Grace and Peace
Chris
Coram Deo!!!
Sent from my iPod
Reform-Shire - Restore the Heart of the Church - Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Calling the Church Back to the Gospel
Did Not Our Hearts Burn Within Us?
Church - Return To Being Gospel Centered
Monday, September 21, 2009
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.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
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"
In the Inn...
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"
   
|
| | |
| | |
| www.whitehorseinn.org | www.modernreformation.org |
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
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!!!
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.
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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
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."
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!!!
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,
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!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, August 07, 2009
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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
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
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,
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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
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,
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
Monday, June 15, 2009
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
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,
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
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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!!!
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.
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?
Truth for Life truthforlife DAILY
To: christopherallen@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:00:46 AM
Subject: Why Are We Here?
 | ||||||||
 | ||||||||
 | ||||||||
|
Monday, May 11, 2009
Modern Reformation: Interview With... R. C. Sproul
Hello friends,
Our church is in the midst of searching for a new pastor to lead our church. We have embarked on a journey that seems to be a daunting task indeed. When you think about the size of our church (800+/- Members) we are going to be hard pressed in Kansas to draw someone with the experience (desired) to lead our congregation. I get the sense that most people will want someone who is dynamic and easy to listen to each week. Somebody that is "relevant" and who uses "application" so that I can apply the passage preached to my daily life. So, that I can see how it fixes my life right now. And the only thing I hear being looked at is the passages of 2 Timothy for leadership skills and those things that Paul passed along to Timothy, but they miss the entire pulse that is beating in Paul's heart. Boom, boom... boom boom.... what is that I hear? It is the Gospel. It is Christ and Him crucified. Let's not just look at the leadership attributes and the ability to keep the audience's attention but let's look at how Paul wrote to all the churches. He always drew them back to the Gospel and to Christ.
So, I guess I just disqualified about 98% of the pastors out there who might fit the bill by their leadership abilities alone. So, now we're left with trying to find the 2% that will actually stand firm and preach the Gospel on a regular basis but to most people that would be boring and not "practical" for the audience.
Here is a interview question I would like to ask this would-be pastor.
And if you get a chance listen in to those fine chaps on the White Horse Inn or on Issues Etc. You will truly be blessed.
Grace and Peace, Chris Coram Deo!!!
Modern Reformation Magazine - Interview with... R.C. Sproul
Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
Our church is in the midst of searching for a new pastor to lead our church. We have embarked on a journey that seems to be a daunting task indeed. When you think about the size of our church (800+/- Members) we are going to be hard pressed in Kansas to draw someone with the experience (desired) to lead our congregation. I get the sense that most people will want someone who is dynamic and easy to listen to each week. Somebody that is "relevant" and who uses "application" so that I can apply the passage preached to my daily life. So, that I can see how it fixes my life right now. And the only thing I hear being looked at is the passages of 2 Timothy for leadership skills and those things that Paul passed along to Timothy, but they miss the entire pulse that is beating in Paul's heart. Boom, boom... boom boom.... what is that I hear? It is the Gospel. It is Christ and Him crucified. Let's not just look at the leadership attributes and the ability to keep the audience's attention but let's look at how Paul wrote to all the churches. He always drew them back to the Gospel and to Christ.
So, I guess I just disqualified about 98% of the pastors out there who might fit the bill by their leadership abilities alone. So, now we're left with trying to find the 2% that will actually stand firm and preach the Gospel on a regular basis but to most people that would be boring and not "practical" for the audience.
Here is a interview question I would like to ask this would-be pastor.
Suppose your associate pastor comes to you and says...
If he sides with the associate pastor and says he would agree to what was requested... I would say this pastor is no longer a candidate for leading the congregation.
However, if he were to say.... Let's see how Paul handled similar situations in his day and if he were to say.... "sounds like I need to preach the Gospel first, just as Paul did, and then point people to what marriage and relationships are all about, then I would consider looking at this pastor further.
There is no excuse for deviating from the gospel or from Christ and Him crucified. Anything else is just a distraction from what Paul has shown us and has reminded us of in his epistles.
