I Love The Gospel

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" Romans. 1:16

I cherish the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is to know God, and Jesus: who is God.. "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John. 17:3

Some friends and I are starting a evangelistic association. We are currently seeking a non-profit status. We have come up with a name, but we need to see if it has been taken. Our plan is to work with the local body of churches in our area. At first I was not big on the idea of working with many different church's, because some times the gospel gets watered down to fit into an acceptable mold for ordinary consumption, lest anyone get offended by the truth. We have also secured a spot down at our local gospel mission for preaching, we are going to be rotating positions so we can all preach. I am looking forward to it.

The lot has been cast, and it has fallen upon me. Actually my friends have chosen me as the designated track writer. I am both humbled and honored, buy such an endeavor. I do like using tracks, it was Charles Spurgeon who said "never leave home without tracks". Sounds like 'American Express' has stolen Spurgeon's quote, with a little modification. Tracks usually leave people standing, so therefore I am able to talk to them longer. Tracks, can go where people can't and don't; such in private homes, prisons, and around the world. We know of many missionaries, and missions that we can send them our tracks. I know of people personally that God had used tracks as the means to preach the truth to them and God saved them. I am so excited to be able to play such a role, and be able to develop God-centered tracks. Most of the tracks I have been using, or I have seen, have either been cheesy or unsound in doctrine. By making my own, I will have none other than myself to blame.

My business partner and I; the both of us want to work full time in the ministry. I want to be able to study hard the bible, theological works, then go forth and evangelize, and preach the word. My business partner wants to focus primarily on evangelism. So we want to perhaps sell our business. We do have several people and organizations that want to contribute to our cause. May God grant us wisdom, and direction for our lives.

Please pray for me, as I start to write these tracks. Please pray that they be sound in doctrine, Christ exalting, God-centered and God glorifying. I plan to write at least one per month. First topic is on the subject of the atonement. If you have any good advise, I love to hear it, and I would vastly appreciate it as well. May we all go forth and herald the grand glorious Gospel of our wonderful God and King; our King of Kings Jesus Christ, who exalts His own name above His sacred word, and sits upon the throne forever. Amen

"My Views on Socializing" Part 3

Healthy fear
I clean windows on high rise buildings sometimes between fifteen to thirty six stories high. People often ask me, are you scared of heights? My reply back is "You can say I have a healthy fear of heights." I have been doing this for a couple years now, at first I was scared witless. Having this healthy fear, I have a profound respect for gravity, and the God who made it. I know where my feet are at all times. I am oh so careful, I have to tie the squeegee to my wrist so I don't accidentally drop it. That might hurt getting hit by a flying squeegee at fifteen stories high or higher. And I do a lot of praying while up there. I believe it is similar when it comes to women. That is I think men should have have a healthy fear of women. We men should have a profound respect for women, and the God who made her. God made her unlike all the other creatures, she is unique, and intriguing while often more delicate. We should know where our feet are at all times, that is we should stand firm: firm on the solid foundation of God and his word. Standing to protect women, from the on slot of the bordrage and the malaise of falsehoods spewed out from our media and culture. While lying to her, they are telling her what it means to be of, true womanhood, while lies and deceit is all the world knows. Us men need to be careful in guarding the hearts of women, and protecting their purity, and trust. Praying always with holy hands, so God will enable us men, to be the men we ought to be, and have the wisdom of knowing how we should treat our sisters in Christ.

I am old fashion
I am old fashion. I think there ought to be, some awkwardness and discomfort between guys and gals. Let me explain: go to your local high school at lunch time or after school, and you will see how comfortable guys and gals are with each other. Hugging and kissing doing all kinds of inappropriate behavior. If the boys were taught respect, and had it toward the girls, they would not be doing such things. They would be exercising self control. Ladies are to be treated with dignity and honor. I never could understand why in youth groups or in other Christian social gathering, that it was acceptable if guys and gals gave each other back rubs. It always seemed odd to me, and not wise. I don't think gals should be treated as one of the guys either, nor buddies. It has always bothered me if I hear a guy call a girl a dude. I was in Saint Arbucks recently and some guy called a girl a dude. I looked up, and noticed a gal, that was caring herself more like a dude, probably living up to being called a dude. Or, the dude looked like a lady. One of the two. She didn't seem to mind being called a dude. I have though confronted guys, usually when the gal is gone, and have said to the guy, "that was a lady you were talking too, not a dude." I have gotten some blank stares back, but I have had some dudes say "thanks, I will watch myself, and try not to do that anymore." Perhaps this might all sound weird to you, but I forewarned you that I am old fashion. Hers how old fashion I am. I think if a guy likes a girl, he should feel uncomfortable, and awkward around her, he should have shaking knees, hot ears, and dry mouth; perhaps forgetting the words he wanted to say to her. Yet, within himself courage rises amongst his fears. He knows what he's got to do. So he tries to overcome the fear and fights to win the affection of this dear lady, that he has been delighting in, and has been watching her from a distance. This used to be called romance. Now a days everyone wants to become buddies, blurring the mark between the guys and the gals.

