Volume 13
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Dear FaithUnity Reader, Thank you so much for purchasing this month’s issue of FaithUnity! We hope that our publication is a blessing to you as much as your purchase is to our distributors. Each theme and publication is designed to take you on a journey; with information pertaining to today’s culture, Biblical devotionals, and stories of transformation - all articles are presented with a Biblical worldview.
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Table of Contents Keep The Marriage Flame Burning - Greg Fast ........................................................................ Page 2 The Christian From Hell - Jon Leighton .................................................................................... Page 3 The Fire Of Revival - Jon Groves ............................................................................................. Page 4 On Fire And No Fear - Jason Lane ........................................................................................... Page 6 You’re Fired - Gene Boros ....................................................................................................... Page 7 Life Questions: An Open Book Test - Jarrod Almond .............................................................. Page 8 Health With Hannah: Gifts - Hannah Webb ............................................................................. Page 9 Ready. Set. SERVE - Julie Groves ............................................................................................ Page 10 How Far Is Heaven Anyway? - Michael Light .......................................................................... Page 11 After The Fire - Ken Turner ...................................................................................................... Page 12
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Keep The Marriage Flame Burning Hollywood has done us a disservice in depicting what love is. Most love/romance scenarios in film are not between a married man and woman, they show the passion without commitment and it’s more of fling than a deep rooted love.
Living in God’s Word Loving each other Loving our children Experiencing eternal life now Having the same high moral values Taking care of each other
So what does it take to keep the flame of marriage lit? How does love burn (endure) for couples today? Remember me talking here in FaithUnity about my parents, Todd and Josephine Fast? Dad comes from a single parent home where a committed marriage was not modeled. So how has Mom and Dad, who just celebrated 64 years of marriage last month, stay the course? This kind of marriage is “old fashioned” and “out of date”?
Overlooking each other’s faults Practicing patience Keeping our marriage vows No argument to last more than 30 seconds Exchanging compliments
If this is the case, then I want to be “out of date”! Recently, Dad sent this email to one of my son’s who is contemplating marriage. I thought I’d share it with you here...it speaks for itself: Dear Devoted Grandson: As Gramma and I approach the 64th anniversary of our marriage here are some things I believe held our marriage together all those years:
Watching our mouths Asking for forgiveness Giving forgiveness Honoring God’s commandments Having faith in God and each other When you are married perhaps these will help hold your marriage together, too. I love you, Grampa
Oneness in the Lord Closeness in our thinking Serving together as Prayer Warriors Coping with our weaknesses Sharing in our strengths Putting Jesus at the head of our marriage Drawing closer together with each passing day Having fun together Enjoying private jokes Cherishing each private moment Putting one another first Sharing memories Holding hands Praying together each night Experiencing God’s healing powers Worshipping together Saying “I love you” often Showing physical affection
Powerful huh? I’m thinking this would be good to cut this out and place it on a mirror or place where I can review it often. Here’s to a non-Hollywood, “old fashioned”, deep rooted, burning love! - Greg Fast
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The Christian From Hell
Luke 16 relays an account of two individuals, Lazarus and “the rich man.” As we dig into the passage, we discover two men from polar opposite economic extremes. One rich man lives sumptuously with all the finest luxuries. In our mind’s eye we picture a large table of endless supply as this aristocrat feasts on more than he could ever consume, while outside his gate sits a man with no more than the scraps he wears for clothing. Lazarus begs, not for a seat at the table, nor for a penny to spend, but only for the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. His self-worth has reached a lower pit than any of us could even imagine, that the chewed remains falling from a fat man’s mouth would suffice his need for this day. We do not know for how long this pattern continued, but we do know that no matter how rich or poor, death is a common fate we all share.