Below is an interview done by Modern Reformation Magazine with R.C. Sproul about preaching Christ. I would ask that you follow the link and read the entire interview. Thank you R.C and Modern Reformation Magazine."There is a huge problem in our congregation with strained relationships. We have marital issues, parenting issues and it just seems to be getting out of hand and we are seeing more and more people coming to us for counseling." Then this associate offers this suggestion to you. "I suggest we do some sermon series and Sunday School lessons that focus on relationships and we can have prayer vigils and retreats to show people practical steps and techniques on how to have Godly marriages, bla, bla, bla, etc"....
So my question to you pastor is.... What do you do in response to this?If he sides with the associate pastor and says he would agree to what was requested... I would say this pastor is no longer a candidate for leading the congregation.
However, if he were to say.... Let's see how Paul handled similar situations in his day and if he were to say.... "sounds like I need to preach the Gospel first, just as Paul did, and then point people to what marriage and relationships are all about, then I would consider looking at this pastor further.
There is no excuse for deviating from the gospel or from Christ and Him crucified. Anything else is just a distraction from what Paul has shown us and has reminded us of in his epistles.
And if you get a chance listen in to those fine chaps on the White Horse Inn or on Issues Etc. You will truly be blessed.
Grace and Peace, Chris Coram Deo!!!
Modern Reformation Magazine - Interview with... R.C. Sproul
MR: Dr. Sproul, do you think that in some ways Evangelicals are carried along like the general culture with an obsession of power rather than a concern for preaching Christ crucified?
Sproul: Yes, I think it is just another dimension where the Evangelical church is playing catch-up with the world and trying desperately to address the culture with some degree of relevance, but as has been the case almost consistently in this century, we're following rather than leading.
MR: So what do you tell people who say that church is boring, and all we're trying to do is make it a little more relevant?
Sproul: When people say to me that for them church is boring, I don't challenge that assessment. They are giving me, I presume, an honest expression of how they feel at church; they're bored. And I think it is true that for most people church is boring. But I think the reason for that is that people are not sensing or having an awareness of, or experiencing in any viable way, the presence of God. I don't think there has ever been a human being in all of human history who, in the midst of an acute sense of the presence of God, was bored. Some people are terrified, some are angry, some weep, some are frightened and so on, but boredom is not a human response to the presence of God.
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Update from Kathy McCarty: "Hey" from Chidamoyo
Here is a Mission Update from our dear missionary, Kathy McCarty. Please pray for Kathy and the people of Zimbabwe.
Grace and Peace,
Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
Grace and Peace,
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
From: Kathy McCarty [mailto:sistermakate@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 5:25 AM
This week Major and I spent some time thinking about how crazy we are living in Zimbabwe during these desperate times and came up with some funny ways that we live our life here that you might see some humor in too. Humor is what keeps us going because we live in such bizarre times if we don't see how funny things are we would cry!
Top Ten ways to know you live in Zimbabwe:
10. When you open a bottle of medicine you take out the cotton and save it to use for cotton swabs for giving injections/starting IVs at the hospital. We actually open our ART medicine and take the cotton out before dispensing to the patient! Even though we are a country that used to export quality cotton, it is now all exported to China to pay for the cheap things they send here (airplanes, tractors, buses) and so there is no cotton available here. So we find ways to get our own!
9. Patients are so happy when you read their X-ray and say they have TB—they actually clap and ululate! They now know they will get admitted, have 3 meals of good food and 1 tea a day—more than they can ever think of getting at home. Over 85% of Zimbabweans do not have enough food supplies to feed themselves adequately each day. I assume the 15% who do have are government ministers now in power.
8. When we see a teacher at the hospital we stand and give them a standing ovation and offer them to be seen first in the queue because they are now an endangered species. We have also decided to offer free treatment to all teachers and their family. With 70,000 teachers not reporting for work last term and more leaving each week, most schools are grossly understaffed. Some of our schools have 1 teacher present out of 25. What kind of education children will receive is of grave concern by all parents. A teacher (and all civil servants) makes $100 US month and bus fare from Chidamoyo to get that salary from their bank in Karoi is $8 for one round trip. What do they live on for the month? We remember when teaching was a proud profession that people looked up to with respect—now they look at you like you are stupid to be working for so little.
7. The doctor, Major and I have a running bet each day to see how many scotch carts can fit into our scotch-cart parking area at the hospital. Scotch carts are ox or donkey drawn 2 wheel carts that are now coming 2-3 days walk to the hospital with patients since there is limited bus service and the cost of buses is so prohibitive. Most people don't have the foreign currency to pay for the bus in the rural areas.
