Why Evangelism?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 10:18 AM
Virtually every church struggles with "balance". We want to be strong and healthy so we seek to place equal emphasis in every area (adoration, body life, compassion, discipleship, And evangelism) of our ministry. The truth is we really cannot afford to do that. Why? It all has to do with the nature of the church.At Bellaire, we emphasize put a strong emphasis on evangelism. But have you ever wondered why we do this, why the evangelism value is so important? It is so important because lost people matter to God; and because lost men and women go to hell without Christ; and because we are responsible for sharing Christ with them. And can I tell you, that we are doing a crummy job at sharing Christ with them.
Do you really realize this fact, “You will never meet someone who is not important to God, nor will you ever look into the eyes of someone that Jesus did not die for?” The fact of the matter is it really does not matter how we may feel about a particular individual. That is not what is important. What really matters is how God feels about them.
One Mercedes Benz TV commercial shows their car colliding with a cement wall during a safety test. Someone then asks the company spokesman why they do not enforce their patent on the Mercedes Benz energy-absorbing car body, a design evidently copied by other companies because of its success. He replies matter-of-factly, "Because some things in life are too important no to share." How true that is not only for the auto industry, but more so is it important for someone’s salvation, which saves them from far more than auto collisions.
I have heard it said, "If you want to get somebody religious, bring them to church. If you want to get somebody bored, bring them to the deacon's meeting. If you want to get somebody angry, bring them to the business meeting. But if you want to get somebody saved, bring them to Jesus."
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( 2.9 / 11 )Living the Christian Life
Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 10:42 AM
Living the Christian life can be challenging, and it can sometimes overwhelm us. The person who determines to sell out for God is certain to be met with opposition. The devil will see to it that you have plenty of sour things to occupy your life: persecution, heartache--aggravation...you name it, it will happen.Acts 14:22 "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
The Christian life is the abundant life. Can you tell me of anything else that equals salvation in Christ? And, let me add; if salvation were all we had, that would be enough. However, we not only have salvation and forgiveness of sin, we have everything else that goes with it: comfort, peace, hope, security, joy and happiness, and access to God through prayer.
At one time or the other, we've all heard someone say, "I have nothing to live for." If a person does not know Christ, that's pretty much a true statement--he had better live life with all the gusto he can, because when life is over, everything in which he has placed his confidence will be gone--and so will he.
Paul's faith was challenged, and yes, his faith was tested, but we know from the Scriptures, the only thing it did was make him more determined to live for Christ. As Christians, we must be determined to do the job we have been called to do. Our faith must take a stand against the enemy. We must never let anything deter us from serving Christ. We have been called to live for Jesus.
Romans 8:31 reminds us: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
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( 2.7 / 7 )The Race
Monday, July 19, 2010, 09:12 AM
If you keep up with the Olympic you may recognize the name Mary Decker-Slaney. She was an Olympic runner that during the 80's compiled 36 American records and 17 world records.
In 1982, she was the fastest woman at every distance between the 800-meters and the 10,000-meters.
In 1982, she won the Sullivan Award as the best amateur athlete of the year.
However, Olympic medals have always eluded her.
During the 1976 Olympics she was sidelined by stress fractures in her legs. In 1980, she was not able to attend the Olympics when President Carter decided to boycott the games.
In 1984, during the 3,000-meter race in Los Angeles, when it appeared she might finally win a medal, as the race neared its end, she was tripped by Zola Budd from South Africa and fell on the track in pain. Her injuries kept her from being a featured performer in the 1988 and 1992 games.
If you can picture in your mind Mary Decker-Slaney being tripped by another runner, you get the idea of what Paul is saying. He says, "You did run well, but you have allowed someone to cut in on you and trip you up."
In the Galatians case, Paul was speaking of how they had allowed the Judiazers to pull them from grace back into the law, but the picture drives home the point.
Have you fallen out of the race? Have you been cut in on by someone or something and been tripped up in the race? Get up and get back in the race! There is still a race to finish!
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( 2.3 / 8 )And David Prayed...