"My Views on Socializing" Part 2

What I have seen
Being owner and operator of a window cleaning business, and cleaning residential homes. I usually clean the interior windows, while my business partner cleans the exterior windows. I love people and I get a chance to chat and work at the same time. Sometimes they follow me from room to room while we are talking. A while back, in a Wednesday men's group from my church, I discuss what things I see sometimes, in people's homes that appall me. I can't believe some of the things I have seen in professing Christian homes. One time, I needed to use the bathroom. So I go to the restroom and I am about to relive myself when I look down and see a magazine. I saw an immodest dress gal on the cover, and thought to myself, and said out loud, man! Another immodest dress gal. I thought it was a "Cosmopolitan " magazine or something like it. But than I saw the title at it was a "Playboy" magazine. What do you think I did? I ran and fled to another bathroom. I could not believe it. I kept saying to myself; what a fool. I was thinking of the husband and father of the home. What a fool to destroy the home, not love his wife, not protect his wife and children. What is he thinking, or not thinking. I know I have to be careful with the word fool. Jesus had some strong words about calling your brother fool. I have in other homes seen all kinds of posters and pictures. What is really disheartening is seeing the girls rooms full of pictures of immodest, non-feminine appealing gals that they want to imitate. And raunchy indecent music blaring. My heart saddens, then I think where is the father? Does he even care? In the past year I come home complaining to my roommate, where are the men? How can fathers idly stand bye while the world dictate the thoughts and actions of their precious sons and daughters? We live in a feminized world, where most of the men seem like cowards.
I have cleaned windows of families of my home church and it has been, an all together different experience. Just a sweet aroma, of fostering godliness and holiness. But even in my home church , (this might get me into trouble), the ladies seem to me a bit stronger than the men in leadership in the home, and in understanding and appreciating good theology. Maybe I am wrong. Two Sundays ago a sweet kind older married lady came up to me and asked me a theological question "what is covenant theology". She was directed to me by someone else. It was a good question. I enjoyed answering her question. But afterward I thought perhaps, it would of been better and wiser for me to tell her in a tender kind way, to go ask her husband. (1 Cor 14:35) So if he knew the answer great, if not perhaps it would provoke him to learn, and therefore grow in understanding. And her to grow in respect toward her husband.

Lord willing if I am ever married, I will not be ruling and reigning with an iron fist, but with God's grace of enablement I will lead. We men need to be men, isn't that profound? A month ago I asked a friend if he could think of any TV shows from the past to the present, that put Fathers in a good light. That Fathers were leaders, not pansies, not viewed as buffoons, not knowing what is going on in the house. Can you think of any? Not many come to mind? Perhaps Charles Ingalls, any others?


Courting or Dating?
As a child life can seem pretty big and scary at times. Yet life as a child is usually quite simple. Mom and dad support you; they give you a place to live; they make most of the decisions, and help you make the others. But as an adult, life can be so more complex. When it comes to relational stuff, there are many competing views. I have a truck load of relational books, most of them I have read. And it can quite confusing at times. There is Joshua Harris's famous book "I kissed Dating Goodbye", he promotes group activities. Then there is Joshua Harris's follow up book "Boy Meets Girl", where he talks about meeting, and courting Shannon. He pursued her outside of a group setting. He notice her godly character and asked her out alone, to a bagel shop, if I recall correctly. And he used the "m" word ( marriage), right then and there. So they began courting with the intent of possibly marriage. Then we have Jeramy Clark's book "I gave Dating a Chance", which pretty much speaks for it's self. Doug Wilson's book "Reforming Marriage", and " Federal husband", promotes guys to approach the Father of the girl interested in, not necessarily the girl herself, since she is in most cases under her father's headship. So what's a guy to do? Do the scriptures, which is our only rule of faith and practice tell us men, what way we ought to do about this whole boy girl thing? Well, actually the bible does not have much to say on this matter. Sure there is wisdom to be obtained in these extrabiblical books, and good godly counsel. But primarily we need to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God's providence. Which in some sense can be a bit challenging, since we need to walk by faith and not by sight. Yet, at times, what do we men do with what seems like coincidences, are they the providential hand of God, or are we reading into them? This is where prayer is vital, and deep intimacy with God grows profoundly. Every situation is different, that is why there is no biblical manual on this subject. This causes us to have to lean heavy on God, and to trust him fully.

