Last Words Ministry

A Missed Opportunity Redeemed

2008-07-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, my wife walked out to her car to find that one of the tires was flat. It was too late in the day to have it repaired. I made arrangements to go into work a little late the following day, so I could get the tire fixed.

I sat outside the tire shop reading a book, waiting for the place to open. As I waited, it dawned on me that I didn’t have a stash of tracts in my wife’s car. I always keep gospel tracts in my car so that I am ready, no matter where I’m going, to put the gospel into someone’s hand. I was disappointed and actually hoping that no opportunity to hand out a tract would present itself, since I was unarmed.

A young man by the name of John opened the shop and invited me inside. Other than the employees, I was the only person in the place, for quite some time. I made use of the time by continuing to catch up on my reading.

After about an hour, my car was ready. John waited on me at the register. As he waited for the service order and receipt to print, John asked, “Police or fire?” (I guess I will always just have “the look.”)

“Deputy Sheriff—retired.”

“How long were you on the force?”

“Twenty years.”

“I don’t know how you guys do it.”

“It’s not easy. The divorce rate is very high, and more officers commit suicide each year than are killed in the line of duty.”

John shook his head. “So, what does a retired deputy sheriff do when he leaves the job?”

“I serve in a ministry called ‘Living Waters.’”

“Well, it looks like my wife and I are going to call it quits.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah—she said she was willing to go to counseling, but she said if anyone asked her out, she would go.”

“It doesn’t sound like she’s too serious about reconciling.”

“No, it doesn’t”

A line of people waiting to drop off or receive their cars was forming behind me.

John, a man I had never met, was engaging me in a very person conversation. He paused for a moment and then said something that made me want to kick myself for not having tracts in my wife’s car, too.

“What bank do you bank with?” John asked.

I told him the name of my bank.

John was concerned about the recent news about the bank closures. I assured him that he would probably be fine so long as he had less than $100,000 in the bank. He was relieved.

“My sister and I use to joke when we were kids.” John said. “We joked about what we would do if we ever had a million dollars.”

Aarrgghh! You don’t receive much easier evangelism pitches over the heart of the plate like that one. If only I had a million dollar bill.

As I left the store, I hope no one saw me yelling at myself.

I got into the car and thought, “What a crummy day. First a flat tire. And now a missed opportunity to put the gospel into someone’s hand!”

I made the hour drive to Living Waters none too happy. All I could think of on the way to the office and throughout the rest of the day was John. I prayed that the Lord would allow me to share the gospel with him, someday. But I was careful not to pray for another flat tire in order to make it happen.

Mahria called me at my office, as she does most days. Earlier that morning, I told her that I was charged for the tire repair because they couldn’t find any record of us purchasing road hazard protection on that particular tire. Mahria went through our records and found the sales slip for the tire. We had purchased road hazard protection on that tire.

While it was good news that we would receive a refund for the repair to the tire, it was better news that I would have to go back to the shop to receive it. My hope was that I would be able to get there soon enough to see John before he left for the day.

When I arrived at the store, I let the person at the counter know why I was there. He checked the records again and found that the repaired tire was purchased under my wife’s name, which accounted for why John didn’t find it under my name.

John came out of his office to issue my refund. The store was busier than when I left it earlier that morning.

Once John completed the paperwork for my refund, I shook his hand and thanked him for his help.

“Hey, John,” I said, “you mentioned when I was in this morning that you and your sister use to joke about what you would do if you had a million dollars.”

“That’s right.” He said with a chuckle.

I reached into my back pocket and removed a million dollar bill gospel tract. I had a couple thousand tracts in the car this time.

“Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Here’s your first million.”

His eyes got as big as saucers as he took the tract from my hand. “The government doesn’t make these, do they?”

“No. And you can’t counterfeit something that doesn’t exist.”

John turned the tract to the backside and started to read.

“John, please read it.”

“Oh, I will. Thanks.”