This Luke 16 account quotes the rich man as saying “I pray…” He who once had no needs, therefore no desire to seek an Almighty provider, now humbles himself to pray to the one greater than himself. Take an example from this man, and invest your “on fire” existence into a passionate prayer life. Finally, in hell there is a passion for souls. You may have met, or may individually believe that hell is the place for you. In moments of frustration you may have wished someone to this all too horrific place. “GO TO HELL!” Upon his first second in hell, the rich man’s earnest plea was that none of his relatives join him in that place. If we could but tap into that desire today, how many more could be saved from that torment? Friend, I cannot speak for you, but my desire is to catch fire today, rather than wait until it is everlastingly too late. We encounter a church so tuned in to an off brand of “love” that it has forgotten the preceding fire. Fire always brings warmth, and without the fire of God, the world will never feel the warmth of our love. Fire is contagious to everything it touches. Would you like to live a contagious, effective life? You can be the “Christian from Hell” without ever visiting that place. Think about it…
Luke 16: 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; This chapter continues on to tell us that the rich man lifts up his eyes in hell, being in torment and seeing Lazarus a far off in eternal comfort. The man who was once the pinnacle of the capitalistic society now pleads for Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. My how the tables have turned. The rich man pleads for the lives of his brothers still alive on earth. Through every request he is reminded of the great gulf between hell and “heaven.” He is reminded of the preachers and words he was blessed with during his time on earth. He is sentenced with an eternal, inescapable fate, with nothing but remorse for his wasted years. The character the rich man displays in hell can serve as a key example for Christian living today. In hell, he is “on fire for God.” The fire of this place consumes every thought and ounce of his existence. The character the rich man displays in hell can serve as a key example for Christian living today. In hell, he is “on fire for God.” The fire of this place consumes every thought and ounce of his existence. Being reminded of the “great gulf” we find that there is separation in hell. All too often we spend our days incorporating elements of the world into our life. God commands “come out from among them and be separate! Touch not the unclean thing…” Today’s culture will forsake separation and sacrifice its purity on the altar of temporary satisfaction. Friend, separation is coming…
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THE FIRE ... Mark 9:43b-44 “....it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Why should Hell be the only place that fire is never quenched? If you were a cub scout as a child, you most likely recognize the ‘Bonfire’ badge as a symbol of accomplishment to those who have learned how and successfully practiced building a fire from their surrounding materials. i.e. sticks and stones. But did you know the Christian flag and the scout’s badge have something in common? Each of these carry with it an honored pledge of allegiance.
Quite a number of years ago, I hosted a state wide youth rally and invited churches to bring their youth groups to hear the Word of God preached and enjoy a bonfire and cookout afterwards. The attendance that night was just over 300 young people not including the adults who helped supervise the activity. I made preparation earlier that day to have an extremely large bonfire that night that would light up the sky. Needless to say, I was excited to do this considering I enjoy playing with fire. It is my experience that even dry wood needs an accelerant to begin a fire. I chose gasoline. Early in the day, I wet that wood with about five gallons of gas. My intent was that it would soak in and then at 7pm I would not have to wait long for the wood to catch fire. While the invited speaker was finishing his sermon, I poured what is called a ‘burn-line’ from the large pile of wood outwards nearly thirty feet from the pile. My plan was that as the last Amen was said that I would begin the bonfire. The match was struck and I dropped it on the burn-line. It exploded to say the least! I knew the gasoline would cause that wood to burn fast and hot but was not expecting the explosion that we all along with the entire county heard. Boom! It went off like a cannon and every eye saw the light from the fire. Let me just say that even at thirty feet away from the fire, every hair of my eyebrows along with my mustache was wrinkled and smelled horrible. When you’re done laughing, consider how awesome that kind of spiritual fire would be in the life of a Christian! Boom and every eye could see God!
From the scout’s handbook, you will find these words: This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following: 1. I have read, understand and use fire safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook. 2. I will build a campfire only when necessary and when I have the necessary permits. 3. I will see that fire is attended to at all times. 4. I will promptly report any wildfire to the proper authorities. Just as the scout pledges to uphold these laws; the child of God should consider them for their life as well. Have you taken the time to read God’s handbook called the Bible? Would you offer a spiritual fire when others are in need of warmth? A disciple will maintain that fire so that it can be seen and enjoyed by others. Finally, the burning that the Holy Spirit has placed inside of you should be shared with all those who have yet to experience it.
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... OF REVIVAL!
