As a Christian I have found his teaching invaluable and it has helped me to grow in week * I was greatly challenged and felt that my Christian life was all not it should be so I went forward and re-committed my life to Christ just as he committed His life to us by dying on the cross. The lady I spoke to that night after making such a decision turned was from another local baptist church and my minister was informed of my decision that night and so last week he popped round for a chat, a chat which was very insperational, interesting and more importantly challenging in particular to use the time I have off work effectively and not to waste it.

But what has been really wonderful is seeing people going forward and giving their lives to Christ for the first time. I know many people think that making such a desicion means that theirs lifes will be restricted but its not like that, it opens up a a whole life that is far more fullfilling than anything that has gone before. God is not a God that sits on a cloud sending down bolts of lightening to strike who ever might upset Him. He is a loving God who sent His son to die for us an a cross.

The barbie went well despite the pouring rain which meant that we all were forced de-camp indoors.

Tonight, at church I was left totally overwhelmed to the point that I was left nearly in tears by the many offers of help, prayer and support, in addition I was handed a wonderful card signed by many people in the church wishing me well with my operation.

God is good.

• How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Explanation of Globalization by Franklin Foer: This book prompted an earlier post on hooliganism or the lack thereof in American (USA) sports. I also gave initial thoughts on what I liked and didn't like about that book. I really enjoyed the soccer part and found the connection with globalization lacking. In addition, the book was a little uneven and I struggled through a few chapters, while I was enthralled by others. One thing I did greatly appreciate throughout, was the use of phrases or words that were unfamiliar - this made reading this book fun and challenging.

• Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry: A Trouble Shooting Guide for Church Leaders by Bill Donahue & Russ Robinson: As I have been evaluating and contemplating changes to our community group ministry at Calvary, this has been the best book I have read so far. This is partially due to our context, but also the premise of the book. Far from needing to know why we need community groups/small groups/covenant groups/growth groups/cell groups, I needed to know how to fix what we 've got already. So, it has been very helpful to have a book that goes straight to the point of addressing the issues (for the record, we have broken most of "deadly sins"). The chapters alternate between describing a "sin" and providing some suggestions for correcting the problem. I am still working through all the implications, but this is a great resource for diagnosing and addressing the things that damage small group ministry. One small complaint: I got tired of hearing about how mega-church Willow Creek does things in each of the chapters. That said, they cannot help their context and I did think they offered the right tone (e.g. they were simply offering their thoughts and experiences vs. we are great so do it our way) and readily admitted their mistakes in small group or church ministry.

What are you reading currently or what in print has grabbed your heart/mind recently?

At Woodcrest Chapel June 13th & 14th

If you are longing for more of God and are looking for ways to deepen your connection and intimacy with Him, than this two-day conference is the place to be. According to Woodcrest Chapel’s website, you will learn to recognize your desire for God, and understand more fully “the process of spiritual transformation.” You’ll learn what is your part and God’s part in the process, and how you can more readily cooperate with God for Him to work within and through you. The website states, “When we engage in this process, God will meet us in ways that satisfy the deeper longings of our heart. It is in those gentle promptings that we get a glimpse of the work He is doing in us.”

Ruth Haley Barton is a spiritual director, retreat leader, teacher and author. She is the cofounder and president of the Transforming Center, which according to its website is “dedicated to caring for the souls of pastors and ministry leaders through retreats, community experiences and spiritual direction.” Barton has served on the pastoral staff of several churches, including Willow Creek Community Church. She is the author of seven books including, ‘Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence’ (InterVarsity Press, 2004) and the ‘Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry’ (InterVarsity Press) due out this month.

“Only when we know the love of God in a deep, experiential way can we be truly open and receptive to his will. Without this knowing it is hard to listen openly for the still, small voice of God…” –Ruth Haley Barton

“Ruth is a friend, spiritual mentor, and outstanding teacher. Ruth’s natural plain-spoken style allows her to provide a lot of substance in a meaningful and accessible way. She talks normally about the deeper life of self-reflection and God-connectedness. She speaks candidly out of her own struggle with learning how to be still before God. As a result, she has both an appropriate confidence and tenderness in teaching others about these foundational spiritual practices.”

