So often preachers angle their messages. They preach the peace of the gospel, the power of the gospel, the truth of the gospel, and we accept peace, but not the cross; we seize power, but reject the cross; we seek truth, but forsake the cross.
Saint Paul said, “I will do all things for the sake of the gospel…” Can you say that? –that you do all things for the cause of Christ? The verse continues, “…so I may share in its rewards…Every athlete disciplines himself in every way…” Why? “…to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I don’t run aimlessly; I don’t box as if beating against the wind.”
There was a film about a boxer, and the movie director was asked why he chose to direct it. He said, “There’s something about the way a boxer walks. There’s a directness. There's an economy of movement.” I believe that all men want to have direction in life, to have a focus.
What are you searching for? To be liked among your friends? To drink? To party?
Jesus Christ! Only in him can you find fulfillment and peace. When you come into that relationship with Christ, you are changed from the inside out.
In First John, the Bible says, “We have only come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do as he commands is a liar. The truth is not in him.”
What are the commandments? Thou shall have no other gods before me. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain. Thou shall honor thy father and mother. Thou shall not steal or lie.
But there isn’t a person in this room absolutely blameless. We all have sinned and broken God’s Law and therefore have to pay the penalty, which is death and an eternity in hell separated from God.
God loves you so much that He sent His son to take your place. Jesus came to the earth, took the punishment for sin (the sins of the whole world) on his back by dieing on a cross and paying the penalty. Three days later, Christ rose again, proving victory over sin and death.
Jesus did his part on the cross. Now you must do your part by turning and following him. In the gospels, whenever Jesus met someone, he always said, “Come, pursue me, follow me.” He never said, “Accept, relax, and enjoy.”
“Come, be trained, walk as I walk,” and those who do will have fellowship with God; yet those who hear the Word and the Law of the Lord and reject it will spend an eternity in an inescapable hell.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
SERMON ON A KNOWING SALVATION
I want to ask you a question today: are you completely, absolutely, totally convinced in your own mind that if you were to die today, you would go to be with God in heaven? Are you assured by the Scriptures that you have eternity to spend-not in hell-but in fellowship with God in heaven? How can one know Christ when they’ve never sought him through that which reveals him (the Scriptures)?
Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, we did many things in your name, didn’t we?’ Then He will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’” In the Greek, it actually says, “I never, never, ever knew you.”
When you consider your life, do you feel fulfilled?
I look at some people and I see joy beaming off their faces. Something’s been revealed to them, something that one could search the entire universe for and still not find. You can’t find it in television. You can’t find it in a good book. You can’t find it in socializing. You can be the most social person and still have no peace, no joy.
It’s found in Christ.
The Bible says about a nation spoken of in the Old Testament who weren't finding their delight in God: “The Lord will give them an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. They will live in constant suspense, filled with the dread of day and night, never sure for their life.”
In the past thirteen years, there’s been a 92% increase in unchurched Americans. Think about it! More than three out of five of the unchurched consider themselves Christian. Never before has humanity been so open to pornography, substance abuse, and sinful living. What’s the reason? The Bible tells us: sin. Romans eight says, “Those controlled by sin cannot please God.” You say, “Well Pastor, I’m a good person; do many nice things; respected by many.” But God says, “All men have sinned and fall short of my glory.”
And because of our sin, we have been cut off from relationship with a holy God. We are restless and without peace. The Bible says, “In the last days men will go about shouting, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” We have the Nobel Peace Prize, global peace initiatives, the spread of democracy, all in the hopes of what? -world peace.
Right now there’s hatred for America in the Muslim world. Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Seymour Hersh said that “the only hope for the US in the Muslim world” was Barack Obama. From the beginning of time, men of wisdom have come from the dust, and men have sought in them the hope of the world, yet back to the dust they went.
What is the hope of the world? Eternal God- being proclaimed before you today- sent his Son to make one statement. If you don’t remember a thing I say today, remember this, that the Bible says, “Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory.” America will never be at peace until she stands at the foot of the cross and bends her head.
Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, we did many things in your name, didn’t we?’ Then He will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’” In the Greek, it actually says, “I never, never, ever knew you.”
