DEATH OF ICONS
As we all know, three American icons passed into eternity this past week; Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mills.
All three experienced unprecedented success in their particular fields of show business. While I have no personal knowledge regarding the spiritual faith of any of them. I only hope they put their faith in Christ.
That is why we all need to share the gospel--because we never know when life on this earth will end.
If you know someone who is not yet a believer, tell them today how to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Because everyone dies.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, is dead.
James Brown, the King of Soul, is dead.
Kurt Cobain, the King of Grunge, is dead.
And now Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead.
But Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is alive forevermore. Let’s tell people that, so they too can live forever.
Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18).
This Sunday at Gatetree
With July 4th on Saturday of this week, our patriotic emphasis will be Sunday July 5th. I will be presenting a message titled, "The Healing of America." If you're in the area, we would love to see you there.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
SMUGGLED PICTURES
Well they made it out. Pictures I mean. The Iranian government did everything they could to keep the world from seeing the mass rebellion of young Iranian students to their dubious and obviously rigged election.
Now we know Iran's hardline Islamic Basij militiamen killed at least one person and wounded hundreds more just for expressing opposition to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his tyrannical government regime.
These young people have discovered two things; they have no freedom to express themselves and their vote counts for nothing. But what were we expecting?
The whole thing reminds me of the Iranian revolution thirty years ago—with one exception. No longer are the students shouting death to the Great Satan (the U.S.), instead they are shouting “death to the Iranian government.”
Isn’t it great not to be the most hated?
Well they made it out. Pictures I mean. The Iranian government did everything they could to keep the world from seeing the mass rebellion of young Iranian students to their dubious and obviously rigged election.
Now we know Iran's hardline Islamic Basij militiamen killed at least one person and wounded hundreds more just for expressing opposition to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his tyrannical government regime.
These young people have discovered two things; they have no freedom to express themselves and their vote counts for nothing. But what were we expecting?
The whole thing reminds me of the Iranian revolution thirty years ago—with one exception. No longer are the students shouting death to the Great Satan (the U.S.), instead they are shouting “death to the Iranian government.”
Isn’t it great not to be the most hated?
I HURT SO MUCH
I am preaching a memorial service on Saturday. I didn't know the young man but I do know his step-brother. People have arrived from out of town to attend the service and one of the early arrivals is the dad. He and the step-brother stopped by my office yesterday. It was an incredibly sad visit.
The deceased was thirty-two, in what appeared to be perfect health, but the coroner has ruled that he died of natural causes. Quite a shock, right? Dad spoke through his tears and moaned, “I hurt so much. I’m believe in God and I can’t believe He would let this happen to us.”
As I consoled the two men, I thought of something I often say to my church, "God is far more concerned with our character than our comfort."
Right now, as you look at some recent hardship or tragedy that you have gone through, you might well say, “I love God and trust Him, but honestly, I just don't see why God let it happen to me."
Many Christians think that they are somehow exempt from human suffering. But the reality is that inexplicable and heartbreaking things do happen to good and godly people. Christians get cancer, die in auto accidents, lose their jobs, and experience practically all of the problems that people outside of Christ experience.
The example of Job is so valuable here. Job's friends thought that his trials were the result of some bad thing he had done. But they were mistaken. Job did nothing wrong and the story teaches us that bad things do happen to godly people becasue we live in a sinful world.
Scripture also acknowledges that you and I may be surprised by the trials we encounter. The apostle Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV).
Even so, we frequently are surprised when we encounter painful experiences—problems in our career, with our family, with our kids, or in our marriage—and even death.
Listen, your problems never come a surprise to God. He is aware of your circumstances, and He is also in control, and everything that touches your life must first pass through His permissive hands. But do not fear, He will use it to shape you into the image of Jesus Christ.
And that, my friend, if infinitely better than just living the comfortable life.
I am preaching a memorial service on Saturday. I didn't know the young man but I do know his step-brother. People have arrived from out of town to attend the service and one of the early arrivals is the dad. He and the step-brother stopped by my office yesterday. It was an incredibly sad visit.
The deceased was thirty-two, in what appeared to be perfect health, but the coroner has ruled that he died of natural causes. Quite a shock, right? Dad spoke through his tears and moaned, “I hurt so much. I’m believe in God and I can’t believe He would let this happen to us.”