6. Every night we wait anxiously for news in the progress in the unity government. We turn on the radio and listed to the jammed and banned VOA newscasts for the true news. Seems like most days the news is fighting over the Mercedes Benz cars that Members of Parliament should take or not take!
5. We all have ZESA anxiety. ZESA stands for our electricity company (Zimbabwe Electricity Sometimes Available). When it comes on and when it will go off we are never sure. Should we start to bake a loaf of bread in our bread maker or will it go off before the 3 hours needed? Should I cook beans, can I do a load of laundry before the electricity goes out. Maybe we can do X-rays sometime this week without starting our generator. And then once it goes out when will it come back on? We are thankful that we do get it sometime each day—even if it is during the night.
4. Every day you have to spend time deciding: what am I going to eat that will use up the least amount of food I have and do I have gas to cook it if there is no electricity. If there is no electricity and I have gas I don't want to use a lot of it—so I wouldn't cook beans with gas—only things that need a short amount of time. We are coming up with "meals in 1 minute" to save on gas and get it done before the electricity may go off. I try to save my meat or canned food for when I have electricity and eat eggs in 101 different ways to save gas and food! It is always a challenge each day to plan so that I don't have to cook outside with wood!
3. This week we got our monthly salary deposited into our banks in Zim dollars. For 4 months now there is no place in the country that will accept this money (Zim dollars) for payment—so essentially we have had no salary in 4 months. Officially this month the Zim dollar was made non-existent for 1 year and cannot be used for legal tender—so we got paid in money that has been banned from use! We did get a $100US in retention bonus that is given to you whether you are a doctor or a sweeper in the hospital. So we have finally reached socialism!
2. We recently had a problem with our electricity not working. We sent our driver in 4 times to take the ZESA people out to find the fault and each time they "thought" maybe they had found the problem and fixed it and when our driver returned home—still no electricity! Finally on Day 13 without power they found the problem and fixed it and we got so excited when it came on. Two hours later it was turned off for "load shedding" after we had saved them power for 13 days straight—go figure!
1. The number one answer to know you live in Zimbabwe is come to our hospital on any day of the week and see people coming with bags (black garbage bag size) of peanuts, maize, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, soy beans, or pumpkins. This is now the form of payment for our services at the hospital! We also take goats, chickens, pigs and turkeys! We haven't bought any food for the hospital in 6 months because of this new barter system! We literally are providing medical services for peanuts!
Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. Kathy
Monday, April 13, 2009
ECHOES OF GRACE NEWSLETTER - by Dr. George E. Bloomquist April 2009
Let me introduce you to a dear friend, Brother in Christ, and a wonderful mentor to me. I'm referring to Dr. George E. Bloomquist who writes and teaches from the Word of God on his website named Echoes of Grace. I am always encouraged and challenged when I read his newsletters. I'm pleased to see Dr. Bloomquist take a visit to essential doctrines. Below is a sample of what you will find on this month's newsletter. The Doctrine of God is extremely important to the church, and it is somewhat ironic that many of Evangelical churches have "stiff-armed" or have turn their backs on any kind of focus on such important truths. They have often said they don't want any kind of creed or catechism or confessions because they only want Jesus. They say they've had enough creeds, we need to be more about deeds. The funny thing is... I don't think you've ever had to worry about getting people to do "deeds". Especially in America. We are always about doing something, and we don't like sitting still and feeding on the Word and dwelling and marvelling at these great truths about God. I remember several years ago asking a church leader about leading people in their church through the various doctrines (I didn't even use the word catechism) and they guy responded "we don't want to start doing catechims." Then here they are several years later and they have been doing a children's AWANA program which is basically a fun version of catechisms and scripture memorization.
I guess as long as you don't call it that catechism word then it is acceptable. Of course, that seems to be the way of Evangelical churches. The method becomes sovereign and not so much the content of what is being preached or taught. On one hand we say we want to become "Intimate with Jesus" (yuk) or "Experiencing God" but on the other hand we act like we don't want to do any of that "book learning" to know more about the God who gives us Grace.
I hope you will visit Echoes of Grace and leave him a note and let him know you stopped by.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!
______________________________
A Biblical Newsletter by Dr. George E. Bloomquist April 2009
ECHOES OF GRACE NEWSLETTER
Lessons in Christian Doctrine
Part I: “The Doctrine of God”
I recently shared a poll by the Barna Group with our Sunday night Bible study family.
