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I Hate Selfies….

Posted on August 5, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Excellent Word

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Church membership: Reasons to (or not to become) a member.

Posted on August 5, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Great post

Nine Marks has an interesting article on why you should become a church member and even when you have an excuse for not joining one church you must look for another and BECOME A COMMITTED CHURCH MEMBER. Check this out….

REASONS TO JOIN THE CHURCH
These more deliberate conversations veer back and forth between the biblical and the practical. Typically, I generally encourage a person to join the church
# For the sake of the pastors. It lets the pastors know who you are, and makes them responsible for you (see Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17).
# For the sake of obedience to Jesus. Jesus did not give you the keys of the kingdom for binding and loosing. He gave the keys to the apostolic local church (Matt. 16:13-20; 18:15-20). You don’t have the authority to baptize yourself or feed yourself the Lord’s Supper. It requires a church to affirm your…

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Nothing is truly free — including salvation

Posted on August 2, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

So true. A great word.

Before It Hits the Press...

Free. We love to hear the word, but it may be one of the most misused words in the English language.

We get offers for “free” stuff all the time, but are they truly free?

How many times have we been offered a “free” trip to Anywhere, U.S.A. All we have to do is agree to hear some kind of sales pitch.

I don’t know about you, but my time is valuable. If I sit through a sales presentation, the trip I received had a cost associated with it. It was not free. A lot of people have spent a lot of money because they thought something was “free.”

“Buy one, get one free.” That might be the closest we get to “free,” but even then you have to buy the first item.

Metro Nashville schools open next week. This year, for the first time, all students (not just those who…

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QUOTE (Horatius Bonar) – July 31

Posted on August 2, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Very good!

A DEVOTED LIFE

“It is not opinions that man needs: it is TRUTH. It is not theology; it is God. It is not religion: it is Christ. It is not literature and science; but the knowledge of the free love of God in the gift of His only-begotten Son.”
~ Horatius Bonar

In honor of Horatius Bonar, Scottish preacher and hymn writer, who died on this day in 1889.

Resources:
July 31 – Today in Christian History
Horatius Bonar>Quotes

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Seek Excellence For Your God

Posted on May 15, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Hugh of St. Victor (ca. 1096-1141) “It is bad to pursue something good negligently; it is worse to expend many labors on an empty thing.”

I am dismayed at the ways many Christians and particularly many Christian Teachers and Pastors are so sloppy in their approach to their lives. Come on people! The world is watching us Christians. What you do reflects on your God. Too many professors of Christ will work exceedingly hard on their homes, making the places they live like unto palaces. But when it comes to working for God they do as little as possible and as poorly as possible. We willingly give 30$ or more to go to the movies, and pay 20$ for popcorn and a drink. Yet when we give to God’s work a ten dollar bill (if God is lucky) is put in the collection plate. We live in fine houses, purchase and use the best tools, take hours mowing and tending our lawns. Yet we assemble together to worship and leave bulletins and used tissues jammed down in the seats. Our children are allowed to throw candy wrappers on the floors of the Church, though at home we scold them and make them pick up their own trash.

What we do shows the world what and how we believe.

It is the greatest thing in life to serve God, and our every effort should reflect that greatness. God is worthy of our worship. God is worthy of our best. The Children of Israel were commanded to bring the FIRST FRUITS of the field to their God, the first harvest, not the leftovers. When Israel began to get sloppy in serving their God it wasn’t long before that nation was over run by the enemy.

I was going through the rooms of one of the local Churches I pastored years ago and found a broken upright vacuum cleaner. The motor worked, but the handle was busted off. It was impossible to use. Later that day I was visiting one of our members. She had just finished vacuuming her carpets. As we sat down to talk I mentioned what a nice vacuum cleaner she had. She said – and I quote – “It is a nice one. The one I had before was a good one, too, but the handle was broken. I donated that one to the Church when I bought this one. If YOU will fix the handle on that other one, you’ll have a great vacuum cleaner.”

Do you see anything wrong with this? If you don’t, YOU are part of the problem.

