t be a split-second decision. Instead, Satan must sneak into the thoughts and minds of Christians. David wanted to act justly in his walk with God, but he allowed sin to enter in and work through him.
1 John 2:16 lists the three types of sin: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These three things can each lead to sin by themselves, or Satan can use them together to tempt the Christian. These are Satan’s tools.
David’s sin started with the lust of the flesh. This is the desire to have something that will fulfill a fleshly desire. He entertained the desire…even fantasized about it. It began long before he ever saw Bath-sheba. Any time we entertain any kind of thought, it breeds the possibility that the thought will manifest itself in our lives. Entertaining always breeds possibility. The thought must come before action because nothing happens unless the thought is placed there first.
The lust of the flesh continued to the lust of the eyes. The possibility of sin was entertained, which always leads to opportunity. The lust of the eyes provided an object for the lust of the flesh. David saw Bath-sheba and she became the object for the lust of the flesh.
Once David had an object for his lust, the pride of life took over so that he could feel justified in sinning. The addition of opportunity to desire resulted in justification of the desire. Perhaps David began to think, “I’m the king and I can have what I want”. Whatever David thought, at least for a moment, he unwisely felt above the law of God. Pride of life opposes Wisdom and all that it teaches. Proverbs 16:18 teaches us that pride and haughtiness cause sin to manifest when they are left unexposed. Pride leads to self-justification and then leads to sin. David went from desire to opportunity to pride…this path always culminates in sin.
David sinned and God brought him face to face with the man in the mirror. God strips us of any justification for sin and forces us face ourselves. Pride will lead to sin, and sin will lead to exposure. Numbers 32:23 tells us that we can be sure that our sin will be exposed. Exposure is necessary for reconciliation. Once exposed, it is no longer the sin that matters, but the response to the exposure. The character of a person is defined by his response to sin and that response has everlasting consequences. David’s response to exposure was repentance. That decision changed his life.
The decision makes all the difference. David repented and obtained forgiveness, allowing God to change his heart and desires. Judas Iscariot made the opposite choice when faced with his sin…his choice led to despair and damnation. David believed that God would forgive; Judas believed he was beyond forgiveness. What do you believe?
Man is ruled by his desires: either the desire to sin, or the desire to serve God. If we will let Him, God can change the desires and lusts of our flesh to desire for the things of the Spirit and He will give us the discernment to recognize when sin is trying to overtake us.
King David found himself with a sin problem. He saw Bath-sheba bathing one day and desired her, even though he knew that she was Uriah’s wife, and he had her brought to him. After a time, Bath-sheba sent word to David that she was pregnant…the only problem was that her husband had been away in battle for some time. David thought he could make the situation right, so he called Uriah back from battle so that he could make it look like the child was Uriah’s. Uriah did not cooperate, so David had him killed by sending him to the front lines of battle.
In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronted David about his sin. The sin that David committed did not just spring up in an instant…it was not a split-second decision. For the righteous, sin is not part of our nature, so it can’t be a split-second decision. Instead, Satan must sneak into the thoughts and minds of Christians. David wanted to act justly in his walk with God, but he allowed sin to enter in and work through him.
1 John 2:16 lists the three types of sin: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These three things can each lead to sin by themselves, or Satan can use them together to tempt the Christian. These are Satan’s tools.
David’s sin started with the lust of the flesh. This is the desire to have something that will fulfill a fleshly desire. He entertained the desire…even fantasized about it. It began long before he ever saw Bath-sheba. Any time we entertain any kind of thought, it breeds the possibility that the thought will manifest itself in our lives. Entertaining always breeds possibility. The thought must come before action because nothing happens unless the thought is placed there first.
The lust of the flesh continued to the lust of the eyes. The possibility of sin was entertained, which always leads to opportunity. The lust of the eyes provided an object for the lust of the flesh. David saw Bath-sheba and she became the object for the lust of the flesh.
Once David had an object for his lust, the pride of life took over so that he could feel justified in sinning. The addition of opportunity to desire resulted in justification of the desire. Perhaps David began to think, “I’m the king and I can have what I want”. Whatever David thought, at least for a moment, he unwisely felt above the law of God. Pride of life opposes Wisdom and all that it teaches. Proverbs 16:18 teaches us that pride and haughtiness cause sin to manifest when they are left unexposed. Pride leads to self-justification and then leads to sin. David went from desire to opportunity to pride…this path always culminates in sin.
David sinned and God brought him face to face with the man in the mirror. God strips us of any justification for sin and forces us face ourselves. Pride will lead to sin, and sin will lead to exposure. Numbers 32:23 tells us that we can be sure that our sin will be exposed. Exposure is necessary for reconciliation. Once exposed, it is no longer the sin that matters, but the response to the exposure. The character of a person is defined by his response to sin and that response has everlasting consequences. David’s response to exposure was repentance. That decision changed his life.
The decision makes all the difference. David repented and obtained forgiveness, allowing God to change his heart and desires. Judas Iscariot made the opposite choice when faced with his sin…his choice led to despair and damnation. David believed that God would forgive; Judas believed he was beyond forgiveness. What do you believe?
