By Marvin Olasky
World Magazine (July 12/19, 2008), pages 24-25
The following are quotes from an article entitled Modern Bondage, an interview with E. Benjamin Skinner, the author of A Crime So Monstrous.
1. A 10-year-old girl was offered to be used for sexual and domestic slavery, for $50…compare that to 1850 when a slave in the American South would cost between $30,000 to $40,000, in today’s dollars.
2. As many as 400,000 Moldovans have been trafficked internationally.
3. Previously known as “the untouchables,” they are currently called the Dalit (“crushed”), who occupy the lowest tier of the Hindu caste system…Today, they form a majority of the 260 million Indians living on less than a dollar a day.
4. Every half hour, on average, one more person enters the United States and loses freedom. Many are held in underground brothels, illegal factories, illicit escort services, or tucked-away plantations. But some might be held in our neighborhood.
Modern Bondage by Marvin Olasky. World Magazine. July 12/19, 2008. Pages 24-25.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Coffee, Cup of Tea, or a Glass of Wine?
I have always liked coffee. Even when I was “almost an alcoholic” in my drinking days, I enjoyed coffee in the mornings, especially with bacon and eggs around a campfire in the California desert mountains.
Working and traveling in Africa, Latin America and Asia, I have been able to sample the best coffee, as well as the worst. Someone said, “Life is too short to waste it on a bad cup of coffee.” I agree.
Years ago, someone enrolled me in a coffee club, from which I receive some of the best, most expensive coffee from around the world. However, saying it is expensive is relative because it averages to only about 10¢ to 15¢ a cup. Wine averages around $1.00 to $2.50 per small glass.
However, the cost is not the reason I do not drink wine. When I came to faith in Christ, one of the first things I gave up was alcohol, mainly because of what it had done to me, the majority of my family members and many of my friends.
Someone mentioned to me, “Oh Doug, you should have a glass of wine, after all, Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach’s sake.” However, this verse shows that not all people in biblical times drank wine, or Paul would not have had to tell Timothy to drink wine for his sickness. Therefore, what they drank was not fermented to the extent wine is today.
Then, I read the following, It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, For they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.(Proverbs 31:4-5, nasb)
Those of us in leadership in the church and missions need to be careful to drink something that might impair thinking and disable us from serving God and caring for His church and the needy in a thoughtful, clear manner, not clouded by fermented juice.
So, dear friends, if your conscience allows you to drink wine, fine, but don’t push it on or make it easily available to others. If your happy times depend upon the booze, then ask the Lord to deliver you from it so that your joy can be in Christ and in ministry to others for His name’s sake.
Working and traveling in Africa, Latin America and Asia, I have been able to sample the best coffee, as well as the worst. Someone said, “Life is too short to waste it on a bad cup of coffee.” I agree.
Years ago, someone enrolled me in a coffee club, from which I receive some of the best, most expensive coffee from around the world. However, saying it is expensive is relative because it averages to only about 10¢ to 15¢ a cup. Wine averages around $1.00 to $2.50 per small glass.
However, the cost is not the reason I do not drink wine. When I came to faith in Christ, one of the first things I gave up was alcohol, mainly because of what it had done to me, the majority of my family members and many of my friends.
Someone mentioned to me, “Oh Doug, you should have a glass of wine, after all, Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach’s sake.” However, this verse shows that not all people in biblical times drank wine, or Paul would not have had to tell Timothy to drink wine for his sickness. Therefore, what they drank was not fermented to the extent wine is today.
Then, I read the following, It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, For they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.(Proverbs 31:4-5, nasb)
Those of us in leadership in the church and missions need to be careful to drink something that might impair thinking and disable us from serving God and caring for His church and the needy in a thoughtful, clear manner, not clouded by fermented juice.
So, dear friends, if your conscience allows you to drink wine, fine, but don’t push it on or make it easily available to others. If your happy times depend upon the booze, then ask the Lord to deliver you from it so that your joy can be in Christ and in ministry to others for His name’s sake.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
American Evangelicals Believe There Are Different Ways to Heaven
Recently I was reading an excellent blog of Randy Alcorn entitled “American Evangelicals Believe There Are Different Ways to Heaven” (http://www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com/). In the article it says the following:
___________________
“I believe that everything I write, fiction or nonfiction, is subject to scrutiny by God's Word. We should take our cues from the Berean Christians, who “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” to determine whether what they were being taught was true (Acts 17:11).
