I need a Hammer and a Nail

Martin Luther wrote his 95 Thesis in 1517 which ignited the Reformation.
It seems as if we need a Second Reformation, especially in America and anywhere American churches have influence around the world.

But, I don't know how or which door to nail a Thesis to, and I'm not saying that I'm the one smart enough to do it, but Luther also believed that a "plow-boy" with the Word of God in his language was more powerful than any Pope.

So, here is just a taste of what we are up against.

As I write this I am in turmoil over the things that I see going on in the church. I wonder how far from the Gospel the church will go and use marketing "schemes" and demographics to determine how to lure people into the church and move to a "seeker sensitive" worship service.

Many churches have a disdain for any kind of tradition, without even understanding why the tradition was brought about in the first place. A simple example is, the removal of the pulpit which has been replaced by a bar/ pub table.
Also, when ever they talk about evangelism and "sharing the Gospel" it has come to a whole new meaning. It is now sharing your "personal testimony" or "your story."

Ironically, The only person I see sharing their story in the Bible is Paul in Romans leading up to these words that sum up his testimony 7:24-25.

²⁴Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from^(AC) this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

I'm not sure this is a testimony that most people have in mind. Usually, what people mean is they will tell their before and after story. But, you can have this same story from any religion, or even from a 12 step program, or from meeting a beautiful girl and end up getting married. You'll have a wonderful experience and a story, and it may very well be true to you. But, it does not tell of what Christ has done, it takes the focus off of Christ and puts it on the individual person.

If Satan can figure out a way to get us away from telling Christ's story especially in a subtle way, then he has accomplished his task.

I'll just get them to focus on themselves, that always works

And he has been doing this since the beginning.
This kind of direction, and focus by the church would be called worldliness. If you want to see what kind of churches are doing this, here are a couple examples


NewSpring Church

Real Life Chruch


The messages are claimed to be "relevant" and "practical" and the emphasis is on how you can apply these things to your daily life. The doctrines and creeds, and confessions have been pushed aside.
The excuse or the reason of, "We need to be about deeds not creeds" as if we have over-done-it with the creeds and the head knowledge and now we need to do something.
However, it has always been the doctrines, and the creeds (oh no traditions, yuk!) that point to the foundation of our faith which is the person and works of Jesus Christ. The only true motivation there is for us in life is the motivation which comes from knowing what Jesus Christ has already done for us. If we are to be the evangelists presenting an evangelistic message, then why would we do everything else but share the Gospel? Here is the Gospel message as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 The Resurrection of Christ

¹Now I would remind you, brothers,^[a] of the gospel^(A) I preached to you, which you received,^(B) in which you stand, ²and by which^(C) you are being saved, if you^(D) hold fast to the word I preached to you—^(E) unless you believed in vain.

³For^(F) I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died^(G) for our sins^(H) in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴that he was buried, that he was raised^(I) on the third day^(J) in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁵and that^(K) he appeared to Cephas, then^(L) to the twelve. ⁶Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷Then he appeared to^(M) James, then^(N) to all the apostles. ⁸Last of all, as to one untimely born,^(O) he appeared also to me. ⁹For^(P) I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because^(Q) I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary,^(R) I worked harder than any of them,^(S) though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. ¹¹Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The worship service is not a place for evangelism, it is for the delivering of God's word to edify the saints. It is God speaking through the message preached to remind us of what He has already done for us through His Son Jesus Christ. And it has become apparent we are being swayed and deceived by smooth talkers and flatterers. Lets see what Paul says about that and these tactics that distract us from the Gospel.

Romans 16:

Final Instructions and Greetings

¹⁷I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles^(I) contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught;^(J) avoid them. ¹⁸For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but^(K) their own appetites,^[f] and^(L) by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. ¹⁹For^(M) your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you^(N) to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. ^20(O) The God of peace^(P) will soon crush Satan under your feet.^(Q) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

In closing here is what Martin Luther said at his trial, as he had written against the smooth talk and flattery of a huge empire that answered to nobody but itself.

"(reply to the Diet of Worms) Since your majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns or teeth. Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason (I do not believe in the authority of either popes or councils by themselves, for it is plain that they have often erred and contradicted each other) in those Scriptures that I have presented, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God, I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen." — Martin Luther

And here I stand... I also can do no other.
God help me.

I have removed the parts that may have been deemed offensive to those who have read them and I'm truly sorry for the harshness in my tone and manner. I do believe graciousness should always be the manner in which we challenge each other. Even if you know for certain you have the right view or position. We all have a lot to learn.