Barna listed five essentials to having a biblical worldview. The alarming part of the poll was that
only 19% of evangelicals (those who are supposed to believe the Word and have had a personal
encounter with Christ) subscribed to all five essentials.
It’s obvious from the poll and from what is heard in church circles, that people today are
woefully ignorant of the essentials of the faith. Thus, in the next few months I will be departing
from our usual study of various books of the Bible, to focus on some of the basic truths of the faith
that we continually need to repeat. Our first focus will be on the nature of God and comes from
Paul’s sermon in Acts 17:22‐31. Paul had come, in his journey, to the city of Athens. In that city
he went to the synagogue and reasoned from the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus was the
Christ. However, he also preached to the Greeks in the marketplace and on Mars Hill where some
of the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers spent hours discussing ideas.
Since the apostle was never hesitant to speak up for Christ, he stood in the middle of that
band of philosophers and began to witness to them. He began speak by pointing to their
“religious practices” (17:22 and the many objects of worship filling the city. He noted they even
had an altar inscribed with the words, “To the Unknown God.” From that vantage point, Paul
began to preach the truth that is in Christ.
Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill is one of the clearest and most basic sermons on God ever
preached. Knowing who God is and what He is like determines our theology and the direction of
our life. To fail to understand the nature of God hampers any real growth in the likeness of Christ.
Thus, it is essential to our understanding of the Christian faith to know something of His divine
nature.
TRUTH NUMBER ONE: GOD IS ONE
Paul begins by stating that there is but one God. Further, God is One, manifested in three
persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 18:18‐20). All the attributes, in Scripture, that
describe God the Father are also descriptive of the Son and the Spirit.
C. S. Lewis noted that the Godhead (Trinity in theological wording) is like a mind with its
capacity to think, plan, and execute the plan in our body. While there is a mystery to the totality
of God’s being there is no doubt in Scripture that there is but One God. He commands us to use
the name of all three persons in discipling and baptizing believers. The Ten Commandments in
Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 point to the unity of God. Genesis speaks of “making man in Our
image…” as it refers to the creating work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I guess as long as you don't call it that catechism word then it is acceptable. Of course, that seems to be the way of Evangelical churches. The method becomes sovereign and not so much the content of what is being preached or taught. On one hand we say we want to become "Intimate with Jesus" (yuk) or "Experiencing God" but on the other hand we act like we don't want to do any of that "book learning" to know more about the God who gives us Grace.
I hope you will visit Echoes of Grace and leave him a note and let him know you stopped by.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!
______________________________
A Biblical Newsletter by Dr. George E. Bloomquist April 2009
ECHOES OF GRACE NEWSLETTER
Lessons in Christian Doctrine
Part I: “The Doctrine of God”
I recently shared a poll by the Barna Group with our Sunday night Bible study family.
Barna listed five essentials to having a biblical worldview. The alarming part of the poll was that
only 19% of evangelicals (those who are supposed to believe the Word and have had a personal
encounter with Christ) subscribed to all five essentials.
It’s obvious from the poll and from what is heard in church circles, that people today are
woefully ignorant of the essentials of the faith. Thus, in the next few months I will be departing
from our usual study of various books of the Bible, to focus on some of the basic truths of the faith
that we continually need to repeat. Our first focus will be on the nature of God and comes from
Paul’s sermon in Acts 17:22‐31. Paul had come, in his journey, to the city of Athens. In that city
he went to the synagogue and reasoned from the Old Testament scriptures that Jesus was the
Christ. However, he also preached to the Greeks in the marketplace and on Mars Hill where some
of the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers spent hours discussing ideas.
Since the apostle was never hesitant to speak up for Christ, he stood in the middle of that
band of philosophers and began to witness to them. He began speak by pointing to their
“religious practices” (17:22 and the many objects of worship filling the city. He noted they even
had an altar inscribed with the words, “To the Unknown God.” From that vantage point, Paul
began to preach the truth that is in Christ.
Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill is one of the clearest and most basic sermons on God ever
preached. Knowing who God is and what He is like determines our theology and the direction of
our life. To fail to understand the nature of God hampers any real growth in the likeness of Christ.
Thus, it is essential to our understanding of the Christian faith to know something of His divine
nature.