God wants you to be part of a good Church, not build a Goodwill. God doesn’t want your half and second best. He doesn’t want your cast off garbage. He wants your best. He wants you to seek excellence in all you say or do. He wants your top drawer. He gave His best and brightest for you. His Only Begotten Son was given so that you might walk streets of gold. There is no place for sloppy and half *** in the Christian way of life. Let your mind seek excellence. By the way, the *** I did two sentences ago was for the word “WAY” – where did your mind go? Did it go down or up? Glorify your God.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

The things you do for God are eternal, and one day every Christian will give an account. Will God say “Well done, My good and faithful servant”, or will He say “I am so ashamed of you”? Think about it.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Christians are – according to the Scripture – people who have been “born again” through the power of God. They have received Christ as both Lord and Savior, and, according to the Scripture:

John 1:12-13 …. as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Christians are “born of God’s Spirit”, brought into His Family by adoption, God’s Children by faith. They are “new creatures in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), driven by love as Christ was driven by love. This is what the Bible says. If this is so, then why are so many who profess Christ creatures, not new creatures? Some “Christians” are like locusts, the scourges of the Bible. They hop into a Church, blessing the heart of the pastor and flock at first, for any addition is a blessing in a small family. They consume resources, but never tithe nor decide to give to the work of the ministry. Like locusts they eat and eat, consuming resources but never replacing them. Then one day, like the locust hoard, they hop away to another Church. They never tell the pastor or flock why they left. In their wake they consumed the pastor’s time – hours and hours in counseling and services. They consumed the Church’s time by projects they started but never continued. They left a hole in the hearts of the people and never an explanation. Hopity hop. Time to consume again.

Other “Christians” are like vultures, carrion eaters. When they first come to the Church they look good, soaring in, almost like eagles. They give a good portion to the ministry, and seem to be at every service. Then they start skipping services. The pastor sends cards and tries calling, and they pop back a little here and there – but are never consistent. Then they stop coming to Church … that is, until a problem happens. When a disturbance comes and a “business meeting” is scheduled these carrion birds pop in, squawk, and add to the fire. They feed on the trouble, nibbling at the pastor and the flock. They have no right to do so but because they “are on the roll” of the Church they have a vote and have a say. They nibble and bite, and, if the Church splits or the pastor dies, they fly away to tell others how “good” they were and how “bad” everyone else was. The story is just so juicy. They are the close relatives of the “Christians” who are like piranhas. These are the ones who do nothing but sit back and pick – pick – pick at every problem they see in the Church. They look good in the services, but once they swim home they get on the phone with their other piranha friends and pick. I had one lady tell me at a Church oddly named “Good Hope” that “this is what we love to do after Sunday dinner. We get together and pick the sermon and the pastor apart!” Piranhas and Vultures destroy Churches, and destroy its witness in the neighborhood.

Then there are the Christians that are like “Mocking Birds”. northern_mockingbird_glamour These are very pretty, lovely to look at, yet have no gumption, no backbone. They imitate good Christians, imitate bad Christians, imitate the lost. They are imitators, of little use in the Kingdom of God. If they would imitate Christ they would be great assets. But they bend and twist with the slightest breeze, going with the flow, following the crowd. Someone says “I know the Bible speaks against sexual sin, but we will gain more members if we look the other way”. The Mocking Birds reply, “Look the other way”. Another says, “A woman should have a right to do with her body as she pleases. Support abortion.” The Mocking Bird replies, “Support Abortion”. They will not stand against anything, but stand for everything. This is their way.

Then there are Christians who are like “Fire Ants”. They appear peaceful until you step on their mound where they are resting. All of a sudden, they are all over you! I have stood at the door of the Church greeting people as they leave when a few fire ants come up and start chewing on me. They rake me up one side and down the other for some perceived slight, then while I (or you) are in shock, stalk angrily away. These same ants often wonder why they aren’t used in the Church more – why they aren’t on a Committee or asked their opinion. Frankly, it’s because I’m scared of them! No one likes to be ant bit!

Then there’s the Christian who doesn’t mind coming to Church, but doesn’t want to do anything. These are like “Sloths”. They hang around doing nothing, and will cause no trouble lest you try to change their traditions. These are the ones who refuse to move from their God ordained pew – you know, the one that has their name on it. Their favorite song is “I shall not be moved” – and they mean it. They are happy with their status quo, happy with things the way they are – just leave them alone.