When you consider your life, do you feel fulfilled?
I look at some people and I see joy beaming off their faces. Something’s been revealed to them, something that one could search the entire universe for and still not find. You can’t find it in television. You can’t find it in a good book. You can’t find it in socializing. You can be the most social person and still have no peace, no joy.
It’s found in Christ.
The Bible says about a nation spoken of in the Old Testament who weren't finding their delight in God: “The Lord will give them an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. They will live in constant suspense, filled with the dread of day and night, never sure for their life.”
In the past thirteen years, there’s been a 92% increase in unchurched Americans. Think about it! More than three out of five of the unchurched consider themselves Christian. Never before has humanity been so open to pornography, substance abuse, and sinful living. What’s the reason? The Bible tells us: sin. Romans eight says, “Those controlled by sin cannot please God.” You say, “Well Pastor, I’m a good person; do many nice things; respected by many.” But God says, “All men have sinned and fall short of my glory.”
And because of our sin, we have been cut off from relationship with a holy God. We are restless and without peace. The Bible says, “In the last days men will go about shouting, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” We have the Nobel Peace Prize, global peace initiatives, the spread of democracy, all in the hopes of what? -world peace.
Right now there’s hatred for America in the Muslim world. Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Seymour Hersh said that “the only hope for the US in the Muslim world” was Barack Obama. From the beginning of time, men of wisdom have come from the dust, and men have sought in them the hope of the world, yet back to the dust they went.
What is the hope of the world? Eternal God- being proclaimed before you today- sent his Son to make one statement. If you don’t remember a thing I say today, remember this, that the Bible says, “Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory.” America will never be at peace until she stands at the foot of the cross and bends her head.
Friday, April 4, 2008
BRAZIL MISSION TRIP 2008
Thank you so much for your prayers and support! God used you to bring about His fame and glory on this trip. It was a miraculous trip. How can I put into words what took place?
We knew nothing except that we were to labor with a church called Igreja Batista de Vila Marilia. God orchestrated the trip this way: KB (a Christian rapper) shared the gospel through his gift; Dave (a pastor) and I (an evangelist) preached; a band and a drama team shared as well. On our conference tour, we did two to three shows a day at schools, churches, and on the streets. It spanned three cities: Belo Horizonte, Sao Benedito, and Ouro Preto. We were gone for two and a half weeks.
Our day-off was at Ouro Preto. Little did we know, God had something planned even on that day that was so much greater than we could ever have imagined! We approached the city square and saw a mass of people. We walked over to the statue in the middle of the square and started praying together. We knew God was going to do something. We pulled the van up next to the statue and started blaring KB’s rap music. Kids began break-dancing in front of us, next to the statue. Huge crowds drew in and people came out of their stores to observe the spectacle. There were even city guards watching what we were doing. We were unafraid. All of the sudden, KB broke into rap. When he finished, John and I took turns preaching the gospel with a translator. Then, the pastor of Vila Marilia led a salvation call and six people came forward. In turn, those who were converted turned around and started sharing the gospel with others on the street. The wonder of our God!
It was awesome what happened at the public schools. We had shows in the gymnasiums and in the classrooms. We entertained the kids with basketball moves, singing, rapping, break-dancing, and talents. We weren’t allowed to talk about our Jesus, so we were very careful about what we said. We kept talking about “Someone,” and said they had to come to our night services to find out who it was…
We had services every night, intended for both the churches and the people we entertained during the day. It was always an overflow crowd and at the end of each service, people would flood the front of the church, crying and praising God. During the trip, one hundred souls were converted and welcomed into a local church. How great is our God!
SEA OF CHILDREN
SALVATION
CHURCH
KB RAPPING THE TRUTH
STATUE
WOMEN OF GOD
ME AND KB
CAVE
GOODBYE
We knew nothing except that we were to labor with a church called Igreja Batista de Vila Marilia. God orchestrated the trip this way: KB (a Christian rapper) shared the gospel through his gift; Dave (a pastor) and I (an evangelist) preached; a band and a drama team shared as well. On our conference tour, we did two to three shows a day at schools, churches, and on the streets. It spanned three cities: Belo Horizonte, Sao Benedito, and Ouro Preto. We were gone for two and a half weeks.