Friday, July 16, 2010, 10:59 AM
II Samuel 5:6, 7, 10-12, 17-25 In this passage of scripture, we see the Philistine army amassed against David and the people of Israel; David was now King over the combined tribes of Israel and Judah. Saul's son, Ishbosheth, was the leader of the Northern ten tribes, referred to as Israel, until his death, then David was anointed king over both Judah and Israel, thus reuniting all 12 tribes (vs. 12).
When the Philistines became aware that David was king over both the North and the South, they decided to invade Israel. They felt the combined strength would be a threat (vs. 17a). So the Philistines came up to seek David...
David and his people were facing quite a challenge. The Philistines were not to be underestimated. They were a sizable and formidable army - a force to be dealt with.
You see, David's enemies filled the entire valley--they were everywhere--north, south, east and west...everywhere he looked there was a Philistine soldier ready to attack. You might say, "Pastor , that's exactly how I feel , up against what looks to be impossible odds. Listen, God knew about David's dilemma, and He knows about yours and mine. God had a plan in David's case. The truth is God always has a plan to resolve any issue in our lives. What did David do? He did the same thing we're to do, he prayed. The Bible says, "And David enquired of the Lord." And David prayed.
Trouble and trials never come at a good time. We have so many people hurting in our church. Many times in our services, I have felt God leading me to call the hurting to the altar for prayer and have people who would pray over them. This is a very moving moment for me in the presence of God. You see that is His service not mine and He can change it any time He wants to without asking. Thank Jesus I just get in on it.
The timing of the assault on David was not good. Notice it was following his Accomplishment. In (vs. 7), it says, David took the strong hold of Zion. The Jebusites were the enemies of Israel. For centuries they had controlled this area. Judah and Benjamin had once attempted to take the city, but failed in their effort: In Joshua 15:63, it says, “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out."
But then along comes David, the slayer of giants. It says in (vs. 10b), “And the Lord God of hosts was with him.” This so important to remember, anytime we are faced with trouble, we want to know that God is on our side. The Bible says, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" If you are facing a problem, and you are saved, don't worry about it, He's on your side. He'll help you do what needs to be done. Let your faith remain constant.
Because of his faith, David accomplished what others had failed to do, he defeated the Jebusites. And wouldn't you know it, immediately following this tremendous victory, the ol' devil sends an army against him.
Here is the point, anytime you accomplish something significant in your life, you can be certain trouble is ahead. As a matter of fact, just prepare yourself--be ready for the assault. Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Following David’s achievement, we read in (v.12), “And David perceived that the Lord had established him King over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.” In (vs. 17), it says, “But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David."
When, like David, you've accomplished something significant, or have been rewarded because you have achieved in a certain area...maybe you have grown closer to the Lord, maybe you've had a major breakthrough in your spiritual life, that's the very time the assault will begin. Be on guard! And by the way, if you are experiencing that kind of trouble in your life, keep in mind, maybe like David; God is getting ready to promote you in some way. Some have said "Great trials seem to be a necessary preparation for great duties."
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( 2.8 / 6 )What's Your Excuse?
Thursday, July 15, 2010, 11:51 AM
From the Albuquerque Public School System, here are a few of the actual written excuses given by parents of children (actual spelling included):1. My son is under a doctor’s care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
2. Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
3. Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33.
4. Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
5. John has been absent because he has two teeth taken out of his face.
6. Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.
7. Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
8. MY FAVORITE: Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.
Life is filled with choices and we have to take responsibility for the choices that we make. We are the greatest at putting the blame on somebody or something else for not making the right choices.
In Scripture, when God calls Moses, Joshua, Gideon, or Esther to do something great for him, the single greatest obstacle that stands in the way is fear. But even no decision is a decision. We have got to accept responsibility for the choice that we have made or not made! God holds us responsible. You can't kid him! He knows your thoughts and the intents of your heart!
With every choice that we face there is a responsibility! Whether we accept the choice or reject it. God made a choice to invite us!
Acceptance or rejection of God is the consequence that He faces. As Guests we make a choice! Accept the invitation or reject it! It is either a whole hearted yes or it is a no! Your excuses don't hold water.
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