Jesus didn’t say, “I am a way and a truth and a life; I’m one way to come to the Father.” He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
This spring Oprah said on her television program, that when it comes to getting to heaven, "There couldn't possibly be just one way." So, does Oprah know something Jesus didn't know? Or did Jesus know something Oprah doesn't know? (No offense, Oprah, but I'm putting my money on Jesus.)
Raised in a culture that condemns such thinking as narrow and intolerant, even many Christians now consider it arrogant and out-of-date to say that only those who trust in Jesus will go to heaven.
It certainly would be arrogant if we were the ones who came up with it. But we didn’t. We’re just repeating what Jesus said. We’re not trusting ourselves; we’re trusting Him. If it were up to us, we’d think up something more popular, wouldn't we? But it’s not up to us. He said it. Our choice is to believe it or reject it. I for one am not going to tell God He's mistaken.”
____________________
Let’s be diligent, dear friend, in sharing the glorious Gospel of Christ with others.
Jesus said, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6, nasb)
___________________
“I believe that everything I write, fiction or nonfiction, is subject to scrutiny by God's Word. We should take our cues from the Berean Christians, who “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” to determine whether what they were being taught was true (Acts 17:11).
Jesus didn’t say, “I am a way and a truth and a life; I’m one way to come to the Father.” He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
This spring Oprah said on her television program, that when it comes to getting to heaven, "There couldn't possibly be just one way." So, does Oprah know something Jesus didn't know? Or did Jesus know something Oprah doesn't know? (No offense, Oprah, but I'm putting my money on Jesus.)
Raised in a culture that condemns such thinking as narrow and intolerant, even many Christians now consider it arrogant and out-of-date to say that only those who trust in Jesus will go to heaven.
It certainly would be arrogant if we were the ones who came up with it. But we didn’t. We’re just repeating what Jesus said. We’re not trusting ourselves; we’re trusting Him. If it were up to us, we’d think up something more popular, wouldn't we? But it’s not up to us. He said it. Our choice is to believe it or reject it. I for one am not going to tell God He's mistaken.”
____________________
Let’s be diligent, dear friend, in sharing the glorious Gospel of Christ with others.
Jesus said, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6, nasb)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Living Up to Our Name: The Internationalization of ACTION
At the 2006 International Council held in Mount Vernon, Washington, it was resolved that ACTION become a multinational missionary sending agency. We decided to view every ACTION country as potentially both a sending and receiving field. We began to seriously entertain membership applications from Christian workers in non-ACTION countries. Two years after adopting this new emphasis, I would like to comment on some of the ways God has led us.
• The 2008 International Council officially recognized every country where ACTION has workers, as ACTION fields.
• Ingo Abraham, ACTION United Kingdom Executive Director and Europe Coordinator, has forged ahead with expansion of the mission onto the Continent. Harry & Catherine Bryans, working in Belgium, merged their children’s ministry into ACTION and gave us a toehold in the Francophone world.
• Seni & Lose Finau of Tonga were accepted for service in the Philippines. Our International Director, L. Nelson Reed, started formation of an ACTION council there to facilitate the sending process.
• Dr. Wayne Whitbourne, Canada Director & South Asia Coordinator, joined the Christian Leadership Alliance.
• Nelson Reed is undertaking a worldwide itinerary to visit the ACTION fields. In 2008 his schedule has included Mexico, India, the Philippines, New Zealand, Tonga, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, and England.
• While in New Zealand, Nelson strengthened ties with our partner agency, the International Resource Network, directed by Rob Purdue. Half of the donations sent to ACTION for relief work in Myanmar following the May cyclone will be administered by ACTION New Zealand.
• Nelson Reed in consultation with an attorney who has expertise in international law and business is studying the ACTION Fellowship model. The present constitution actually has no legal basis. It was set up when the Philippines was the only field and the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the only sending countries. Since ACTION now ministers in 25 countries, an updated agreement linking the various branches of the mission will be proposed.
• Our single women members are internationalizing the mission as they marry Christian workers native to their countries of service. Ruth Barry of New Zealand has married Brazilian Pastor Samuel Oliveira. Julie Kacena of USA has married a deacon of her church in Brazil, Elías Madeira. Merlyn “Lika” Braun, a Brazilian raised in Ecuador, is engaged to a director of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Brazil, Mário Milhomem de Castro Júnior, and American Nita Evans, raised in Paraguay and serving in Ecuador, has married Ecuadorean Pastor Francisco Vargas.