I said good-bye and left the store. I thanked God for redeeming what had been a missed opportunity. I hope and pray He will use that simple, little gospel tract to bring John to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

--Tony

Keep Up the Good Work...

2008-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

I had a youth pastor who used to say that he believed there is a line between right and wrong that the world was trying to erase. In other words, the world is trying to erase the line between black and white, making a big grey area so people can’t really tell what is right and wrong – it is just up to the individual’s interpretation. We all experience situations in our lives and the world where we see this line slowly eroding. Sometimes there are little subtle situations, and sometimes they are more in your face. I came face to face with one of these situations this week that was pretty discouraging for me. It had to do with turning someone in for doing something blatantly fraudulent. As I was pursuing the avenues of doing this and contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency and jumping various other hurdles, I kind of hit a dead end. Basically I was expecting more support from the law but was instead discouraged because I glimpsed as to how people can really get away with doing the wrong thing—and they can get away with it many times even when they are caught red-handed. Another person involved in the situation, who is also frustrated, has the attitude of “Why bother—nothing is probably going to be done about it anyway!” I was really upset and felt like giving up myself. This is really the frustrating part because this is a situation where something really should be done.

Then I started thinking, I need to keep fighting the good fight. I can’t get discouraged because it seems like no one cares or I don’t think I am going to see results. I still need to try and do what is right and encourage others to do the same. We can’t ignore what we are called to do because we are not getting the response or support from others we expect. We have to do what we can to maintain that line between right and wrong.

In Matthew 24, Jesus is talking to his disciples about end times and how lawless and dark the era will get. In verse 13, He says, “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” And in I Peter 3, Peter is talking about being persecuted, slandered, and suffering for the sake of righteousness. I Peter 3:17 says, “For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than doing what is wrong.”

The Bible doesn’t teach when things get tough, give up. The Lord always encourages us to endure, keep going, press on, and stand up for what is right and to have good character. Even though the situation I’m dealing with hasn’t been resolved, I’m still going to push for the right thing to be done. We have to do our best in dealing with what we are given and know that the Lord will handle what is beyond our control.

Cindy

Don't Change a Thing

2008-06-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, gay marriages are finally here and, boy, are they rousing up controversy. But I have one question: was anyone really surprised? We all saw this day coming, unfortunately. With rumors swirling for so many years now, many have become numb to the situation. And now we find ourselves shaking our heads and asking what Christians should do next. In 1 Corinthians chapter 13 Paul tells us to speak in love less we become like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Would picketing and carrying signs outside of courtrooms and gay marriage sites fall under the category of “noise?” And even if it doesn’t, what will that actually accomplish? I think there’s a better idea…a biblical one—get out and share your faith as you normally would!

Pray that the Lord will give you a chance to witness to a homosexual one-on-one. The best part is, you don't even have to bring up the subject of homosexuality! Just stick to the gospel. Use the law and, sexual sin aside, make them understand their transgressions of God's Ten Commandments, and then take them to the cross. Show them grace, mercy, and God's sacrificial love.

So my encouragement to all who are having a hard time accepting the Supreme Court’s ruling, is to take a moment to look up and remember we are citizens, not of this world, but of the one above. And above all remember that God is sovereign. Does that mean we sit idly by and let those who are lost trample over those things that are right in God’s sight? No, of course not. Voice your opinion through our voting process, but spend the majority of the battle on your knees. And then get up, get out, and share your faith.

Bobby

How Last Words Has Influenced Me

2008-05-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

I was reading Kelly’s blog on reproach and I was reminded of how I was when I was in high school. I was saved after I graduated high school and when I was in school I would say to anyone that asked without hesitation that I was a Christian, but I can say with all honesty that I know I wasn’t saved when I went to high school. If someone had come up to me and pointed out the way I acted I wouldn’t be able to defend my actions or myself.

I think that is something that every Christian who declares they follow Christ should think about. If you are a Christian and act like you’re of this world, you have no excuse for yourself. Everyone has a conscience and when we sin we are doing it knowing that it’s wrong.