It is for the sake of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that these things must be dealt with and not sit silently by. These are not superficial, or secondary issues, or about preferences, traditions, or even about being relevant or about methods. It is about being faithful to Jesus Christ and His message. It is all about Him and anything outside of that ought not be done, at least not by the church.

The church will never die. Even if we never evangelized, the church would somehow continue to grow. Jesus said He will build His church, and that's exactly what will happen. But, we of course will go and evangelize because we are grateful for what Christ has done for us.

Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Tactics in Defending the Faith

Here is another tactic in Defending the Faith: Columbo step 2.

Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Subject: Tactics in Defending the Faith

Tactics in Defending the Faith Part 5: Columbo Step 2: "How did you come to that conclusion?" Greg Koukl The first application of the Columbo tactic helped you understand what a person thinks; the second application known as reversing the burden of proof helps you learn why they think the way they do.  The burden of proof is the responsibility someone has to defend or give evidence for his or her view. The burden of proof has one cardinal rule: Whoever makes the claim bears the burden. Don't allow yourself to be thrust into a defensive position when the other person is making the claim. This rule means there are no more free rides. It isn't the Christian's responsibility to refute every story a nonbeliever can spin or every claim he can manufacture. When your opponent advances a view, make him or her defend it. Steer the burden of proof back on their shoulders, where it belongs.. Make them give you their arguments, not just their points of view. In the immortal words of Ricky Ricardo from I Love Lucy, "they've got a lot of 'splaining to do!" The second Columbo question enforces the burden of proof rule: "Now, how did you come to that conclusion?" This question graciously assumes that the non-believer has actually reached a conclusion that he has reasons for his view and has not merely asserted it carte-blanche. It will give him a chance to express his rationale, if he has one. It will also give you more material to work with in addressing his objections. It ultimately shifts the burden of proof to the other person, which is where it often belongs. Since many people have never thought through their views and don't know why they hold them, don't be surprised if you get a blank stare after asking this question.Alternate options are, "Why do you say that?" or "What are your reasons for holding that view?" Sometimes the simplest, most effective question you can ask someone is a variation of the question, "How do you know?" This tactic can also take the form of the following questions:  "Why should I believe what you believe?"  "What makes you think that's the right way to see it?"  "I'm curious. Why would you say a thing like that?"    "Why should I trust that your organization the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, the Watchtower speaks for God?" We can spend hours helping someone carefully work through an issue without ever mentioning God, Jesus, or the Bible. This doesn't mean we aren't advancing the Kingdom, though. It's always a step in the right direction when we help people to discover truth. It gives them tools to assess the bigger questions that will eventually come up. Further, when we challenge people to think carefully, we acknowledge they bear the image of God. This affirms their intrinsic worth. For a discussion on the value of human beings apart from the cross, see the commentary "Gospel Fodder." Remember: The two most important questions you can ever ask are, "What do you believe?" and "Why do you believe it?" Next time:  The Professor's Ploy For more extensive tactics training go to www.str.org and look for Tactics in Defending the Faith Mentoring Series or STRi DVD interactive training in our online store or call Stand to Reason at 1-800-2-REASON.   2005 Stand to Reason ARR | 1438 East 33rd Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 | http://www.str.org/site/R?i=1i_DN5YYtvMp9W2oTLI4jw.. Voicemail (800) 2-REASON TM | Local Phone (562) 595-7333 | Fax (562) 595-7332 | questions@str.org TellAFriend | View Message | Unsubscribe | Update Profile

Tactics in Defending the Faith

Hello Reform-Shire friends,

Here is some more from Stand To Reason by Greg Koukl.  This is a sample of the Tactics in Defending your faith.  This section teaches the Columbo Tactic of asking questions like "What do you mean by that?"  Read below and let me know what you think.