-Pieter Van Waarde, Woodcrest Senior Pastor

Click here for more information or to register online.

Impatience and Irritability are the topics of this chapter and this topic hit home for me again.  Impatience is defined "as a strong sense of annoyance at the (usually) unintentional faults and failures of others" (116).  And irritability "describes the frequency of impatience, or the ease which a person can becomes impatient over the slightest provocation" (118).  I must confess, even right after (I mean within minutes) reading this chapter I found myself expressing impatience with my son's slowness to pick a book from the library and with a driver in front of me on the way home.  And these were two areas that Bridges used as illustrations!  This is one reason I don't sport any kind of Christian symbolism on my car - I don't my impatient driving identified with Christ.  And yet, Bridges reminds us through Scripture that patience is a virtue to be cultivated.

Also, he reminds us that other people (our children, our spouse, the poor or slow driver in front of us, etc...) is not our problem.  They are not the cause of our impatience.  "They merely provide an opportunity for the flesh to assert itself.  The actual cause of our impatience lies within our hearts, in our own attitude of insisting that others around us conform to our expectations" (117).  This to me may be more important for us to learn than anything else, except for the Scriptural teaching on patience/impatience.  I need to see myself as the problem, not someone else.  This is the challenge we face as we consider our own impatience and irritability - we are always focused on how we have been "wronged" by another.

If you really want to know then do as Bridges encourages:  ask a spouse, an older child, or a friend to help you identify areas of impatience in your life.  Just don't get angry when they tell you the truth (that's covered in the next chapter).

I am truly amazed at the difference in me.   For years, I have been making excuses of why I couldn't do things.  I had young kids to look after, I was too busy with ministry, I was too tired.  During the last couple of weeks, I began to run out of excuses.  I finally started asking myself, why am I so tired?  Why can't I do things and get things done?  I would see what my friends were doing and think, how do they do it? 

Thank God, He has healed me.  I really am a new person.  It's wonderful to know I can live life to the fullest even at home.  It's wonderful to really begin to know who I am. 

I was listening to the song, "I know who I am" and they sang, "Christ is my identity."  I had a revelation - Anything Christ is not, then I am not either because He is my identity.  I have had to battle so depression could not sneak it's way back in.  And that revelation really helped.  Christ is joyful, therefore, I am joyful.  He is not sad or worried or under condemnation.  Neither am I because He is my identity.   Awesome, thank You, God! 

If you are battling depression.  Don't give up.  I believe with all my heart that God wants to heal us and restore us.  He wants us to be free in Him so we can worship Him with our whole lives.  Trust Him.  Let your belief in Him grow "out the box".  Think big, dream big.  See yourself as the person God created you to be.  Then go after God - seek Him, and don't let go until He blesses you.  He is looking for and raising up warriors.  Go for it and let Him set you free! 

By the way, Lindell Cooley is going to be at our church tonight.  We are believing for miracles.  Come and be blessed and set free - Faith Christian Assembly, 25201 Outer Drive, Melvindale, MI.  If you are familiar with the area . . . we are located in the old KMart building on Outer Drive between Dix and I-75.  Service starts at 7pm.  Come expecting great things!

Anyway, there is this section near the end of the book that talks about giving.  Here are some statements he makes: 

 "His generosity in your life could save your entire community: That's how much He wants to give you." . . . "No one in a city could escape the generosity of God if a church really woke up and saw what was available to them in Christ."  (pg. 58 )

"But He will never give us anything just for ourselves - we are called to give it away, too.  We must always keep our eyes open for someone to whom we can give." (pg. 63)

"None of us inherit a gift or blessing from God just for ourselves; we inherit for our entire community. 'The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein,' sang David in Psalm 24:1." (pg.64)