In 1755, one of the most historic revivals began and continued for nearly 100 years. What is known as the ‘Sandy Creek Revival’ started in North Carolina and spread throughout Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi and Illinois. Shubal Stearns, a Connecticut preacher who surrendered to the ministry under the teaching of George Whitefield, embraced Biblical principles and moved himself from England to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Impressed of God to stop in western North Carolina, Shubal began a small church on June 13, 1755 in a place called Sandy Creek. Within 13 years, 17 men surrendered to the gospel ministry and fanned out across the north and south and west of Sandy Creek.
The Holy Spirit began to convict her heart of her callousness towards serving God with her life. As the pastor invited his congregation to make their way toward the altar, the lady stood to her feet and began to profess that she was the cause that revival had not yet come to the church. She confessed her sin before God that day and as a result, other members of the congregation followed her in doing the same. On that day, that church began to see an explosion of revival fire that in turn brought about a change in the lives of thousands of people. It takes ONE: One soul to surrender to God; One Christian to see that this kind of fire is not ‘gotten up’ but received down from God. This fire brings a great down pouring of the blessings of God upon His people. It brings a great uprising of those who live a shallow Christianity. It begins a great outreaching in discipling others to live for God, as well as a great in-gathering of the wayward. The disciples said their hearts burned as they heard the Word of God preached. Three Hebrew children stood within a fire one day so that God’s power might be known. God used a burning bush to speak to his servant. Again I ask, why should Hell’s fire be the only fire that never burns out? Make your desire today to be a life not of religion but rather of a relationship with Christ. Habakkuk 3:2 “....O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years,....”
Because of the Sandy Creek Revival, by 1772, nearly all of the Baptist churches of the south were experiencing a spiritual fire within the lives of Christians and over 1,000 churches being birthed was the result. Fire that was not quenched opened the eyes of literally thousands of people across our great country to the Gospel message of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let me tell you this; this kind of revival fire does not come flying in like an airplane or being thrown in like a baseball and does not magically appear like a slight of hand trick! This kind of spiritual fire comes only by prayer and fasting! In a very prominent church in the early 80’s, a lady sitting near the rear of the church auditorium realized that her profession of Jesus Christ was only in word and not in deed.
By: Dr. Jon Groves @DrJonGroves
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On Fire And No Fear!
The concept of being on fire has a wide variety of meanings. My favorite meaning is one that has a sports connotation. I am a sports fanatic, a nut; perhaps even a lunatic, and I cannot help it. I love everything about sports, the competition, the feeling that comes from winning, and even the motivation that comes from losing. I am a loyal fan but I enjoy playing much more than I do watching.
Watching Him so closely that the very moves he makes become the very moves you make. You follow Him so closely that the only possible result will be a burning passion for Him in your life. Following Christ that closely only happens with daily practice and daily practice only happens through discipline.
This discipline demands devotion, desires His presence, and does what has been revealed. In order to develop this, one has to submit his desires to the desires of Christ. The surrender of your desires will be the kindling that is used to start a fire in your life; a fire that will burn in you and drive you to do as He calls.
Growing up in Indiana, playing basketball was as natural as breathing. I would watch my beloved Indiana Hoosiers and immediately go outside and practice to be like them. My favorite Hoosier of all-time was Steve Alford. He could shoot the basketball with such grace and accuracy. I wanted to be him! I would mimic everything he did on the court, especially his shots. I learned quickly how to shoot a basketball and became quite good at make long distance shots. Whenever I started to make shots I would scream out, “I am on fire!” There would be times where it seemed I could not miss and I was not afraid to take any shot that came my way. (In all fairness there were also times that I could not hit anything, but that is for another story.) I was on fire and had no fears. I remember that feeling well and to a large extent crave that feeling from time to time.
On fire and no fears! “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6) If you can watch Him, listen to Him, and strive to be like Him you will catch fire and live with no fears. You will with great boldness do the things He has called you to because you have prepared yourself, you are not afraid of missing the mark. You know where your power comes from (Acts 1:8), you know where you ability lies (Philippians 4:13), and you know that all things will work for your good because you are called to take the “shot” and you love the One who called you (Romans 8:28). On fire and no fear of being the man Christ has called you to be.