Man is ruled by his desires: either the desire to sin, or the desire to serve God. If we will let Him, God can change the desires and lusts of our flesh to desire for the things of the Spirit and He will give us the discernment to recognize when sin is trying to overtake us.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Don't Tolerate the Jebusites
The Exodus recounts the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Moses was the man of God that led the children of Israel out of Egypt to the land that God had promised to give them. When they got to the land that was to be theirs they sent spies to check things out. There were twelve spies sent into the land but only two, Joshua and Caleb, gave a favorable report to Moses about their chances to conquer their enemies. The other ten were filled with fear and unbelief and said that the enemy was too strong for them to fight. Their lack of faith in what God had promised doomed them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. All of that generation that did not believe God died before they ever got another chance to take the promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb made it through to see the promise. There were, indeed, mighty people that would be an obstacle to Israel, but when God made the promise he also provided the means for them to receive the promise. One of the conditions that God put upon Israel was that they were to drive out all of the inhabitants of the land and not make a “league”, or agreement, with any of them. Joshua 15:63 tells us that they were not able to drive out the Jebusites. The Jebusites were inhabitants of Jerusalem. So we ask the question, “If God made the promise why couldn’t Israel drive out the Jebusites?” As we read on we find that it is because they did make agreements with the people against God’s warning. God is faithful to His word and will never break his promises. We should heed the lesson today; don’t make an agreement with the enemy of our soul. We need to throw down their altars; those things that seek to divert our worship from God. We shouldn’t tolerate the things that pull us away from God into our lives. Because Israel didn’t obey God their enemies would be as thorns in their sides. Their false gods would be a snare unto them.
We find that the disobedience of Israel in driving out the inhabitants of the land cost them their children. God was forgotten in a single generation. I fear that God is being forgotten today. Every generation seems to grow farther away from God. There are so many that just don’t go to church anymore. Most times the churches themselves are to blame. Churches are not relevant to people’s lives in many cases. There are so many that are stuck in a boring ritual. I don’t believe God ever intended it to be that way. When a church is a place of true worship that exalts God you can find that relationship that will set your heart on fire. We desire to be that kind of church at Redemption Ministries. I invite you to visit us and experience that which we have found. Cast the “Jebusites” out of your life. Don’t let the things of this world steal a relationship with God from you. God wants you to live in the land of promise.
We find that the disobedience of Israel in driving out the inhabitants of the land cost them their children. God was forgotten in a single generation. I fear that God is being forgotten today. Every generation seems to grow farther away from God. There are so many that just don’t go to church anymore. Most times the churches themselves are to blame. Churches are not relevant to people’s lives in many cases. There are so many that are stuck in a boring ritual. I don’t believe God ever intended it to be that way. When a church is a place of true worship that exalts God you can find that relationship that will set your heart on fire. We desire to be that kind of church at Redemption Ministries. I invite you to visit us and experience that which we have found. Cast the “Jebusites” out of your life. Don’t let the things of this world steal a relationship with God from you. God wants you to live in the land of promise.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Mom’s Blessing to Her Family
Joshua 2:8 through Joshua 2:13
I want to talk to you about a woman that saved her family in time of great trouble as well as became a blessing to every family on earth. God had delivered Israel from 400 years of Egyptian bondage, they had wandered through the wilderness for 400 years, and they had begun taking possession of the land that God had promised to them. They were coming to a city called Jericho that was a great walled city. Before Israel engaged Jericho in battle they sent spies into Jericho to scope out the enemy. A woman named Rahab gave safe haven to the spies and received a promise of deliverance. You may ask, “Why did she do that”? Rahab understood that God had given the land to His people. We need to recognize that God has a plan for our life. God wants to give the best to His people. Serving God brings blessing. Rahab “heard” all that God had done on behalf of His people and wanted to live in the blessing. We need to keep our hearts open to God because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word of God will lead you to a great revelation of who God can be in your life.
Rahab said “Our hearts did melt” when they heard of how God was blessing Israel and delivering their enemies into their hands. They felt like there was no hope for their situation. We have no hope of blessing today if we resist the tug of God. God wants to touch your heart and speak blessing into your life. Rahab made a wise decision and turned to God for help. She saw that only God could save her and her family. Moms, you need to see that your family can only be blessed with God in your home. Rahab saw that her loved ones needed God and she was going to bring them to a place of God’s blessing. She did what she needed to do to start a generational blessing for her family. Our families can be blessed generation after generation if we will serve God and raise our children in a Godly home.
The inhabitants of Jericho trusted in the walls of the city. Where is your trust today? Where is your faith? What seems secure in this world comes ultimately comes crashing down. Rahab was told to tie a scarlet cord to the window and her and all those in her house would be spared. Death and destruction was all around when the walls of the city came tumbling down but Rahab and her family went into the place of safety.
Rahab found a new direction for her life. She got married and became the mother of a man named Boaz who married Ruth. (See the book of Ruth) The descendants of Rahab include, David and Jesus. That’s right, a prostitute who had faith in God and was changed from hopelessness to hope and was in the blood line of Jesus Christ! Not only was Rahab’s family blessed, but every family in the world was blessed because of her faith. We never know how our lives will bless another.
The Story of Svea Flood.
David and Svea Flood became missionaries to the Belgian Congo (Zaire).
The tribal chief wouldn’t let them into the village for fear of angering the gods.
They made mud huts outside the village and only one small boy was allowed to bring food to them twice a week Svea won that young man to Christ. There was no other breakthrough in their work. Svea was sick with malaria and later became pregnant. She gave birth to a daughter but was so weak she died 17 days later. Her husband David was so angered with God he left the region and gave his daughter away. The daughter, Aggie, was raised by a family in America. When Aggie became an adult she saw an article on Swedish missionaries and saw a picture of her mother’s grave in Zaire. She sought information and found the young man that her mother had won to Christ. The young man won all of the villagers, including the tribal chief, about 600 people. She found that the young man was now superintendent of over 110,000 Christians in Zaire.
Svea sought out, and found, her father, David, who had been bitter for many years. He wanted nothing to do with God. Svea told him of all of the good that had come from what they had done and how Svea was highly respected by all of the believers in Africa. Eventually, his heart softened and he came back to God.
Every soul is important to God. Svea showed God’s love to that little boy in Zaire and people found hope. God has put, or will put, your children in your care to teach them about God. We never know how one little boy or girl, that may be overlooked by almost everyone, will change a nation. You can start a generational blessing for your family by raising your children to love God. Commit your life to God today and you will live in a place of blessing.