"He wants to release resources, blessing and prosperity through you to your friends and neighbors. His motive is simple: He wants to save everyone around you." . . . "We are the opened windows of heaven." . . . "God wants to give each of us more than we can cope with and enough for our whole community." . . . "Every time a revived person gets next to someone else, they will have something to give them.  But if we don't see our lives as a contribution, God will not be able to give us anything." (pg. 65)

"My job on earth is to give out whatever God gives me.  The faster I give it away, the better it is for me. I am called to be ridiculously generous - and so is every Christian on earth." (pg. 66)

"God is out to smash Christianity's preoccupation with itself and its own needs.  We are to be preoccupied with the needs of the community and realize that we are the windows God has opened through which He will pour the resources of heaven.  We must stop living as if God is one step away from bankruptcy." (pg. 67)

Are you challenged yet?  Of course, Cooke is not referring only to financial giving but any gift God gives us.  For instance, I received healing from depression, now I want to give that same hope to others who are caught in depression.   I have learned of the power of the secret place (spending that quiet time with the Lord, just being in His presence and listening for His voice) and I want to share that with others.  There is so much to give. 

However, let's not set aside giving financially.  Perhaps giving money is more difficult because it costs us something.  There are SO MANY reasons why we shouldn't give.  Gas prices are sky rocketing, the economy seems to be suffering - blah, blah, blah.  Quite frankly, I'm sick of it.  Not the "plummeting economy," but the whining and complaining about it. . . and all the talk about politicians and who is going to make it better!  Why are looking to man to fix this problem?  It's time for a new plan.  It's time to rely on a new source - not jobs, not earthly provision.  Do we want to see the windows of heaven opened over us?  Do we want to be part of the flow of heaven's prosperity?  I do!  So guess what?  It's time to trust God! It's time to give!!!

Just as the principal of giving seems ironic - give in order to receive; so does hanging on to your money.  Hanging on is like having a death grip.  You squeeze the life out of being able to receive. 

I am challenged.  I want to grab hold of this concept.  I want to give fearlessly and ridiculously.   I want to take this to a new level in my life.  I feel like it is time to live by a new set of standards -not the old careful ones, but the ones that challenge and cause the promises of God to flow in our lives.  We have been careful - we have listened to the wisdom of this world and have lived according to it's fears.  I want to be an open window of heaven and see the blessings of God flow through me (my family) to my neighbors.  They are struggling - and I would love to see their hearts melted by the generosity and kindness of God. 

Now I just bought a swing set and pool for our backyard.  As I was reading the book, I thought, "Oh Lord, here I am spending money on my family. I'm giving to us first."  But I realized that this was also an opportunity to give. 

We have had some issues in the neighborhood with certain children being excluded from certain backyards.  The parents had their reasons and shouldn't be judged.  However, I wanted to make our backyard a welcome place for all the kids.  And that has been the case.   It is a blessing to be a blessing. 

Realizing this has made it even more enjoyable to open our yard to others.  Last year I actually complained because all the kids were always at my house in our tiny fill 'n' spill pool.  I felt a little taken advantage of.  But a little attitude change makes all the difference and now I am happy to have them. 

So I hope you are challenged and encouraged today.  Whatever situation you are in, don't be afraid to give - even the tiniest bit can bring a blessing your way.  Are you giving so you can recieve?  Well, that's just the principal in action - but the motivation is love for God and the desire to share His love and Truth! Don't be afraid -  Bfree2Give!!!

The purpose of this trip should be obvious based on my wording in the first paragraph, and for those who know me, but we are going for “cultural exchange.” As I understand it, we will be traveling in groups of two with about ten Russian college students in each group. Most/all of these will not be Christians, so our purpose is to set a Christ-like example, and let Him shine through us (while exchanging cultures of course).

This will be a new experience for everyone involved, as we have not ever done anything like this in the past. Also, we don’t have any “big people” going with us, it will just be us students, so I don’t think we quite know what to expect. I am just hoping that God will open up opportunities for the Russian students to ask us why we act like we do and that will present an opportunity for us to share our faith.

All in all, I think it will be an eye opening experience for me, and I can just hope I don’t screw it up.