I believe that God gives us these types of experiences for a reason. These experiences are to teach us valuable life lessons. The times I experienced “being on fire” taught me that when I am on fire there is no fear. I take these moments in my life and I realize that God gave me these so I could see the beauty of being on fire. As a Christ-follower I want to be on fire for Him. I want my life to burn with passion as I do the things He has called me to do. I think many believers desire this as well. We hear the call from the pulpit of our churches to get on fire for God. The plea does not fall on deaf ears but few are really on fire for God. Many people who pick up that basketball want to “get on fire” but it does not happen, why? Why do those who hear the call to get on fire for God have such difficulties getting on fire? I think the answer is seen in my childhood experiences. I would watch the best basketball shooters and then go and do what they did. I listened to what they had to say about their practices habits and I would do what they said. I followed them.
- Jason Lane
The key to catching fire for God, to live for him with no fears, believing that whatever you do for Him is going to be a win is watching Christ.
Jason Lane is the pastor of Skyway Community Chapel in Palmetto, Florida. Jason authored the “MR” small group curriculum for men. He and his wife Lizzy have been in ministry for over a decade.
@RevJBLane
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You’re Fired!
Many things we do in life seem to be failures, but is it really failure? Could it be teaching us to do things better? I believe God allows us to do things to teach us, shape us, and prepare us, for bigger and better things in life. We do not see things like He sees them, nor do we do things like He does them. I have been down many different routes in life - never dreaming they would lead to where or who I am today. Far more have been bad rather than good. Then I look at these things and realize without them I would not be able to do what I do now. Without the hard times I would not be who God has shaped me to be. You see, God had everything planned all along. Planned? Yes, planned!
We ask many questions wondering why God allows situations that we believe are so horrible. Well, that question is easy to ask not knowing or realizing that this is NOT our world. (Look at the life and death of Christ for example.) We are just passing through. Once again it is one of God’s processes that He designed. What we feel is bad is something in which He will receive the glory.
“You’re Fired!” is the perfect title for this article. Why? Because in a sense "being fired" or "a failure" of things I have done has led up to "being on fire" for God! A fire He set! I look at stories like Job, Jonah, Moses, Paul, as well as so many others. Looking at them I see a pattern comparable to my life. I realize now just how miserable I have been all of my life until fully submitting myself to be used by God! He completely changed my path but used my past through the process! In a sense, God had to literally FIRE me from the passions I was pursuing so I could be FIRED UP for Him. Being fired up and on fire for God is the desire to be more like Him. But what does that mean? Jesus is the supreme example of real Love! That is where I believe we start, since that is where He started. John 3:16 says... For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He started with Love. He taught and preached Love. He died ending in Love! He rose again from the dead... Again going out and teaching Love! During his ministry on earth only gave one commandment... John 13:34-35 Christ says, ”A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” That is the light and reflection of Christ. He just told us! Jesus after being humiliated, beaten beyond what we can imagine, then nailed through flesh and bone to an old rugged cross to hang and die for sins He did not commit by people who cared not, laughing and mocking Him... Christ showed what Love is by following through and ending His earthly service by saying in Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Through Love He forgave them. The Love He had for us drove Him to do things we would not do! But we must get fired up for the things He loves to be more like Him. God loves people. Learning to Love others will help us to serve them and reflect Him. If I'm asked what is it like to be Christ like, my answer is Love, Love, LOVE! That is being fired up for God!
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Life Questions: An Open Book Test
What do I do after I graduate? Do I go to college or do I not? What career do I choose? Who should I marry? Should I even get married? Should we have kids? What if we can’t have kids? Where do we send them to school? How should we discipline our children?
The book of James refers to the Bible as that of a mirror. Just like your personal mirror, the Word will reveal what we have tried to conceal. The sooner we realize the authority the Bible should have in our lives, the better off we are. The abilities of the Word of God are far from limited. God’s word can change the vilest heart and give them a heart of sugar. I’ve seen it first hand over and over. His Word challenges, compels, convicts, comforts, calms and commands over and over again. This last part is the secret to it all. Are you ready? Let’s recap…
Life is filled with so many questions. Some answers are black and white while others are caught in the “grey area.” So the million-dollar question is “Where do I seek my guidance?” “Where do I find the answer to life’s questions?” “Who do I turn to, to lead the way for me?” I’m glad you asked…
You have to see the Authority of the Bible in your life; it is the final authority. Secondly, You have to see the Ability of the bible in your life; it truly is endless.