Ever since giving my life to Christ and becoming part of this ministry I’ve become much more sensitive to how I act and how others act. That doesn’t mean that I’m never going to sin, but I do try harder not to sin and make it a priority to stay in the word and stay in fellowship with other Christians.

Being in this ministry has opened so many avenues for me and I have become closer with other Christians as a result. I can see a difference in the way I act and the way I speak by being in this ministry. It gives me confidence in my walk knowing that I’m reaching out to the lost and making an effort to bring people to Christ.

If I wasn’t in Last Words Ministry I wouldn’t have any clue how to bring a non-believer to Christ. I would be like many Christians and lead them in the sinner’s prayer, giving them a false sense of salvation. Now I can lead someone to Christ more confidently and give them the true gospel.

I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about evangelism to listen to our radio show Saturdays 10pm-11pm on 99.5FM or even come out with us to Brand Street Saturdays from 5pm-11pm.

Maddie

A Relevant Post

2008-05-30T17:21:00.001-07:00

Below is a basic primer I created listing some characteristics that make up what is commonly known as the “Relevant Church.” This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an indictment of those churches that are conscientiously aware of the important place the surrounding culture holds. Here are some general marks of a “culturally relevant church.”

The relevant church’s primary purpose is to acknowledge the needs of people first and foremost.
***It desires to please men and wants to “be liked.”

***Focuses on making people feel entertained—puts a high priority on programs and less focus on God’s Word.

***Often uses the world’s system to model its programs after.

***Is very “seeker-friendly” and focused on people’s feelings and experiences rather than on the complete devotion and worship to God.

***Big on social programs and is driven by humanistic ideas.

***Puts an over emphasis on church growth.

***Wants to cater to unbelievers who are “pondering,” “investigating,” or are in the process of “deciding” to follow Christ.

***Adopts a “low view of God” (thanks, Todd Friel), Scripture, and of the things of God.

***Is always on the lookout for “new” ways to present Scripture.

***Takes a “minor” stand on sin yet “majors” on God’s love.

***Feels too much discussion of sin will make people “uncomfortable.”

***Overlooks the essential and core doctrine that we are completely created for God’s pleasure and His purpose—not our own.

Please understand, all cultural relevance isn’t dangerous nor is it heretical to have a cultural understanding of the world we live in. What is important to remember is when relating to others we need to make sure we don’t mimic our world’s values (is that an oxymoron?). Take a look at John 17:14-15 where Jesus prays for his disciples. This familiar passage reminds us that we “are not of this world” just as Jesus was not of this world. But don’t overlook the first part of verse 14 where Jesus acknowledged that the “world has hated them because they are not of the world.” Jesus assures us throughout scripture that there is a definite line drawn between the believer and the world.

Woe to us if we try and blur that same line in the name of relevance.

I’ll close with this: my pastor often speaks on the subject of Christians living side by side with the world; in fact he is known to say that the emergent and the relevant church are the most dangerous threats the Christian church faces today. When speaking of these things, he is famous for a quote that may be succinct but speaks volumes: “Our boat may have to be in the water, just take pains to keep the water out of the boat.”

Greg

Let's Talk Reproach!

2008-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last year I was asked to share with the Bible Club at the public high school where I teach. As I thought about what to say, the Lord showed me that these Christian students attending public school need to know how to live “above reproach.” If they are telling their unbelieving peers that they are Christians, then their lives better live up to that claim! Webster’s dictionary defines the word reproach as, “A cause or occasion of blame; to discredit or disgrace; to rebuke or disapprove of.” Paul’s two epistles to Timothy provide the necessary foundation for a discussion on reproach.