- Adam Smith

I think it is great to go through all the material you can find if you get an opportunity. As long as it centers on repentance and faith in Christ (and making people realize that they, like me, are sinners) then I believe it is Biblically based.

The TELL material does not focus on “four spiritual laws,” or “five things you can do to be saved,” or “the sinner’s prayer” or anything like that. It focuses on ways to let people know that they need a Savior, that Christ is that Savior, and how to repent and place their faith in Him as Savior and Lord of their life. If someone says that they have a relationship with Christ, then TELL also provides a way to encourage them and help them know for certain that they are a Christian. It is very well developed.

This is definitely an intensive course - it is taking a lot of work and a lot of time. Is it easy to go up to complete strangers and share the gospel? Well for some people it might be, but I think we can all say that it takes us out of our comfort zone at least a little. But God didn’t call us to be comfortable, He called us to go and proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15).

I got to go to a mobile home park today with my group and go door to door in an attempt to share the gospel. There are many different attitudes that I encountered just tonight alone. Some people were receptive, a couple were indifferent, and one was just flat out hateful (slamming the door in my face). It would have been real easy for me to get angry at something like that, but I just had to remember that God loves this guy just as He loves me, and I just had to pray for him. God is always in control of every situation, and I just have to remember that in situations such as that.

My point is this: if you get any opportunity to share the gospel at all, take joy in that. You are getting an opportunity to tell people about Christ who may have never had an opportunity to hear it before. The chance to share is an awesome opportunity that God has given us, don’t pass it up!

- Adam Smith

Flowerdust has a great interview today:

The story of the pomegranates in I Kings was a story that I heard a pastor speak on in the early 1990’s. For some reason it just stuck with me that this guy, Hurum, spent a ton of time carving pomegranates and lily work into the top of the columns of Solomon’s temple.

I actually processed this book in my head for 15 years as I thought about what our lives could look like if we were to live as artist who were carrying out the details of our lives towards an audience of One. So the pomegranates that Hurum carved can be a symbol of our children who we are instructing, spreadsheets at work we are entering data into, a friend who we are helping come to grips with life’s tragedy or even something as huge as starting a church. The point is that each of us are artists and have an opportunity to create a life of influence. In fact Here is a snippet from the Intro that I think sums it up in part:

As I watched every deliberate, yet seemingly effortless movement I was amazed. Each and every action led to yet another beautiful layer of the canvas that was taking shape. Color and imagination, heart and soul were being poured into each and every detail of this work before her and it was at this very moment that I knew I was watching an artist at her work. Her canvas seemed at times to war against her, but with determination she was creating something very special. The artist was my wife and the canvas my nearly 2-year old daughter.

Mommies are artists. The opportunity for a hostile situation stood before him like a huge rock of granite. It seemed almost impossible to move and determined to stay hard and unshaped. But using the power of words my friend Josh has the ability to craft and sculpt beautiful art out of the most callous of situations. With the use of just the right words he creates an art show on display for the world to see.

Co-workers are artists.

Check out the rest of the Pomegranates interview at Flowedust.

Cool metaphor. Thoughts?

1 Cor 5:7-8, John6:55-58

1.                  Salvation – He died for us to be save and believe from sin, sickness and poverty… Ps. 103:1-6, Exo12:33, Rev. 1:5,5:9.

2.                  Blessings – favour Exo 12:35-36, 11:3, Jn. 14:13-14, Eph. 1:3, 3:20-21, Rom. 8:32, 111John 2, 11Peter 1:3.

3.                 Divine Presence – Deut. 32:9-12, for his protection, Ps. 91, 23, Exodus 13:21-22.

4.                 Divine Health- Healing power Psalm 107:20, Prov. 4:20-24, Exodus 15:26.

5.                 God Judging your enemies – Exodus 12:12-13, 14-15 God stepping on your behalf Rev. 12:11,  11 John2:14, Jn.16:11

6.                  Divine Victory – God using you to part sea-hindrance to your journey to worship or serve him. Exo. 14, Divine parting-separation…

7.                  Divine Provision Exo.16-17, Matt 5:6-8. All these above would happen to us as we partake in Christ supper.