Since the beginning of time men have sought after guidance. Some would inquire information from elders that have made decisions similar to the events they were facing. And there is wisdom in doing so. I have learned that experience can be a great teacher. Some would simply step out and trust their guts; while others sought after a “higher power” for their steps. This would be my advice to you.
Lastly, you must check your attitude with Word of God. I love phrases and cliché sayings (if you can’t tell already.) One of my favorites on “attitudes” is, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”. Zig Ziglar knew what he was talking about with this one. Everyone has questions, everyone has struggles, everyone has trials and everyone has the ability to choose their attitudes. When you ask the questions of life, seek the answers from God’s word; we MUST be willing and ready to receive the instruction, because it will come. Sometimes it may line up with what we want and other times, not so much. Our attitudes will determine whether we accept it or reject it.
In the Old Testament, God led His people by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Need direction? Need guidance? Help? Quit seeking after the things of this world and information from people that cannot discern the will of God for their own lives. Open His Word. It has the answers to the questions of life. The key to catching fire for God, to live for him with no fears, believing that whatever you do for Him is going to be a win is watching Christ.
Does God lead His people by clouds and fire today? Well, He could I guess. He is God, and can do anything He chooses; but I will say that is not His typical way of leading someone now. God’s design in leading folks is through His Word. His Word has been preserved down through the ages for the purpose of edification, correction, inspection, perfection and you guessed it, direction. The late, great Adrian Rogers was known for saying “the Bible is God’s love letter to his people”. That’s true! The Bible was written for the purposes that were listed above and for so many more. The first step is seeking His leadership in your life is realizing the Authority of the Bible in your life.
By: Jarrod Almond @jarrodalmond
The old phrase, “mirrors don’t lie” is a true one. You can lie to yourself all day long about a certain physical flaw but once you take a deep look into the mirror, it will reveal it for what it really is.
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Health With Hannah: “Gifts” Over 29 year ago, my mother’s father – Clyde Parker – was called home to be with the Lord. Though I was not able to meet him, it is rare for a week to go by that I do not hear of a time that my grandfather impacted a life in some way, shape or form. Suddenly and tragically passing away prematurely at age 52, my question has always been, “If he did THAT much in so little time … What if he were still alive today?” Pastoring many different churches, including First Wesleyan Church of High Point, NC, starting the great Wesleyan Christian Academy; building multiple nursing homes, retirement homes, etc. plus traveling to many different countries doing missions, I realized today that in all reality, I know very little about what all my grandfather actually accomplished in those 52 years; I realized that I am only aware of a fraction of what he really did with his life. No doubt in my mind or the minds of those who knew him – my Pepaw Parker was a servant. 1 Peter 4:10 comes to mind while pondering on my grandfather’s life “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” My heart is so burdened, as I look at my generation in American society today. Are we pushing ourselves to fullest potential? Are we using our God-given gifts to serve others? I encourage, especially young people, but even adults to make the most of each gift the Lord has given you. You are a manager of the gifts God has given to you. They may be great or small in your eyes, but they matter to God. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" 1 Corinthians 4:2
Song Garden Music Group Recording artist and writer Hannah Webb tours with her family group throughout the United States and into various parts of the world presenting 150 concerts annually. She is the youngest member of the Rick Webb Family however she has many accolades to her credit. Recently a preliminary title holder in the Miss America organization, she is a student at Liberty University online and a strong advocate of the child help organization Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO. She resides in High Point, North Carolina. Her debut recording "It's A Journey" is scheduled for a November 1 release date through Song Garden Music Group, Nashville, TN. Stay tuned for Hannah's FaithUnity monthly exclusive, "Health With Hannah." @HannahKWebb
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Ready - Set - SERVE Today was the first time it finally felt like fall. Aubrie threw her hair back in a ponytail, tied the laces and ran outside slamming the door behind her. She has been doing this every morning since middle school when her dad took her down to the track early. She’d be around at least twice before anyone else showed. Story of her life. She was always the first one to show up. She paced herself through familiar scenery of pavement and landscaping trying to keep on the more obscure path at first to pray without distraction. Coming around the last curve into town, she slowed the pace past the station. The doors are up, engines are out and a woman is standing just inside in large black and yellow boots, pants that fit a bit big on her legs, a matching overcoat, and a huge leather helmet. She is working with large tools which she appeared to be extremely capable of using them properly, obviously, she’s quite strong.