As Christians, there are two ways we can be reproached: the first way is if we are preaching the true gospel, and we suffer persecution for it. If we are preaching the true gospel, people will try to blame, discredit, disgrace, or rebuke us! Paul exhorts Timothy in I Timothy 4:10, “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.” Paul goes on to say in II Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

The second way we can be reproached is for NOT living up to the definition of a true Christian saved by grace. If we call ourselves Christians, we need to be living our lives in such a way that we do not give others a cause or occasion to blame, discredit, or rebuke Christianity as a whole because of our bad witness. People are always looking for a Christian who stumbles so they can point their finger at you and say, “You call yourself a Christian, look at what you’re doing!” Whether we like it or not, our lives are being scrutinized. The moment you claim to be a Christian, be ready for others to look at your life and see if your claims match up with your actions. Paul’s message to young Timothy in I Timothy 4:1-16 is to “…be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” He goes on to say that “…godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” And finally, “…be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

I needed to make sure that these Christian Bible Club students were being blamed, discredited, disgraced, rebuked, or disapproved of because they were preaching the true gospel, and not because they were living hypocritical lives.

Examine your own life…Who in your life disapproves of you and for what reason? Who tries to discredit you? Who rebukes you? Do they look at you with reproach because you are a Christian preaching a gospel that convicts them and may be uncomfortable for them to hear? Or, do they look at you with reproach because you are a Christian who claims to be saved, but your lifestyle suggests otherwise?

Examine your relationships….How would the people in your church describe you? How would your closest friends describe you? How would your unbelieving acquaintances describe you? How would your family describe you? If you are a Christian who lives one way at church and another way outside of church, let me encourage you to see how displeasing this is to God. You should feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and if you’re not feeling that, you have left your first love. Repent! Get in the Word! Spend time in prayer and DAILY seek His face! My mom once gave me some simple advice on this issue: “Love what God loves, and hate what God hates.” The only way you can figure this out is to get in His Word. You can’t fool Almighty God! He knows your heart!

Kelly, co-host, Last Words Radio

Just Another Death?

2008-05-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

In various conversations, I have often heard Christians grievously discuss their lives prior to Christ saving them. One commonality grateful believers seem to share is the shame and disgust they have for their past sins. I have often chimed in during these discussions, showing the appropriate attitude toward my past wretchedness as well, but it always bothered me that the life I lived before Jesus saved me didn’t seem to register highly on the Richter scale of sorrow and regret. Don’t misunderstand me: I hated my sin, and it amazed me that He would shower His grace on the true “chief of all sinners”, but I wanted more than a “head knowledge” of just how shameful I was. I desired to be like the others and actually feel great sorrow for just how I lived my life prior to my conversion.

I prayed about it for years and the answers I was looking for wasn’t revealed to me overnight. As time went on and I got into the Word more and more, the more my studies kept taking me back to the actual events that took place on Calvary. But it was one verse—and not one from the gospels but from Isaiah—that made such an impression on me: Isaiah 53:10: “But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief.”

This verse brought on new meaning to me in light of the events of the cross. See, I understood from the Old Testament that God took sin so seriously, and the consequences of our sin was that blood must be shed. But I think the question I kept coming back to was why God would allow Jesus to die in such a brutal manner. Why the extended torture? Why the scourging before the crucifixion? Why the crown of thorns and the robe being ripped from His back after the dried blood had practically glued it to Jesus’ body? Why the humiliation of being hung naked in front of strangers? The spitting? The mocking? Not to mention that fact that the person who was going through it was just so happened to be the very God and creator of the universe, and one who knew no sin in the first place.

God was sovereign and in control of the entire ordeal. Couldn’t He have made the sacrifice as quick and painless as possible, while still allowing for the required blood atonement? Couldn’t He have orchestrated a…stabbing, perhaps? No doubt, a quick knife in the heart would have been a horrible way to go but at least the suffering wouldn’t have lasted so long.

In the Old Testament times when an animal was substituted in order to cover (never taking them away) the sins of the people, the animal was actually treated humanely. The priests were trained so that the sacrificial animal felt little or no pain. Why couldn’t our Lord have received the same treatment?

And that’s what I finally understood: the suffering was an important part of the cross. God hates sin. He abhors it so much that He poured all of His wrath on His Son, and the only way to properly express this wrath and His complete anger at sin, He had to do it in such a way that we would comprehend just how much He despises our sinfulness.