Our day-off was at Ouro Preto. Little did we know, God had something planned even on that day that was so much greater than we could ever have imagined! We approached the city square and saw a mass of people. We walked over to the statue in the middle of the square and started praying together. We knew God was going to do something. We pulled the van up next to the statue and started blaring KB’s rap music. Kids began break-dancing in front of us, next to the statue. Huge crowds drew in and people came out of their stores to observe the spectacle. There were even city guards watching what we were doing. We were unafraid. All of the sudden, KB broke into rap. When he finished, John and I took turns preaching the gospel with a translator. Then, the pastor of Vila Marilia led a salvation call and six people came forward. In turn, those who were converted turned around and started sharing the gospel with others on the street. The wonder of our God!
It was awesome what happened at the public schools. We had shows in the gymnasiums and in the classrooms. We entertained the kids with basketball moves, singing, rapping, break-dancing, and talents. We weren’t allowed to talk about our Jesus, so we were very careful about what we said. We kept talking about “Someone,” and said they had to come to our night services to find out who it was…
We had services every night, intended for both the churches and the people we entertained during the day. It was always an overflow crowd and at the end of each service, people would flood the front of the church, crying and praising God. During the trip, one hundred souls were converted and welcomed into a local church. How great is our God!
SEA OF CHILDREN
SALVATION
CHURCH
KB RAPPING THE TRUTH
STATUE
WOMEN OF GOD
ME AND KB
CAVE
GOODBYE
Friday, February 1, 2008
SERMON ON A SAVIOR
There are many problems facing the world today: moral decline, crime, economic problems, foreign policy issues, terrorism... The world is full of risk, and politicians say that we're pushing it by not facing issues.
In this age, humanity has realized its need for a Savoir. Everywhere, in movies and in music, in politics and groups, people are talking. Who is this Jesus? Why did he come?
Even a thousand years before Christ, a pagan religious leader named Zoroaster said, "God will never be known unless He reveals Himself in human form." Hundreds of years before Christ, Socrates stated, "Oh, that someone would arise, man or god to show us God." Plato said, "Unless a god-man comes to us and reveals to us the Supreme Being, there is no hope or help." Plato also made this statement: "The world will never be set right until the perfect man arises who will be persecuted, buffeted, and tied to a stake and so bring a new righteousness."
Jesus- the image of the invisible God- became man, lived a sinless life, and was crucified, taking the punishment for our sins.
In this age, humanity has realized its need for a Savoir. Everywhere, in movies and in music, in politics and groups, people are talking. Who is this Jesus? Why did he come?
Even a thousand years before Christ, a pagan religious leader named Zoroaster said, "God will never be known unless He reveals Himself in human form." Hundreds of years before Christ, Socrates stated, "Oh, that someone would arise, man or god to show us God." Plato said, "Unless a god-man comes to us and reveals to us the Supreme Being, there is no hope or help." Plato also made this statement: "The world will never be set right until the perfect man arises who will be persecuted, buffeted, and tied to a stake and so bring a new righteousness."
Jesus- the image of the invisible God- became man, lived a sinless life, and was crucified, taking the punishment for our sins.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
SERMON ON RIGHTEOUSNESS
The world today takes their finger of blame and says that the problems of this age are caused by the rebellious youth of our culture. But should we take that same finger and point it at the guardians of society: men and women who market drinking commercials toward teens and target our youth with easily accessible pornography.
And if we were to pose a question for the stages of mainstream media, politics, and celebrity, I think it would be this: Where has the righteousness gone? Where are the Christians?
Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any nation.” If you go out of the country today, you’ll find that other countries don’t look at us well. The Pew Global Attitudes Survey of 2007 read, “The U.S. generally performs poorly on global goodwill surveys, which is particularly true throughout the Middle East and much of Europe.” Why? NO RIGHTEOUSNESS. We aren't standing by what we claim to believe.
