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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Recommended Video List For Christians

Hello Friends, I often get asked if I have a list of acceptable videos and I would like to give those at this time. I would however like to make a couple of comments first.
1. We as Bible-believing Christians, believe in biblical standards, such as modest apparel on ladies, no shirtless men, no shorts on men, no secular music or "rock-style" music, short hair on men, ladies being keepers at home and not being in the workplace etc. Some of these films do NOT have the same standards. We explain the differences to our children and recommend that you do the same. For example, Facing the Giants has some good spiritual lessons but obviously has football as a main plot. We do NOT endorse or in any way agree with professional sports to ANY degree, (in fact, as a family we are against sports teams on smaller levels) so we emphasize this to the family and anyone we share these with. If you have any questions about any specific films, please email me at revivalneeded@yahoo.com. I will also include a separate list for children's dvd's/videos and a list of a few films that I recommend with caution.
2. We believe and use only the King James Bible. I believe it to be the Word of God and I do NOT endorse any other "Bibles" whatsoever. Some of these films hold to the same position as we do and others do not. I believe that there are truly saved individuals that utilize other "versions" though I certainly do not agree with them in this important area. For example, I highly endorse AIG Ministries (Answers In Genesis) though they use other versions. I believe that their work regarding Creation Apologetics is outstanding, and while I do believe their view on the scriptures is incorrect, there is much helpful information to be acquired.
3. I have included some films that may surprise some of my friends, such as the Left Behind Series. Though I may not agree with every doctrinal aspect of the film ( at least in the book they imply that the Pope was raptured) I believe that there is some good in the films and they will assist the family in being minded of the return of Christ etc.
How you as a father or pastor deal with these differences is obviously completely up to you.
Also I will add an exortation that God's people be careful with even "Christian" films, in a few areas. A Christian DVD should never replace family or personal devotion time and the factor of time is still very important. Though some of these videos are certainly "entertaining," it is imperitive to emphasize the spiritual lessons over the entertainment value.
In addition, I would like to state that many times it is helpful to replace the evil and worldly things in our home with that which is Christian and that which can cause the family to reflect on spiritual things. This is especially important in a family that has recently come to the Lord and has been saturated with the world. And I do recommend discussion after each film.

I will state that every film here is of course, void of cursing, nakedness etc. and are appropriate for the family. There may be a few listed here that may be too intense for younger children and these I have put in italics. Again, please email me if you have any questions.
Most of the films here are available on DVD, so if your family does not own a television per say, they can be viewed on a monitor or a computer. Those of you that know our family, know that I do NOT recommend standard Tv and encourage God's people to cut the cable, satellite and to destroy the antennae from off the roof etc.

Here Goes:
1. God's Outlaw-Vision Video-Story of William Tyndale
2. Wycliffe-Vision Video
3. John Hus-Vision Video
4. Martin Luther-1950's
5. Timechanger-Christiano Films
6. Pamela's Prayer-Christiano Films - A great film about purity before marriage
7. Unidentified-Christiano Brothers
8. Late one Night-Christiano Brothers
9. The Appointment-Available from Christiano Brothers
10. End of the Harvest-Christiano Brothers
11. Secret Of Jonathan Sperry-Christiano Brothers-will be released in 2011
12. Behind the Sun-Film about Persecution of a converted Muslim
13. Eastern Bride-Film about Persecution
14. The Spreading Flame-Persecution and reformation.
15. Flame in the Wind-Reformation and persecution film.
16. Fireproof
17. Flywheel
18. Facing the Giants
19. Pilgrims Progress-animated version
20.Pilgrim's Progress-older version, I believe from Ken Anderson Films
21. Pilgrim's Progress-New version, 2007?
22. Billy Sunday-Sunday in Manhatten-musical production, still very worthwhile
23. The Moment After
24. The Moment After 2
25. The Left Behind series
26. In His Steps
27. Come What May
28. Hudson Taylor-older film, probably 1960's
29. Fanny Crosby-older, probably 1960's
30. Moody-older, probably 1960's
31. Apocalypse Series includes Apocalypse, Revelation, Tribulation and Judgment-Cloud 10
32. The Board
33. Sgt. York
34. Candle in the Dark-William Carey
35. Crime of the Age-Christiano Brothers
36. Smuggler's Ransom
37. Bamboo In Winter
38. Last Flight Out
39. Man With a Mission- William Tyndale
40. Escape From Hell


VIDEOS TO VIEW WITH CAUTION

1. Luther (2003) Great Film, but has some cuss words, violence etc. I HAVE AN EDITED
VERSION OF THIS FILM AVAILABLE!
2. Sheffy-Great film, but has one scene of a man in tub, bathing. Nothing revealed. But we
still consider this indecent and we FF the film here.
3. Chariots of Fire-Based on true story of Eric Liddell, has a few cuss words in it. Again, we
have an edited version available.
4. Gods and Generals- A few cuss words and again, we have an edited version of this available.
5. Second Glance-Christiano Films-Good film for lost relatives etc. Has people drinking etc.
6. The Crossing-Very Good, but has a few quick shots of a person portraying Christ briefly.

TEACHING VIDEOS

1. AIG Ministries, especially Ken Ham, Demolishing the Strongholds, Jason Lisle, Carl Kerby,
Mike Riddle etc. Also
2. Kent Hovind
3. Way of the Master
4. Obsession-DVD about the true Muslim agenda
5. The God-Makers
6. Jehovah of the Watchtower
7. The Forbidden Book
8. Ancient Secrets of the Bible-Grizzly Adams Films-Not perfect, but overall a very good tool.
9. DNA Evidence VS the Book Of Mormon
10. Homeschool Karate-Yes, that is what I wrote. Great program on DVD from an Independent
Baptist who teaches Karate correctly without all the eastern religion junk!

VIDEOS FOR CHILDREN

1. The Torchlighters Series-Great series! This is the ONLY animated series that I recommend.
Their dvd's include William Tyndale, Jim Elliot, Gladys Aylward, Richard Wurmbrand, Eric
Liddel, John Bunyan, Perpetua.
2. Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution
3. AIG Ministries-They have many videos on a child's level including Buddy Davis.
4. Creation For Little Sprouts


Well brethren, I hope that this list helps. Next week, I will do my list of books.
If this has been a helpful resource, please comment.
Take care and keep preaching!
James
1 Cor. 15:58





Monday, December 7, 2009

THE SHOCKING STORY OF ROSS PURCELL

Here is one of the many short stories I have written in a book called Pages to Ponder. This is COPYRIGHTED, so please do not copy in any way, whole or in part, without permission.
THE SHOCKING STORY OF ROSS PURCELL!