When I examine the excruciating events that happened on that famous weekend so long ago, I cringe at the brutality of it all-a brutality I might be more able to dismiss if it would have been a “simple” stabbing. It was all so horrendous that I found I didn’t like to think of it, and that’s when the message finally presented itself. See, I need to contemplate my sin; I need to stop every once in a while and truly ponder all of it because the more I think of the viciousness of it all, the more I can finally grasp how much He hates sin. It’s only then that I can finally experience the shame for the way I was before He redeemed me. No more “head knowledge” for me—I know longer have a “fake” grief over my sin. Illuminated not just by the cross, but the events surrounding it, my sins now embarrasses me. They are humiliating to me, and not just the ones I committed before I was saved either, the sins I fall into on a daily basis disgust me. And it makes me want to get rid of them even more. Which is what He wants. Which is why “it pleased Him to crush Him.”

The cross was so much more than a death. It was graciously ordained so that I would not only be saved, but that I would truly understand the cost.

Greg

One Tough Conversation

2008-04-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

Many of you heard Jason on the air on Saturday night. He was a professing Atheist and was one of the toughest people to talk to. After talking to him for more than an hour, I finally understood that I could not convince him of God intellectually, and even if I could, I would not have wanted him to have an "intellectual conversion" but a spiritual one. It wasn't until I mentioned the conscience and he agreed with me for the first time in our conversation. Romans 2:15 "who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness". It didn't do me any good going round and round with Jason on an intellectual level, but once I mentioned the conscience their was a change in the conversation. Don't be discouraged, but point a sinner to their conscience and it will save you a lot of time. Remember, you can't save anyone, Jesus does that.

Street Fishin w/Chris

I'm Not a Liar!

2008-03-14T17:56:00.001-07:00

Every Saturday night, we head out to Glendale to preach the gospel. We have the opportunity to pass out tracts and evangelize to all kinds of people. This last Saturday night was a blessing. God always provides someone for us to put on the radio (99.5 KKLA). This week we had Cameron, a Scientologist, whom was willing to go on the air. I'm not very familiar with Scientology, but it only took a few minutes to figure out that if your good outweighs your bad, you're going to be o.k. After talking to Tony on the air, I was able to continue the conversation with Cameron for about ten to fifteen minutes. Cameron and I were very adamant about what we believed in, but when he stated, "If I lie, I'm NOT a liar." I didn't know what to say. It is true that when someone sin is revealed, they don't like the light to shine in the darkness and are afraid to admit their sin. We continued our conversation and at the end , I made a bold statement, "that the book of Scientology won't save you." It is only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him. I'm not narrow-minded, but Jesus was and that's because He is the only One that offers eternal life.

ChrisTakin it 2 the Streets

Church Sex Seminar

2008-02-23T16:13:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is a lengthy blog I wrote about seven months ago, but maybe you have a few hours to read it.

I look back on it now and regret the tone of my voice when I originally wrote it; I wish I would I would have been more gracious. Anyway, a girl named Shelly wrote a rather "sharp" response and I posted it here.

So included below is my original blog, the sex church seminar article that originally started it all, Shelly's response, and my response to her. Pray for Shelly.

