Surrender vs. A New Years Resolution

Why is it that resolutions never seem to last? Several synonyms for the word resolution might be a clue; decree, oath, and decision.

-Have you ever made a declaration that you were going to do something, and never got around too it?

-Have you ever made an oath that turned out to be a lie?

-Have you ever made a decision, then turned right around and changed your mind?

While many preachers will preach in the next two weeks that we must make a New Year's Resolution for God, a resolution by itself won't get the job done. God does not want to hear our resolution, He want us to SURRENDER all we are, to all HE IS!

Surrender means hands in the air, and white flags waving!

"Then he said to them all, "If anyone desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

Should Men of God Take A Stand?

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Persecution free lifestyles are being offered at most every church these days. We don't want to offend anyone so the only thing we take a stand on is that Jesus is the only way for Salvation. When I say anything I'm referring to standards of holiness and things that replace Jesus as being the centerpoint. Sometimes we worry too much about pleasing people in trying to reach them, that we miss the most important part; pleasing God! I'm not referring to methods of ministry, but everyday opportunities to separate ourselves from the world. As far as I can tell, according to the scriptures, it is the GOOD NEWS and the GOODNESS of GOD that leads people to repentance. Also, consistent holy lifestyles seem to help people make up their minds about God and the Christian WAY. Jesus got pretty personal with people and even raised the standards when talking about living Holy lives. Growing churches are those led by men who promote holy living and passionate evangelism! Let's be found serving (not playing games) when He returns!

every man's challenge

Wow! December has been busy. I can't think of anything to write so I thought I would share a book. This is another great accountability partner to add to your library. Do you have it already?

First Christmas Message of the Year

The following are pieces taken out of my Sunday morning message. If you would like a full version let me know. Excuse the typos.

Title: Christmas Is Up To You
Text: Luke 2:8-20

Well, its Christmas time again. Here we are at the brink of another Holiday season. By the way, for many that is all it will be, a holiday season. A break from work. A two week vacation from school! As a matter of fact, many American citizens will not even recognize the birth of Jesus this Christmas (celebration of Christ).

My greatest concern is the attempt by Satan to distract, distort, confuse, and redirect the attention of Americans from the Historical American Judeo-Christmas celebration of Old (which has everything to do with Jesus), to a commercialized, fictionized, intolerant position against Jesus, social celebration.

If I am a Christian, how should I celebrate Christmas?

Answer: If you are a Christian, you should have already come to the conclusion that the Bible is God’s Word. It is all true, originated by God, and exists as a standard by which we live and make proper decisions. Therefore, in order to know how one should celebrate Christmas we have to ask the question:

What does the Bible say about Christmas?

1. The Bible does not use the word Christmas anywhere.

2. The Bible does not give us a date to celebrate the birth of Christ. If it did, the time would be much earlier than December. A call for registration would not be made during the winter months when traveling was very difficult.

Luke 2:1-3 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Most scholars agree that Jesus was born in the fall. Many settle on the month of September.

3. While the Bible doesn’t tell us when to celebrate Christmas, and the origin of December 25th may not be relative to the birth of Christ, this date has been set aside and should be used as a time to remember and enjoy the birth of our Lord Jesus.

4. The Bible does tell us how the birth of Christ was celebrated by those in that day.

I. The Angels

a. When Jesus was born the angels celebrated by praising God!

Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

b. Imagine the sound of a multitude of heavenly host saying in unison, “Glory
to God in the highest.”

c. The word multitude represents thousands and probably a number the
human mind cannot even fathom.

Application: According to the angels of Heaven, Christmas is a time of praise. As the people of God we ought to celebrate Christmas by praising God for the One called Immanuel (meaning: God with us.)


II. The Shepherds

a. The shepherds took time to go to Bethlehem.

Luke 2:15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."

· In our fast pace society we barely have time to go shopping much less time to go to Bethlehem.

· I’m not talking about getting on a plane and flying to Israel. That would be neat, but not realistic! I’m talking about sitting down as a family and reading the story of Christmas. Observing the details and remembering how our King (Jesus) was introduced to our world.

· Children need to hear the true story of Christmas. They need their parents to take them to Bethlehem so that when they are grown, such a place will exist in their hearts. America is sneaking farther away from the true meaning of Christmas each year that passes.

· Will our great, great grandkids really know what Christmas is about? Take the time to go to that manger in Bethlehem where the Savior of the world was born.

b. The shepherds took time to tell others about the birth of Christ.

Luke 2:17-18 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Conclusion: How is Christmas up to you?

1. It is up to you how you celebrate it.

2. It is up to you whether or not the true meaning of Christmas will be passed on to generations to come.

Time Machine

There is a Christian movie called Time Machine. Go to Blockbuster and rent it. It is a great movie about why America is where it is today!

Make sure its the one about America today.

Overcoming A Plateau in Your Church

I read an article recently and thought I would share some of the high points.

Bible Text: Acts 6:1-4

1. Churches plateau because the pastor, or leader plateaus.

note: There can be other factors but the pastor must stay focused and on mission with God.

2. The pastor or leader must lead the church to grow.

3. Evaluate where you are.
- How is your walk with God?
- Do you have any goals you are trying to accomplish?

4. Set some goals.
- Sunday School or Bible Fellowship goals
- number of souls saved
- invitations distributed

5. Get some things in your life that will motivate you.
- listen to messages
- listen to uplifting music
- do some physical work that will give your mind the freedom to think.
- read good books that will motivate you (testimonies, stories, biographies)

6. Fellowship with men who motivate you rather than make you feel comfortable.