In about five minutes, or maybe even less, Ross Purcell knew that he would be dead.
Most people seem to die from automobile accidents or heart attacks. Many older men and women meet their demise simply by growing old and their bodies ceasing to function the way they have for 70 or 80 or 90 years or so. But here he was, Ross Purcell, or R.P. as many of his friends called him, at the point of death because of some freak accident. Why him, he questioned over and over in his mind? At his prime at 40 years old, Ross Purcell’s name was known in the building industry as the best in the business. Sure, his homes were expensive, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. And these executive types with their fancy wife’s and perfect children didn’t mind handing over a half of a million dollars for one of his finest! The bulky, somewhat overweight man moved slightly as his mind flashed to what brought him to this predicament.
Ross had heard about a great land deal only two counties above where he lived. He could have scheduled an appointment for next week to see the property, but he wanted to take no chance at missing this bargain that could eventually bring him well over a million dollars profit.
So Ross turned down the offer of attending church this morning and decided to drive up and scan
the possible investment site. His wife, Maggie, who was quite upset at Ross’ decision, and his 4 year-old daughter Mary, still went however. Maggie had been pestering Ross lately about bringing religion into the family and Ross had grown tired of it very quickly. It was all that fellow’s fault, Mark whats-his-name, that she worked with, who showed up at his house a few Thursdays ago with the preacher of his church. Ross recalled what a sight both of them were; Bibles in hand and everything. They even had the nerve to ask Ross to turn the television off!
Anyhow, Ross remembered it crystal clear. Maggie sat listening to every word and Ross trying to politely ignore the two of them as they quoted Bible verses and talked about Jesus dying for he and Maggie’s sins. Though there was one phrase that the Pastor had said that strangely stuck with Ross since then. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The big man normally could only remember the latest sports scores, yet these words kept popping into his head! In fact, even as he was walking the land, those very words seemed to gnaw at him, to haunt him almost. Anyway, as the important Ross Purcell was happily calculating home sites and how to minimize expenses, he neglected to see the large hole that he stepped into! Of course, part of that was due to the brush that almost camouflaged the entire crevice. Down he went! And a long fall it was, at least to Ross it seemed twenty feet! The worst part of it was that when he dropped he caused many layers of dirt and debris to follow him, trapping the big man, leaving him no way to escape!
That was hours ago and the air was running out! Every breath was a chore! Guessing that he had just a few minutes at the most, Ross struggled again to suck some air into his pleading lungs. His mind racing, knowing the end was coming drastically closer every second, he began to panic. He could barely move as well, which frustrated him greatly and aided in his frenzy. Thoughts that he was sure would be his last came and went. Maggie! No more Maggie! And his little Mary! Too never see them again...for his precious Mary to grow up without a father, what would ever become of her? No more nice cars and name brand living! What does it matter now?
Again, Ross inhaled to the best of his ability but it was only a fraction of a normal breath. Tears formed as he began to cry like a baby.


Suddenly the thought came again. “What shall it profit a man...” Maybe the preacher was right? Surely he was a sinner, Ross decided instantly. Thoughts came to him now as he saw things in a different light. Terrible thoughts! Lying...his drunken binges...his lust...he was lost! It was clear now, he was doomed! There was no hope for him! In mere seconds Ross somehow knew that he would enter that horrible place that he had laughed about for years-that place of blackness and yes...fire! If only he had another chance! Then the big man remembered the words of the preacher. Those words too had new meaning. With every ounce of his strength, Ross Purcell lifted up his eyes to the darkness above him. I will turn to you Jesus, his heart cried out, save me from this death and I will believe on you. There was no more will power, no more time, no more air. Long seconds, perhaps even a full minute came and went as Ross drifted in and out of consciousness. It was over. Darkness......but then...something...was it...could it be...yes it was! A faint, a very faint light! Then followed noise. A steady, hammering noise! Ross could see, his lungs started filling with air...he could breath! Ross was alive and he was going to be saved! With a fresh energy, Ross kept looking up and was rejoicing! He saw some sort of machine tearing up the soil. They found him!
Just minutes later the shaken man was above ground. Two men had pulled him out and steadied him and in a shorter time than expected, Ross had regained his strength and soon his lightheadedness too, was gone. “They told us you might be up here somewhere sir” stated the taller of the two. Ross looked at both of them. They wore coveralls labeled with a power company insignia. “I thought you would be a rescue team or something, or from the sheriff’s department, you work for the electric company?” Ross questioned. The shorter man employee answered now. “Mister, you were out in the middle of nowhere. You would have been dead by the time anyone got out here. The sheriff called after your wife could not get hold of you. We just happened to be in the area putting some poles in and we saw this notebook...then we saw where we guessed you fell in.” Ross eyed the logbook. It was his for sure. “Well, thanks” He said as he took the journal and shook both of their hands. “Thank you two so much for savin’ my life.” The rejoicing was quick and then Ross turned to walk away. Glancing at the land, monetary figures began speeding through his mind again. Here he was, the Ross Purcell. Good as new and ready to make some money. So he lost a few hours? Suddenly he recalled the pleading he did the last few seconds in the hole...his promise to turn to Jesus. Taking a deep breath, Ross gave a satisfied look as he gazed at the acreage around him. That’ll have to wait, he
decided. Maybe later he would let Jesus save his soul. Paying no attention to the screaming voices of the two men behind him, Ross turned and unknowingly stepped onto a live wire and immediately hundreds of thousands of volts went through his body, then he fell to the ground and died.


“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Mark 8:36

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mother/Soldier Who Refuses to Deploy

Here we go again folks!
It sounds good. Mother loves son and does not want to deploy because of her responsibility to him--emotions reel, decisions must be made, the drama unfolds...
Let us consider a few things here:
Apparently this mother had the child out of wedlock. In any of the numerous news stories that I read, NONE mentioned that she is or was married. If that is the case, then she is a FORNICATOR! A physical relationship before marriage is WRONG in the eyes of God and this is evidenced many times in the scriptures (1 Cor. 6:9-11 etc.) In fact, if being a fornicator is a way of life for this woman, she is LOST and will NOT go to heaven UNLESS she repents. You see many problems could be solved by people getting saved and OBEYING GOD! I care not what society thinks, sex before marriage or sex outside of the marriage bounds, is SIN and WRONG! Well, everybody is doing it! NO, they are not! I am not, neither are the many friends we have that love God and serve God! I know many single Christian teens and adults that are pure and that will remain that way until marriage, BECAUSE THEY HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW GOD AND NOT THIS WICKED WORLD! I know many married Christians that are faithful to their spouses BECAUSE THEY HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW GOD AND NOT THIS WICKED WORLD! So, everyone is not immoral, though the majority certainly are. This problem with this "military momma" is she should have been morally pure and stayed that way until marriage. Some might say, "well, if she is unsaved, you can't expect her to do right." Hogwash! Many unsaved, with no Holy Ghost were pure 100 years ago. I have met unsaved young people at universities etc. that are pure, do not drink alcohol etc., though again, this is not the norm.
This "military momma" should have gotten married FIRST and then had children. There is a CORRECT order and regarding physical relationships, that is it!
Secondly, this woman should have, after marriage, STAYED AT HOME! God's way is ALWAYS best! Read Titus 2:5, "To be discreet, CHASTE, KEEPERS AT HOME..." Again, GOD'S WAY IS ALWAYS BEST!
I realize that this subject gets me in trouble often, but I will stay faithful to God's Word! One pastor that I preached for years ago would not let me back in for a meeting because I taught that a Christian married woman belongs at home. While I will not go at length on this post about this, I will also state that single Christian girls/women should not be in the workplace. That would be contradictory to the point of Titus 2:5. And it be would be contrary to many scriptures that deal with temptation, enter not into the path of the wicked etc. A single girl belongs at home with dad and mom until the Lord provides a husband! She can be a blessing by helping with her siblings, assisting with homeschooling, helping mom in the kitchen etc. GOD'S WAY IS ALWAYS BEST!
Concerning the immorality of our nation, in the USA Today article of Nov. 17th 2009, page 8D, it is stated that are more immoral when there are COED dorms. WOW! WHAT A SURPRISE? I am just floored! I would have never guessed!
Are you stupid? Have Americans lost whatever brains they once had. Tv has made the people of our country-walking VEGETABLES! You must have the mentality of a TOMATO if you think that putting unsaved, worldly, young people that are bombarded with sexual messages all day long in their music, tv and conversation-together in this scenario, will not lead to immorality-YOU ARE STUPID!
So, there you have it! If this female soldier had stayed pure, done things in the correct order and then been a "keeper at home" this PROBLEM would not have occurred.
GOD'S WAY IS ALWAYS BEST!
As always, have a nice day!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Wicked Day in Which We Live!