I believe there is a quota of righteous people in this nation, that if it is not met, God will bring judgement.
Righteousness is “Acting in accord with divine or moral law that arises from a sense of justice.” It’s a judicial term, a legal term. Job was characterized as a righteous man and it wasn’t because he was perfect but because he bore fruit in all aspects of his life.
See I’m looking at righteousness the way God looks at it. God is a holy God and can have no part in sin. And there isn’t a person in this world who hasn’t sinned.
If today you were to stand in a court room and judged upon the basis of the Law, how would you be charged? The Bible says, “All men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The Bible tells us, “No one can fathom the depravity of the human heart.” We often blame others or even the devil for our sins, but there is a difference between the works of the flesh and the works of Satan. The flesh is a slave to impurity and adultery, serves the law of sin, has passions and desires, brings corruption, has its own wisdom, wages war against the soul, and has nothing good in it. It is the flesh that creates immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness and carousing. SIN.
And because of our sin, we are seperated from God, restless and without peace. But you are a living soul, created for fellowship with Him. God loves you and has a purpose for you. He wants to give you victory in your life.
Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ came to the earth and lived blamelessly. He was the perfect offering for our sin, as he died on the cross, shedding his blood for you and me. It is by the blood of Christ that we are saved. Christ’s blood is the blood of redemption, of covering, of forgiveness, of reconciliation, of justification, of peace, of entrance to the ear of God in prayer and the blood of cleansing.
We have been made righteous through the cross of Christ. Galatians six says, “Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.” So many want the blessings of Christ, but don’t want his cross. Paul said, “The cross is an offense to man.” And only those with ears to hear and eyes to see can percieve the mystery of the cross. If today you feel a stirring in your heart at all, don't be afraid to let Christ in, to make him Lord and Savior of your life.
God will justify those who have faith in Him. What is faith? Faith is believing God by witness of His Scriptures. When I was a child my dad bought a hammock and set it between two towering oak trees in our front yard. He sat on it to see if it could hold him and, being the wild kid that I was, I jumped on it and it broke out of the tree. But faith is like a well-fitted hammock. You cannot have the warmth and the joy of knowing Christ until you make that leap of faith and accept him into your heart.
Do you want peace? Do you want true joy and happiness? You can only find it in Christ. JESUS CHRIST.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
AN EVANGELISTIC PRAYER
Father,
Convict
Consecrate
Convert
Blow as the wind
Reveal as the light
Burn as the fire
Amen
Thursday, December 13, 2007
SERMON ON LOVE
If I had one sermon to preach, it would be on the love of God. There isn't a conflict in the world today that couldn't be resolved by love. This word could free us from war, racism, and poverty. Injustice, ignorance, prejudice, tyranny, oppression, exploitation: all these things- love. The Bible says God is love.
And if you don’t remember a thing that I say today, remember this, “God loves you.” God loves you the way a parent loves a child. He wants to have a relationship with you.
Let me ask you a question: What do you believe? What controls you? Today, we live in a world of scores of religions and worldviews, where persuasion has become a force in the hands of leaders, celebrities, and politicians. Where does one turn?
I came to a point in my early life where I had to make a choice to follow God because the ideas that were circulating and the people I looked up to seemed to have all the answers, but were they asking the right questions? Was the Bible Truth? Was it going to fail me? Was it going to change me? And as I read this Book, I accepted it to be the very blood and body of Christ.
At Christmas, so many problems distract us from the reason of the season: disease, family concerns, boredom, feeling rejected, moral issues... We ask, “Why does God allow pain? If God loved us, why doesn’t He come and end it all?”
The Bible teaches that we have a mind and a body, but they contain a disease- sin, and by our sinful nature, we have all fallen short of a holy God.
The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death." Woody Allen commented, “I’m not afraid of death. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” But in the life of everyone who lives, there will come a time when life will cease to exist. Everyone who has turned with the pages of history has become history.
We have no eternal hope, but in Christ, we have hope. Jesus came and took the punishment for our sin, the sins of the whole world. Christ shed his blood to pay the price for your salvation.
What must we do? Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Recieve Jesus today as your Lord and Savior.
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