This is an advertisement for a church that has just opened up across the street from Calvary Chapel Downey. I noticed their signs a few weeks ago. There were several set up one Sunday morning (and every Sunday thereafter), and posted very closely to our parking lots.
This is the problem with many churches today. More and more pastors feel the need to make our churches relevant so they'll get NUMBERS. For some churches it is about everything BUT the gospel. After all, we want people to come to church to ENJOY themselves, not to hear about sin, righteousness, judgment, and the price that was paid so we might have salvation. I can't begin to put into words how offensive this is to me…how much more offensive this must be to our Lord.
Also, notice how this seminar is also for "singles" so they might understand God's plan for a great sex life. When I checked my Bible last, there wasn't supposed to BE a sex life for singles. Interesting to see what the "multi-sensory presentation" will consist of. It says "visual arts." So basically, the church will be showing pornography?
See this seminar WILL bring the people through the doors. And many of these people will be those that have never heard the gospel, and they will leave this church (for some, their ONLY exposure to a church), without hearing about their TRUE problem…and it is not a sexual one. Everyone's true problem is one of SIN…and if a person doesn't understand WHAT sin is, and the consequences thereof, how can they receive the "cure?"
From my understanding of scripture, Christ did not die a brutal death so we could have a better sex life. He came to seek and save the lost, calling people to repentance and faith. This seminar can be equated to a person going to the ER with a bullet in his head only to have a doctor hand him a rag to wipe the blood off his face…then sending him on his way.
Okay, I'm done.
Anybody disagree with me, let me know!
Greg

DOWNEY--On July 8, Revolution Church will be hosting a "sex party," launching a multi-week series on sexual intimacy called "SEX.GOD." "The truth is that God loves sex. God created it, everybody wants it, but the church rarely talks about it," said David Trotter, Revolution Church lead pastor. "Usually the only time a church talks about sex is when they tell you what not to do." The series is designed to help singles and married couples understand God's plan for a great sex life. Over the course of the series, attendees will develop an understanding of the connection between sexuality and spirituality. Each week's Sunday service will also feature a multi-sensory presentation with a combination of creative film, teaching from the Bible, music and visual arts. "We want to celebrate this amazing gift of sexual intimacy that God has created for us," said Christopher Lytle, Revolution Church (Downey) pastor. "Rather than staying quiet about something that's' so important, we want to understand why God created sex and God's desire for us to have a great sex life." Due to explicit content and sensitive material, parents are encouraged to take advantage of the children's and youth ministries during the services. For information, call the Revolution Church office at (562) 546-0012, or visit www.GodLovesSex.com.

From Shelly:
"Wow. It seems to be that you are pretty **** insecure about your faith. As long as you are doing what you feel is right, and living a "Christian life" than who cares what the other church is doing. They have the freedom to preach what they want, and their parishoners are free to come and go as they please. Are you afraid that they might "lure" some of the people from your church? Maybe Calvary Chapel is afraid that this other church may lead to more perilous evils like teaching children that it is not evil or sacreligious to believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. Maybe this church will progress to even...dare I say it, tell their parishoners that Halloween is a holiday simply for children to have fun, and has nothing to do with devil-worship. In any event, there are many more things that I can find in this world of ours to be offended about rather than a lunatic church expressing their right to freedom of speech...which is what many people might say about Calvary Chapel."

Dear Shelly:

I’m sorry it took me so long to respond to your response to my blog, but I have really wanted to write back to you after I read it. I know you might think this is “phony,” but I want you to know that I really do appreciate you taking the time to read it and respond to it. That’s why it was written.

I would like to start off by giving you an analogy. Imagine if you will that you had a really good friend who was tragically killed while pushing you out of the way of an oncoming bus. In honor of your friend and for her sacrifice, you planned a very elaborate funeral service to honor her memory.

When the service got underway, the pastor got up and informed the mourners that instead of having a traditional service where people got up and talked about the importance of the life of the deceased, they were instead going to skip that portion and go straight to the luncheon that was provided after. There the guests would enjoy a wonderful potluck, a fantastic dessert, and, perhaps, a few of your friend’s favorite songs performed by a live band.

How would that make you feel? You would be insulted. I say you would probably be downright angry. After all, the purpose for you being there in the first place is to reflect on the memory of your friend who, after all, saved your very life. You also want others to stand up and recognize the contribution the deceased had on everyone that knew her. She deserves, at the very least, a few hours of people musing on the things that she taught others while she was here.

This is how I feel about the life of Jesus Christ…but to the “millionth degree.” You see, the church’s primary purpose is to share and disseminate the Word of God—this same Word that God Himself, in the person of Jesus, was beaten beyond recognition and then was subsequently hung on a cross. A lot of people have been martyred throughout church history, but no one story is as sobering as that of the one where the God who created the earth and everything on it came to this earth to die for sins He did not commit. Jesus died so we can have our sins forgiven and to then spend eternity with Him.