I went to a restaurant last Sunday after church with my family and our friend. As we entered the business I noticed a man who also was eating there, who had on a t-shirt that any normal person would consider vulgar. I politely requested to speak with the manager and informed him that the shirt was offensive and that he had many options including asking the man to turn the shirt inside out etc. Now this man had to walk right by our table and we had to see his crude shirt as did the other 100 or so patrons of the buffet. Apparently the manager had said nothing and I was outraged at this man's wickedness to wear such a piece of clothing in public. Now the person that spends his/her time watching HBO filth every day will surely think that I am too fanatical in how I respond in these situations. But how much do we listen to, how much do we take, before we open our mouths and rebuke sin?
My friend had already said something to the man, who for description sake was about 6 ft. 3 inches and probably close to 300 pounds. The man shrugged it off and went back to his table. I could feel the adrenaline start to flow as I knew the guy would come by again. I attempted to give him a tract and told him that he needed it, he muttered a derogatory response and continued on. I decided to approach him as he started to sit down and I rebuked him for being filthy and having a lack of character. He proceeded to shout cuss words at me and to threaten me. I decided at that point to call 911 and inform them that I was at the local restaurant and that I was being threatened. I returned to my table and a moment later the manager approached the vulgar man and offered him some free meal tickets to use in the future. I was appalled! Here HE was wearing a t-shirt that would not have been "accepted" thirty years ago in a public place and I was now the bad guy for rebuking him! I stated to the manager that If he knew Christ and possessed the Holy Ghost, he would understand what was wrong with Mr. Vulgar. He began to get upset and he gave me a liberal opinion of Christianity, but his anger flared when I told him that he knew as much about the Bible as he did how to manage a restaurant (we had a few problems nearly every time we had eaten there in the past). In the meantime, my wife began dealing with a "woman preacher" that did not like how I dealt with the man and she insisted that "to rebuke him was not how to win him to Jesus!" The only thing is, I was not out to win Mr. Vulgar to Jesus, I was there to rebuke him for being indecent!
Well, the police appeared and Lori and I were escorted out of the restaurant as some of the employees taunted a little bit and others suddenly got a tough-guy demeanor. The officer told my wife that there was nothing we could do about the man's apparel because it did not include cuss words on it. He also got upset when I declined to give him my personal information. (I told him that if I was not being arrested, I would give him nothing!)
Well, since I had about a half hour to kill as the rest of my family and my friend ate steaks and salad, I decided to go out in front of the business and preach the gospel. I was not being antagonistic, but it was certainly a good way to spend the time, so Lori and I went out to the sidewalk. They called the police again and two more officers joined the first one. It was the typical confrontation with law enforcement as all the employees that came out to watch joined the other bystanders from the busline that just finished eating, and they all heard the gospel. The officer was again appalled that I would not give them him my name and address etc. as I informed them about my right to preach, while quoting a few Supreme Court rulings to them. Soon, the family was done and shortly after, we left.
Are you prepared to be the bad guy? Interesting that this just happened days after completing my last blog that had to do with this exact thing. While I will not re-hash last weeks comments, I do want to remind the brethren that opportunities to stand for Christ and for righteousness and against sin and wickedness abound in our day! Let us all be a voice for righteousness in this time that is full of iniquity! Stop the seeker-sensitive mentality and rebuke sin and the sinner! If they repent, praise God! If they do not, praise God! But warn! Reprove! Rebuke!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

It is time For the Christian To Come Out of the Closet!

As per the thousands of sodomites that I preach to annually, I must comment on the rapid acceptance of this sin in our country. Even our churches that profess to be "conservative" are quickly becoming "sensitive" to the sodomites. How about being SCRIPTURAL and reprove and rebuke the wicked and the sinful! Most of our preaching does not allow the Holy Ghost to work and convict the sinner because it is too watered-down and too seeker-sensitive. Thirty or so years ago, the churches began backing off on preaching against fornication and adultery due to the fact that some might get offended and that has resulted in many today not being aware that those actions are sin in the eyes of a Holy God! In five years, if the Lord tarries that long, the majority of America, including the RELIGIOUS crowd, will be unwilling to confess that sodomites are wrong and wicked, and many will not agree that the lifestyle is perverted.
I was in a thrift store recently and was appalled by a "man" in his early twenties wearing a SKIRT as he shopped! How perverted and unnatural! And how shameful for the Christian that will not open his mouth when he sees such wickedness! What did I do? As I went out the door, I PREACHED to the pervert who happened to be across the store at the time. I said, "No wonder America is going to hell" and "Look at the man in the woman's skirt!" etc.
It is time for God's people to come out of the closet and OBEY THE BIBLE! "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, BUT RATHER REPROVE THEM." The wicked are more bold about what they believe, while the majority of Christians do NOTHING! And when it comes to Christians doing nothing, there are two crowds. The first is sitting home watching TV etc. instead of rebuking the wicked. The second remains so "pious" that they will not get out and obey the aforementioned verse. Both are equally wrong! Get off the couch and off of the pew and get to work Christian! Complain about the trashy magazines at the checkout counter that should outrage you! You claim to be saved, but you do not have enough God in you, to ACT about this filth that is at eye level for a 5 year-old! Reprove those that use vile language in front of you! Speak up about wicked lifestyles when the relatives mention them! No wonder our country knows not what sin is! The Christian, that is supposed to be the standard, has kept his/her mouth closed. Enough men-pleasing! Enough lack of boldness! Enough of the, "I am shy" excuse! MOVE! ACT! PREACH! BE GOD'S MOUTHPIECE TO THE WICKED AROUND YOU!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Why a Baptist?

I thought it necessary to post this, due to the title of my series "How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth." Some might incorrectly conclude that I am not a Baptist or that I am against the Baptist churches.
I am a Baptist by conviction and choice. Historically the Baptists have been the ones that were martyred for their faith, as one can clearly see from Foxes Book of Martyrs and Martyr's Mirror. Though over the years, they have been known by various names such as the Lollards, anabaptists, dunkards etc. they were still Baptists. Some might be confused at this and ask, "How could they be Baptists if they were not called Baptists?" What makes the distinction is the view of these groups all held to BELIEVERS BAPTISM in contrast to unscriptural baptism such as baptismal regeneration, baptism of babies etc. This is especially true during the periods of time where the false Roman catholic Church persecuted the genuine believers. A Catholic that was converted to Christ would recognize that his infant baptism was no good and completely unbiblical, therefore he would receive believers baptism as we see in the scriptures (Acts 16:33, 19:5, 1 Cor. 1:13-17). During this time, they were threatened with persecution and death if they did not renounce their believers baptism. Though there was no saving power in baptism, it was an indicator of one's scriptural faith in Christ. Today there are many that hold to believers baptism, though they do not carry the Baptist name on their church. I personally have the conviction to label myself a Baptist ( and at times an AnaBaptist due to the liberalness of many that call themself Baptists)because of this historical position as well as my belief that they hold to the scriptures more closely than any other group or denomination.
Now there are many Baptists that are liberal and are a sad example of Baptists, there are many in the Baptists churches that are LOST etc. I am an Independent Baptist and even many of those have become liberal and a shame to our God and our heritage as Baptist believers in Christ. Though many Baptist churches use the new perverted Bibles, have women preachers, allow the false doctrine of the charismatic movement and have no standards of dress or conduct, the Independent Baptist churches never used to have trouble with these issues. It is the errors such as just mentioned that I would take a stand against, regardless of the specific label label of Baptist one may use.
So please do not misunderstand. I am a Baptist by conviction and choice, but I must take a position to be a Bible-believer above being a Baptist in areas where the Baptist churches have become unscriptural. I preached a message a few years ago called, "Are You a Good Independent Baptist" that dealt with this issue. Many place being a Baptist ABOVE the scriptures and that is neither safe, nor scriptural.
James
1 Cor. 15:58