Source:

Gospel to Gentiles Ministries Abuja, Nigeria

The only problem is that the "sinner's prayer" has no Biblical basis. Whenever I say that, I always get the following response: “You should read Romans 10:9-10.”

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” - ESV

Well as far as I can tell these verses say nothing about a “sinner’s prayer.” It is not about words that you pray - if you notice verse ten, it says “for with the heart one believes” - that is an essential part of it, not just a verbal prayer that you pray.

Now, am I saying that a person cannot be saved by praying this sort of prayer? No, that is not my call and I am sure some people are truly saved that pray this prayer. The main problem I see is that this prayer can lead to a false assurance of salvation. Someone may have prayed this prayer during an emotional experience and then go on living their life as they were before. I would say that this person has a false assurance of salvation.

I take a “sinner’s prayer” as someone who is literally crying out to God, at the end of their rope (so to say) and is tired of living their life in sin. You (as an evangelist) cannot lead someone in prayer (such as a sinner’s prayer). In the words of A.W. Tozer, “I do not believe that Jesus wants to have his disciples “repeat after Me,” I believe He wants them to follow after Him!”

Rick Warren likes to lead in this prayer and then say something like, “If you prayed this prayer, then welcome to the family of God.” At the risk of sounding like a jerk, my response is that you do not have the authority to welcome anybody to the “family of God.” Only God can make that call, not you and not me.

So how can we know that we are truly saved and not have a false assurance? Read the book of 1 John and go through the tests in that book.

- Adam Smith

But what does any of that matter if I do not love Christ? And sure we can all (as Christians) say that we love Christ, but what I mean is this, are we in love with Him? Is He all that we desire, is He all that we treasure? Do we long to spend time with Him? Do we place Him above everything else - yes everything else? Do we put Him above our job, our schoolwork, or even our other personal relationships (with family, girlfriend / boyfriend, etc.)?

The fact of the matter is that we can discuss doctrine and theology and the Bible all day, but if we are not in love with Christ, if He is not our EVERYTHING, then NOTHING else matters.

“You will love to read about what you love. So if you love the Lord Jesus you will want to read the Bible because it is about Him!” - Eric Simmons

Note: I wrote this post for myself as much as for other people.

Those words are said by many people who are in love. People who say that mean it! Moving to the ugliest place in the world for this loved one, would not be so awful because they would be together. Many times people leave their wealth, riches, and/or family for the person they love. This type of love is love with no limits, no boundaries, and no conditions.

Just as many lovers feel this way and say those very words, we have few who say this to our King, Jesus Christ. Those words He longs for you to say to Him are said so carelessly to others. He wants to hear " God, I would do anything, anything for You!". Instead we wander off and give our hearts and lives away to people who easily hurt us.

Falling in love is one of the greatest action human can express. Being in love takes one to different levels and allows us to see things with more openness. Though, what God wants to hear from you are those words of passionate love. Words that come from the heart, words that cry out your obsession for Him. Loving God is what brings me happiness and centers my world. He is who makes me complete. My God, I want to fall deeper for You. My heart cries out to You!

You are my everything! My love who completes me.

Today I challenge you. May God be your everything, make Him your first love. Commit yourself to do the unmeasurable for your first love, God.

My idea for this posting in this blog will be theology posts and the like. However, this is just an idea that I had, so I am pretty open at this point, and there is not really a limit on the number of authors that can be on here. If you are interested, get in touch with me here, or by email: smithadamw@gmail.com.

- Adam Smith

First, I am going to restate my definition of the gospel that I wrote in part one of this series:

The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ was sent by God into the world to save sinners from eternal damnation; Jesus Christ, a perfect and righteous man who never committed a sin, took the sins of the world upon his back and was crucified on a cross; He was raised from the dead to forever reign in glory as our Lord, that whoever believes in Him and repents of their sins will be saved. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).