I want to talk to you about a woman that saved her family in time of great trouble as well as became a blessing to every family on earth. God had delivered Israel from 400 years of Egyptian bondage, they had wandered through the wilderness for 400 years, and they had begun taking possession of the land that God had promised to them. They were coming to a city called Jericho that was a great walled city. Before Israel engaged Jericho in battle they sent spies into Jericho to scope out the enemy. A woman named Rahab gave safe haven to the spies and received a promise of deliverance. You may ask, “Why did she do that”? Rahab understood that God had given the land to His people. We need to recognize that God has a plan for our life. God wants to give the best to His people. Serving God brings blessing. Rahab “heard” all that God had done on behalf of His people and wanted to live in the blessing. We need to keep our hearts open to God because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word of God will lead you to a great revelation of who God can be in your life.
Rahab said “Our hearts did melt” when they heard of how God was blessing Israel and delivering their enemies into their hands. They felt like there was no hope for their situation. We have no hope of blessing today if we resist the tug of God. God wants to touch your heart and speak blessing into your life. Rahab made a wise decision and turned to God for help. She saw that only God could save her and her family. Moms, you need to see that your family can only be blessed with God in your home. Rahab saw that her loved ones needed God and she was going to bring them to a place of God’s blessing. She did what she needed to do to start a generational blessing for her family. Our families can be blessed generation after generation if we will serve God and raise our children in a Godly home.
The inhabitants of Jericho trusted in the walls of the city. Where is your trust today? Where is your faith? What seems secure in this world comes ultimately comes crashing down. Rahab was told to tie a scarlet cord to the window and her and all those in her house would be spared. Death and destruction was all around when the walls of the city came tumbling down but Rahab and her family went into the place of safety.
Rahab found a new direction for her life. She got married and became the mother of a man named Boaz who married Ruth. (See the book of Ruth) The descendants of Rahab include, David and Jesus. That’s right, a prostitute who had faith in God and was changed from hopelessness to hope and was in the blood line of Jesus Christ! Not only was Rahab’s family blessed, but every family in the world was blessed because of her faith. We never know how our lives will bless another.
The Story of Svea Flood.
David and Svea Flood became missionaries to the Belgian Congo (Zaire).
The tribal chief wouldn’t let them into the village for fear of angering the gods.
They made mud huts outside the village and only one small boy was allowed to bring food to them twice a week Svea won that young man to Christ. There was no other breakthrough in their work. Svea was sick with malaria and later became pregnant. She gave birth to a daughter but was so weak she died 17 days later. Her husband David was so angered with God he left the region and gave his daughter away. The daughter, Aggie, was raised by a family in America. When Aggie became an adult she saw an article on Swedish missionaries and saw a picture of her mother’s grave in Zaire. She sought information and found the young man that her mother had won to Christ. The young man won all of the villagers, including the tribal chief, about 600 people. She found that the young man was now superintendent of over 110,000 Christians in Zaire.
Svea sought out, and found, her father, David, who had been bitter for many years. He wanted nothing to do with God. Svea told him of all of the good that had come from what they had done and how Svea was highly respected by all of the believers in Africa. Eventually, his heart softened and he came back to God.
Every soul is important to God. Svea showed God’s love to that little boy in Zaire and people found hope. God has put, or will put, your children in your care to teach them about God. We never know how one little boy or girl, that may be overlooked by almost everyone, will change a nation. You can start a generational blessing for your family by raising your children to love God. Commit your life to God today and you will live in a place of blessing.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Back Home Refreshed
I have missed posting a new blog for a couple of weeks. Last week we spent a few days visiting some of my wife's family in Missouri and Arkansas. Then we attended the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship annual conference in Evansville, Indiana. We enjoyed great worship and preaching at the conference. Every now and then we need a boost and I'm glad we were able to go. Not only did we enjoy the conference we also were able to connect with friends we have made over the years. We got reacquainted with a pastor from Duluth, MN last year at the conference that we had known from pastoring in Minnesota in the early 90's. He was at the conference this year with his wife and one of their daughters. It was great to see them and get a chance to visit. We also connected with friends we met about a year ago from Indiana, Michigan, and Texas. Fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ is refreshing in and of itself. In the book of Acts the early church not only continued in the Apostles doctrine but in fellowship. It is a source of encouragement and strength. In the business of life make time for fellowship. You will be blessed.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Remember the Blood
By Associate Pastor Steven D. Niswonger
Scriptures: Psalm 23:5-6, Luke 22:41-44
Discouragement is the enemy of the Christian. Discouragement is a state of lessened courage…it is not simply the presence of fear. Courage, on the other hand, is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right in the face of it. Christians must be a people of courage.
Why is discouragement dangerous? Because it usually comes when you have lost focus on the vision that God has given you. When this happens, you are often left looking inside yourself or to others for solutions to your problems, instead of looking to God. Discouragement is the result of weak faith, whether a momentary lapse or a life-long refusal to trust. When we look within to solve problems, we are faced with our own inability, which can lead to further discouragement. Problems seem deeper, mountains seem higher.
Discouragement happens to everybody…it is natural in humanity. However, it must be fought. Long-term discouragement will kill your vision. The Bible says, “without vision the people perish”. You will not last as a Christian without the vision and calling of God in your life.
So then, what can defeat discouragement? Having a cup that is running over with the presence of God. David said, “my cup runneth over.” There are two “cups” that we must know about, and two cups that we must have full to be successful.
David spoke of the Cup of Blessing. This is the cup that contains your salvation, protection, prosperity, God’s goodness, and His mercy. These are the blessings of God on His people. You keep this cup full through praise and worship…by “dwell(ing) in the house of the LORD forever”. In order to dwell in the house of the Lord, we all must fulfill our duties and assignments. This leads us to our other cup.