Then there are the Biblical Christians, those who soar like the Eagles. No, I don’t mean the Rock Band “The Eagles”, but who “Mount up on wings and soar for the Lord”. They are great testimonies to the saving power of Christ. They are blessings to the pastor, for they want to rise up and work. They are blessings to God for they want to be above the world and sin. They guard and protect the Church of God because they are uplifted by the Word of God. It is such a joy to have these types of “New Creatures” in the Church. If there were more of these, this Pastor would consume less bottles of Tums every week. Oh, how majestic are those who love the Lord and are not ashamed to show it!

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I and my Brother in Christ Jim Haney singing

Posted on January 6, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

for Riverview Baptist Church (798 Santa Fe Pike, Columbia, TN)

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The Household Of Faith

Posted on January 6, 2014 by bibleteacherorg

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

In the life of a Pastor his day begins with prayer. Prayer for the Church that God has entrusted to his care. Prayer for its members. Prayer for its growth. Prayer that we can be the Light of the world that our Lord wants us to be. That we will do some good this week, and that others will come into a saving relational knowledge with Christ Jesus our Lord.

As the day progresses, the Pastor gets calls. People call the Church. People call his cell phone. “I need help this month. I can’t pay my electric bill. I can’t pay my rent. My utilities have been cut off.” For the household of faith the answer is simple. If you are a partner in faith with us, a part of our local Church, we will take up an offering for you and yours. I usually have a deacon stand at the door and ask the Church to give. Our local Church – like most local Churches – is generous beyond imagination. There has never been a time when a partner in our Church was struggling where financial help has not been offered. This Church is filled with people who love one another, and I am so blessed to be their Pastor. We take care of one another, just as we should. In the New Testament Church ……

Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

they showed that type of unity, and I see it frequently in our local Church. Sadly, though, the many calls I receive during the week are not from Church members. “I need help this month. I can’t pay my electric bill. I can’t pay my rent. My utilities have been cut off.” I am asked for funds. I reply, “Where do you participate in Church? Who is your Pastor?” They return, “Oh, I don’t go to Church. I love Jesus (they always love Jesus) but don’t have to go to Church to love Jesus. I just need some money, some help with my finances this month.”

And I have to say “No, I’m sorry, we don’t do that.”

I wish I didn’t have to say no. I wish I were a millionaire. If I had Bill Gates money I would help every poor person in Columbia Tennessee, and I’d pay every overdue utility and rent. I hate having to say no. But having said all this, IF I had the money, and IF I paid every person’s bills, I suspect that I would be outside of the will of God. The Bible says:

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Most of those who do not have the money will not work. They make excuses. They live on government welfare. They make bad decisions. I’ve seen “poor people” in line in front of me at the local Wal Mart. The man was robust, in perfect health. The woman he was with was comfortably dressed. They buy groceries with food stamps (or the EBT card, the modern version of it), and after buying groceries get a case of beer and a 50$ carton of cigarettes. Many poor are poor because they will not work. While others work, they want to be supported. The Bible frowns on that.

It is lazy to call a Pastor on Monday morning or Sunday afternoon saying, “I need help with …” when you should have at LEAST been in Church. Get out of bed. Come to the Church. True story: I had someone blast me because our Church was not helping “it’s own members”. When I asked who these people were and they told me their names, I replied “WHO ARE THEY?” I had been Pastor of the Church for 6 months and they had never darkened the door of the Church nor ever attempted to call me on the phone. If there was a police line up, I couldn’t have picked them out. GET OFF YOUR BEHIND AND GET TO THE CHURCH.

I have had people call and, when I said we cannot help, they replied “But isn’t that what the Church is for?” No, it’s not. You will find no instance in the Scripture where Jesus Christ paid anyone’s utility bill. You will find no instance where Jesus fed anyone who was not under the sound of His preaching. You will find no place where Jesus provided clothing or shelter for anyone. When Jesus fed the 5000, it was at the end of a day of preaching. Get to Church.

The Church is a family of God. It is a place where God’s Children gather to care for one another, to feed on God’s Word, and to worship the Lord. In these latter days we all need all the family we can get. Get into a Church. Become NOT a member, but a PARTNER with a household of faith. Help others as others help you. Work together. Don’t lay out of Church for years then, when you’ve made bad decision after bad decision, your power is cut off, call the Pastor and demand funds. We are not a welfare station. We are God’s Church. We are called out of this world by the Gospel of Christ. We love God, love one another, and would love to love you.