God is fundamental to the gospel. We cannot fully understand the gospel if we do not know first who God is. God is holy and God is just, in the very least. It is because of this that He demands perfection, and it is because of this that He cannot even look upon sin. This is why we - as sinners - need a Savior in order to live eternally with God. The gospel message is that Jesus Christ is that Savior, sent by God - because God loved us so much (John 3:16). Jesus Christ came, He died, He was buried, He was resurrected, and He ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the good news. I absolutely love 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” That pretty much sums it up, right?

God is holy, He is just, He is merciful, He is magnificent, He is kind, He is patient, He is eternal, He is power, He is all knowing, He is love, and He is grace. He is our great treasure, He is the rock that we cling to, and He is our reward. God truly is sufficient for our every need. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NASB)

I will defer to what John Piper says in Desiring God: “My responsibility as a preacher of the gospel and a teacher in the church is not to preserve and repeat cherished Biblical sentences [believe in the Lord Jesus], but to pierce the heart with Biblical truth.”

The gospel is truth. When we really grasp that fact, then we don’t need anything else but the gospel. We don’t need to add to it by speaking a word of faith; we don’t need to doubt God’s word in telling us that we are saved and justified by faith. Everything that we have on this earth has been given to us by the grace of God and it should be our desire to use all that we have to bring glory and honor to Him. He is our peace; nothing else do we need. May we worship God and our Lord Jesus Christ with the echo of Revelation 5:13: “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!””

Entire Gospel Paper (pdf file)

Other Parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

- Adam Smith

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and  they will become one flesh” (vs 24).

For what reason? It is because the Lord God created men and women for one another and to be in relationship with one another, to be companions. This verse is quoted by our Lord Jesus in the gospels (Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7) and by Paul in Ephesians 5:31-32.

Paul points us to the final mystery of marriage it pictures the relationship n Christ and the church.

The Lord God is in the business of bringing men and women together. Why? Because that is the way He made us – in our togetherness we reflect His image.

Notes:

Because our relationship as husband and wife is the best reflection on earth of  Christ's relationship with us.

It is God who fashioned the first human  family and this age will close with the marriage of the Lamb.

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:6-9)

Source: ‘Families for life Bible Study notes and Sermon Outlines’ by David and Janet Cunningham. Family Impact. Read the full text at: www.familyimpact.org.za

The heavens declare the glory of God'(Psalm 19:1).

'Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen' (Romans 1:20).

When a person makes something a chair, a cake or a computer we can look at the thing and learn something about the person who made it. So it is that the universe speaks of the God who created it.

Genesis chapter 1 is a magnificent account of creation. The climax comes as God creates people in His own image. That phrase 'in His image' marks human beings out as different to everything else

God made. If the heavens declare the glory of God, how much more should His glory be seen in us! Let us consider what it means.

There are lots of ideas about how people are different from animals a bigger brain, creativity, communication and so on.

See how closely 'rule' is linked to the image and likeness of God in verse 26. God rules the universe and to rule is the job description He gives to people. It is repeated in verse 28. As sinful people we have not always been responsible in our rule. We have sometimes spoilt the environment by our selfish use of limited resources. Yet it is remarkable how people do rule.

Think how a child can drive cattle or ride donkeys even though much weaker than them. Look at the crops people grow or the grand buildings that we make. In our aeroplanes we fly further, faster and higher than any bird. With cell-phone and emails we communicate across the world. In a real sense, people have obeyed God's command to rule. This is a mark of His image in us.

Source: ‘Families for life Bible Study notes and Sermon Outlines’ by David and Janet Cunningham. Family Impact. Read the full text at: www.familyimpact.org.za

12 13

………………………………………………………………..

I would say that for about the past year or so my life verses have been Romans 12:1-2. I will show the verses first and then I will go into some detail about them.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)

These verses completely transformed my views and actions on a number of subjects, from what I watch, what I think (or try to think), how I view others' perceptions of me, and even my ideas on dating and relationships (screwed that one up a couple of times since then).