Group activities
I think group activities are great. Before attending the church I now attend, I went to a "mega Church", a very large Church of 4,000 or so people. I attended this Church almost everyday of the week. I worked at this Church. They had a coffee house called "The Solid Rock", I practically lived at this Church working on Sundays even sometimes for 16 hours. It was not hard work, I was just a barrista guy. I enjoyed the job, I got to spend lots of time with people and talking to them. I organized get together often. I organized a Christmas caroling group, and we headed out to rest homes, retirement homes, and the shut inns. And a Christmas party afterwards. I organized hiking expeditions, and various activities. My point is to say I got burnt out on being an activities director myself. Trying to get people motivated and staying motivated can be hard work. Being so social can put a damper on focusing on Spiritual disciplines like the basics- prayer and the word. I also saw girls flirting with all the guys, and vice versa. A lot of the girls seemed to like all the attention of the guys, and were competing over it. All that makes me sick. Proverbs 31:11a. Reads " The heart of her husband safely trusts her"...I think gals can prepare and begin this quality of virtue by guarding their heart not to indulge in the desire for attention from each and every guy. Therefore they will seek to please God, and desire a godly man who is faithful and will not play games neither.
Like always I have so much more to say, so I think I will save it for part 3.

"My Views of Socializing" Part 1

I decided to write on the issue of socializing. Due in part to a couple of my friends and sisters in Christ; Julianne made a post on men being more assertive in making the move to initiate small group activities , and Ana, who had some preconceived ideas about me, (I forgave her), (I love you in Christ- just teasing you) . I just wanted to let my friends know where I am coming from, and perhaps there will be some good edifying feedback from my small readership. These are the views of this blogger. I want to be candid and honest and just pour my little heart out. So here it goes, my .50 cents worth of thoughts (inflation has gone up) and you can make a phone call to my shrink for help.

My views on public socializing
Many of my heroes of the faith, had a hard time with socializing with people, Jonathan Edwards, C.H Spurgeon, A.W Tozer, and A.W. Pink, just to name a few, and oh remember Jack, C.S Lewis. Why did these guys have a hard time socializing? Because they were thinkers, and found much of their talk of their day shallow. Today it seems that our knowledge is an inch deep and a mile wide. So we know little about everything, and not much about anything. These men paid the cost for being a little less social. As an example C.H Spurgeon, instead of playing with the other children at recess time and other times, he read the Puritans. Are we not thankful he did? Jonathan Edwards wrote some his best books while alone, and not being as social as he could of been. He was the more reserved quiet one, while his wife was more of a social type. Now my roommate reminds me that I am not Jonathan Edwards nor Spurgeon. I know that. Not that I need to be reminded. I am not even close. I do not dare compare myself to them, but I do want to emulate their strengths. Many guys want to be like John Piper, many gals want to marry a guy like Piper, but hardly anyone would like to live like Piper. What do I mean? Well Julianne asked if Piper would watch the "Seinfeld Show". My answer is no. From his preaching I have heard, he has preached against it, and shows like it. He doesn't hardly ever go to the movies. My pastor preached on the subject of "movies" a couple of summers ago, right before I went on a mission trip to Brazil. My pastor P.D. quoted from Piper. If you want to know Piper's view on this go to his web cite and type in movies. While in Brazil , in a group setting everyone was talking about the movie "signs". Now I had seen it too. However I remained quiet pondering how would John Piper feel right now? What would he say, or would he remain quiet? Since he didn't go to movies as a kid, did he ever feel ostracized from the other kids? These are the kinds of questions that festered in my mind. Therefore I remained quiet. Living as if I could see through Piper's eyes.

I feel and agree that much of our socializing is very shallow. I am more of a one on one kind of guy. Because the talking is sometimes a little deeper. And I love people, and their stories. Now, I know I don't have to always talk theology, though it is my passion. And we seem to talk about the things we really enjoy. Last night I watched the movie "Glory Road", with some friends. Now, I don't go to movie myself to often, but this one was really good. And it didn't offend my conscience and my sensibilities. And I was able to pray, and watch and give God thanks, and praise, through out the whole movie. So I was doing theology. Stopping to smell a rose , can be good theology, if I enjoy God; who made the rose. And thus glorify God by my attitude of the smelling of the rose.

