Thursday, August 25, 2016

Links

On Investments

On Race issues

On Godliness

On Making a Difference

On Living for Christ


Quotes



"Baptists are safe on the question of belief. The trouble with us is that we are the most believing and about the least doing people in the world. If we would practice only half we believe, we would lead hosts of willing captives into our Master's kingdom." -- J.B. Graham, First Session of Baptist Sunday School Convention held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Talladega, AL in 1898.


"In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief." - Timothy Keller


The great battle in private prayer is the overcoming of mental wool-gathering. @EDLitton



Bigotry has many angles. One is to jump to conclusions that make us feel better about ourselves. Self is the central motivator, not truth! - Dr. Sonny Holmes




Thursday, August 18, 2016

Links 8.18.16

Privatizing the internet

Science and God

How God saved me from the prosperity gospel

White Christian America is dying

Should we have children in big church?  --
                     You may or may not agree, but it has many good points for all.


Say Goodbye to a Double Mind

James 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The New King James Version. (1982). (Jas 1:5–8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.


This week I have been thinking a lot on the issue of double mindedness.  I am convinced that this is a huge reason people don't grow in their faith and why many never see God's active answering hand in their life.  James 1 challenges believers to TRUST God and not to be double minded.  Double mindedness is different from doubt. Double mindedness shows up as you ask or respond to God with: 

"maybe" 
"I need more information" 
"I don't think that is what you REALLY mean." 
"I might if...."
"Tell me first and then I'll decide."
"You can't be serious"
"I know you won't tell me to stop this ministry because it is so great."

All of these and more indicate that the heart still desires to self govern and not have Christ govern it. Until you and I become single minded, we can't expect God to answer anything. So if you want more of God in your life, more wisdom in decision making, more confidence in your faith walk. Start trusting what God shows you in the word and DO IT!

Quotes and Musings



"You can impress from a distance, but you can only impact up close." - Howard Hendricks

"Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it." - Mark Batterson

"Something is distorted when we get enraged with statements made on the Internet but barely feel the pains of our own neighborhood." - Dan White Jr.

“The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are at opposite sides of the same coin.” - A. W. Tozer

Correct Greek translation of Matthew 28:19a: "Being as how y'all are going somewhere anyway, make disciples out of all ethnicities." - Buck Burch




Thursday, August 11, 2016

Links 8.11.16

My Kids Rich or Poor?

Intolerance of tolerance

Abortion bus for elderly

Clinton and changing Christianity

Voting

More on Voting  and this response to the VOTING



Quotes and Musings



“If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.” - Charles Spurgeon


“Faith is when you act like God is telling the truth.” - Priscilla Shirer


In the original language, "Fear the Lord" doesn't mean be afraid. It means sustaining a joyful, astonished awe, and wonder before Him- Timothy Keller



"If your memories of the past are greater than your vision for the future, your church will die." Larry  Wynn


Thursday, August 4, 2016

Quotes and Musings


Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Cor. 10:12

"Angels fell in Heaven, Adam in paradise, Peter in Christ’s presence." - Theophilus Polwheile

One does not surrender his life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a life time. - Elizabeth Elliot

When our primary motive becomes trusting God, however, we suddenly discover there is nothing in the world that pleases Him more! Until you trust God, nothing you do will please God. --Lynch, John; McNicol, Bruce; Thrall, Bill (2011-11-17). The Cure: What If God Isn't Who You Think He Is And Neither Are You (Kindle Locations 414-415). Cross Section Ventures, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Guilt wants to lead us to forgiveness, to be cleaned. Shame drives us to hide, convinced we cannot truly be forgiven or made clean. -- Lynch, John; McNicol, Bruce; Thrall, Bill (2011-11-17). The Cure: What If God Isn't Who You Think He Is And Neither Are You (Kindle Locations 414-415). Cross Section Ventures, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

I have noticed that those who demand heaven on earth here and now— instant health, wealth, happiness, or holiness— often become the most embittered, hostile, and disillusioned critics of Christianity.-- Horton, Michael (2010-07-27). A Place for Weakness: Preparing Yourself for Suffering (p. 48). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

There is no theology-free experience. -- Michael Horton




Links 8.4.16

Alcohol and cancer

10 hard to deal with church members

A young pastor's view on drinking

Attitude and church life

Freedom or bondage?