• ACTION USA is in the midst of adopting new software designed by LightSys, a mission to missions, which will enable our organization to serve our members with real-time information (up-to-the-minute reports on donations and expenses) and cope more efficiently with growth and the multinational character of the society.
• Mark Royce Summers was named Director of ACTION Ecuador. Under consideration is the establishment of a receipting office so that workers accepted in the mission there can accept support donations from Ecuadorean Christians, and eventually be sent to other countries.
• The USA Board of Trustees is directing establishment of metrics and forecasting to enable more careful stewardship of mission resources.
• ACTION India is incorporating and ACTION Spain is registering.
• Founder Doug Nichols is spearheading an expansion of our Pastoral Leadership Development division.
In conclusion, let me state what an exciting time this is in the development of our agency. Please join us in prayer for the LORD’s guidance and blessing, His provision for existing ministries and expansion, for more workers from all corners of the globe, and for direction and strength for Nelson Reed in his task of leadership and mentorship for the whole mission. Thank you for your part, dear reader, whether as a member, donor, friend, or prayer warrior. Fulfilling God’s calling requires us all to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission.
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes (Isaiah 54:2, KJV).
These are exciting days for ACTION. May our LORD continue to favor us with leadership, recruits, and resources to fulfill the Great Commission.
Yours in Christ,
Rex Lee Carlaw, USA Director, Latin America Coordinator
and International Council Chairman
• The 2008 International Council officially recognized every country where ACTION has workers, as ACTION fields.
• Ingo Abraham, ACTION United Kingdom Executive Director and Europe Coordinator, has forged ahead with expansion of the mission onto the Continent. Harry & Catherine Bryans, working in Belgium, merged their children’s ministry into ACTION and gave us a toehold in the Francophone world.
• Seni & Lose Finau of Tonga were accepted for service in the Philippines. Our International Director, L. Nelson Reed, started formation of an ACTION council there to facilitate the sending process.
• Dr. Wayne Whitbourne, Canada Director & South Asia Coordinator, joined the Christian Leadership Alliance.
• Nelson Reed is undertaking a worldwide itinerary to visit the ACTION fields. In 2008 his schedule has included Mexico, India, the Philippines, New Zealand, Tonga, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, and England.
• While in New Zealand, Nelson strengthened ties with our partner agency, the International Resource Network, directed by Rob Purdue. Half of the donations sent to ACTION for relief work in Myanmar following the May cyclone will be administered by ACTION New Zealand.
• Nelson Reed in consultation with an attorney who has expertise in international law and business is studying the ACTION Fellowship model. The present constitution actually has no legal basis. It was set up when the Philippines was the only field and the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the only sending countries. Since ACTION now ministers in 25 countries, an updated agreement linking the various branches of the mission will be proposed.
• Our single women members are internationalizing the mission as they marry Christian workers native to their countries of service. Ruth Barry of New Zealand has married Brazilian Pastor Samuel Oliveira. Julie Kacena of USA has married a deacon of her church in Brazil, Elías Madeira. Merlyn “Lika” Braun, a Brazilian raised in Ecuador, is engaged to a director of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Brazil, Mário Milhomem de Castro Júnior, and American Nita Evans, raised in Paraguay and serving in Ecuador, has married Ecuadorean Pastor Francisco Vargas.
• ACTION USA is in the midst of adopting new software designed by LightSys, a mission to missions, which will enable our organization to serve our members with real-time information (up-to-the-minute reports on donations and expenses) and cope more efficiently with growth and the multinational character of the society.
• Mark Royce Summers was named Director of ACTION Ecuador. Under consideration is the establishment of a receipting office so that workers accepted in the mission there can accept support donations from Ecuadorean Christians, and eventually be sent to other countries.
• The USA Board of Trustees is directing establishment of metrics and forecasting to enable more careful stewardship of mission resources.
• ACTION India is incorporating and ACTION Spain is registering.
• Founder Doug Nichols is spearheading an expansion of our Pastoral Leadership Development division.
In conclusion, let me state what an exciting time this is in the development of our agency. Please join us in prayer for the LORD’s guidance and blessing, His provision for existing ministries and expansion, for more workers from all corners of the globe, and for direction and strength for Nelson Reed in his task of leadership and mentorship for the whole mission. Thank you for your part, dear reader, whether as a member, donor, friend, or prayer warrior. Fulfilling God’s calling requires us all to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission.