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth-Youth Groups

Much of the material that would be true concerning SS's would be true here. But in most youth groups, the problems become magnified.
1. Peers becoming a strong and sometimes, the primary influence on the young person.
How true this is and we have seen it numerous times. Little by little the parents become less influential and they are replaced by the peers of the child. And usually, and due partially to the error of the churches to "bring everybody in" the influences of those peers is not good. Most youth groups are made up of young people that are either not saved or carnal. Though there are exceptions to that, they are just that-exceptions! Kids will learn of the world, that you as a Christian parent should control their knowledge of, and you will be unable to do so if you allow them to be in a youth group. A good friend of mine, when approached by his pastor about starting a youth group, stated to the the pastor that a youth group was fine, but only if he was always present with his children-that killed the idea of the youth group. Listen, MANY young people in our churches are worldly, carnal, unsaved etc. and any parent would be a FOOL to habitually let them under those influences. We have seen results of this over and over-the heart of the young person changes, they become more worldly and less spiritual etc. And if you are thinking that your child will influence the others for Christ and NOT be influenced by them, then perhaps you think to highly of your son or daughter. Surely there are some that will not allow themselves to be influenced but that is not the norm. And this idea of bringing in the youth to get them the gospel is unscriptural and as already stated, damaging to the Christian young people whose parents attend the church (of course many in that category are unsaved, worldly etc.) The church is supposed to be God's people meeting together, not a soul-winning booth. And not understanding this has done great harm to the purity and scripturalness of churches today. Biblically we should witness to the lost in their homes etc. and IF they come to Christ, THEN they should be invited to assemble with the believers. This is evident by the word itself, which means a "called out assembly" and historically you only see this "invite the lost to church" philosophy for about the last 100 years, if that. In the scriptures you see that an unbeliever meeting with God's people was the exception, not the norm (See 1 Cor. 14:23). So what has happened in the last few years is that LOST and WORLDLY people, including young people within the youth groups, have PERMEATED our churches, INFLUENCED the saved to their own hurt, and WEAKENED the purity of the local assembly. Now some might say, "What if our youth group is made up of ONLY church kids?" Again, this changes NOTHING. Are all those children SPIRITUAL? Is there a spirit of Godliness and Holiness in the group? Are there enough GODLY leaders to know EVERYTHING that is going on? Listen, I have seen the youth that make up the youth groups in many churches. Overall they are WORLDLY! The "cool" guys, the "unchaste" girls etc. the talk is more of the world, the recent movies, the rock music etc. than spiritual matters. Again, there may be exceptions, but these things are nothing but natural results of children being left to themselves! I KNOW that perhaps your child is different and spiritual and has a right heart-but then WHY put him/her in an environment habitually that can hinder that! We quote the prayer, "...lead us not into temptation..." but then we as parents put our children in a place where they will be tempted by their peers to love the world, develop ungodly attitudes etc. WRONG! WHY NOT KEEP THEM WITH YOU DAD AND MOM AND MAKE THAT BOND STRONGER BETWEEN YOU!
2. The opposite sex
This is a big one brethren. Flirting, indecency, "giving the eyes", sensual moves, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. YOUR CHILDREN NEED NONE OF THIS! This worlds mentality has become the norm for our churches. They WILL be approached by these things in a youth group! Your children NEVER need a girlfriend or boyfriend! Your daughter should not be in a position where she has to deal with a flirtatious punk, neither does your son need to be tempted by a teenage girl who is not chaste and pure. I have seen some in the youth groups that are closer to the strange woman of Proverbs than to that of a godly young lady! While there again may be exceptions to this, WHY TAKE A CHANCE WITH YOUR CHILDREN, who you are SUPPOSED TO BE DISCIPLING for Christ! Dad and mom should be the ones to teach their children about the opposite sex, temptation and how to deal with it etc. and during this very important time in their life it is very unwise to habitually put them in a position where they will face these issues and not have you with them! AMEN!
3. What is the Purpose of the Youth Group? I was asked years ago to be a youth pastor. When they inquired about what I would teach them, what I would do etc. I explained that, though we would have some fun, my main purpose would be to teach them Bible Christianity and this would include scriptural roles for the boys and girls. Since this included the teachings of the "woman at home" etc. they went ballistic! I would scare them away from coming! You see, the purpose of tis church was to BUILD the youth group, the bring in more NUMBERS, NOT TO TEACH THE BIBLE! Certainly it is good and healthy for young people to have fun, but that should NOT be our goal. However if our motive is to BRING IN MORE PEOPLE, then FUN becomes the focus, and that my friend is ERROR! Recently at a camp meeting we went to in upstate NY, there were many families present from different parts of the country. Though there may have been some mild variations, all believed in modest apparel, homeschooling etc. The youth did play games but did so in a modest way. For example if they playing volleyball, there was no mixing of the sexes on the same team. The goal in the meeting was for youth and adults alike to be TAUGHT the scriptures, challenged in their Christian life etc. Families sat TOGETHER, it was not children from two, three or four families sitting together apart from their parents! This meeting lasted about a week and I personally noticed NO flirtation, NO immodesty etc. that would be a temptation or a stumbling block to my children-AMEN! Brethren, If you have the right motive for a meeting, the parents will be welcome and the purpose will be to train the youth biblically. But todays youth groups are overall very carnal and FUN is the motive and supposedly a TOOL to bring in the lost, which I have covered already. Interesting thing is brethren that almost ALWAYS, when the fun is gone, the treat, the reward etc. then so are they! This is true also for churches that "bring 'em in with a race car driver, worldly speaker" etc. When the FUN leaves and serious Bible comes in-off goes the one who was only there for the candy or treat!
I realize that this post is long and again, I hope that it will be a blessing to many.
Brother James
1 Cor. 15:58