TRUTH NUMBER ONE: GOD IS ONE
Paul begins by stating that there is but one God. Further, God is One, manifested in three
persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 18:18‐20). All the attributes, in Scripture, that
describe God the Father are also descriptive of the Son and the Spirit.
C. S. Lewis noted that the Godhead (Trinity in theological wording) is like a mind with its
capacity to think, plan, and execute the plan in our body. While there is a mystery to the totality
of God’s being there is no doubt in Scripture that there is but One God. He commands us to use
the name of all three persons in discipling and baptizing believers. The Ten Commandments in
Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 point to the unity of God. Genesis speaks of “making man in Our
image…” as it refers to the creating work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Doctrines of Grace
If you get a chance you need to listen to this series of Grace To You with John MacArhtur called the Doctrines of Grace. This is a part of the Bible that is often overlooked and lightly addressed, and I've often heard it explained in such a way that it no longer has anything to do with grace. So what are the Doctrines of Grace? Here I'll give it a shot:
Total Depravity - John MacArthur calls it Absolute Inability ( I Call it Radical Depravity or Radical Corruption) This does not mean we sin as bad as we can, but our whole being (body, soul, mind, etc. all facets of the human have been corrupted while still being God's image bearers).
Unconditional Election - John MacArthur calls it Doctrine of Election ( I Call it Pure Mercy and Grace) Mercy is to Election what Grace is to Predestination. They go hand in hand.
Limited Atonement - John MacArthur calls it Actual Atonement (I Call it Particular Redemption) Jesus knows who specifically He is dying for on the cross. When Jesus goes to pay for something, He gets what He paid for.
Irresistible Grace - John MacArthur calls it God's Effectual Call (I Call it the Beatitudes: Matt 5) When Jesus is teaching the Beatitudes these teaching are in the indicative sense (statements of fact) our natural reaction to saving Grace is the Beatitudes and we don't resist Grace we receive it and thus live a life of Gratitude.
Perseverance of the Saints - John MacArthur Calls it Perseverance of the Saints (I Call it The preservation of the Saints or maybe the Perseverance of God) Romans 8:28-39 This section of scripture essentially says there is no power at all anywhere (not even ourselves) that will or can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus says "I will build my church" and when Jesus says He'll do something... He does it.
Romans 8 (English Standard Version) 28-39
28And we know that for those who love God all things work togetherBA)">(BA) for good,g]">[g] forBB)">(BB) those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom heBC)">(BC) foreknew he alsoBD)">(BD) predestinedBE)">(BE) to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might beBF)">(BF) the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he alsoBG)">(BG) justified, and those whom he justified he alsoBH)">(BH) glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31What then shall we say to these things?BI)">(BI) If God is for us, who can beh]">[h] against us? 32BJ)">(BJ) He who did not spare his own Son butBK)">(BK) gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?BL)">(BL) It is God who justifies. 34BM)">(BM) Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—BN)">(BN) who is at the right hand of God,BO)">(BO) who indeed is interceding for us.i]">[i] 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,BP)">(BP) "For your sakeBQ)">(BQ) we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more thanBR)">(BR) conquerors throughBS)">(BS) him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, there I was walking along, living the Christian life all fired up, thinking I had this thing somewhat figured out. When one day I was minding my own business and was driving my FedEx Truck when all of a sudden I heard this John MacArthur guy talking about "Election" and "God choosing" and all that sort of thing. I was absolutely shocked. I said, "this guy is nuts." I had liked his preaching before, but now I thought this guy had betrayed me.
So, I thought well I listen to somebody else instead. So, I found this guy later in the day. Not long after that I was on my return trip back in my FedEx Truck and I found this guy named RC Sproul. I was trying to figure out what all that scratching noise was going on in the background. Finally, I realized, "he's writing on a chalk-board!" Then RC started talking about another word that shocked me. He started talking about "Predestination." I thought to myself, "what is the deal with this radio station?"
So, later that night I listened to him again, and again, and again. Then I went back and listened to John Mac again and again. I began a trek of digging in my Bible that I have not stopped ever since. At first, I did not like this teaching and it aroused in me anger and frustration and so many questions. But, all along I was being spoon fed by RC and John Mac. Then somewhere along the way it just hit me how marvelous all this was. How true it really is and how amazing grace really is. That song "Amazing Grace" means so much more to me now than it ever had before. It almost felt like I had just became a Christian for the first time. I know that is not the case but it sure was an overwhelming feeling.