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes (Isaiah 54:2, KJV).
These are exciting days for ACTION. May our LORD continue to favor us with leadership, recruits, and resources to fulfill the Great Commission.
Yours in Christ,
Rex Lee Carlaw, USA Director, Latin America Coordinator
and International Council Chairman
Friday, July 25, 2008
Witnessing to a Catholic
Adapted from: “I Know a Catholic Who Is Saved” by Mike Gendron
Reaching Catholics for Christ
www.reachingcatholics.org
The assurance that we or someone else is a Christian comes not by church membership, nor by the observance of religious regulations and rituals (Colossians 2:8-13). But this assurance is based upon what we believe in our hearts (Galatians 2:16) by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8-10) in the truth of Christ and God’s word (John 14:6. Romans 10:17). The Catholic gospel is one of works and sacraments based upon the authority of Rome over the authoritative teachings of Scripture leaving Its’ followers dead in their sins. While there may be saved people who worship in the Catholic Church, they are no longer Roman Catholics.
Only God can see a person’s heart and knows with absolute certainty if someone is a Christian. Even so, the Bible teaches with absolute certainty the basic and essential characteristics of a Christian. A Christian believes the gospel(1 Corinthians 15:1-8), has put faith in Christ (John 6:29), and recognizes that Jesus comes from the Father and the Christian loves Him (John 8:42, 58). The Christian knows they were spiritually dead apart from Christ, trusts in Him, and has given up any efforts to justify themselves by good works and religious activity, but relies on Christ alone (Ephesians 2:5, 8-10; Colossians 2:8-13). He abides in God’s word and is set free from slavery to sin (John 8:31-36), and is born again unto eternal life by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8, 14, 15). A Christian is motivated to obey God’s commands by their love for God, and not to merit salvation (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, 19, 21). He endeavors to live according to God’s will, to do the things pleasing to God and to avoid the things that God hates (Titus 2:11-14).
A true understanding of the Gospel is necessary to trust God’s only provision for the salvation of sinners. Often, the truth must be contrasted against the errors of religious indoctrination for the Gospel to be clearly understood. Biblical terms must be shared and defined in order to expose man’s traditions and philosophies that oppose the Gospel. Only by asking questions can we know a Roman Catholic’s beliefs and present, without arguing, a true understanding of the glorious Gospel of grace.
Before asking questions you may briefly share your personal conversion experience and how you came to faith in Christ, the new birth, and some changes in your life as a result.
The following are some key questions to lovingly and gently ask.
Questions About Conversion
Did you know that you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-8)? When and how were you born again? What were the events that led to your conversion? Catholics tend to interpret their conversion in light of their indoctrination. They usually refer to their baptism as their conversion and consuming the Eucharist as the means to receive Christ. Many Catholics are reluctant to talk about these things. This may be an indication that there has been no conversion. Those who have experienced the second birth will want to sing the praises of the one who called them out of darkness into His glorious light (1 Pet. 2:9). Giving details of a conversion brings great joy to other Christians (Acts 15:3).
What were you converted from and to? Do you have a personal relationship with God? Were you converted from a religion to a relationship with God? Has God converted you from a slave to sin to His adopted son and heir?
Questions About Faith
Is faith necessary to be saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 3:21-28)? If it is, how do you explain the Catholic teaching that infants are saved, not by faith, but by water baptism? Has the object of your faith ever changed? On what do you base your salvation? Is the Lord Jesus Christ the object of your faith and obedience or do you still trust and submit to the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church as a means of salvation? Do you believe there is only one Gospel of salvation? What is the Gospel? How can you discern which Gospel has the power to save sinners and which gospel condemns those who preach it? (Galatians 1:6-9). Are you relying on what Christ has done (grace) or what you are doing (works) for your salvation (Galatians 2:16)? In whose righteousness are you trusting for your justification with God (Romans 3:21-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21)?
Questions About Sin and Salvation
If you were to leave the Catholic Church would you still be saved? Do you know that God’s righteous justice demands death as punishment for even the smallest of sins? (Rom. 6:23). Even if you keep the whole law and yet stumble at just one point, you are guilty of breaking the whole law? (James 2:10). Catholics are taught that only certain types of sins are deadly. Have you been completely forgiven from the guilt and punishment of all your sins, past and future, mortal and venial? Or do you still believe Purgatory is necessary to purge away the sins that were not purified by the blood of Jesus? What about indulgences? Do you believe they are necessary for the remission of temporal punishment for sin? Catholics are taught by doing penance, the guilt of certain sins is forgiven but the punishment still remains to be paid by indulgences and/or suffering in purgatory.