In part 2 "My Views of Socializing", I will discuss the pratical ways of working out socializing in group settings, My personal views of courting and dating, and relational stuff. I will share more of my heart, as I hope my friends will understnd me more, and that we can learn together from each other. May God bless you much, my friends.
To the Glory of God

Modes of Evangelism

Do Calvinist and non-Calvinist evangelize the same?

I really started back in 1997 to evangelize on a regular basis. First I meant my friend Dave, then Rick. Both were not Calvinists at the time. I had just discovered that I was a Calvinist. I had just spent one year and three month at a handicap orphanage in Carmen Sedan Mexico, changing infant diapers, braiding the little girls hair, changing big boys diapers, feeding the animals, tending the garden, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. All the while getting to listen to literally hundreds of John MacArthur preaching tapes. What a great time that was, being able to take in so much, having lots of time to just read, and soak it all in. It is when I started to collect books and build my own library. I discovered that I was indeed a Calvinist. When I left the mission God had gave me, new found love to evangelize. I soon found out that I had no Calvinist friends. But I meant Dave and a bit later Rick and we would go to high Schools, and college campus's to hand out tracks and evangelize to the people. Dave and I had conflicts at times over 'what is the gospel and it's particulars'? There were other people too, who would come out and evangelize, and I would find myself in disagreement with them. Most of the time I would keep my mouth shut, and ponder these things. Trying to reason these things out. Once hanging out with a guy by the name of 'Forest', he told this gal , who professed to be a lesbian, that she did not need to repent, but rather just turn to Jesus, because all her other sins had all been atoned for. If a person rejects limited atonement , than they are forced to (if consistent) to preach only, to trust in Jesus, while repentance is glaringly missing. This is just one way of many, that Calvinists and non-Calvinists evangelize differently.

And yes, Praise be to God! God opened both Dave and Rick's eyes to the truth of "the doctrines of grace".

P.S Sorry, while posting my resolutions I lost this post temporally.

Resolutions

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"...Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.." -Heb. 12:1,2a




It's that time of the year again when people make their resolutions, and make an attempt to lose those unwanted pounds. Gyms all across America are filled with people eager to lose weight, only to give up in a few short lived months. In Hebrews. 12:1 we are exhorted to "lay aside every weight", this is different from the "sin" mentioned next. Athletes in Paul's day and ours would strip away every piece of unnecessary clothing before competing in a race. In this case the Hebrews weight was legalism. The Hebrews were weighted down by the Levitical system that was impeding them to run the race without encumbrance. Their "sin" was refusing to leave this system and to turn to the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ Himself.. Their "sin" therefore was one of unbelief.

As application to our own souls, what weight do we need to lay aside? What encumbrances us from running the race with endurance? "Endurance" here means to run with determination regardless of many temptations to slow us down and to have us quit and give up. I have come up with my own resolutions to help me to run this race with endurance, and like an athlete I have a deliberate strategy to run this race, to lay aside every weight that might impede me. I wrote some of these resolutions about two years ago, while on a Brazil mission trip. I wrestled with whether or not, if I should post these, lest it should look like I am making my self out to be real spiritual guy. I fall short . I boast only in Jesus Christ, who I rely upon, by His grace to run this race as far as these resolutions are according to His will. I stand upon the shoulders of Jonathan Edward's. I am only a secondary learner, therefore I have used Jonathan Edward's resolutions as a guide line. I have adopted some of his, and changed some of his wording to fit mine. I am a real stickler for organization and order, so I have organized my life in seven categories. Making resolutions in each category. May you the reader be encouraged and edified to make resolutions of your own. Perhaps you can pray for me as to be able, by God's grace to run the race with vigor, and be unencumbered with unnecessary weight. May God use these resolutions to glorify Himself.

Spiritual
1. Resolved, to love God with an increasing measure of vigor, as to love God with all my mind (intellect) so to have God's thought after Him.
2. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
3. Resolved, to live in the fear of the Lord, as the prerequisite for increasing in knowledge.
4. Resolved, to take captive all thoughts to the obedience of Christ.
5. Resolved, to put to death ( mortify) sin in me, and my members, by the Spirit, through the word.
6. Resolved, to live as to make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time.
7. Resolved, to live confidently in God's providential care, not being afraid to live boldly.
8. Resolved, to never waste one moment of time , but to improve upon time, to make it the most profitable.
9. Resolved, to make much of God
10. Resolved, to live as to have no regrets, when I come to die.
11. Resolved, to think much of the day when I shall give an account of my life, before God.
12. Resolved, to live daily in repentance, asking God to search my heart, confessing my sins of omission and my sins of commission.
13. Resolved, to set my mind on things above, on the eternalities of being forever with the one I love
14. Resolved, as to pray without ceasing, believing that God is faithful to answer. That in hope, by faith, God will grant whatever is asked in His will.
15. Resolved, to preach the gospel to my own soul. And trust God to enable me to keep these resolutions, asking Him for His amazing efficacious grace to be bestowed upon me, for His glory alone.
16. Resolved, as to live to do all, to the glory of God, and to enjoy Him now and forever.