Especially when these doctrines helped me to see all of scripture. It was like a glimpse of how scripture is seen by Paul. It also gave me a sense of how he may have felt as it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. I can just imagine his heart pounding in his chest as these things were being revealed to him and how the Old Testament came alive to him as He began to see the Sovereignty of God and how it all pointed to the person and works of Christ. That is why Paul was so solid and strong on preaching Christ and Him crucified.
Well if you have any questions about these doctrines, you are more than welcome to ask. But, you'll need to be ready to endeavor for a very long time to really come to the place where you embrace these as I have. These doctrines may not satisfy you intellectually but we can rest in that God has revealed these to us in His inerrant word. We have to submit ourselves to the omniscient, sovereign will of God. Eventhough we want what is fair in our free country (United States). But, I think we better re-think that desire. Because we would all perish if God was "fair" and if we got what WE wanted. Since what we want is for OUR WILL to be preserved as it is, then we would surely perish because our will is away from God. And if God didn't step in we would all ultimately endure His wrath.
Ultimately, we are saved by God from God. Ephesians 2:8-10
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!! (Before the face of God)
_______________________________
"Grace to You" radio...John MacArthur's in-depth Bible teaching brings the life-transforming truth of God's Word to millions of people every day.
 | The Doctrines of GraceWhen you became a Christian, did you choose God — or did He choose you? Did Christ die for the sins of everyone, or just the people He saves? Those mind-boggling questions relate directly to the sovereignty of God, predestination, perseverance, and the question of “free will” — doctrines associated with Calvinism. Come to grips with what you believe about God, the gospel, and the nature of man in John MacArthur’s study, The Doctrines of Grace. | |||
 GTY Podcast"> | Today's Message:
| 
| ||
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Missionaries and the Apostle Paul
Hello Reform-Shire friends. I have been thinking (I know it is dangerous to do so) about many of the missionaries that I have interacted with over the years and especially recently. Like friends from Eastern Russia, Zimbabwe, India, Haiti, United Kingdom, and many other locations throughout the world. I love their devotion to preaching the Gospel and their commitment of pointing people to Christ.
Even when I encounter many of the missions that have established Bible colleges and schools to train more pastors, they are primarily focused on the Gospel and getting it right. No flash, no gimmicks, no bait and switch techniques, like you might find in the United States. Instead just a pure and simple preaching the person and works of Christ.
That is why I love working with and supporting missionaries. I see them following what the Apostle Paul says was his main forte. In his letters to Timothy and to Titus, it seems this is the very thing Paul was charging Timothy to be his number one priority "preach the word." And I don't think that means just to preach any kind of sermon as long as you are preaching from the bible and referencing the text. But, Paul has a specific message in mind. It is a message that does not come from within. It is a message that can only come from God. It is the message of reconciliation through the Gospel. This isn't an intuitive message but it is the meal or the provision (like manna from heaven) that will sustain us.
I recently heard a young pastor / counselor talk about how many people that have been coming to him for counseling and he was asking for desperate prayers for so many people who are have such desperate issues in life such as marriage, finances, and many other social issues. Later on we were discussing the importance of the Gospel and I pointed out to him (in a loving way) I said; "If we as a church would spend more time preaching the Gospel and showing people how overwhelmingly blessed they are by God's amazing grace their would be fewer people needing to come to you for counseling." If people really understood the gospel I think there would be fewer people discontent about many many things... even during some heavy trials. Christ is sufficient for me.
So, why is it then that we spend many years and tons of money on programs and messages that address these very issues people are coming to counseling for? It seems that the more we address these "issues" the more the people of our congregation seem to have "issues" needing fixed. Then every time we get together in a meeting to discuss "how are we going to solve this crisis?" We hear about even more programs and weird or clever ideas of how to correct the issues with band-aids and no real solutions that go to the heart of the matter.
But, when I look at Paul and these missionaries I see they always go to the Gospel first. My first problem in life is not my marriage or my children or my finances. It is my relationship and my wicked self standing in light of a Holy God..... More to come later on this subject... Time to go to worship now.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!
Even when I encounter many of the missions that have established Bible colleges and schools to train more pastors, they are primarily focused on the Gospel and getting it right. No flash, no gimmicks, no bait and switch techniques, like you might find in the United States. Instead just a pure and simple preaching the person and works of Christ.