Jesus spoke of the Cup of Calling in Luke. We have God-ordained duties that God has assigned each of us. He provides the tools we need to complete the assignment…we don’t need to worry about how we will complete the job. God will give us every tool, except for desire. We must provide the desire to do the work of God.
For a moment, even Jesus struggled with the Cup of Calling in His life. Though He was fully God, He was also flesh. When flesh is called to sacrifice, it will try to preserve itself. Even in the flesh of Jesus. He possessed two wills as God robed in flesh. This is evident when He cries out, “not my will, but thine be done”. This was flesh crying out to Spirit. Since Jesus struggled, we should expect to struggle with discouragement and with the flesh. But, since Jesus fought against it and was victorious, we should also expect to fight against it and be victorious.
How did Jesus win the battle? What sparked His desire to fulfill His calling? He was praying so fervently that blood began to run down his face…it was when He remembered the blood that He won the battle. He remembered that this life is very temporary and that His actions had very real effect in eternity. When faced with discouragement, He went to fervent prayer.
We must also “remember the blood”. Remember that your choices have very real consequences. You are called of God to perform a purpose, to complete an assignment. What you do has eternal consequences, not only for you, but also for the world around you.
Saying “no” to ourselves…denying ourselves…when we think we see another way is most unnatural. However, when God asks a sacrifice, it serves a purpose…we can know that there is no other way to get the job done. It’s a matter of trust in Him.
What calling has God placed in your life? If you look deep enough, you will find it. Don’t hesitate to fulfill that calling. Provide the desire, and let God provide the rest. First, remember the blood.
Scriptures: Psalm 23:5-6, Luke 22:41-44
Discouragement is the enemy of the Christian. Discouragement is a state of lessened courage…it is not simply the presence of fear. Courage, on the other hand, is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right in the face of it. Christians must be a people of courage.
Why is discouragement dangerous? Because it usually comes when you have lost focus on the vision that God has given you. When this happens, you are often left looking inside yourself or to others for solutions to your problems, instead of looking to God. Discouragement is the result of weak faith, whether a momentary lapse or a life-long refusal to trust. When we look within to solve problems, we are faced with our own inability, which can lead to further discouragement. Problems seem deeper, mountains seem higher.
Discouragement happens to everybody…it is natural in humanity. However, it must be fought. Long-term discouragement will kill your vision. The Bible says, “without vision the people perish”. You will not last as a Christian without the vision and calling of God in your life.
So then, what can defeat discouragement? Having a cup that is running over with the presence of God. David said, “my cup runneth over.” There are two “cups” that we must know about, and two cups that we must have full to be successful.
David spoke of the Cup of Blessing. This is the cup that contains your salvation, protection, prosperity, God’s goodness, and His mercy. These are the blessings of God on His people. You keep this cup full through praise and worship…by “dwell(ing) in the house of the LORD forever”. In order to dwell in the house of the Lord, we all must fulfill our duties and assignments. This leads us to our other cup.
Jesus spoke of the Cup of Calling in Luke. We have God-ordained duties that God has assigned each of us. He provides the tools we need to complete the assignment…we don’t need to worry about how we will complete the job. God will give us every tool, except for desire. We must provide the desire to do the work of God.
For a moment, even Jesus struggled with the Cup of Calling in His life. Though He was fully God, He was also flesh. When flesh is called to sacrifice, it will try to preserve itself. Even in the flesh of Jesus. He possessed two wills as God robed in flesh. This is evident when He cries out, “not my will, but thine be done”. This was flesh crying out to Spirit. Since Jesus struggled, we should expect to struggle with discouragement and with the flesh. But, since Jesus fought against it and was victorious, we should also expect to fight against it and be victorious.
How did Jesus win the battle? What sparked His desire to fulfill His calling? He was praying so fervently that blood began to run down his face…it was when He remembered the blood that He won the battle. He remembered that this life is very temporary and that His actions had very real effect in eternity. When faced with discouragement, He went to fervent prayer.
We must also “remember the blood”. Remember that your choices have very real consequences. You are called of God to perform a purpose, to complete an assignment. What you do has eternal consequences, not only for you, but also for the world around you.
Saying “no” to ourselves…denying ourselves…when we think we see another way is most unnatural. However, when God asks a sacrifice, it serves a purpose…we can know that there is no other way to get the job done. It’s a matter of trust in Him.
What calling has God placed in your life? If you look deep enough, you will find it. Don’t hesitate to fulfill that calling. Provide the desire, and let God provide the rest. First, remember the blood.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
What Are Life's Most Important Things?
I just read an article in Parade magazine about Professor Randy Pausch. He is dying with pancreatic cancer and was invited to give his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. There is also a video of his lecture on parade.com. Many of the things he had to say were inspiring but he said at the outset of the lecture that he wasn't going to say anything about God. I don't know what he believes about God or if he believes in God at all. His lecture just got me thinking about what I would want to do and say if I knew I was entering eternity. There are a few things that really matter in life but, like everyone else, I let so many other things occupy my time and energy. If we knew the end was near what would be important? What would we want our legacy to be? Here are a few questions I asked myself:
#1 Am I ready to meet God?
I want to live my life in a way that I will hear Jesus say "Well done" whenever it is that I leave this world. I believe we need to seek God now with sincere hearts. If we do, we will find the treasure that is worth more than can be realized in this world. I fell at an altar in a little church years ago and poured my heart out to God. I was filled with the Holy Ghost and have not been the same since that night. I'm so grateful for the touch of God.
#2 Have I lived a life of integrity?