Questions About Jesus
Do you believe Jesus bore your sins and was condemned in your place to bring you to God (1 John 2:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:21)? Do you believe He canceled your infinite sin debt and removed the entire curse of the law as the Bible promises (Galatians 3:10-14)? What do you believe about the Mass? Can Catholic priests really offer sacrifices for sins after Jesus offered Himself once for all sin for all time (Hebrews 7:26, 27)? Can you show me in the New Testament where the early church followed this practice? Why does the Catholic Church continue the one-time event that Jesus said "is finished"? (John 19:31). The Bible teaches that the one offering of Jesus Christ has made perfect forever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). The offering was sufficient and is never to be offered again (Hebrews 10:18).
These questions will not only determine if a Catholic has truly been converted to Christ, they will also help a new convert grow in grace and truth by cutting away the traditions of men that often hinder a believer’s spiritual growth. Please note that all these questions are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did to reconcile condemned sinners to God. Avoid asking questions unrelated to the core issue, "What must I do to be saved?"
We do people a grave disservice if we encourage a faith that is not in Christ alone. If we do not lovingly confront them in their true spiritual condition, they risk the irreversible tragedy of being condemned by Jesus at the Great White Throne judgment. I cannot think of anything more horrifying than a professing Christian, coming face to face with Jesus, and hear Him say, "I never knew you; depart from Me" into the eternal lake of fire. Yet, there are many Catholics and non-Catholics who will hear these words unless they come to know and trust Jesus through His word.
Doctrinal error must be lovingly exposed and corrected using the infallible word of God. False teachings that have been craftily veiled with truth can be difficult to detect. In fact, seldom is error presented without first mixing it with truth. Catholics must be warned, their eternal destinies hang in the balance.
The Apostle Paul said that he was free from the blood of all men. May the same be true of every ambassador for Jesus Christ! Christian love is making the Gospel clear so that those who are lost in their religion will recognize their need of a Savior.
Reaching Catholics for Christ
www.reachingcatholics.org
The assurance that we or someone else is a Christian comes not by church membership, nor by the observance of religious regulations and rituals (Colossians 2:8-13). But this assurance is based upon what we believe in our hearts (Galatians 2:16) by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8-10) in the truth of Christ and God’s word (John 14:6. Romans 10:17). The Catholic gospel is one of works and sacraments based upon the authority of Rome over the authoritative teachings of Scripture leaving Its’ followers dead in their sins. While there may be saved people who worship in the Catholic Church, they are no longer Roman Catholics.
Only God can see a person’s heart and knows with absolute certainty if someone is a Christian. Even so, the Bible teaches with absolute certainty the basic and essential characteristics of a Christian. A Christian believes the gospel(1 Corinthians 15:1-8), has put faith in Christ (John 6:29), and recognizes that Jesus comes from the Father and the Christian loves Him (John 8:42, 58). The Christian knows they were spiritually dead apart from Christ, trusts in Him, and has given up any efforts to justify themselves by good works and religious activity, but relies on Christ alone (Ephesians 2:5, 8-10; Colossians 2:8-13). He abides in God’s word and is set free from slavery to sin (John 8:31-36), and is born again unto eternal life by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8, 14, 15). A Christian is motivated to obey God’s commands by their love for God, and not to merit salvation (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, 19, 21). He endeavors to live according to God’s will, to do the things pleasing to God and to avoid the things that God hates (Titus 2:11-14).
A true understanding of the Gospel is necessary to trust God’s only provision for the salvation of sinners. Often, the truth must be contrasted against the errors of religious indoctrination for the Gospel to be clearly understood. Biblical terms must be shared and defined in order to expose man’s traditions and philosophies that oppose the Gospel. Only by asking questions can we know a Roman Catholic’s beliefs and present, without arguing, a true understanding of the glorious Gospel of grace.
Before asking questions you may briefly share your personal conversion experience and how you came to faith in Christ, the new birth, and some changes in your life as a result.
The following are some key questions to lovingly and gently ask.