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

---

Subject: Tactics in Defending the Faith

Tactics in Defending the Faith Part 4: Columbo Step One: "What do you mean by that?" Greg Koukl The first question of the Columbo tactic is to gain information. Sometimes you just need more information to know how to proceed further. This is the simplest way to use the Columbo tactic. It is virtually effortless, putting no pressure on you at all. When used this way, the questions can buy you valuable time, help you know how to proceed in the conversation, give you information for this and future encounters, and be a casual conversation-starter. Key question: "What do you mean by that?" (or some variation) This clarification question tells you what a person thinks so you don't misunderstand her or, worse, misrepresent her. It should be delivered in a mild, genuinely inquisitive fashion. This question also forces the person to be precise in her meaning, as many people object to Christianity for reasons they don't completely understand themselves. This first Columbo question accomplishes five important objectives.     1. It immediately engages the non-believer in an interactive way.   2. It flatters the non-believer because it shows genuine interest in his or her view.   3. It forces the non-believer to think more carefully and more precisely maybe for the first time about his intended meaning.   4. It gives you valuable information about the non-believer's exact position.  5. It positions the non-believer in the defensive position while placing you in control of the conversation. Be sure to pay attention to the response.. If it's unclear, follow up with more questions. Say, "Let me see if I understand you on this…," then feed back the view to make sure you got it right. By the way, don't let them merely repeat what they just said. For example: "You're intolerant." "What do you mean by the word 'intolerant'?" "I mean you are intolerant!" Sometimes this first Columbo question is directed at a specific statement or topic of conversation. Other times, the question can be more open-ended. As the discussion continues, gently guide the dialogue into a more spiritually productive direction with additional questions. Learning how to ask this first question is your key to productive conversations, as people often don't know what they mean by the things they say. Often, they are merely repeating slogans. Frequently, their statements, questions, opinions, or points of view are so muddled it's impossible to proceed in conversation without clarification. Asking the question "What do you mean by that?" is the simplest way to clear up the confusion, while also giving you time to size up the situation and gather your thoughts. Do not underestimate the power of this question. Use it often.  You can ask this question all day long and there is absolutely no pressure on you. In the next email, I'll introduce you to the second Columbo question. Next week:  Columbo - Question Two For more extensive tactics training go to www.str.org and look for Tactics in Defending the Faith Mentoring Series or STRi DVD interactive training in our online store or call Stand to Reason at 1-800-2-REASON.   2005 Stand to Reason ARR | 1438 East 33rd Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 | http://www.str.org/site/R?i=VB9YcfAHLVBNyfxJ47hMDQ.. Voicemail (800) 2-REASON TM | Local Phone (562) 595-7333 | Fax (562) 595-7332 | questions@str.org TellAFriend | View Message | Unsubscribe | Update Profile

Haiti: Summer of Change 4:3

My son Jesse put together a video about his Summer Mission Trip to
Haiti. Of course I am biased to say it is very well done. But, I
really think it is. Please send me your comments and thoughts so I
can pass them along to him and encourage him. Please pass it along to
your family and friends.
Grace and Peace,
Chris
Coram Deo!!!
__________________
Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuSJkJrjow&feature=youtube_gdata

Sent from my iPod

India Mission Trip 2009

Hello,

Below is an article about the India Mission trip I wrote for my church's Mission Newsletter. I will post some more pictures soon, and I hope to put together a video as well.

Grace and Peace,
Chris
Coram Deo!!!

---

Beep, beep, beep, beep... The sounds of India, especially in the major cities like Delhi, India. The roads, and highways aren't all that different from America, although they drive on the left side of the road. They have lines for the lanes of traffic and they have a few traffic signals and round-abouts. But, they basically ignore any kind of order or safe following distance like we do in America. They honk their horns for just about any reason. They'll honk to let people know they are there. They will honk when they will be passing on either side. They all basically ignore the lines. Trucks, cows, motorcycles, cars, cows, scooters, bycicles, cows, people walking, cows, dogs, cows... Did I mention cows?

Upon arrival to Delhi we were welcomed according to their custom by bowing and shaking our hands and placing a garland of flowers around our necks to welcome us to their country. This is how the Brothers of Central India Christian Mission greeted us at the airport. This was how we were greeted at just about every church or ministry that we visited. And they made sure everything we needed was taken care of, and I mean everything.

One of the first places we went was into the inner city of Delhi to find the Burmese refugees so we could meet and pray for them and provide a medical clinic. We provided medical and dental care for about 200 people that night. We also attended a worship service with a church in the town of Meerut. We were honored to witness 5 young people Baptized in a nearby pool. Later we had a medical and dental clinic for a small village outside the town of Meerut about 50 to 60 miles from our hotel in Delhi. We tried to see as many patients as we could and when it was all done it was time to get on the bus they would yell "cello" (meaning "let's go") which to us means it is time for us to get on the bus. It took 4 hours to go approximately 60 miles from outside Meerut to our hotel in Delhi. That's how bad the traffic was in Delhi even at night. We had been able to see a lot of the city of Delhi during the day and night.

One of the realities of visiting such a different culture like India, is how absolutely poor some of the children and their families really are. Especially in the major cities, where there really isn't anyone to care for or help the poor or those who may have been born with a birth defect. So many people are just passed by and it seems that nobody cares for them at all.

But, then comes along an organization like Central India Christian Mission who are making great strides to make an impact for just a few people in comparison to such a large population. However, CICM is making a huge difference beyond what we can see and measure. They are making an impact not just for time, but for eternity.