Friday, August 14, 2009

HyperDispensational Heresy Part Two Lack of Biblical Repentance

I will continue with this series by dealing with a major problem within this movement.
Lack of Biblical Repentance
This is an issue among many "Christians" today, not just the HD's.
Biblical Repentance has to do with the character of God. He is Holy, Just and Righteous-AMEN!
God hates sin and is always contrary to it. The problem is that for God to accept a sinner who has no desire to change, no desire to leave a sinful lifestyle, it would totally change His Holy character! The word "repentance" concerning genuine evangelical repentance means, "real penitance, sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense or dishonor to God, a violation of His Holy Law, and the basest ingratitude towards a being of infinite benevolence and is followed and accompanied by an amendment of life." It can also mean, "grieving for what is past, a change of mind, to change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct, " etc. The scriptures teach repentance all through the Bible (Jer. 8:6, 31:19, Matt. 3:2, Luke 11:32,13:3, Mark 1:15, Acts 20:20,21, 2 Cor. 12:21, Rev. 9:20,21, 16:11 etc.). Some foolishly will state, "God repented" and God never sinned, so to repent cannot mean to turn from sin. I would not trust a man who thinks that way to teach me the Bible, that is for sure. The word "repent" as we already looked at can mean to change the mind, to grieve over the past, etc. so when God repents, CERTAINLY He is not turning from sin, because He is sinless, but he is grieved, sorrowful or He has changed His mind. This is grade school hermeneutics. Gen 6:6, "And it repented the Lord that he had made man..." means the the Lord was grieved that he had created man, because man became so wicked.
So to biblically repent concerning salvation is for the sinner to have sorrow and grief over past sinful conduct, realizing that they have offended God and dishonored Him by those actions and then to change their mind about their sin, and this will result in and be accompanied by a change of conduct, or as the Websters puts it, an amendment of life. When the sinner comes to Christ, realizing his sinfulness, he needs God's MERCY! If the sinner received what he deserved, it would be punishment, judgment and hell, so MERCY from God is what is needed. Look at Prov. 28:13, "...whoso confesseth and FORSAKETH them (his sins) shall have mercy." THE SINNER MUST FEEL ABOUT SIN THE WAY GOD DOES-GOD IS TOO HOLY TO JUST LOOK THE OTHER WAY! The word "forsake" means, "to quit or leave entirely, to desert, to depart from, to abandon, to RENOUNCE, to reject, to WITHDRAW FROM, etc." THIS IS NOT DISPENSATIONAL, BUT HAVING TO DO WITH GOD'S HOLY CHARACTER! To wrongly divide the Word of Truth to the point of slicing biblical repentance out of this dispensation is to be totally unscriptural, because Paul preached and taught biblical repentance, and it undermines and weakens the Holiness of God! And to pervert the word repentance to ONLY mean as some do, "a change of mind about who or what you are trusting in for salvation" is to pervert the meaning of the word. As well it again corrupts God's character by making sin a non-issue and sin is always an issue with God. This generic Romans Road gospel message does the same thing and that is why many people use it. People today want conversions (another notch on their gunbelt) while some are sincere but undiscerning about genuine conversions, and hence, they use this RR method that makes sin GENERIC and unspecific.
What God is looking for is a sinner to be sorrowful to the point of being willing to change their conduct. That is godly sorrow (1 Cor. 7:8-11, 1 Thes. 1:9 etc.) Imagine a criminal standing before a judge requesting leniency and mercy, asking for a pardon. After inquiring about the criminals intentions, the criminal replies that he will take a short break but soon will again continue his life of crime. No honest judge with integrity would pardon the man and for the "soulwinner" to preach a message that God will forgive the sinner who has NO INTENTION of changing his conduct, is to make God and unrighteous Judge with no integrity! Now if a thief requested mercy and a pardon from a judge, but he was remorseful and had full intentions to cease his criminal activity, THEN a righteous judge might consider giving him mercy! That is a picture of the Holiness of God and how He deals with a sinner!
Now the HD's love to throw out biblical repentance and relate that Paul never preached a repentance from sin as a requirement for conversion. Acts 20:21 reads, "...repentance towards God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Repentance TOWARDS! See that. TOWARDS means "In the direction to, with direction to, with respect to, regarding, etc." TOWARDS implies and means a direction! If I was heading north TOWARDS Chicago, I have a direction in which I am headed. The sinner upon conversion, CHANGES HIS DIRECTION! It is away from sin and self TOWARDS Christ and righteousness. In Acts 17:30 Paul preaches that all men should REPENT! In Acts 26:20 in a very important passage that tells us Paul's evangelistic ministry, it was that he was preaching to the Jews and the Gentiles that they should "...repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." CLEAR! TURN! There is NO dispensational difference here. All through the Bible when repentance is concerning the sinner it is about TURNING FROM SIN! Look at Ezek. 3 and 33 where the concept of repentance is clear, even though the word is not used. Look at Ezek. 18 and in particular verse 30, "...repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions;..." Going back to Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, look at 1 Thes. 1:9, "...how ye TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS to SERVE the living and true God." This concept of the sinner just TRUSTING JESUS apart from a desire to turn from sin, and possibly NEVER changing is completely unscriptural and damning to men. That is why the old preachers like Sam Jones, Wesley, Whitefield, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Peter Cartwright, Johnathan Edwards, Billy Sunday, Spurgeon etc. ALL preached biblical repentance which meant a willingness to turn FROM sin and a sinful lifestyle and turn TO Christ! God is TOO Holy to accept a man who has an improper view of sin! But thank God that He will show mercy to the sinner that is CONVICTED over his sin and is willing to turn FROM his sin and turn TO Christ! 1 Cor. 6:9-11 is a passage that many attempt to pervert to mean that the context here is rewards in the 1000 year-old reign. But look at the context. "And such WERE some of you." True Christianity DELIVERS one from a lifestyle of sin! 2 Cor. 5;17, "Therefore IF any man be IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE:old things are passed away;behold all things become new." This has got to be PRACTICALLY, not just positionally as some would like to interpret it so that it fits their doctrinal position! See also Titus 2:11-13 and see what BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY is! This is the same area that the Beale Street Blast crowd messed up in because they know not the scriptures or they are too cowardly to preach them correctly! To state as some HD's have stated to me that a sinner can get saved, NEVER change and still go to heaven, is GARBAGE and an insult to the Holy God of the Bible! Look at Ezek. 13:22 and see what this heretical doctrine does. It leads to the sinner thinking he is right with God and going to heaven, even though he is lost and on his way to hell!
Brethren, there is much more I could elaborate on, but this should be enough to prove that biblical repentance is more than just changing one's mind about who they are trusting in for salvation, but includes a willingness to turn from sin, which results in a changed life, making one desirous of following the Word of God and Christ! And this includes Paul's teachings as well as i have scripturally proven.
And brethen this does not make repentance a work, which would be contrary to Romans 4:5, Eph. 2:8,9 etc. because it is dealing with the HEART! If a man was to REPENT and just reform with out turning to Christ, he would be LOST, in his sins and end up in hell! It is a work of the HEART that must be done before one can be scripturally converted TO Christ!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth-Segregated Sunday Schools

Hello Again Friends, I would like to continue with my series on the above subject, this time covering segregated Sunday Schools. Now before we begin, let me make it clear that my two main points in dealing with this issue is 1. That overall, Satan is doing a great work influencing our youth for evil and for worldliness through the normal SS movement. I will detail more of this in the present post. 2. The pastor needs to give liberty to parents to do as they see best for their family and their children. If a pastor does not allow this, parents with convictions on the matter will be forced to choose between the "church traditions and rules" and their personal convictions. This is where the normal Baptist church becomes a hindrance to those that desire to follow Christ more closely.
How the Devil Uses Segregated Sunday Schools To help Destroy our Youth
1. By separating the family. The same scriptures that I gave concerning nurseries would be applicable here. There are MANY passages that we see in the OT where families met together and this included infants and children. Historically we also have NO evidence that families split apart during services until the time of Sunday Schools, which as best I can tell began in the late 1800's in the USA. In England, SS's date all the way back to about 1780 where they began as a way to teach the Bible to the poor and to give an alternative to rowdy behaviour of youth at the time.
2. By separating the family, the parents are unable to be present to hear what is being taught to their children. This concept of just trusting anyone to train our children is hogwash. And just because it is a pastor, youth pastor, a veteran SS teacher etc. means NOTHING to me! Listen, it is a FACT, that many of the above spend more time watching the TV set than studying the scriptures and few have any discernment and even less have a godly walk. While I may sound too critical for some, I have been in hundreds of churches that desire to "take" my children during the SS hour and I see both the teacher and the other students (that I will cover in my next point). Listen, I have learned what I have learned from experience. In one SS class when my two older daughters were younger, they came out with A PICTURE OF THE GOLDEN CALF THAT THEY DECORATED AS PART OF THE SS LESSON! When the parents are with the children, they can be aware of what the children are being taught and make corrections after the message if necessary. Out of all the hundreds of churches we have visited and many that we are in regularly, there are few where I know the teachers well enough that I would trust them. I say that, not out of self-righteousness, but out of carefulness for what my children will be taught.
3. By separating the family, your children will NORMALLY be with unsaved children, worldly children and children will little or no standards, which potentially can INFLUENCE them. PEERS CAN QUICKLY BECOME THE MOST POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON YOUR CHILDREN, WHICH REPLACES WHO THE LORD DESIRES TO HAVE THAT PLACE, WHICH IS THE PARENTS! If a child is to routinely be interacting with other children, it should be under the watchful eye of one or both parents! YOUR CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY AT YOUNGER AGES, WILL GET THEIR VIEW OF CHRISTIANITY FROM OTHERS THAT PROFESS CHRIST, AS WELL AS FROM DAD AND MOM, AND THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! If the "professing" Christian at 7, 10, 12, 14 etc. loves the world, speaking of movies, worldly music, Tv etc. your child will get the impression that to do so is NORMAL Christianity! If they are vulgar, crude or cuss (which I have heard from those as young as six years old), then that behaviour can cause your little boy or girl to think that such actions are acceptable for the Christian. Look at 1 Cor. 15:33, "Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners." Even if a child has good manners, EVIL COMMUNICATIONS WILL corrupt them! The scripture does not even read, "might" or "could possibly" could corrupt them, but the implication here is that, it WILL corrupt them! The Lord knows what he is speaking of brethren, this is not a little matter! Be it your child being influenced in the areas I just briefly mentioned, or things such as manners (using worldly words, picking their nose, burping, treatment and attitude concerning girls, etc.) these things ought to be prevented and proper biblical instruction given concerning these issues! Placing your children among those that can influence them, that are worldly, unsaved etc. is DANGEROUS, UNSCRIPTURAL (Jer. 10:1,2, Prov. 4:14 etc.) and FOOLISH!
4. The standards of the teacher. Are they likeminded on dress standards, view of the world etc.
Though there are other things to delve into, I believe this covers the major problems, but I would like to add an important point.
Your children will be under influences other than what we, as parents, would like. But we should attempt to minimize this as much as possible. We have allowed our children to attend SS's, but rarely. These are environments where the aforementioned issues are not problems, such as when we are at our home church, our friend's church in Enterprise, Al. and a few others. Where there is a difference in the children, where there is a teacher that is biblical and can be trusted, and that is NOT the case with the normal Baptist church. But there are exceptions and the parent should have the freedom to decide what the Lord would have for their family and children, not be coerced by the pastor and church tradition. There may be churches that I visit where these issues may not be a problem, but If I do not KNOW that, I will not have my children in the SS class and our conviction is to regularly have our children with us so that we can hear and discuss a message together.
I sincerely hope that this has been a help.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Hyper-Dispensational Heresy!