It seems that it is easy to rationalize any decision that we make. We can say that we did something because we were entitled or we were making up for a past wrong. I believe that the life of a Christian must be a life of integrity. When we have integrity we can look at ourselves in the mirror and say that we lived our life in a way that was pleasing to God and have a good reputation among those who know us. Building Christian character is building our character on the foundation of God's character. When I am gone I want people to be able to say that I was a man of integrity.
#3 Have I loved my family?
Family is a precious gift from God. I have been married to Susan for 32 years. She is the love of my life, the woman of my dreams. It's not that things have always been easy or that we have never had a trial. I believe our success comes from our commitment to God and to each other. We have never seen life any other way than being together. We nurture our love for each other and don't want it to ever wane. We understand that everyday life is sometimes boring and there are long stints of the same old thing. But we will never let that get us off track. We will always rekindle the spark that drew us together in the first place. We have two sons that have grown up to be fine men. I want their love and respect. I want for them to have the kind of family life that we had when they were at home. I think that they had a happy childhood and wanted what they saw in Mom & Dad. Most of all I want them to lead their families to a relationship with God that will keep them strong. We fail to tell our families enough how much we love them. I love you all and have been tremendously blessed.
#4 Have Others Been Blessed By My Life?
I want to do all that I can to be a blessing every day to someone. This gets lost in daily life sometimes. It is our duty to provide for our families and we are busy about that business. I have always believed that work is a blessing from God and the ability to make a living is one of His great blessings. So I want to be thankful that God has blessed us in that area while at the same time doing my best to influence someone to give their heart to God. Nothing we ever achieve in this world will ever be as important as achieving salvation.
There are many other things that could be asked. How about your life today? What questions would you ask of yourself?
#1 Am I ready to meet God?
I want to live my life in a way that I will hear Jesus say "Well done" whenever it is that I leave this world. I believe we need to seek God now with sincere hearts. If we do, we will find the treasure that is worth more than can be realized in this world. I fell at an altar in a little church years ago and poured my heart out to God. I was filled with the Holy Ghost and have not been the same since that night. I'm so grateful for the touch of God.
#2 Have I lived a life of integrity?
It seems that it is easy to rationalize any decision that we make. We can say that we did something because we were entitled or we were making up for a past wrong. I believe that the life of a Christian must be a life of integrity. When we have integrity we can look at ourselves in the mirror and say that we lived our life in a way that was pleasing to God and have a good reputation among those who know us. Building Christian character is building our character on the foundation of God's character. When I am gone I want people to be able to say that I was a man of integrity.
#3 Have I loved my family?
Family is a precious gift from God. I have been married to Susan for 32 years. She is the love of my life, the woman of my dreams. It's not that things have always been easy or that we have never had a trial. I believe our success comes from our commitment to God and to each other. We have never seen life any other way than being together. We nurture our love for each other and don't want it to ever wane. We understand that everyday life is sometimes boring and there are long stints of the same old thing. But we will never let that get us off track. We will always rekindle the spark that drew us together in the first place. We have two sons that have grown up to be fine men. I want their love and respect. I want for them to have the kind of family life that we had when they were at home. I think that they had a happy childhood and wanted what they saw in Mom & Dad. Most of all I want them to lead their families to a relationship with God that will keep them strong. We fail to tell our families enough how much we love them. I love you all and have been tremendously blessed.
#4 Have Others Been Blessed By My Life?
I want to do all that I can to be a blessing every day to someone. This gets lost in daily life sometimes. It is our duty to provide for our families and we are busy about that business. I have always believed that work is a blessing from God and the ability to make a living is one of His great blessings. So I want to be thankful that God has blessed us in that area while at the same time doing my best to influence someone to give their heart to God. Nothing we ever achieve in this world will ever be as important as achieving salvation.
There are many other things that could be asked. How about your life today? What questions would you ask of yourself?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Exciting Changes at Redemption Ministries
We are excited that our TV ad campaign starts this week. Our ads can be seen on HGTV, TNT, and ABC Family, primarily on the weekends with some prime time spots. Be on the lookout if you are in the Saginaw or Flint area. We are also starting a new Sunday format this coming Sunday. We are going to have Sunday School for the kids between 10:00 & 10:30 while the adults enjoy fellowship over coffee and donuts. Then we will all join for our worship service. We are also anticipating moving our office out of the back room. This will give us some needed extra space for our new format. I want to thank all of those again who have been praying for us and our church. We are excited about the blessings coming our way. Susan is also starting a Monday afternoon Bible study in our home. We sent some fliers out and have had two respond so far. God is good! If your looking for a church to call home, check out Redemption Ministries this Sunday.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
People Still Believe in Sin
The following article came from citizenlink.com. I found it heartening that most Americans still believe that there is such a thing as sin. It's heartening because if people believe in sin the gospel can still penetrate their hearts. The challenge of our time is to convince people that they need Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. He is the only one that can fix our sin problem.
Study: Americans Still Know Right from Wrong
by Devon Williams, associate editor
'Humans are created with a sense of conscience …with a sense of right and wrong.'
The majority of Americans — 87 percent — believe in the concept of sin, according to a new study by Ellison Research. Sin was defined as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”
The study, conducted in August, asked more than 1,000 adults to decide whether 30 behaviors were sinful. Adultery was most often described as sinful behavior (81 percent), followed by racism (74 percent), and drug use (65 percent).
“It's encouraging to know that in this day of moral relativism, that a majority of Americans still recognize and believe that there is such a thing as sin,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
Other behaviors considered sinful by a significant portion of Americans included abortion; homosexual activity; pornography; gossip; swearing; and sex before marriage.
Predictably, 94 percent of Americans who regularly attend church believe in sin. Yet, 80 percent of those who do not attend church also believe in sin.
Pastor John Barner, manager of pastoral care at Focus on the Family, said the study verifies that people are struggling with their behaviors.