The ministry at (CICM) Central India Christian Mission is just amazing. We were able to see how the ministry is reaching out and actually making a difference in so many ways. They are impacting the lives of the people and impacting the communities across Central India.
Some of the ministries like:
Childrens' Home (Bal Bhavan which means Children's Palace)
Central India Biblical Acadamy (CIBA)

The Nursing College
Child spnonsorship Program which raises support for 3000 children
4 Unwed mothers have been given apartments to live in to have their babies rather than having abortions
A Hospital in the city of Damoh as a community outreach.
A local feeding program to give food for children who live in the Damoh area
The administration building also produces Literature and publications to help in educating in many ways as well as several books written by Ajai and Indu Lall.
They have been able to translate the new testament for a group of about 28 million people who do not have the Bible in their language and soon it will be published so that these people can be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

During our time in Damoh they had about 400 pastors and leaders and students attend a leadership seminar. We wanted to encourage and motivate them as they go and put into practice what we hope was valuable information from God's word. Although, we felt like they had so much they could be teaching us. Especially with the situations they encounter in some very dangerous areas of India. We were especially humbled by the response of the many pastors as they hugged and thanked us for sharing the messages. You could see the genuine connection made as they said they were very grateful and some said their hearts were touched by our words and by our just being there with them.

Meeting and hugging these pastors and hearing the testimonies of 5 of the pastors from different pasts, was one of the most memorable times of the whole experience. You know you have really connected with the power of God's word when you see and hear what God is doing and what God will be doing in and around India. They are looking to reach even more people and they keep training more pastors to go out each year, and the numbers are just going to continue to grow.

Eventually, we made it to Agra and we got to see the Taj Mahal. And it really is a beautiful place, and it is a great sight to see. But, really it is no big deal after you have seen the "Bal Bhavan" (Children's Palace) and the Kingdom of God being built in the lives of so many people in Central India. That Taj Mahal is almost a "so what" after you have been blown away by the amazing things God is doing in the lives of the people in India and through the ministries of CICM.

It was especially wonderful to see Harris Walters and his wife Winnie and many of the leaders and pastors that have been a part of CICM and many of those working with Harris and the people in the area of Bhopal. If anyone knows me they know that I enjoy studying Church History and one of my favorite heros of the faith is Martin Luther. Well, Harris Walters took us to a nice little home in Bhopal to meet some lovely folks who have been part of the leadership and have worked in the ministry there in Bhopal for many years. The little old preacher's name was... of course... Martin Luther. I was so happy to meet him I had to have my picture taken with him. We didn't have much time to talk about theology so a picture would have to do.

Right now, I want to say thank you to all who have prayed and offered support for this mission trip and for your encouragement and questions about our trip to India. We have been so blessed by our experience and we are confident that CICM is certainly a wonderful mission that will continue to get our prayers and support and we are hoping to do even more as we grow in our relationship with CICM.

Many blessings to you and your family as you consider how you can do your part in missions. Please consider going on a mission trip. Try and push yourself and pray to see if God is opening this up to you. If you are tempted but still don't feel like you could go yourself. Then please consider helping someone else raise the support they need so they can go. Maybe you can help them reach those around the world for Christ. And, at the very least, please consider providing support by praying and giving to special offerings that go towards missions.
We are striving to reach through missions in all aspects of our ministries at Countryside Christian Church. We hope to be able to Focus on Jesus and reach out to those around us here and around the world, for we are so grateful for what Jesus has alrady done for us. It truly is an Amazing Grace.

Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Do evil and suffering disprove God's existence?

Hello Reform-Shire friends,

I'm still getting back into the routine and back into the daily grind after being in India for a couple of weeks. I'm still loading up my pictures to a website, and hopefully, very soon I will be able to share some of those with you.

Right now I would like to share an author and his website with you:
It is Greg Koukl President of Stand To Reason. He is a wonderful apologist and author. I have heard him several times on the Bible Answer Man and this week and next week he is a guest on the White Horse Inn. So below I have an answer to one of the most penetrating questions that is often thrown at Christians and apologists. Please take a look, listen and visit the website.

Grace and Peace,
Chris
Coram Deo!!!

Back from India

Hello friends,

I have returned last night from my two week mission trip in Central India. I'll be putting together some of the many things that we saw and experienced while we were there. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I think we have and will make a big impact in the church in India.

More to come soon

Chris
Coram Deo!!!

Sent from my iPod

Hello from India

Yes Im finally here and it has been an awesome experience so far! Just wanted to let you know what is going on and I hope to write more soon.