Questions About Conversion
Did you know that you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-8)? When and how were you born again? What were the events that led to your conversion? Catholics tend to interpret their conversion in light of their indoctrination. They usually refer to their baptism as their conversion and consuming the Eucharist as the means to receive Christ. Many Catholics are reluctant to talk about these things. This may be an indication that there has been no conversion. Those who have experienced the second birth will want to sing the praises of the one who called them out of darkness into His glorious light (1 Pet. 2:9). Giving details of a conversion brings great joy to other Christians (Acts 15:3).
What were you converted from and to? Do you have a personal relationship with God? Were you converted from a religion to a relationship with God? Has God converted you from a slave to sin to His adopted son and heir?
Questions About Faith
Is faith necessary to be saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 3:21-28)? If it is, how do you explain the Catholic teaching that infants are saved, not by faith, but by water baptism? Has the object of your faith ever changed? On what do you base your salvation? Is the Lord Jesus Christ the object of your faith and obedience or do you still trust and submit to the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church as a means of salvation? Do you believe there is only one Gospel of salvation? What is the Gospel? How can you discern which Gospel has the power to save sinners and which gospel condemns those who preach it? (Galatians 1:6-9). Are you relying on what Christ has done (grace) or what you are doing (works) for your salvation (Galatians 2:16)? In whose righteousness are you trusting for your justification with God (Romans 3:21-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21)?
Questions About Sin and Salvation
If you were to leave the Catholic Church would you still be saved? Do you know that God’s righteous justice demands death as punishment for even the smallest of sins? (Rom. 6:23). Even if you keep the whole law and yet stumble at just one point, you are guilty of breaking the whole law? (James 2:10). Catholics are taught that only certain types of sins are deadly. Have you been completely forgiven from the guilt and punishment of all your sins, past and future, mortal and venial? Or do you still believe Purgatory is necessary to purge away the sins that were not purified by the blood of Jesus? What about indulgences? Do you believe they are necessary for the remission of temporal punishment for sin? Catholics are taught by doing penance, the guilt of certain sins is forgiven but the punishment still remains to be paid by indulgences and/or suffering in purgatory.
Questions About Jesus
Do you believe Jesus bore your sins and was condemned in your place to bring you to God (1 John 2:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:21)? Do you believe He canceled your infinite sin debt and removed the entire curse of the law as the Bible promises (Galatians 3:10-14)? What do you believe about the Mass? Can Catholic priests really offer sacrifices for sins after Jesus offered Himself once for all sin for all time (Hebrews 7:26, 27)? Can you show me in the New Testament where the early church followed this practice? Why does the Catholic Church continue the one-time event that Jesus said "is finished"? (John 19:31). The Bible teaches that the one offering of Jesus Christ has made perfect forever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). The offering was sufficient and is never to be offered again (Hebrews 10:18).
These questions will not only determine if a Catholic has truly been converted to Christ, they will also help a new convert grow in grace and truth by cutting away the traditions of men that often hinder a believer’s spiritual growth. Please note that all these questions are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did to reconcile condemned sinners to God. Avoid asking questions unrelated to the core issue, "What must I do to be saved?"
We do people a grave disservice if we encourage a faith that is not in Christ alone. If we do not lovingly confront them in their true spiritual condition, they risk the irreversible tragedy of being condemned by Jesus at the Great White Throne judgment. I cannot think of anything more horrifying than a professing Christian, coming face to face with Jesus, and hear Him say, "I never knew you; depart from Me" into the eternal lake of fire. Yet, there are many Catholics and non-Catholics who will hear these words unless they come to know and trust Jesus through His word.
Doctrinal error must be lovingly exposed and corrected using the infallible word of God. False teachings that have been craftily veiled with truth can be difficult to detect. In fact, seldom is error presented without first mixing it with truth. Catholics must be warned, their eternal destinies hang in the balance.