I interrupt my series on "How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth" to deal with the heresy of hyperdispensationalism.
While I scripturally believe that Paul is the apostle to the gentiles and that he had certain revelations revealed to him because of that position (Eph 3:1-10 etc.) it is CLEAR that some have WRONGLY divided the Word of Truth.
I will divide hyperdispensationalism unto two parts:
1. General HD-still heretical and unscriptural and
2. Outer Space HD-Very heretical, Very unscriptural and WEIRD!
Both of these are clearly WRONG and I will deal with both of these over a few posts as I also will continue with my series on the family. I will not deal with each and every belief, but I will expose some of their doctrinal errors.
GENERAL HD
1. Those that hold to this viewpoint will state that Paul was the first one in the Body of Christ. But look at Romans 16:7b where Paul writes, "...who also were in Christ BEFORE ME." Interesting contradiction between the HD's and the Authority, the Word of God!
2. Water Baptism not for today. The HD's base this on Eph. 4:5, but what does "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" really mean. Is there only one faith. According to the scriptures there is a "saving" faith, when one places their faith in Christ for salvation (Gal. 3:26, Romans 4:5, 5:1 etc.). But there is also the LIFE of FAITH lived by the believer that has NOTHING to do with saving faith (Acts 6:8, 11:24, 14:9, Romans 1:8, 14:22, 1 Cor 2:5, 12:9, Gal 5:6, 1 Thes. 3:10 etc.)
In these passages we see "one" faith MUST mean one MAIN faith, one baptism MUST mean one MAIN baptism (which is the spirit baptism of (I Cor. 12:13), one Lord MUST mean one MAIN Lord as there are other Lords, but obviously only ONE true LORD, the God of the Bible. In fact if you desire to get technical, God the Father is called Lord and so is Christ (see Deut. 6:2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13,15, 16, 17, 18,19,20,21,22,24, 25, Matt. 22:37, Rev. 21:22 and compare with Luke 12:41, 23:42, 24:34, John 1:23, 1 Cor. 5:4, 5:5, 6:11, Eph 1:17, Col. 2:6 etc. There are HUNDREDS of scriptures to show this truth that BOTH God the Father and Christ are called LORD, so how could there be ONE Lord?
Paul baptized (1 Cor. 1:14-16) but if the "revelation" that he received included no baptism, then why did he baptize at all?
Interesting also is the fact that historically water baptism has, since the time of Christ, been a public identification with Christ. During the inquisitions where the Catholics MURDERED the real Christians, their concern was if the Christian would renounce his BAPTISM that he submitted to, AS A BELIEVER IN CHRIST! They were called RE-Baptizers due to their recognition that the baptism they received as an infant was unscriptural. If water baptism was not for today, as the HD's claim, then why would the Lord allow it to be such a TOOL to reveal the true believers! As the Catholics practiced baby baptism and others baptismal regeneration, water baptism for BELIEVERS was a dividing issue in that day.
Just because many pervert a Bible truth does not mean that that particular truth should be abandoned.
More to come next time...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

How Satan is Destroying Youth-Nurseries

Are nurseries scriptural?
A pastor recently cited Nehemiah 8:1-4 to support church nurseries.
There are a few problems however with this.
1. Neh 8:1-4 is in no way referring to N.T. churches. This is concerning a specific instance recorded in this book and is not a pattern for N.T. churches.
2. If one desires to make an issue of this portion of scripture, do they follow other distinctions that we see here such as all the people lifting up their hands and worshipping the Lord, with "their faces to the ground." And does the pastor preach from morning until midday? To equate this with a N.T. church is nothing short of ludicrous and a perverted view of Bible interpretation.
3. Part of the definition of the word "understand" in. v. 3 is to LEARN, TO BE INFORMED OF,(Websters 1828). Can a child, even a youth as young as 18, 24, 36 months etc. learn? Certainly! They can learn words like "Bible, Jesus, Saved, God etc." Interesting in v. 8 of the same chapter it is stated that they GAVE THE SENSE, and CAUSED THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE READING. So in v. 3 "those that could understand" were present but in. v. 8 they "gave the sense" so the people could understand. Could it be that those who could not understand might be referring to those that are "out of the way" (Hebrews 5:2), a term used for those that are unable to comprehend, today we would refer to one in that manner as "retarded."
4. There are many passages in scripture that would refute this idea of children not being allowed in services. Though four of these are O.T. and set no precedence for N.T. services, they negate the argument that some use of Neh. 8:1-4 being support for nurseries in our churches today.
A. In 2 Chron. 20, as Judah met together, it included their "little ones" according to v. 13.
B. In 22 Kings 23 "all of the inhabitants of Jerusalem" met together.
C. In Deut. 31:12 the list of those that gathered together included the "children."
D. In Joel 2:15-18, included in the list is those that "suck the breast." CLEAR! BABIES!
E. In Matt 19:14 Jesus states, "...suffer little children, and forbid them not..."
What good is it to have children in the services?
1. They can learn Bible words and consistently hear preaching.
2. They can be trained by the parents to sit still, listen etc. If they need disciplined or nursed, the mother/father can take them out accordingly, deal with the need and then bring them back.
3. They have their place next to the parents, learning their place is with them, NOT their peers.
4. The parents are able to be aware and control the teaching their child is receiving.
5. Peers, which are many times worldly and unspiritual, are NOT a direct influence on the child, which is a good thing, especially today. This obviously is more of a factor as the children get older.
6. The child will not be overseen by others that are not like-minded on standards etc. and some that are just plain worldly. When you place your child in a church nursery, you are trusting the spirituality of those that are watching them.
7. Avoiding the nursery can prevent moral problems. We KNOW of at least one situation where children were being molested in church nurseries, sad to say. Keeping them with you takes care of that possibility.
8. It helps the pastor to be man enough to speak over a baby. I have actually heard pastors complain that they could not preach loud enough to be heard over normal baby fussing. Certainly babies can get loud, but I am speaking of normal noises and mild crying.

I know of one church years ago that would hire an unsaved woman to take care of the nursery. When I challenged the leaders on the error of this, they did not understand why it was important. Listen, does it not take the Holy Ghost of God to properly care for a child, have godly patience etc.

History of Church Nurseries
As best I can guess, and that is all anyone can do at this point, nurseries in our services came about, or at least were popularized, around the time of the Billy Sunday revivals, when the preachers were concerned about people being distracted from the message. Now this is my best guess brethren, if you know of any facts, please let me know. By the way, the Spirit of God can work despite a baby crying or noise from a disabled person.