Grace and Peace
Chris
Coram Deo!!!

Sent from my iPod

In the INN: "Unfashionable"

I can think of many, many churches that need to hear this broadcast on the White Horse Inn, and I'm including myself and my church in this group as well. In fact we all need to be reminded, especially the part brought up in the last segment of the broadcast. It is the need for churches to be centrally focused on the cross and the Gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what the crisis or no matter what correction that needs to be made in our congregation or in our society. It all comes from Grace that a Holy God delivered through His Son. We are just waiters delivering the only item on the menu, a spotless lamb of God, this Gospel message, redemption, reconciliation, and justification. Are these words too theological? It is part of the language of Christianity, and these are the things we should be teaching at all levels of the church. All the way from Grade School to Senior Saints, we will always need to be reminded of these things through Word and Sacrament. Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

---

Subject: In the INN: "Unfashionable"

	WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2009	Send this to a friend

Join us for our 2009 series "Christ in a Post-Christian Culture" Unfashionable Listen to the White Horse Inn this week as Mike Horton interviews Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham, and pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church about his new book Unfasionable. Listen Now: "Unfashionable" RELATED ARTICLES An Interview with William H. Willimon Distractions from Orthodoxy by T. David Gordon But is it Relevant? by Michael Horton Read Kim Riddlebarger's Blog

About Us | Radio Stations | Previous Programs | Receive a free MR and WHI CD
White Horse Inn | 1725 Bear Valley Parkway | Escondido, CA 92027 | (800) 890-7556
www.whitehorseinn.org	www.modernreformation.org

Culture Shock

Well, I'm getting ready to go to India next Wednesday. Here is a fun song to sort of introduce you to a little taste of India. Enjoy!

Prepare for India

As I prepare for India, there are so many things to think about as the time is approaching rapidly for me be heading to a place that I have been waiting to go to for about 2 years now.  I was taking a class with Covenant Theological Seminary back in 2007 when I had developed a problem with my back. 
Do you remember that? 
I had a ruptured disk, and I ended up not being able to walk and required surgery to remove the part that had ruptured out and to relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve which was the cause of extreme pain.  That all happened around Thanksgiving time. 
So, I had to ask the school to give me about 6 months to recover and then finish my class, and they were quite gracious to me to allow me the extra time.  Then during that recovery time in the spring of 2008 I had been asked to go to India in March of 2009. 
After much prayer and feeling compelled by God, I decided that I would go, and that I would also prepare for this trip by taking a break from taking classes.  I also did not go to Disney World with my wife and kids since I would not have enough vacation time to do both trips. 
Then in about January of 2009, there were terrorist attacks in India, but not in the area where we were to be visiting, but nevertheless, everyone backed out on going.  So, then the trip was postponed until September and we were able to connect with another team out Christian Church out of Maryland, to share in this long anticipated mission experience. 
They are a medical mission team that will be putting on medical clinics at various places and they have asked me to help them since I have a medical background from when I was a Hospital Corpsman (EMT / Medic) in the Navy.  So, I guess I will be serving in two roles while I am there in India.  I will also be teaching or preaching at a Bible Study or at the Institute or Bible College, or whenever asked to do so. 
I was recently notified by Covenant Seminary that I was in jeopardy of being withdrawn as a student if I did not sign up for a class this semester.  But, considering the above events that have transpired, it was not possible for me to begin a class at this point nor was it feasible  during all these delays and set backs.  So, I asked if they would give me grace for one more semester considering the whole situation that I have written here.  They reviewed my plea for grace and they finally emailed me back and agreed to give me one more semester.
So, why am I writing all of this to you all?  I have no idea... 
Except for the fact that there must be a reason for why God has delayed my visit to India, and there must be a reason why things worked out they way they did.  I could sit here and complain how things didn't work out the way that I would have liked them to.  And I could have been angry with the whole situation and at one point I was a bit frustrated.  But, I'm looking forward so much to see the blessing that God has in store for me while on this trip to India and afterwards.
I think this all comes from one of my favorite subjects.  The Gospel.  And you are asking.... How so?  The Gospel message is so awesome and Grace is so amazing, that I cant help but be Grateful for what God has done and has been doing, and I anticipate what He is going to do, either in the lives of those we touch in India, or even in our own lives but ultimately I hope to share this same Gospel message.

Please be praying for our whole team as we join together and work together for the first time.  Pray that we will enjoy each other and we will be a blessing to our brothers and sisters in India and that we have an impact in the lives of these people, not just for time but for eternity.