The Apostle Paul said that he was free from the blood of all men. May the same be true of every ambassador for Jesus Christ! Christian love is making the Gospel clear so that those who are lost in their religion will recognize their need of a Savior.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Notes from "Spiritual Leadership"
By Doug Nichols
“Spiritual Leadership” is a 306-page book by Dr. Henry Blackaby published by Broadman and Holman. A few quotes I have marked are as follows:
1. A Calling. “Holding a leadership position in a Christian organization does not make one a spiritual leader. Spiritual leadership is not an occupation; it is a calling.” (page xi)
2. Leaders you can trust. “People know intuitively that claiming to be a leader or holding a leadership position does not make someone a leader. People are warily looking for leaders they can trust. (page 5)
3. Leadership based on Scripture. “The trend among Christian leaders has been an almost indiscriminate and uncritical acceptance of secular leadership theory without measuring it against the timeless precepts of Scripture. (page 10)
4. God’s authority in the spiritual and secular realm. “The problem was the Israelite’s assumption that spiritual concerns, such as righteous living and obedience to God belonged in the religious realm while the practical issues of doing battle with enemies, strengthening the economy, and unifying the country were secular matters. They forgot that God Himself had won their military victories, brought them prosperity, and created their nation. He was as active on the battlefield as He was in the worship service. When the Israelites separated spiritual concerns from political and economical issues, their nation was brought to its knees. Scripture indicates that it is a mistake to separate the spiritual world from the secular world.” (page 13)
5. God’s leading for leaders. “Spiritual leadership is not restricted to pastors and missionaries. It is the responsibility of all Christians whom God wants to use to make a difference in their world. The challenge for today’s leaders is to discern the difference between the latest leadership fads and timeless truths established by God. (page 14)
6. God’s agenda. “There are a number of helpful definitions of leadership available, but we believe true spiritual leadership can be defined in one concise statement: Spiritual leadership is moving people on God’s agenda.” (page 20)
7. Valuable model of leadership. “Too often leaders allow secular models of leadership to corrupt the straightforward model set forth by Jesus. (page 24)
8. Leading through obedience. “Jesus has established the model for Christian leaders. It is not found in His ‘methodology.’ Rather, it is seen in His absolute obedience to the Father’s will.” (page 28)
9. Look and listen to the Father. “If Jesus provides the model for spiritual leadership, then the key is not for leaders to develop visions and to set the directions for their organizations. The key is to obey and to preserve everything the Father reveals to them of His will.” (page 29)
10. Pleasing God. “Spiritual leaders do not try to satisfy the goals and ambitions of the people they lead, but those of the God they serve.” (page 29)
11. Seeking and acting. “Spiritual leaders seek God’s will, whether it is for their church (mission) or for their corporation, and then they marshal their people to pursue God’s plan.” (page 30)
12. Being Christ-like. “Just as Christians are aware that a worldly lifestyle can discredit their Christian witness to others, so leaders know that a careless lifestyle can diminish their credibility in the eyes of their followers.” (page 158)
Dr. Henry Blackaby
________________________
Quotes compiled by
Doug Nichols
“Spiritual Leadership” is a 306-page book by Dr. Henry Blackaby published by Broadman and Holman. A few quotes I have marked are as follows:
1. A Calling. “Holding a leadership position in a Christian organization does not make one a spiritual leader. Spiritual leadership is not an occupation; it is a calling.” (page xi)
2. Leaders you can trust. “People know intuitively that claiming to be a leader or holding a leadership position does not make someone a leader. People are warily looking for leaders they can trust. (page 5)
3. Leadership based on Scripture. “The trend among Christian leaders has been an almost indiscriminate and uncritical acceptance of secular leadership theory without measuring it against the timeless precepts of Scripture. (page 10)
4. God’s authority in the spiritual and secular realm. “The problem was the Israelite’s assumption that spiritual concerns, such as righteous living and obedience to God belonged in the religious realm while the practical issues of doing battle with enemies, strengthening the economy, and unifying the country were secular matters. They forgot that God Himself had won their military victories, brought them prosperity, and created their nation. He was as active on the battlefield as He was in the worship service. When the Israelites separated spiritual concerns from political and economical issues, their nation was brought to its knees. Scripture indicates that it is a mistake to separate the spiritual world from the secular world.” (page 13)
5. God’s leading for leaders. “Spiritual leadership is not restricted to pastors and missionaries. It is the responsibility of all Christians whom God wants to use to make a difference in their world. The challenge for today’s leaders is to discern the difference between the latest leadership fads and timeless truths established by God. (page 14)
6. God’s agenda. “There are a number of helpful definitions of leadership available, but we believe true spiritual leadership can be defined in one concise statement: Spiritual leadership is moving people on God’s agenda.” (page 20)
7. Valuable model of leadership. “Too often leaders allow secular models of leadership to corrupt the straightforward model set forth by Jesus. (page 24)
8. Leading through obedience. “Jesus has established the model for Christian leaders. It is not found in His ‘methodology.’ Rather, it is seen in His absolute obedience to the Father’s will.” (page 28)
9. Look and listen to the Father. “If Jesus provides the model for spiritual leadership, then the key is not for leaders to develop visions and to set the directions for their organizations. The key is to obey and to preserve everything the Father reveals to them of His will.” (page 29)
10. Pleasing God. “Spiritual leaders do not try to satisfy the goals and ambitions of the people they lead, but those of the God they serve.” (page 29)
11. Seeking and acting. “Spiritual leaders seek God’s will, whether it is for their church (mission) or for their corporation, and then they marshal their people to pursue God’s plan.” (page 30)
12. Being Christ-like. “Just as Christians are aware that a worldly lifestyle can discredit their Christian witness to others, so leaders know that a careless lifestyle can diminish their credibility in the eyes of their followers.” (page 158)
Dr. Henry Blackaby
________________________
Quotes compiled by
Doug Nichols
Monday, July 21, 2008
AIDS in Africa: What Does the Christian Faith Require?