That is why I love working with and supporting missionaries. I see them following what the Apostle Paul says was his main forte. In his letters to Timothy and to Titus, it seems this is the very thing Paul was charging Timothy to be his number one priority "preach the word." And I don't think that means just to preach any kind of sermon as long as you are preaching from the bible and referencing the text. But, Paul has a specific message in mind. It is a message that does not come from within. It is a message that can only come from God. It is the message of reconciliation through the Gospel. This isn't an intuitive message but it is the meal or the provision (like manna from heaven) that will sustain us.
I recently heard a young pastor / counselor talk about how many people that have been coming to him for counseling and he was asking for desperate prayers for so many people who are have such desperate issues in life such as marriage, finances, and many other social issues. Later on we were discussing the importance of the Gospel and I pointed out to him (in a loving way) I said; "If we as a church would spend more time preaching the Gospel and showing people how overwhelmingly blessed they are by God's amazing grace their would be fewer people needing to come to you for counseling." If people really understood the gospel I think there would be fewer people discontent about many many things... even during some heavy trials. Christ is sufficient for me.
So, why is it then that we spend many years and tons of money on programs and messages that address these very issues people are coming to counseling for? It seems that the more we address these "issues" the more the people of our congregation seem to have "issues" needing fixed. Then every time we get together in a meeting to discuss "how are we going to solve this crisis?" We hear about even more programs and weird or clever ideas of how to correct the issues with band-aids and no real solutions that go to the heart of the matter.
But, when I look at Paul and these missionaries I see they always go to the Gospel first. My first problem in life is not my marriage or my children or my finances. It is my relationship and my wicked self standing in light of a Holy God..... More to come later on this subject... Time to go to worship now.
Grace and Peace,
Chris Allen
Coram Deo!!!
immediate prayer request
Michael Parks is with Global Hope Networks and reports his latest visit to Myanmar.
Chris
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
www.Reform-Shire.blogspot.com
Coram Deo!!!
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Michael Parks <michael.parks@ghni.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 4:21:32 AM
Subject: immediate prayer request
Once again I ask for your prayers
From: Michael Parks <michael.parks@ghni.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 4:21:32 AM
Subject: immediate prayer request
I apologize for a double send of the previous message. Sheri sent it out while I was in Myanmar because I was unable. Now I am in Bangkok and accidently resent it.
So…greetings from Bangkok where the internet is much better and less controlled and monitored.
Here's a quick trip update.
Our team in Myanmar are great men and women of God. They take the challenge of going out helping the poor seriously. The cyclone Nargis killed so many people and caused so much damage that the effects will be with them for many years. Because of the crisis the Body of Christ was given a door of opportunity to be living examples of the love of Christ. The delta region had been closed to them for many years and there was no witness of the Good News to the Buddhist people there. Even though they themselves lived in extreme poverty and suffered loss from the storm they banded together ready to help the most desperately suffering, but they were ready to go they needed help, that's where you came in. We partnered with a network of house churches and enabled them to go where you or I could not. Now over nine months after Nargis the people are very thankful to us.
One of our workers who is now living in village we have been helping told us the people come to him saying, "If you would have come to us just to tell us about Jesus we would never have believed you. But after you have helped us we know that your God is a living God and we want to believe in Him." The hearts of many are opening to the love of Christ. Please continue to pray!
Many children became orphans after Nargis. While on the villages people begin asking our team to help many of these children. Many had no where to go, the people in the village, who themselves were victims and severely suffered the loss of all things, had no means to care for them. They pleaded with them to take the children and care for them. Thus they opened The Fathers House. Today they care for about 30 children and will increase that number to 50 soon. Please pray for the precious babies as they were so traumatized.
I invite you to join with us to help the orphans
Orphan house Build a bamboo house for the orphans. There is an urgency here in that the city is making them leave the current home they are in. We have land outside the city we can use to co-locate the orphan house, pig/fish farm, and agriculture projects. We need to raise a total of 5000$ to build a bamboo house. A gift of 50$ will go a long way to help this children. . Please pray and if the Lord leads then click it!
I am on my way to Afghanistan . These are troubled times for this strong and wild country. I will up date you in my next email (since this "short update" became longer than expected J)
Please keep my family in your prayers.
God bless you
Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)