 

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Mike Horton Interviewed on CBN

Hello,

Here is an interview on CBN (Christian Broadcast Network) about Michael Horton's book Christless Christianity. Also, the bit at the beginning about the Anglican Church in North America is actually good news too. And you can hear about that on this week's broadcast on the White Horse Inn "The Future of Anglicanism"

On this edition of the White Horse Inn, Michael Horton talks with Dr. David Virtue about his efforts to promote a new Global Orthodox Anglicanism in the midst of widespread liberalism. Later in the broadcast, Dr. Horton talks with retired Episcopal Bishop C. FitzSimons Allison about the problem of Pelagianism and the crucial importance of recovering the doctrines of justification and imputation in our time.

Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!

CBN Interview

Mike Horton Interviewed on CBN

Note: The interview with Dr. Horton begins at the 0:27 mark...

Update on Chidamoyo Conference

Hello Friends, Here is wonderful news from Chidamoyo Zimbabwe. They had 3,149 people attend a conference in Chidamoyo. What a blessing to see all those people who came from all over Zimbabwe to be fed, but not just on food but fed on the Word of God.

Today I am blessed to know that many people are praying for me. Such as, the mission team I will be traveling with, my friends, and my family, as well as my church family are all praying for me as we prepare for our mission trip to India.
It is less than 3 weeks away. I am praying to stay healthy and to connect well with the rest of the team, and to be a blessing to those we are going to help, support, and encourage. So as I pray for these things I'm reminded of Paul and his prayer to the Lord and the Lord says "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)

⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Grace is sufficient... and He is all we need. Especially, when it comes down to He is all you really have.
Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

From: Kathy McCarty
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 6:09 AM
Subject: Update on Chidamoyo Conference

Dear Friends:
Just to give you an update on the church conference. We started with a preconference of Ministers and their wives from all over Zimbabwe on Tuesday night the 11th. We provided 3 meals a day and they had meetings during the day and at night. This conference was attended by about 150 people. The women cooked in my driveway and people ate in my outdoor dining room and patio area. This was a good start to get us ready for the conference.
On Thursday all day we did surgeries at the hospital with Dr. Bungu from our sister hospital Mashoko. He came early for the conference to help teach our 2 doctors to do hernias and hydroceles. So as the people began arriving for the conference we were very busy at the hospital. We got out in time to join the group for dinner and the first night! We had over 2500 people the first night and they all got fed and put to sleep in the 2 schools near us and the chapel and church. I had 7 people in my house and sharing 1 bathroom and Major ended up with 19 in his! We had people sleeping everywhere; I even put up my 2 tents for people to sleep in!
By Friday we officially had 3,149 people that were attending the conference! We so enjoyed the fellowship—but got very little sleep. We had a special program for the youth after the main services each night which ended with a movie about 12 midnight! The women came to start cooking about 3:15 a.m. right outside my bedroom window and they figure if they are awake, everyone else must be, so they don't even try to be quiet! We continued to work at the hospital Friday and Sat and run back and forth as we could.
The electricity went off Friday afternoon and never came back until the Wed after the conference—so we ran the generator Sat most of the day for the sound system. We killed 5 cows, ate 2 tons of maize (sadza and porridge), ate 40 litres of peanut butter, 58 dozen bread and 250 heads of cabbage! By Saturday night Major's eyes were so red I thought he had been smoking a lot of marijuana!
The conference officially ended about 10 a.m. Sunday but many people left early morning on Sunday by bus and lorry and cars to get back home. Many people commented that this was the best conference they had ever attended and it was so well organized and the food was so good. They wanted us to volunteer to have it again—I said maybe in another 37 years!
Monday after work I left with my visitors for 3 nights on safari at The Hide and 2 nights at Vic Falls. We did see a lot of animals, even lions and 1 leopard! We cruised the Zambezi and saw the Falls and ate at the Boma restaurant, crocodile, buffalo, ostrich, guinea fowl, warthog, impala, and some of the visitors even ate the Mopani worms! I spent 2 days from breakfast to sundown on the platform at The Hide by myself reading (finished 2 books), napping and enjoying peace and quiet with giraffe and wildebeest and impalas nearby. What a wonderful time!
We flew back to Harare on Sunday morning and then drove on to Chidamoyo. On Thursday Jimmy, Bre, Tej and Mark leave for home. Monday Major flew with Rick, Sue and Jordan to Swaziland to assess an orphanage there supported by Rick's church in Hawaii. They get back Saturday night with a new visitor from Washington who is here for a month. Rick and Sue and Jordan leave Sunday afternoon—so I will go in Saturday to pick them up and return with Major and the new visitor, Charlotte on Sunday.
While I was gone to The Hide we received word that Lori Batten, RN got her work permit for 2 years and should be arriving mid-September! PTL—we are all happy!
Sorry I am so behind on e-mails, please forgive me and I will get back to you soon. Trying to deal with the emergencies at work and home right now!