Stephen McGarvey, Faith Magazine, Issue Number 20,June 2008
The stirring film Hotel Rwanda tells the story of Paul Ruasesabagina, a hotel manager who helps prevent the slaughter of 1,200 refugees during the infamous Rwandan genocide of the early 1990s. In one scene when a journalist arrives back at Ruasesabagina’s hotel with video footage of the atrocities, Paul comments with relief, “I am glad that you have shot this footage and that the world will see it. It is the only way we have a chance that people might intervene.”
When the cynical reporter scoffs at Paul’s comment, Paul responds, “How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?” The reporter answers, “I think if people see this footage they'll say, ‘Oh … that's horrible,’ and then go on eating their dinners.”
This has too often been the case when it comes to Africa’s problems. The citizens of Western nations, the United States specifically, are largely insolated from the extreme poverty and tribal conflicts that plague sub-Saharan Africa. An occasional two-minute feature on the evening news provides hardly enough information to convey the immensity of most significant problems. In the 1980s Americans were largely focused on communism and the Soviet Union. And in the 1990s, with the USSR’s collapse, we focused almost exclusively on ourselves and America’s domestic concerns.
During these times Americans were largely ignorant of the genocide in Rwanda. We knew little of the civil war in Sudan and the dozens of conflicts across Africa. And we didn’t realize that the most devastating disease outbreak in perhaps the history of mankind was beginning to take hold in the populations of this often ignored continent.
The Greatest Apologetic?
During the “Prescription for Hope” conference hosted by Samaritan’s Purse a few years ago, author and apologist Ravi Zacharias told those assembled, “If the church of Jesus Christ rises up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS, it will be the greatest apologetic the world has ever seen.”
A bold statement certainly, but the devastation of HIV/AIDS around the world cannot be overstated. And the need for Christians to rise to the challenge is dire.
The stirring film Hotel Rwanda tells the story of Paul Ruasesabagina, a hotel manager who helps prevent the slaughter of 1,200 refugees during the infamous Rwandan genocide of the early 1990s. In one scene when a journalist arrives back at Ruasesabagina’s hotel with video footage of the atrocities, Paul comments with relief, “I am glad that you have shot this footage and that the world will see it. It is the only way we have a chance that people might intervene.”
When the cynical reporter scoffs at Paul’s comment, Paul responds, “How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?” The reporter answers, “I think if people see this footage they'll say, ‘Oh … that's horrible,’ and then go on eating their dinners.”
This has too often been the case when it comes to Africa’s problems. The citizens of Western nations, the United States specifically, are largely insolated from the extreme poverty and tribal conflicts that plague sub-Saharan Africa. An occasional two-minute feature on the evening news provides hardly enough information to convey the immensity of most significant problems. In the 1980s Americans were largely focused on communism and the Soviet Union. And in the 1990s, with the USSR’s collapse, we focused almost exclusively on ourselves and America’s domestic concerns.
During these times Americans were largely ignorant of the genocide in Rwanda. We knew little of the civil war in Sudan and the dozens of conflicts across Africa. And we didn’t realize that the most devastating disease outbreak in perhaps the history of mankind was beginning to take hold in the populations of this often ignored continent.
The Greatest Apologetic?
During the “Prescription for Hope” conference hosted by Samaritan’s Purse a few years ago, author and apologist Ravi Zacharias told those assembled, “If the church of Jesus Christ rises up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS, it will be the greatest apologetic the world has ever seen.”
A bold statement certainly, but the devastation of HIV/AIDS around the world cannot be overstated. And the need for Christians to rise to the challenge is dire.
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