“It is good to see that the research is confirming that humans are created with a sense of conscience, which implies that we are made in the image of God, with a sense of right and wrong,” he said.
Barner said he is disturbed that among Christians, people don't always look to the Scriptures for their standards of right and wrong.
“The message of Holy Week and the Easter season,” he said, “is that God was so concerned about the sin problem among humans that He sent His Son into the world to take the punishment for those behaviors and attitudes.
"Our belief in what He did for us at the Cross and in the Resurrection, that belief and our gratitude for His gift of eternal life, should then motivate us to live in such a way as to avoid as many of these sinful behaviors as possible.”
Study: Americans Still Know Right from Wrong
by Devon Williams, associate editor
'Humans are created with a sense of conscience …with a sense of right and wrong.'
The majority of Americans — 87 percent — believe in the concept of sin, according to a new study by Ellison Research. Sin was defined as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”
The study, conducted in August, asked more than 1,000 adults to decide whether 30 behaviors were sinful. Adultery was most often described as sinful behavior (81 percent), followed by racism (74 percent), and drug use (65 percent).
“It's encouraging to know that in this day of moral relativism, that a majority of Americans still recognize and believe that there is such a thing as sin,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
Other behaviors considered sinful by a significant portion of Americans included abortion; homosexual activity; pornography; gossip; swearing; and sex before marriage.
Predictably, 94 percent of Americans who regularly attend church believe in sin. Yet, 80 percent of those who do not attend church also believe in sin.
Pastor John Barner, manager of pastoral care at Focus on the Family, said the study verifies that people are struggling with their behaviors.
“It is good to see that the research is confirming that humans are created with a sense of conscience, which implies that we are made in the image of God, with a sense of right and wrong,” he said.
Barner said he is disturbed that among Christians, people don't always look to the Scriptures for their standards of right and wrong.
“The message of Holy Week and the Easter season,” he said, “is that God was so concerned about the sin problem among humans that He sent His Son into the world to take the punishment for those behaviors and attitudes.
"Our belief in what He did for us at the Cross and in the Resurrection, that belief and our gratitude for His gift of eternal life, should then motivate us to live in such a way as to avoid as many of these sinful behaviors as possible.”
Sunday, March 23, 2008
It's Time to Believe
This week we have been remembering Jesus death and celebrating the resurrection. Thank God for the blood! Thank God for our Savior! Easter is about the death, burial, and resurrection but we must not forget the reason that Jesus came. It is about our death, burial, and resurrection.
Romans 6:3 through Romans 6:5
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
It’s time to believe!!!
It’s time to believe in miracles!
The resurrection of Jesus was a miracle that affects every human being ever born. His blood reached back for the righteous of old. Without Jesus sacrifice they could not be made perfect. His blood still flows for whosoever would make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Because Jesus rose from the dead we can experience the miracle of salvation. Believe that God can deliver you from sin today. God’s blessings aren’t just for others, they can be yours.
It’s time to believe that Jesus is the way to salvation!
Acts 4:8 through Acts 4:12
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Note that it was mentioned that Peter was “filled with the Holy Ghost”. Why? Because it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we live an overcoming life. Peter preached with boldness that there was no other way of salvation. Many want to make all religions of the world equal. That, if you are a good person it doesn’t really matter what you believe. But Peter stood before the powers of the day and proclaimed the there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
It’s time to believe in the life changing power of the gospel!
You can have a new beginning. The disciples felt defeated because of the crucifixion. It seemed that all was lost. How could they go back to their previous lives? Jesus told them many things about what was to come but they just couldn’t grasp it. Even though Jesus told them that He would be given to men to be crucified they couldn’t believe that it was happening. They couldn’t see past the darkness just before them. But a new day was coming. The grave couldn’t keep hold of Jesus. The despair that filled their hearts melted away because of Jesus resurrection. Are you troubled about the things in your life? Is there a dark veil that keeps you from seeing the promises of God are for you? Does is seem that there is no hope to escape sins grip on your life? He did what He did for you. It’s time for you to believe in the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
A song by Bill Gaither came to my mind this week. It is “Because He Lives”.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. Life is worth the living just because He lives.
Romans 8:10 through Romans 8:11
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
It’s time to believe that God will hear our prayers and will speak to us!
God always responds to the cry of a hungry heart. He speaks to us in many ways. Tune in to what God is trying to say to you. God will speak through His word. Don’t ignore this great treasure that we have. God will speak through our prayers. Prayer is important because God desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to speak into your heart right now. There have been times in my life that I have been in a great need of a touch from God. I needed to feel His presence in my life. I can tell you that there are times we need to call out to God from the depths of our hearts. If you seriously seek God He will respond to you. There is nothing like a touch from God.
It’s time to believe because heaven is at stake!
I want you to know that sin separates us from God. To many, today is just another day.
Many are making excuses about why they have to live in their sin and that they can’t change or God will accept them the way they are. They say I was born that way, whatever sin they are trying to excuse. I think of something I heard once from Rev. G.E. Patterson. He was addressing this very issue and made a simple, but profound, declaration: However you were born, Jesus said be born again! We all have sins that we could never overcome without being born again. We don’t have to struggle with the sin that would destroy us. We can be raised to newness of life because Jesus had new life.
The apostle Paul stood before a king named Agrippa in a trial pleading his case. As Paul always did, he brought the subject around to the gospel. In a powerful way Paul presented the case for Christ. Agrippa told Paul “You almost persuaded me to be a Christian”. What a tragedy that Agrippa “almost” believed. When faced with a decision will you believe? The decision is here today. Do you believe?
Romans 6:3 through Romans 6:5
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
It’s time to believe!!!
It’s time to believe in miracles!