I hope this helps brethren. In this world of family breakup and confusion, I pray that many will see the unscripturalness of a pastor demanding his people to place their children in a nursery. Does it matter, some might say. How important is a godly family and your children to you? Baptist tradition or what is best for your family-what will you do and pastor, what will you teach?
I hope this helps folks

How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth!

How Satan is Using Baptist Churches to Destroy Our Youth
Years ago I drove nearly three hours to Haines City, Fl. to hear a particular preacher speak. We went the distance because it was understood that this Pastor was a good preacher and had much to offer. Upon entering the church with our family of four at the time, we were instantly stopped by a security guard (usher) who informed us that our children under the age of four could not sit in the services and they MUST go to the nursery. Also I was told that my wife was not allowed in the nursery. Now as much as I desired to hear this pastor, I was not going to break our conviction that the family stay together during services. As we prepared to go back to our vehicle, the guard was in awe that we were not willing to comply with their regulation so that we could hear...the preacher! I inquired to the gentleman if this was a King James Bible-believing church to which he quickly replied that it was. Then I sternly asked him to show m where in the BIBLE is it FORBIDDEN for the children to be with their parents during preaching services. HE COULD NOT SHOW ME! Listen brethren, the devil is doing a great work IN OUR CHURCHES today and destroying and corrupting our youth as he works! The CHURCH is NOT God's primary tool for training children-the parent's are! Prov. 22:6, Deut. 6 etc. is written to PARENTS, not an institution! The church should be a SUPPORT of what is scripturally taught at home, but unfortunately the church is normally a HINDRANCE to raising Godly children. As well, a child's PEERS are not to be the major influence, but the parents are. Mal 4:6 does not read, "...the heart of the children to the.." PEERS, but to their fathers.
Think about it brethren, who would desire to see the family split up? Certainly not the Lord. As families grow further apart in our country and among "Christianity" parents and children ought to be together as much as possible for various reasons including creating a stronger bond between family members and being sure of influences around the youth. Now some might STUPIDLY state, "Do you all sleep in the same bedroom" or "Do you go anywhere apart from each other?" That is sheer stupidity friend. The point is that taking children of any age constantly away from the parents is a great danger, it will HINDER a strong bond and it opens up doors for wrong influences.
The general trend in our churches today is 1. The nursery 2. Segregated Sunday School 3. Junior Church 4. Youth Groups 5. Teen Camps 6. Special Activities such as sleepovers, movies etc. Normally, these are very dangerous to the spiritual growth of our youth and over the next few weeks I will explain why and I will include many scriptures.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Seeking after Signs (My Signs).

In Acts 3 Peter heals a man as he is going into the temple. What follows is that a crowd develops (v.11) and Peter preaches (v. 12). So here we have a case of a miracle being performed that serves as a SIGN to the lost and any Bible student knows full well that the SIGN gifts were exactly that, SIGNS to the unbeliever, that they would see the uniqueness of Christ and His messengers (1 Cor. 14:22). Now these gifts have been scripturally done away (1 Cor. 13:8-10) but many times and I mean MANY, the SIGNS and BANNERS that streetpreachers use serve as TOOLS to ATTRACT unbelievers, that we may PREACH to them.
So in Buffalo last week at the Thursday in the Square Rock Concert, where the wicked George Clinton band was performing, the crowd went wild as I brought out my "Ask Me Why Michael Jackson Went To Hell" sign. It worked! Within one minute, there were nearly 50 people around us and at one point in the evening, the number had to be between two and three hundred that gathered to express their opinion, ask questions, hear the preaching etc. While myself, brother Kenny, brother Greg, brother Dan and others preached, the gospel was published, the truth was told and sinners were warned! (By the way, we have NO joy when any sinner goes to hell and neither does the Lord).
Many of the brethren do not understand my use of such controversial signs, such as "There is no such thing as a Christian Homosexual," "Catholicism is False Religion," "Rock and Roll Will Damn Your Soul," Hillary Should Be Home Doing the Dishes," "Star Wars is Occultism," etc. but clearly these signs STIR up the heathen and the religious and that, my friend, is what is needed in these times! Recently while preaching in NY at the rock concert, a local pastor (King James Bible-believing?) stated that my signs were meant to "pick a fight" and he actually requested that I put them away. The signs that I had out were the Rock and Roll, Christian Homosexual and another one that read, "God is against sodomy, drunkenness, fornication etc." He approved of my other scripture verse signs but did not like these. Of course he had no answer when I asked him if any of these were unscriptural. Moments later by the way, when I inquired again as to the signs and why I utilize them, this pastor now stated that I did not use them to pick a fight (different answer than only moments before), but that I used them to get a response that would lead to conversations with people-THE PROBLEM! THESE SIGNS WORK! Am I careful about where I use each sign, do I have certain signs and banners for certain events-of course! Do I utilize signs that have nothing on them but scripture verses and passages-certainly! There is one pastor in the Rochester, NY area that will not allow the streetpreachers from his church to bring out there banners that name sin. What is the problem? Sinners need CONVICTED, they need STIRRED to THINK about heaven, hell, judgment and eternity! And these signs do it! Do you realize that the Lord Jesus Christ did not only use scriptures when He dealt with people! He used PARABLES! He used ILLUSTRATIONS!
Listen, if the Lord does not lead you to use signs like mine, fine...do not use them. But brothers and sisters, please allow me to do as the Lord leads me and be quiet otherwise! Do you know that there are some pastors and preachers that would never utilize my signs but they have enough MATURITY to understand why I use them and they do not attempt to change me. If only MATURITY among Baptists were more contagious....
James
1 Cor. 15:58

Friday, July 3, 2009

Preaching Against the Spiritualists at LilyDale, NY

Last Saturday some friends (Brother Greg and Sally and their friend Jeff) joined our family as we preached against the mediums, psychics, occultists etc. at the Lilydale NY community of spiritualists. The group got unhappy and upset as myself and the other preachers preached against the occultism within the small town within a town that has it's own fire department and Post Office etc. Quoting many scriptures including Eph. 5:11, Gal 5 (that includes witchcraft as a work of the flesh), Lev. 19 and 20 and Acts 19:19, many of these anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Bible individuals actually attempted to convince us that they were "Christian" and they "believed in Jesus" etc. The local newspaper and no doubt HBO, that was present to get video footage for a documentary, thought me harsh in my dealings with them. Wicked ungodly America would think that telling a friend they had bad breath was cruel. Regardless, let me clearly state that I stand with the scriptures. Horoscopes, communicating with the dead, necromancy, witchcraft of any sort (these liars tried to state that they believed in only good magic-what unbiblical nonsense!), wizardry etc. is WRONG and the Holy God of the Bible is against it all! My statements such as "No one that condones and agrees with what goes on behind these gates is going to heaven" outraged many of them and I say "good!" Let them be outraged about the truth being told. One of the men, possibly a leader in the wicked group, cursed at me with his filthy language, as I preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to him and told him that he was lost and on his way to hell. I also related to the crowd many scriptures that referred to those involved in witchcraft etc. in the Bible such as the sorcerer Elymas that Paul rebuked in Acts 13. What was my main goal in going to Lilydale that day. As I mentioned to those with us, my mission was to 1. Warn them that God is against their occultic and sinful practices 2. To warn them of hell and the judgment of God and 3. Then, and only if opportunity came about, to give them the gospel.
Until next time....

Friday, June 19, 2009

Witnessing to the Archbishop of Slovakia- Highest Roman Catholic in the Country!