My calling as a Pastor is to point every person to Christ, to tell you that He must be Lord of your life if you want to be blessed. He is the Only Savior. If you have believed what Jesus said in John 14:6

… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

and have been born again by the power of God, my calling is to teach you to be more like Jesus. Every Christian is to be like Christ. This is what God has foreordained ….

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God wants you to be a Christian. If a Christian, He wants you to be like Christ. This is the thrust of my ministry, to bring you to Christ and, if you are saved by His Grace, to share His Word with you so that God can make you more Christlike. I wish you well, and pray for you, too. You need the Lord more than you need a rent check. You need the Lord more than you need your utility payment. Like the prodigal son, you need to understand that until you are in the hands of Christ your life will always be lacking. I cannot feed your habit by paying your bills. As Evangelist Vance Havner once said, if someone had given the prodigal son a sandwich he might never have gone home. You need to go home. To quit wandering. To give yourself to Jesus.

Do that, and come to Church next Sunday. Come up to me and introduce yourself as a Child of God. Partner with our local Church. Love God, love your Church family. And yes, then we’ll help, because you are our brother or sister in Christ!

I hope you understand.

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Good Feeling Merry Gentlemen!

Posted on December 23, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

I opened up Facebook today to see a rant from one of my “friends” about Christmas. In all CAPITAL LETTERS she told the world – myself included – that she’s “not feeling” Christmas. There’s a lot of people “not feeling” Christmas. In fact, suicide rates climb during the Christmas season. Why?

I think it has to do with condition of your heart and the focus of your eyes.

Let me ask you ….. What song are you singing this Christmas? Are you singing …

“Tis the Season to feed the selfish,
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy B-Buy Buy Buy.
Grab made in China off the shelf-ish,
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy B-Buy Buy Buy.”

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! “

If you’re not “feeling” Christmas it’s because your eyes are fixed on anything but Christ. It’s not about losing a loved one. My mom and dad both went to be with Jesus this year. My middle son went to be with Jesus when he was 17. It’s not about presents. Today’s ga ga is tomorrow’s garbage. It’s not about celebrity. Today’s “Material Girl” is tomorrow’s ??????? It’s not about stuff, or big meals, or lights on a tree. It’s about Jesus Christ.

If you’re focused on feeding your ego or “feeling” Christmas you’ll never feel it. Without Christ in the heart you’ll never find pleasure under the tree. Right now I’m wearing a set of house slippers my wife bought me for a pre-Christmas gift. Frankly, they’re killing my feet, and I’m going to have to take them off. I could whine and complain about what she gave me that doesn’t fit but, you know something …. she’s the best wife EVER! She loves me unconditionally. I hate the shoes, but love her.

Your life may not have turned out the way you want. I understand that. I wish I pastored a mega-Church like Rick Warren. I wish I were as successful as my oldest son is in ministry. I wish I could be near my grandchildren for Christmas. It hurts to be hundreds of miles away, unable to hug those little boys.

But God has given me – and you – greater gifts that far surpass what we do not have.

He has given us eternal life by giving us HIMSELF. That’s why a babe lay in a manger, because God came to be with us. He has promised all who believe in Him eternal life. I will see my loved ones again because of Jesus. He has promised us His peace and His joy if we keep our eyes on Him.

So the choice is yours.

You can wallow in what you do not have and make yourself a hell on earth.

Or you can embrace Christ and revel in what He has given you – and me.

Choose wisely. Choose Christ.

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A New Day ~

Posted on December 13, 2013 by bibleteacherorg

Beautiful Poem! And AMEN!

CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann

Restore my soul Lord,
each and every day
establish my paths
along the way.

Rebuild my life Lord,
every morning anew
determine my course
so as I may follow you.

Repair my heart Lord,
at dawns early light
prove its intent is true
pleasing in Your sight.

Renew my mind Lord,
upon the rise of the sun
strengthen my awareness
so Your will may be done.

Refresh my spirit Lord,
as the stars slowly fade
as this is a new day
for me ~ You have made!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 143:8
King James Version

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;
for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

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