As I consoled the two men, I thought of something I often say to my church, "God is far more concerned with our character than our comfort."
Right now, as you look at some recent hardship or tragedy that you have gone through, you might well say, “I love God and trust Him, but honestly, I just don't see why God let it happen to me."
Many Christians think that they are somehow exempt from human suffering. But the reality is that inexplicable and heartbreaking things do happen to good and godly people. Christians get cancer, die in auto accidents, lose their jobs, and experience practically all of the problems that people outside of Christ experience.
The example of Job is so valuable here. Job's friends thought that his trials were the result of some bad thing he had done. But they were mistaken. Job did nothing wrong and the story teaches us that bad things do happen to godly people becasue we live in a sinful world.
Scripture also acknowledges that you and I may be surprised by the trials we encounter. The apostle Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV).
Even so, we frequently are surprised when we encounter painful experiences—problems in our career, with our family, with our kids, or in our marriage—and even death.
Listen, your problems never come a surprise to God. He is aware of your circumstances, and He is also in control, and everything that touches your life must first pass through His permissive hands. But do not fear, He will use it to shape you into the image of Jesus Christ.
And that, my friend, if infinitely better than just living the comfortable life.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
LITTLE OLD LADY FROM WHERE?
We may expect that the great saints that God has used over the years will reap huge rewards in heaven. People like Corrie Ten Boom, Jim Elliot, and Billy Graham.
We may also be surprised by the rewards won by "the little old lady from Pasadena"!
Yes, there really was one, and her name was Pearle Goode. When Billy Graham was doing his crusade in Pasadena a few years ago, he attributed the success of these events, going back 56 years, to prayer.
If the Graham team had anything close to a personal intercessor, it was Pearle Goode of Pasadena. For many years, she prayed in secret for Graham until he heard about her and made provision for her to attend his crusades so she could pray on-site.
Goode lived to be 90. At her funeral, Billy's wife, Ruth, paid her this tribute: "Here lie the mortal remains of much of the secret of Bill's ministry."
She did her part
Pearle Goode wasn't a preacher, missionary, or author. She didn't have a hit song on Christian radio. But Pearle did her part, just as surely as Billy Graham did his.
While Billy was out preaching, Pearle was praying. While Billy was doing his part, Pearle was doing hers.
Don't worry about what God has called someone else to do. What has He called you to do?
We all have a part to play in getting the gospel out. Make sure you do yours.
Sunday at Gatetree
Our new message series "Helping Your Friends Through Tough Times" began last Sunday with the message "When Divorce Strikes."
This coming Sunday I will address the subject, "When Your Friend is Drowning in Debt."
If your in Danville, drop in and join us for worship at 10:45 AM. The Gatetree family will be glad you did.
We may expect that the great saints that God has used over the years will reap huge rewards in heaven. People like Corrie Ten Boom, Jim Elliot, and Billy Graham.
We may also be surprised by the rewards won by "the little old lady from Pasadena"!
Yes, there really was one, and her name was Pearle Goode. When Billy Graham was doing his crusade in Pasadena a few years ago, he attributed the success of these events, going back 56 years, to prayer.
If the Graham team had anything close to a personal intercessor, it was Pearle Goode of Pasadena. For many years, she prayed in secret for Graham until he heard about her and made provision for her to attend his crusades so she could pray on-site.
Goode lived to be 90. At her funeral, Billy's wife, Ruth, paid her this tribute: "Here lie the mortal remains of much of the secret of Bill's ministry."
She did her part
Pearle Goode wasn't a preacher, missionary, or author. She didn't have a hit song on Christian radio. But Pearle did her part, just as surely as Billy Graham did his.
While Billy was out preaching, Pearle was praying. While Billy was doing his part, Pearle was doing hers.
Don't worry about what God has called someone else to do. What has He called you to do?
We all have a part to play in getting the gospel out. Make sure you do yours.
Sunday at Gatetree
Our new message series "Helping Your Friends Through Tough Times" began last Sunday with the message "When Divorce Strikes."
This coming Sunday I will address the subject, "When Your Friend is Drowning in Debt."
If your in Danville, drop in and join us for worship at 10:45 AM. The Gatetree family will be glad you did.
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