Hi from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma!

Well it has been a strange summer for me.  Especially since I've been so busy with all kinds of new things going on.  Right now I'm in Oklahoma on my second day at my new job.  Everyone here has been very nice to me and I'm getting to know my way around the important areas like at work and at my apartment.  Now that I'm back into some kind of routine I'm hoping to keep up with my blog postings on a somewhat regular basis.  Soooooo...  Here is some thoughts that have been hitting my brain lately in the pursuit of "calling the church back to the Gospel."

---

Our church is currently searching for a new Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor and we have had several people that have decided to go elsewhere to find another congregation.  But, for the most part the congregation and the leadership have not let that kind of thing bother them.  At least it doesn't appear to be too much of an issue at the moment and the staff members that are still with us have really stepped up to the challenge of carrying on with out 2 significant parts of the team.

Last Sunday was "Youth Sunday' and the music and prayer time was all done by the youth members.  The Youth Pastor did the preaching, and I was quite pleased with the message that was shared.  Usually, when someone mentions that a "Youth Pastor preached" it brings to mind that it was probably a good energetic message with a practical application for youth and there was probably and exciting video or prop used to go with the sermon.  But, this was not the case with this message.  As far as I'm concerned this is the kind of message that should have been preached for the past 9 years in this church.  Guess what the message was???  It was the Gospel, the great Commission it was God's Holiness and Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude.  Except he used the words we learned from camp: God, Sin, Jesus, Choice.  Which is basically the same pattern.  I think our leadership has a great model to look at in our Youth Minister.  If they can find a Sr. Minister that will preach the way that our Youth Minister has been preaching, God will surely be pleased to have the messages that He asked to be preached actually preached.  Although, this kind of preaching may be deemed impractical, and not relevant to our daily lives...  But, I would challenge that notion, especially since the Apostle Paul repeatedly preached Christ and Him crucified, the Gospel to Paul IS practical and out of that Gospel comes redemption, and out of redemption comes a life of grateful living in gratitude for what Christ has done for us.  Not just by His death.  But also by His LIFE that He lived in our place.  Grace is truly amazing, declaring us righteous before a Holy God.

Grace and Peace,

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

India STM 40 Day Prayer Calendar

Dear Family and friends,
Thank you so much for your support for our trip to India that is
coming up in a little less than 5 weeks--40 days to be exact, tomorrow!
We covet your prayers for our team and the Central India Christian
Mission (CICM) that we will be visiting next month. We have made a
Prayer Calendar to introduce to you our short term mission team as well
as the different parts of the CICM ministry. Please print this out
(it's 13 pages!) and keep this where you can read it everyday and most
of all PRAY for us!

You will recieve a copy of our daily itinerary the week before we leave
so that you may see where we are and what we are doing everyday we are
in India. You will also recieve updates while we are there.....you are
our partners in the venture and we are thankful for your support!

Blessings,

2009 India STM team
Mountain Christian Church
 


 

---

Get free photo software from Windows Live Click here.

Hello Again Reform-Shire Friends!!!

I know it has been a long time since this blog has been updated.  You may have thought I had been raptured or fell off the edge of the Earth or something.  But, I have been quite busy and there have been some significant changes going on in my life.  First I went on a week long summer camp with the youth group at my church at Camp Table Rock in Missouri.  You can find out about more about this camp at www.funson.com .  Then my family and I finished the weekend off with a little family vacation there at Table Rock Lake with some good friends and family activities.  Now I'm in the process of transitioning to my new job in "OOOOk-lahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain".
So, during this time I have neglected to keep my blog up to date and to keep my donation status up to date.  So if you give it a little peek over there you'll see that I'm progressing very well towards my goal for the India trip which is still on schedule in September this year.  Please continue to pray.  I will start posting some of the notes or email requests for prayers as they come up and will explain some of the things we are planning on doing on this mission trip and I hope to be able to provide some kind of update during the trip and afterwards.

I hope all is well with you all.  Please drop me a comment below or an email.  I would love to hear from you all and I pray that the Lord is blessing you all.

Thanks again and may the Lord bless you and keep you...

Grace and Peace,
Chris
Coram Deo!!!

 Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

2009 Haiti Mission Trip Video - 90 Pews built in 3 Days

Haiti Team Update 3

Hello,

Here is another update from the Haiti Team.  It sounds like they've had a very productive week there.  We are very much looking forward to them returning home tonight. 

Grace and Peace,

 

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Subject: Haiti Team Update 3

The Haiti team has experienced a wonderful week visiting Manno and Prisca with other team members also coming from Indianapolis.  Things have gone very well and God has answered many prayers.  Working alongside the Haitian Christians, we were able to finish the 90 pews for the new church building in 4 days.  We had a soccer and basketball clinic for two days for younger kids.  We were able to worship with the Christians at Pillatre and Lory.  The promotional group shot some very interesting footage to make some updated presentation material about Haitian Christian Ministries.  Despite hot and humid conditions, everyone is well and coping with the heat.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.  Lord willing, we plan to arrive back in Wichita late on Monday night.

Haiti Team Update 2

Hello Reform-Shire Friends,
Here is another update on the Haiti Mission Team.  Sounds like things are coming together very well and plenty of work yet to be done.  Praise God for the opportunity of bringing brothers and sisters together to prepare the way for the Gospel to spread.

Grace and Peace,

 

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 8:59:49 AM
Subject: Haiti Team Update 2

Friends and Family,

 

We spent Monday transferring the lumber that had come in from the Dominican Republic from several classrooms to the multi-purpose hall and beginning to sand it to prepare for building the pews today.  The rest of the team came in last night from Indianapolis after a delay.  God has provided all the right people, equipment, supplies and attitude to get the job done this week for His glory and purpose.  We will begin to build the various parts for the pews today in work stations.  We are enjoying the opportunity to work alongside the church people as they contribute to the develop of the new church facility.  We are "gelling" together to form a unified team with others from the States and the local Brethren.   Please continue to keep us in your prayers as there is much work to get done over the next 4 days. We want to leave a positive impression for the people as we work hand in hand to accomplish God's work. We also plan to begin the soccer and basketball clinics in the afternoon from Wednesday to Friday to reach out to the kids of the school and community. The promotional team has been able to get some great footage of the ministry and is beginning to interview people involved and people within the community.  Thank you all for your prayers and support! 

 

Haiti Missions Team '09

 

Haiti Team Update 1

Hello friends,

Here is an email sent by the Haiti Team from our church as they begin their Mission trip to Haiti.  I have two sons Wesley, and Jesse) on this trip so I will be posting any status I receive and I hope to provide any pictures as they come in as well.

Please pray for this team and for the mission in Haiti.

Grace and Peace,

 

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

Subject: Haiti Team Update 1

Dear Prayer Partners, Friends, and Countryside Family:

 

The Lord has been with us in our travels, and we have all arrived safely in Cap Haitien, Haiti at Manno and Prisca's house. All our luggage and extra supplies for the week came through just fine. We went to see Pillatre yesterday and prepare for the work projects ahead. We are working well with the other group from Indianapolis.

 

Robert enjoyed playing guitar last evening with the worship team of the church as they practiced for Sunday services. We will be worshipping at Pillatre today. Then, we will be starting tomorrow to build pews, video tape promotional materials, and organize a basketball and soccer clinic for the kids in the afternoon. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love to all!

 

Haiti Missions Team '09

Why Are We Here?

Hello my Refrom-Shire Friends, Brothers and Sisters!

I'm sorry that I have been away for such a long time.  I have started a second job just in case the first one ends which is a possibility.  So, I have been lacking in opportunities to write or comment on any Gospel issues lately.  The Gospel has been the topic of discussion at many settings in recent weeks.  Especially, in light of searching for a new pastor at the local congregation that I attend. 

So, the other day and today I have been hearing Alistair Begg's messages on the Gospel, and of course it is a great message.  Especially, when he drives home the importance of the actual Gospel and not some coercive message or feeling or an invitation to come forward to claim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Please listen to this message and send me a note to let me know that you "got it" when you heard the Gospel.

 

Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!

From: Truth For Life Daily <devotional@truthforlife.org>
To: christopherallen@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:00:46 AM
Subject: Why Are We Here?

"Guarding the Gospel, Part A" from our series "Household of Faith, Volume Two" Listen online now » Podcast sign-up » The family Bible reading plan for June 10, 2009 Deuteronomy 15 Psalms 102

Devotional material is taken from "Morning and Evening," written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission. Today's Bible Reading material is taken from McCheyne Bible reading plan and used by Truth For Life with permission. Scripture quotations are taken from Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright (c) 2001, Good News Publishers. Share With A Friend | Visit truthforlife.org | Subscribe | Unsubscribe