So what does Romans 12:2 mean? First, the verse says “do not be conformed to this world”. I believe this is a continual thing we must do. We must always watch out for worldly desires - violence, materialism, greed, hypocrisy, disobedience, gossip, pride, envy, idolatry, hate, selfishness, lust, cheating, lying, dress, and probably many more - and continually work to not conform to those desires of this present age.

Second, the verse says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. I think we can do this a number of ways, by continuously reading the Bible, by prayer, by hanging around the right people, by learning, among others.

And thirdly, “so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” This is the final result of what we must do. If we work to not conform and transform our minds, we can prove how we can find the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We, as Christians, are not to conform to the world, for we are not citizens of this world (Phil. 3:20), but we are to be conformed to God’s reality. This is a must, not an option.

I will close with what the Amplified Bible says, and then I will try my hand at translating Romans 12:1-2 in Spanish.

“I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” - Romans 12:1-2 (Amplified)

“Por lo tanto impulso usted, hermanos, por las piedades de Dios, presentar sus cuerpos una vida y sacrificio santo, aceptable para Dios, {que es} su servicio espiritual de la adoración. Y no sea conformados a este mundo, pero ser transformado por la renovación de su mente, de modo que usted pueda demostrar cual la voluntad de Dios es, el que que está bien y aceptable y perfecto.” - Romanos 12:1-2

Maybe if anyone out there knows Spanish, you can help me out with that.

- Adam Smith

“You do not have to believe in Christ to go to Heaven. If you live the way Jesus wants us to live you will go to Heaven, believing in Jesus will help you live the way he wants you to. Not believing in Jesus means you are less likely to live the way he said to. So whereas it does not mean that those who aren't Christians can't get to Heaven, non-Christians are less likely to go to Heaven.”

The only way that I could respond to this is not really to list a bunch of scripture verses, but to simply ask the question, does this person believe in the authority and inerrancy of scripture? By making the statements that this person made, it would seem the answer is no. There is a lot more I could say right here, but I won’t go into any more detail right now. I will say however, that if we believe that parts of scripture may not be inerrant or sufficient, then what is the use in believing any of it? If parts of it are in error, then how can we trust it at all?

So, if we believe the inerrancy of scripture, then I believe Acts 4:12 refutes that first sentence of the statement made by this person.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

The “name” that this is referring to is Jesus (cf. Acts 4). Now, to this person, I would say the following: just believing the facts about Jesus or trying to live a certain way will not get us into heaven (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23). Jesus said it himself in Luke:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:26-27

Does this mean that we have to literally hate our relatives? I could say a lot on this, but I will just answer with a simple, no that is not what it means at all in that context.

The fact of the matter is that Jesus is the only way to be reconciled to God (John 14:6). Without repenting and putting our entire faith and trust in Him, we cannot go to heaven.

“A true believer is one who signs up for life. The bumper sticker sentiment “Try Jesus” is a mentality foreign to real discipleship - faith is not an experiment, but a lifelong commitment. It means taking up the cross daily, giving all for Christ each day. It means no reservations, no uncertainty, no hesitation (Luke 9:59-61).” - John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus, p. 225

- Adam Smith

I think that it is my nature when I hear that verse, since it is such a “commonly used” verse to kind of overlook it at times, or not really take to heart the true message behind that verse. I am finishing up my series on “What Is The Gospel?” and I think John 3:16 is truly the gospel message. Even though everyone knows the verse, here it is again:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” - John 3:16 (NASB)

To really understand that verse, I think we have to define some terms. First, look at the word perish. Perish, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means to become destroyed or ruined; cease to exist. Wow, now look at John 3:16 and replace the word perish with that definition:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not [become destroyed or ruined; cease to exist], but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Second, look at the word eternal. Eternal, according to Merriam-Webster, means having infinite duration; continued without intermission. Now, put that definition with the definition of perish in the context of John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not [become destroyed or ruined; cease to exist], but have [infinite duration; continued without intermission] life.” - John 3:16