Now consider this. Are we in full fire fighting gear, but no desire or drive to serve others? Have we been trained to serve the Lord and others, but we let the world influence, or hurts of others lead us away from doing that which is required. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” Hebrews 12:28 The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:25 to get and seek knowledge. If we do not personally develop ourselves into a closer relationship with our Jesus, we too can be just like this fire fighter. We may have all the right gear, equipment and even words. We know how to look like a Christian, use tools like a Christian, but we do not have the right fire to serve others or God. We should never stop getting or seeking for knowledge. I want to be like the runner, training, preparing and able to perform at any given moment. We do not have to have on all the right gear or say just the right words. We just need to be willing to serve the Lord and others. We each need a fire inside us that we constantly tend to, which burns hot and cannot ever be quenched. We should be absorbing all the Lord has for us in His Word and serving others for the Lord in all areas of our lives. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29 - Julie Groves
After several more miles, Aubrie circled back towards town to finish off the last stretch toward home. By the time she was close to the station, she saw flames across the street. The fire was peaking through the back of the structure that was directly across from the fire department! People began to yell and scream. Aubrie ran with some towards the heat to see about helping. Some others ran to the lady at the fire station pulling at her to come. She kept right on working with her tools and would not run across the street to serve.
Traveling the country with the Groves Family Ministries, representing Zija, and sharing Jesus with everyone in her path, Julie Groves is a wife, momma, teacher, health-lover, and ministry leader. thegrovesfamily.org @Julie_Groves
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How Far Is Heaven Anyway? With today’s ever expanding technology, there seems to be a new trinket, gadget, or device developed almost daily. It is almost a rarity for someone not to have some form of locating point-by-point directions.
God doesn’t offer a “works based” salvation, he offers a “graced based” salvation. If we could work ourselves into being saved then reason would prove we could work ourselves out of that very same salvation. God just doesn’t offer a gift only to take it back.
I remember when I got my first GPS for my car. I thought I was the man! I could travel anywhere at anytime with anybody and never had to bother asking for landmarks or another street name. I could just locate my current location and plug in my address and the voice over guy would guide me in the way I needed to go. One of the coolest features about the GPS was its ability to give me an approximation of the time it would take to get there and just how far my destination was. Nothing quite like good ‘ol technology, right?
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. This same rich, young ruler continued conversing with Jesus about all the things he had done from his youth. But all those things were not good enough. Jesus told him to “sell the possessions, give to the poor and forsake all and follow me”. The sad part is the young ruler turned back and denied the Lord because of his great possessions. This young man had head knowledge but needed heart knowledge.
The trouble with the GPS is: it doesn’t answer the important questions of life. Seems with every passing day, the world is becoming more and more corrupt. The Bible said this would happen in 2 Tim. 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. You would have to have your head buried in the sand not to realize that.
Case and point for the world: our great possessions prohibit us from wholly following the Lord or even trusting the Lord. So how far is heaven anyway? It could just be the distance from your head to your heart. Trust in the Lord; believe the gospel; the death, burial and resurrection. Repent and accept the free gift of salvation today.
And after the whole “end of the world” false prophecy that was predicted by the Mayans for late of last year, it left people scratching their heads about the subject of eternity. People often questioned, “Where will I spend eternity?” “Am I good enough for heaven?” “Isn’t hell just for bad people?” “What do I have to do in order to go to heaven?” “How far is heaven anyway?”
By: Michael Light @MichaelWLight
In Matthew 19, there was a rich, young ruler that asked similar questions that people are asking today. “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life”? Now, his concern was valid; he really wanted to know “how far is heaven anyway”? The problem with this young man and a lot of society is he was looking for what he should “DO” rather that looking at what has been “DONE”. Jesus paid the ultimate price on Calvary when He willingly laid down His life, died and gloriously rose again on the third day. He satisfied the Father with the sacrifice on the cross. It costs Him his life so you can live for Him.