What an opportunity! While in Chicago at a well-known restaurant, I had the opportunity to speak the truth of the pure gospel to the archbishop of the country of Slovakia. Though his host needed to translate, brother Jay and I had about 35 minutes to preach the truth of salvation by grace through faith apart from works. This man is the highest Catholic in this country of 5 million people. I could not have paid money to have an audience with this man, yet the Lord opened the door! What did I tell him. I quoted numerous scriptures regarding salvation APART from works including Ephesians 2:8,9, Titus 3:5 and the irrefutable Romans 4:5 (which NO religious person ever has been able to refute, including Catholic theologians, Mormons, JW's etc.). I was courteous, but firm, as I told him that he was leading people to hell and that he believed and taught a false gospel message that is damning many! They were not happy however whan I addressed the archbishop by "sir" instead of his title. (I asked them to show me the word "archbishop" in the Bible). We dealt with a few other issues such as Matt. 23:9 and Jay addressed the fact of the Catholics that murdered the true Christians in the inquisitions etc. but the focus was on the false gospel that the RCC teaches and the archbishop's responsibility before God to renounce this false system and be biblically born-again. Please pray, we never know what the Lord may do with this witness with the archbishop, his host and translator and this man's wife, who listedened to the entire converstaion. Only the LORD can open doors like this and I praise Him for this opportunity! And while I was courteous, some might question the firm speech that both Jay and I used as we dealt with him. This is a false religious church that is wicked and blasphemous! This archbishop needed the truth, not an acceptance of their damning beliefs. As I stated earlier, both of us were decent and respectful but we did tell him that Catholics were "magical" and "cannibilistic" with their transubstantiation and that Mary was a sinner (Romans 3:10,23, Eccl. 7:20 etc.). This man needed the TRUTH brethren and that is exactly what he received! In fact what started the conversation was when I told him that we preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and the new birth, he said that we were on the same page and I had to correct him. Catholics do NOT believe the gospel message and their doctrine is accursed according to Gal. 1:8,9 as well as the individuals preaching the doctrines. So again, please pray that the Lord will use the witness! Thanks brethren!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

God is INTOLERANT of false religion!

In this day there is no tolerance for things truly Christian! The sodomites cry that the Christians are intolerant of their filthy wicked lifestyle, the evolutionists shout that the true believers are not tolerant of their vain and false beliefs, the Muslim proclaims that the "Christians" have no respect for their damning religion and the Catholic gets angry when the born again Bible-believing preacher preaches against their Mary-worship and their blasphemous transubstantiation, but none of these have TOLERANCE for the preaching that Christ is the ONLY way to heaven! It is about time that we put the world with its abominable sin and it's false religions on the defensive! Make them feel uncomfortable! As long as we are right according to the scriptures, then we are right, the Word of God is right and they are wrong! That is not arrogance, but truth! God is Holy, atheist, drunkard, lost religious church-goer! he will not tolerant your false religion! Catholic-beware! God is INTOLERANT of your whore of Babylon beliefs! Sodomite-Watch out! The Lord is angry with your sin and does not tolerate your vileness! Muslim-You are warned! God will not agree to disagree with your lying prophet nor your unscriptural belief system! Do you realize, Christian, that these that are intolerant of Christ and the true gospel are headed for an eternal hell and are in opposition to God's Holy Word! Jesus Christ is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE, like it or not! If you do not agree, YOU ARE WRONG! Christian, get some backbone and stand truthfully for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ! How many Christians will back down from being a faithful witness at work or to family members, while those have not been warned! Let the sinner know their responsibility before God! Warn them of hell and God's judgment! Proclaim to them that God is NOT tolerant of their false belief!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Upcoming Preaching to the Covetous and the Drunks at the Derby!

This weekend will be our Kentucky Derby Blitz where about 300,00 will hear the gospel preached. We have many friends coming to join us in this endeavor including some from NY, Ohio, Iowa and Florida. Please pray for us as we preach to the sports idolaters, the covetous gamblers and the drunkards. You say, "Not at a sporting event, these are family events!" When my family was here preaching a few years ago, we had 4 police officers on ATV's surround me to protect me while I was preaching. As any true preacher that covers sporting events will testify, they are usually some of the worst regarding aggressiveness and vulgarity. What are you doing at the Kentucky Derby, some might inquire? Warning the wicked and preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sad fact is that to my knowledge there will be NO local churches involved in SP at this event, which is typical. So please pray for the preaching and for safe travel for the preachers and their families as we serve the Lord, preaching and distributing tracts. This will be the largest group ever assembled together for this event and we need God's power and His Hand upon us as we obey Him!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Catholic Heresy!

It amazes me how liberal and weak True Christianity has become in these last days. And of these areas is concerning false doctrine. The Catholic Church is NOT Christian and today many weak and compromising pastors dare not speak against the WHORE because they do not want to offend potential visitors to their churches. WICKED! The Catholic Church teaches WORKS for salvation, which is completely unscriptural (Eph 2:8-10, etc.) as well as such GARBAGE as transubstantiation, mandatory celibacy for the Priesthood etc. NO CATHOLIC GOES TO HEAVEN, unless they REPENT of their sin and their false doctrine (1 Thes 1:9, Mark 1:15 etc.). Can a Catholic be saved and attend the Catholic Church. In this day and age where the errors of the RCC have been exposed, I say-not for long! Would not the Holy Spirit convict as one bows to a statue etc. When I got CONVERTED to CHRIST, apart from any works, I had NO desire to back to the LDS (Mormon) church EXCEPT to PREACH to them! The RCC is the greatest religious enemy to True Christianity that this world has ever known and this will not ever change until the Lord destroys the whore (see Rev 17-19). Read the old books from the 1700's and 1800's and you find titles that speak volumes against this wicked religion. In fact, these titles speak more than most preachers will today. Pastor, why not pick up a scripture sign or make one that reads "Catholicism is false religion" and stand outside of the local RCC? This would be obeying Eph 5:11, would it not? Separate from this false religion and SPEAK against it, true Christians! Stand for truth in these last days and preach and teach against this wicked religion that is DAMNING millions! Do not dare to tell me that you care about souls if you are unwilling to do this!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Preaching Against Spring Break Wickedness!

Time for spring break and more wicked teenagers came out for their sin. While many complain that we preach too hard, those critics STAY AT HOME and do not see the vulgarity, crudeness and sinfulness of today's teens. We are to REPROVE and REBUKE as we preach (2 Tim 4:1,2, Eph 5:11 etc.) and unlike some that were down there (like Campus Crusade for Christ) we preached AGAINST their sin and watered down nothing. One of those from that group that was interviewed commented negatively about those that were out using bullhorns and made reference to witnessing to thousands. Witnessing to thousands is great as long as you have the correct message which includes REPENTANCE! Regardless, the preaching went well, but it is grievous to see the condition of our youth in America. Drugs, nudity, fornication, drunkenness etc. and we WERE NOT EVEN ON THE BEACH, BUT AT A NEARBY INTERSECTION! Praise the Lord that Repent America and Brother Marcavage were there (though we did not see him). At least I do not have to be concerned about him having an incorrect view of repentance. The police this year behaved, most likely due to my firmly informing them last year of our right to SP!
Converts-0
Those Warned-Thousands!
Thanks for your prayers!
James the Preacher 1 Cor 15:58

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

STAY FAITHFUL IN YOUR PREACHING!

I will continue my thanks to those that I have had the privilege of training for another time. Right now I feel the need to exhort all streetpreachers to continue preaching the biblical gospel which includes repentance, a change of mind about sin that leads to a changed life.
Compromisers abound, like we saw with the Beale Street crowd last year that pervert the scriptures to OTHER people's destruction. I am glad to see Christ preached, but not when the gospel is a perverted gospel. Look at Ezek 13:22 and you will see that those that preach and teach that a sinner can have life (eternal), but do not emphasize that they must turn from their wicked ways is a LIAR! look at the scripture. In these last days, many are slipping from the truth in this matter. Surely many of these are lost and perhaps some are saved but are guilty of keeping back the sword ( the Word of God) from drawing blood! They are false witnesses and doing more damage than good and many are just submitting to the peer pressure of the "brethren." Let us take a stand against easy-believism and those that propagate it and let us be sure to stick with the message of the PURE gospel that leads to one being a new creature in Christ!