The third and final word for this post is the word begotten. Begotten comes from the Greek word monogenes, which is an adjective from monos meaning only and genos meaning kind. In John’s writings, the word means the only begotten Son of God in the highest sense, as alone knowing and revealing the essence of the Father. So now, put this in the context of the verse with the other definitions:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His [only kind] Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not [become destroyed or ruined; cease to exist], but have [infinite duration; continued without intermission] life.” - John 3:16

I realize that when you put in all those definitions and meanings that it may not make much sense, but I just wanted to illustrate the reality of that verse a little deeper. Here is what the Amplified Bible says:

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” - John 3:16 (Amplified)

That pretty much sums it up right there. I think when we fully understand that verse, it can truly be life altering. Even though I only concentrated on verse 16, I urge you to read the context surrounding that verse in John 3 - it is equally amazing.

May God bless you in all that you do, and may you fully trust in Him alone.

- Adam Smith

I am simply in awe of that statement. Let me unpack the chapter a little bit so that we can see this verse in context. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem to preach to the people there. On his way there, he would stay with different people in the different places. There was a prophet named Agabus who had come from Judea. He took Paul’s belt and tied up his feet and hands and was telling Paul that the Holy Spirit has shown him [Agabus] that this is how the Jews will bind the man and deliver him to the Gentiles.

And so, because this was prophesied, the people that Paul was staying with was urging and begging him not to go to Jerusalem. This is when Paul says (in verse 13), “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

The rest of the chapter and even the book of Acts goes on to say how Paul went to Jerusalem and was arrested, and went before different tribunals and governors and such to plead his defense, so to say.

Let me offer a modern perspective on this verse. When we have friends or other people that we know go on mission trips (especially tough or dangerous ones), we must make sure that we support them - or we run this risk of “breaking their heart” as it was with Paul. How can we support them? I would say that the number one way is through prayer. Prayer for safety, prayer for opportunities, prayer for seeds to be planted in the name of Jesus, etc.

Now, here’s my perspective or maybe the reason that I am in awe of Paul with this verse. I am going to Russia on a mission trip this summer for two weeks. I don’t think it is going to be dangerous, but I can’t completely tell. We (my team) can’t go with the specific purpose of evangelism or gospel sharing, because they won’t let us into the country. We are going under the blanket of “cultural exchange.” Two of our team members will be touring the country and hanging out with a group of ten Russian students in an effort of cultural exchange.

Of course we will be hopefully getting opportunities to share the gospel and to share our faith, and mainly just to be a Christian example to these students. Like I said, I don’t think it will be a dangerous trip, but in a “closed” country such as Russia, I am completely trusting God.

So when Paul says, “…For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” it just amazes me. I long that the Holy Spirit would work in my life to allow me to be able to say that.

As tough as it may be to think about, we should be ready to die for the name of Jesus. His ways are perfect, even though we may not understand them. Praise His name forever, and it is because of Him that we live anyway.

I encourage you if you haven’t done it, or haven’t done it in a while, to read through the book of Acts - some amazing truths will be revealed through this book.

- Adam Smith

(For those of you who might be a little late on the news (no pun intended) Grammy Award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman, lost his just-turned-5, adoptive daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, to a tragic car accident last week. To read more on the accident click here, here, or here. To visit Steven Curtis Chapman's site click here. To visit the page written in memorial of Maria Sue Chapman click here.) 

Steven and family,

Chances are you may never read this, but in case you do, know that you have my deepest sympathies and condolences and I share and carry your pain and grief with you.

A little after I heard about the news, I decided to pull up my iTunes and listen to your album Declaration. As I came to the song God is God and began listening intently to it I began to weep as my heart filled with sadness, once more. Yet, as the song came alive in my head the answer to the question I had been asking all along came to me. The answer to the why? Why so early? Why the pain? Why so young? Why her brother? Why did God allow it? Why to this family? Why to the righteous? The answers to these questions did not come, but this became clear to me= although we may never know the answer to the why we do know one thing— God is God. He knows why it happened and He's aware of your pain. Remember that He has full control of the situation. Can we even take a breath without God giving it to us?

In Christ, 

Pablo

PS Dear friends, please take heart and remember life is short, don't take it for granted.