What an opportunity a church has when they bring in people that don’t know Christ! In front of them is the Word of God to share so if the visitors repent, turn from their sin, and put their faith in Jesus they will then have everlasting life! But instead, what this church has done is to open their doors to talk to people about their sex lives! It becomes a wasted opportunity for the church.

What if you and I were friends and you accidentally opened up an artery? You then called me and I rushed you into the hospital. As the doctor was looking you over, you leaned over and said, “Doctor, I have a terrible headache. Do you have any aspirin?” If the doctor was a true physician, he would ignore your pleas for aspirin and take care of your biggest problem first: the artery.

This is how I see things when the church decides to deal with people’s sex lives. There are people who will die and spend an eternity in a very real place called Hell and instead of giving them the cure, we’re helping them enjoy sex more fully. You might say, “Well, this particular church was doing a seminar for its own congregation—people who are already Christians.” If that were the case, there wouldn’t be such a push to “advertise” their seminars with a video on their website showing a man and woman in bed together, big smiles plastered all over their face. Plus, the church itself acknowledged that this seminar was a way to bring in new people to their church. It’s offensive to me, and there is no doubt it is offense to the One who sacrificed His life so that we might live. Look: no matter what you might think up to this point, rest assured in this: Jesus Christ did not die on the cross so we could have better sex lives. He died to take away our sins.

I can assuredly promise you that my blog has nothing to do with church numbers. I am ever grateful and humbled by what Jesus did for me and for every other man and woman. To see the church water down the Gospel (or ignore it entirely) makes as much sense to me as a group of people watching a blind person heading toward a cliff—with the group just sitting by passively and watching.

To end, please humor me if you will, and take five minutes to put the spotlight on yourself spiritually. What about your life? What will happen to you when you die? There is a great two minute website I think you will like:http://www.livingwaters.com/good/ In addition, we have a radio show here in Los Angeles on 99.5 FM on Saturdays from 10-11pm. You can listen to it live (if you are not in the area) by going to www.KKLA.com. We’d love to have you listen and even call in with your thoughts.Thanks for taking the time to read through all this,

Greg

God "yes" Bible "no"?

2008-01-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, there is one thing I don't get...maybe you all can help me out here. I hear people all the time tell me, "I believe in God, but I don't believe in the Bible."
How does that make sense?
Listen, I can "see" how some might think they can make a rational argument that there is no God, but for those that believe there IS a God, yet don't believe in the Bible....well, that makes no sense to me. And here's why:
If you tell me there is a God...an all powerful, omnipresent God of this universe, a God who created people, earth, and all its surroundings, I will nod and agree with you. But if you, in the same breath, turn around and tell me, "But the Bible is full of errors and old doctrine, and a bunch of stories...lies...yada, yada, yada..." I would be amazed. You mean to tell me that this "all powerful God, who made people, created the seas, the animals, the little piggy that goes 'wee, wee, wee, all the way home" would just create all the above but REFUSE TO GIVE US ANY SORT OF DIRECTIONS?
What kind of God would do that? What kind of God would go through the intricate details of making the 137 million light-sensitive cells in our eyes--a God who, since the beginning of time, has made billions of people that are ALL DIFFERENT (no duplicates), yet refuse to give us a handbook as to how to live a life? A God who just makes us and then steps back and says "Go figure it out yourself."
This "hands off" God contradicts the God people say created the world and all that's in it. By nature, He would have to leave us some sort of instructions for living. And we know what book paints a picture of the God that most people claim to believe in: the Bible, the best selling book of all time.
You can't have one without the other. Either you believe in God and His spoken word, or you're an atheists, one who does not believe in any supreme being. Which one are you?
I'd welcome your thoughts.

Greg

Last Words Ministry Mission

2008-01-19T16:56:00.000-08:00