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After The Fire ... I Kings 19:11-12, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
I closed in prayer and offered an invitation for any of the guys to accept Christ as their personal Savior. Four guys prayed to receive Christ. At the end of our Bible study Daniel and I had not connected in any way. At least that’s what I thought. I was about to find out how unbelievably wrong I was in thinking this way. After our closing prayer I thanked the guys for their attention and closed my Bible. Daniel looked up at me from across the room and said, “Are you leaving right away?” I said I would hang around a few minutes if anyone wanted to talk.” Daniel grabbed his chair and darted over to me and pulled up under a table. I sat down and just looked at him. He leaned forward and looked straight into my eyes and said, “I need to be saved. Can you please tell me how to be saved? Can you show me from the Bible how a person gets saved?” I said, “You know… I think I have a minute or two!” As I began to read the passages of scripture he put his finger on the pages of my Bible and touched each word as I read it. I offered to pray with him and he prayed and asked Jesus Christ to save him from all of his sin and he became a child of God. But there is more.
By: Ken Turner, High Impact Teens
On my way out of the detention center I ran into one of the directors of the center and told this story to her. She was completely shocked. She kept saying, “Are you sure you are talking about Daniel? Daniel said those things to you?” Then she told me that out of 100 boys in the center he is the “hardest and most difficult.” Then she said, “Ken, this is a miracle. Ask any staff member in this center who is the most difficult boy here and they will tell you it is Daniel.”
A few years ago God led me to leave the safe environment where I had served as a full-time youth pastor for about twenty years and placed me in a front-line outreach ministry with high-risk youth. I joke with friends that it was like moving from being boy scout leader to special forces! A group of boys in the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center had been asking the staff if someone could come in to lead a Bible study they wanted to call Man Up. They wanted to know what God has to say about manhood because most of them were fatherless. So... I signed up for the task! This was the beginning of a full-time ministry God led me to start.
When I returned to the detention center the following Thursday for another Bible study, Daniel greeted me in his unit with a firm handshake and a big smile. He was setting up chairs and directing all the other boys by saying, “Hey guys, this is really important and everyone needs to sit down be quiet and listen to what Ken is here to say.” He was taking charge and showing real leadership. At the end of the Bible study that night I looked across the room and he was on his knees by his chair praying with one of the men I brought with me. Daniel walked over to me before I left the room and his smile was contagious. I asked him how his week had been since he accepted Christ. He said this had been the best week of his life! He told me how he was reading the Bible and praying every day. He then said, “Ken, I get out of here on Monday and I want you to meet with me, spend time with me and teach me how to grow and be a good Christian.” I promised him that is exactly what we are going to do!
One Monday night we began our usual Bible study and Daniel sat way over to the left of everyone else and was pretty disconnected from the group. I didn’t know him. Daniel had been admitted to the detention center and assigned to my unit just days before. I knew this about him though… he looked mad, uninterested, hardened and a little intimidating. A few minutes in to our study I looked at Daniel and told him to slide over closer to the group and be a little more engaged with us. He did what I said but he wasn’t a very “happy camper” if you know what I mean. During the study I asked a question that I wanted everyone to answer. Daniel’s turn to answer was just what I expected. He was continually staring at the floor and looked up and said, “I don’t have an answer.” I said, “It’s no problem… keep thinking about it and I’ll let you answer later.” Obviously, this young man was carrying some heavy burdens. I’m for these guys… not against them. God has the power to change, convert and transform them.
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Daniel did get out of the detention center on Monday and I am told that on Tuesday he was seen by friends in the inner city of Indianapolis, walking down the street with a Bible and a notebook telling people who would listen what he had been learning from the Bible and showing them notes from his journal. But on the following Friday tragedy struck. Approximately seven guys came to find Daniel, they were there to fight.