The resurrection of Jesus was a miracle that affects every human being ever born. His blood reached back for the righteous of old. Without Jesus sacrifice they could not be made perfect. His blood still flows for whosoever would make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Because Jesus rose from the dead we can experience the miracle of salvation. Believe that God can deliver you from sin today. God’s blessings aren’t just for others, they can be yours.
It’s time to believe that Jesus is the way to salvation!
Acts 4:8 through Acts 4:12
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Note that it was mentioned that Peter was “filled with the Holy Ghost”. Why? Because it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we live an overcoming life. Peter preached with boldness that there was no other way of salvation. Many want to make all religions of the world equal. That, if you are a good person it doesn’t really matter what you believe. But Peter stood before the powers of the day and proclaimed the there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
It’s time to believe in the life changing power of the gospel!
You can have a new beginning. The disciples felt defeated because of the crucifixion. It seemed that all was lost. How could they go back to their previous lives? Jesus told them many things about what was to come but they just couldn’t grasp it. Even though Jesus told them that He would be given to men to be crucified they couldn’t believe that it was happening. They couldn’t see past the darkness just before them. But a new day was coming. The grave couldn’t keep hold of Jesus. The despair that filled their hearts melted away because of Jesus resurrection. Are you troubled about the things in your life? Is there a dark veil that keeps you from seeing the promises of God are for you? Does is seem that there is no hope to escape sins grip on your life? He did what He did for you. It’s time for you to believe in the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
A song by Bill Gaither came to my mind this week. It is “Because He Lives”.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. Life is worth the living just because He lives.
Romans 8:10 through Romans 8:11
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
It’s time to believe that God will hear our prayers and will speak to us!
God always responds to the cry of a hungry heart. He speaks to us in many ways. Tune in to what God is trying to say to you. God will speak through His word. Don’t ignore this great treasure that we have. God will speak through our prayers. Prayer is important because God desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to speak into your heart right now. There have been times in my life that I have been in a great need of a touch from God. I needed to feel His presence in my life. I can tell you that there are times we need to call out to God from the depths of our hearts. If you seriously seek God He will respond to you. There is nothing like a touch from God.
It’s time to believe because heaven is at stake!
I want you to know that sin separates us from God. To many, today is just another day.
Many are making excuses about why they have to live in their sin and that they can’t change or God will accept them the way they are. They say I was born that way, whatever sin they are trying to excuse. I think of something I heard once from Rev. G.E. Patterson. He was addressing this very issue and made a simple, but profound, declaration: However you were born, Jesus said be born again! We all have sins that we could never overcome without being born again. We don’t have to struggle with the sin that would destroy us. We can be raised to newness of life because Jesus had new life.
The apostle Paul stood before a king named Agrippa in a trial pleading his case. As Paul always did, he brought the subject around to the gospel. In a powerful way Paul presented the case for Christ. Agrippa told Paul “You almost persuaded me to be a Christian”. What a tragedy that Agrippa “almost” believed. When faced with a decision will you believe? The decision is here today. Do you believe?
Sunday, March 9, 2008
It's Worth It
In life, we have to examine whether or not the things that we do are worth the effort. Is being a Christian worth it? I’m not talking about a church affiliation, but a commitment to Jesus Christ and a lifestyle that fits the commitment. I know that there are many that think that if we live a life of commitment we are fanatics or that we are missing out on all of the “fun” things that life has to offer. As I often do, I thought of a song that we used to sing in church when I was a younger man.
It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
It’s gonna be worth every long mile
Every heartache and every trial
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
The history of Christianity is filled with enduring hardship. The martyrs are a testimony of enduring through the worst of times. Many church songs are about enduring through troubles and trials. But there are always also songs of deliverance and blessing. I believe that the truly committed are in tune with the blessings, even through times of trouble.
Psalm 34:15-19 tells us that “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.……Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” God watches over His own. If you have committed your life to God don’t ever think that God doesn’t care about what is happening to you. God delivers the righteous out of their trouble, if not in this life in the life to come. God is near the broken hearted, the contrite. Prosperity preachers of today say that you have a right to riches in this world because you are a Christian. It’s too bad they weren’t part of the early church. Perhaps the early Christians could have escaped the persecution they endured for Christ. Who wouldn’t rather be rich than suffer persecution? Of course I speak in jest. God never promised to make us rich or even give us all of the comforts of life. But he did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. I have complete security in my relationship with God. There have been times in history where Christians have suffered and been burdened because they stand in their faith. The Apostle Peter tells us of the many temptations and trials of the early church. Their faith was tried with fire, things weren’t made easy for them. They believed in Jesus Christ though they had not seen Him. Remember that Peter had seen Jesus Christ, he walked with Jesus on this earth. He believed, partly, because he had seen. Peter reminded them that the end of faith is the salvation of their soul. This is also our encouragement today. It is worth it to commit our lives to Jesus Christ.
As a small group, trying to establish a church, we face many challenges. It is our great desire to share the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ with our community. We pray that our efforts are impacting people in a meaningful way. There is sometimes disappointment when we don’t see the results that we would like. But we don’t do this for the praise of men, we do it for the love of God. I hope you will visit us this Sunday and see why “it is worth it”!
It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
It’s gonna be worth every long mile
Every heartache and every trial
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
The history of Christianity is filled with enduring hardship. The martyrs are a testimony of enduring through the worst of times. Many church songs are about enduring through troubles and trials. But there are always also songs of deliverance and blessing. I believe that the truly committed are in tune with the blessings, even through times of trouble.