Social/Church
17. Resolved, to evangelize, to tell at least one person per day, of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
18. Resolved, to speak that which is only to edify, encourage, and/or is of necessity.
19. Resolved, to never speak evil of anyone, (except if of necessity), but rather disdain evil..
20. Resolved, to never take revenge, but to pray for love to be shed abroad in my heart for my enemies, remembering that it is God who is the revenger.
21. Resolved, not to gossip nor be the hearer of it, thus giving wood to fire.
22. Resolved, to imitate the good I see in others; first to give thanks to God, then to ask God's help to work this good thing in me.
23. Resolved, when seeing sin in others; first to see my own vileness, and helpless estate if grace had not been worked in me. To ask God to search my own heart, if this sin be found in me.If so, readily confess this sin, entreat God for His mercy, and grace, to abhor this sin in me, and to uproot it.
24. Resolved, to strive when speaking of God and heavenly things to be of a happy delightful spirit, and entreat God's help to have a countenance that matches the truth spoken of.
25. Resolved, to have a serious sober mind when speaking of the unregenerate, of the fires of hell, and of the judgment to come.
26. Resolved, to speak with clarity, precision, and accuracy.
27. Resolved, to be hospitable, kind, tenderhearted toward all, and treat the household of faith even better.

Family
28. Resolved, to honor my mother: and show her, the utmost respect, tenderness and care.
29. Resolved, to keep in touch , with my siblings through writing and calling.
30. Resolved, to prepare by all means, for the high estate of my own marriage (Lord willing) by prayers offered to God: by the reading of good relatable books, and by the careful observation of other marriages. So as to learn what wisdom there might be to emulate.
31. Resolved, to pray for my future wife (Lord willing) for her preparation, and sanctification.
32. Resolved, as to live in such a way that my future wife would be happy and content if she could see me now, in private.
33. Resolved, as to live in such a way, that if my future children (Lord willing), were to view me now, that it would be the most profitable to them if they were to imitate me.

Education
34. Resolved, to study the sacred scriptures so regularly, and faithfully that I grow in a comprehensible fashion of the full counsel of God.
35. Resolved, to grow in a working knowledge of words, because God is a communicator, and I communicate God to a lost world. Thus writing, and spelling to the glory of God.
36. Resolved, to store up knowledge as to have wisdom applicable.
37. Resolved, to grow in knowledge of the world about me. As to be able to understand and explain the functionary created order, as to give all praise and glory to God.
38. Resolved, to understand the times I live in, so I know how I ought to (live) do.(1 Chronicles 12:32). So I can be able to recognize " worldview bias"-the fundamental assumptions of those around me.
39. Resolved, to be equip to answer the one, who asks for the hope that is in me, and to answer the fool according to his folly.

Financial
40. Resolved, as to manage the assets God has entrusted me with. (Psalm 24:1)
41. Resolved, to hold on to material gain with a loose hand.
42. Resolved, to be a generous cheerful giver. (Acts 20:35)
43. Resolved, to remain debt free, always paying all bills on due date or before.
44. Resolved, to give to who is in need, when it is within my power to give it.

Occupation
45. Resolved, to work diligently, heartily, joyfully, according to the power and strength at work in me by His Spirit.
46. Resolved, to work not as unto man, but unto God.
47. Resolved, to cherish a good name above that of silver and gold.
48. Resolved, to strive for excellence in all that I do, to the glory of God.
49. Resolved, to be honest in all work to all people.

Physical
50. Resolved, to eat and drink to the glory of God. And to give thanks to God for His bountiful provision
51. Resolved, to exercise physically regularly, and to remember bodily exercise does profit little.
52. Resolved, to remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, by God for God.
53. Resolved, to remember my Body belongs to the Lord, that I have been bought, and purchased, thus to glorify God with my body.
54. Resolved, to keep myself pure, not giving myself to bodily gratification nor to fornication
55. Resolved, to dress modestly, and not to draw attention on purpose, by the dressing of a little amount of clothing, nor bizarre attire.
56. Resolved, to realize that someday my body will belong to my wife, thus I can honor her now; by keeping pure, by keeping in shape, and by making every endeavor to look my best.