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Daniel tried to get away. He was a strong fighter and he did all he could do to fight for his life against seven people and when he finally broke away and tried to escape a young man pulled a gun and shot Daniel several times. Those in the neighborhood said Daniel ran to a house, collapsed on the porch, and was lying there slapping the door trying to get someone to let him in but the people were afraid to open the door and on the porch of a stranger’s house, he slipped into eternity. But we know the gates of heaven opened and Daniel was welcomed in instantly. On March 27, 2009 I wrote these words. Today is Friday, March 27. I just returned home from Daniel’s funeral. Now I know more of God’s hand at work in his life. When I walked in to the church in the inner city of Indianapolis the crowd was very large. There was not enough room for everyone to sit. About 250 people were there to express their love, support and sadness. The director of the Good News Youth Center approached me and said, “Ken, we are seeing somewhat of a revival at the youth center through all of this.” He went on to explain that so many of the staff and neighborhood teens had witnessed to Daniel recently but Daniel was not receptive. Staff and youth had tried for years to reach Daniel for Christ but he would have nothing to do with it. They were so sad when they learned of Daniel’s death and were so concerned about his spiritual life. Those who knew Daniel went through the weekend following his death full of sadness until they heard that Daniel had actually just recently made a decision to accept the Lord. The staff told the kids at the Good News Youth Center on the Monday following Daniel’s death and as you might expect, a spirit of revival and excitement replaced the sadness.
Today at the funeral I had an opportunity to say a word to those who were there. When I stood before this packed crowd in this inner city church and told them Daniel had recently come to me and asked me to show him how to be saved, the church erupted with cheers, clapping, crying tears of joy and shouting praises to God. I now know that Daniel had been so troubled as one of nine children, living in a small apartment with his mother in the inner city, surrounded by gangs, drugs and violence. People were trying to reach him but what happened that Monday night in the juvenile detention center was one of those moments where God spoke to a young man who had been pulled from the fire and placed in a room where he could hear God’s still small voice... and he listened... and he responded... and he is now eternally joyful in the mansion God has prepared for him... no longer fatherless... Is God speaking to you? Are you listening? Really listening? There are more Daniels out there... will you reach them? I Kings 19:11-12, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and
after the fire a still small voice.”
Two Men With A God Plan “Many generations ago there once was a man with a “God Plan” designed to save living creatures from peril; wicked mockers and unbelievers tormented Noah until the very day they perished in a great flood. As it was then, so is it now! There is another man with a “God Plan” designed to save living souls from peril in this final generation; wicked mockers and unbelievers are once again risking their survival if they fail to cooperate before all Hell breaks loose! Messages about the “Holy War of America” were shared with many people. Government officials and Christian pastors were unable to decipher the meaning of those inspired words formed in a metaphor. They didn’t realize it would take a miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the form of divine intervention to save families, save countries, and save the planet -- because most souls were in rebellion against God. Scoffers and doubters in divided Christian communities failed to understand all the talk about “holy war” -- not realizing it was a call for worldwide revival instead of a third world war. The first man built an “ark” made of earthly materials according to instructions received from God.; the second man was creating a “communication concept” to share a message from God with millions of people. The two men with two different plans were forced to overcome resistance -- yet they had faith to persist until their mission was completed. Millions of people perished in the days of Noah because of sin -- and millions more will perish in these days unless they repent of sin. Do true Christians value gold more than souls? Are Christians ashamed of Jesus or afraid to share His Kingdom message? It will require faith, unity, and financial resources for the Spiritual Church of God (Body of Christ) to fight this final war against evil. Will most professing “Christians” on this planet be standing on the side of God or the side of Satan when sheep are being seperated from goats? Will billions of souls be eternally seperated from their Maker because of ignorance, complacency, political correctness, selfishness, and carnally minded perspectives on reality? Will fake Christians refuse to repent of sin?” - The Man From Tennesse MEMO from James Edward Peter Reesor: These thoughts of mine were written on 30 August 2013. Please take time to visit my web site where you can start clicking dozen of links leading to hundreds of messages. You will need to properly interpret what you read in the context of the past, present and future. If you are unable to set aside your doctrinal difference or our many differences for the purpose of fulfilling a noble purpose, then how can “we” hope that thousands of “Christians” will unite to pay the cost of an international revival? Visit http://www.firehot.net for updated info
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