Psalm 34:15-19 tells us that “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.……Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” God watches over His own. If you have committed your life to God don’t ever think that God doesn’t care about what is happening to you. God delivers the righteous out of their trouble, if not in this life in the life to come. God is near the broken hearted, the contrite. Prosperity preachers of today say that you have a right to riches in this world because you are a Christian. It’s too bad they weren’t part of the early church. Perhaps the early Christians could have escaped the persecution they endured for Christ. Who wouldn’t rather be rich than suffer persecution? Of course I speak in jest. God never promised to make us rich or even give us all of the comforts of life. But he did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. I have complete security in my relationship with God. There have been times in history where Christians have suffered and been burdened because they stand in their faith. The Apostle Peter tells us of the many temptations and trials of the early church. Their faith was tried with fire, things weren’t made easy for them. They believed in Jesus Christ though they had not seen Him. Remember that Peter had seen Jesus Christ, he walked with Jesus on this earth. He believed, partly, because he had seen. Peter reminded them that the end of faith is the salvation of their soul. This is also our encouragement today. It is worth it to commit our lives to Jesus Christ.
As a small group, trying to establish a church, we face many challenges. It is our great desire to share the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ with our community. We pray that our efforts are impacting people in a meaningful way. There is sometimes disappointment when we don’t see the results that we would like. But we don’t do this for the praise of men, we do it for the love of God. I hope you will visit us this Sunday and see why “it is worth it”!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Added Blog Features
I have added a couple of features to my blog for your listening enjoyment! I have added a one minute mp3 file called "This Weeks Audio Blessing by Pastor Steve". I have also added a feed to the "Breakpoint" broadcast by Chuck Colson. You can either watch the archived video or listen to the archived radio broadcast. The feed list shows the 3 latest broadcasts. I hope you enjoy these new features.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Soon We'll be coming to Your TV
We've been considering doing some TV advertising and set the wheels in motion yesterday for Redemption Ministries to hit the air waves. This is quite a step for our small church but we want to get the word out that we are here and have something important to offer our community. I'm excited about the commercials we will be running. They are professional and attention grabbing. Pray for Saginaw that these efforts will touch hearts and help people see their need for God.
Monday, February 25, 2008
When a Giant Stands Against You
How often does Satan want to steal what God has for us? He wants to keep us from every good thing that Jesus provided for us at the cross. In 1 Samuel 17 we see that Israel was obsessed with this giant that came into their lives. Goliath was an imposing figure. He stood at over nine feet tall and the size of his weapons instilled fear in Israel. If we have power in the Holy Ghost operating in our life we can remove any obstacle that is put in front of us. God has more power than our enemies. Though Goliath was a formidable soldier with powerful weapons, he could not challenge the power of God. It doesn’t matter the size of the obstacle or the show of force by our enemy.
The Bible tells us that “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” What that means is that God goes before us and lets our enemies know who we serve. Everyone in Israel allowed Goliath to be an obstacle. That is, everyone but David. David got riled up when Goliath defied Israel. Everyone but David saw a giant. David saw victory through God. Like David, we need to get riled up when Satan comes against us to take what God has promised each on of us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Goliath came against Israel with a sword and spear. They were inferior weapons compared to what God can do with a shepherd’s sling! Goliath made the mistake of thinking he was going to fight a man. He told Israel “choose you a man” to come and fight me. Little did Goliath know that God was with David and would soon deliver Goliath into his hand. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 54:17 that
”No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper….” We have nothing to fear from our enemies. Nothing that they bring can stand before the child of God. We may look puny standing against the hordes of Satan but hell cowers because it sees God standing with us. When we stand on Jesus’ name there is power in our testimony. We trust that God fights our battles. 1 Samuel 17:45 says “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”
David called on the name of the Lord because his trust was in God. When a “Goliath” comes into your life defying God let him know that there is a price to pay and begin to call on Jesus. Let’s slay any Goliath that stands before us whether it be discouragement, doubt, or unbelief. Jesus died so we could have salvation. Don’t let a Goliath stand in your way anymore of all that God has for your life.
The Bible tells us that “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” What that means is that God goes before us and lets our enemies know who we serve. Everyone in Israel allowed Goliath to be an obstacle. That is, everyone but David. David got riled up when Goliath defied Israel. Everyone but David saw a giant. David saw victory through God. Like David, we need to get riled up when Satan comes against us to take what God has promised each on of us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Goliath came against Israel with a sword and spear. They were inferior weapons compared to what God can do with a shepherd’s sling! Goliath made the mistake of thinking he was going to fight a man. He told Israel “choose you a man” to come and fight me. Little did Goliath know that God was with David and would soon deliver Goliath into his hand. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 54:17 that
”No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper….” We have nothing to fear from our enemies. Nothing that they bring can stand before the child of God. We may look puny standing against the hordes of Satan but hell cowers because it sees God standing with us. When we stand on Jesus’ name there is power in our testimony. We trust that God fights our battles. 1 Samuel 17:45 says “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”
David called on the name of the Lord because his trust was in God. When a “Goliath” comes into your life defying God let him know that there is a price to pay and begin to call on Jesus. Let’s slay any Goliath that stands before us whether it be discouragement, doubt, or unbelief. Jesus died so we could have salvation. Don’t let a Goliath stand in your way anymore of all that God has for your life.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Enough is Enough
I have been updating you on my New Year's resolution to lose weight. I am happy to report that I have hit the 25 lb milestone! It's a great start but I still have some to go. It seems that we don't do anything about the negative things in our life until enough is enough. That's why I started dieting. I had enough! Why don't we make positive changes sooner? Why do we wait, so often, for disaster to strike before we are moved? Many times we find ourself in the same situation in our spiritual lives. Some don't address their spiritual life until they have a major trauma in life. Many want to "cover the bases" so they are religious without true commitment. Even the committed can testify of down times spiritually. Whatever the reason, Susan and I have decided not only to address the physical need, by dieting, but to commit to Bible reading, prayer, and fasting and are seeing the blessing that comes with that commitment. We want to see our church become a beacon of light and hope for our community and believe that have taken important steps over the last year in that direction. I guess we came to a point spiritually where "enough is enough". How about You?
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